Hobbiton 🧌

Waking up in the middle of the forest felt surreal, especially after the eerie stories from the night before. Even during breakfast, there was still a slight chill in the air - both from the morning mist and lingering imagination. Before leaving, a short farewell walk through the woods seemed like a good idea.

Unexpectedly, we crossed paths with two Māori guides leading a small group of tourists. They invited us to listen, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Mike, one of the guides, shared stories about the trees and their uses - how certain woods were perfect for tools, shelters, or even carving canoes. Surprisingly, traditional waka (canoes) were carved directly in the forest, with trees carefully selected and shaped where they stood. We learned to identify edible plants, listened to bird calls, and tasted wild fruits growing along the path. The stories of the land, passed down through generations, added a whole new layer to the forest we had been walking through.

Before saying goodbye, we were treated to a small meal and a warm herbal tea. Then came an unexpected request - the guides asked us to sing something in return. Not the usual way to end a hike, but why not?

As much as we would have loved to stay longer, the road called - this time, to Hobbiton. The drive itself felt almost magical, with rolling green hills straight out of a fairytale. The former movie set, now a carefully maintained attraction, looked exactly as it did on screen. The hobbit holes, with their colorful doors and cozy interiors, felt surprisingly real. Even Maciek, who had joined last minute and wasn’t particularly excited beforehand, was completely drawn into the atmosphere.

A day that started deep in the forest ended in the heart of Middle-earth. New Zealand keeps proving that every turn in the road can bring something unexpected.Leggi altro