Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton

OK I'll fess up from the start. I did not think I would enjoy wandering around a movie set, but I did. It was very, very well done. Basically Hobbiton (as in The Hobbit movie) is an exterior film set laid out as per the book and film. Its very detailed and convincing. The interior shots were done on sets in Wellington but recently they have added interiors to two of the 'Hobbit Holes'. These too are very detailed and convincing. The most convincing part of the set is not Bag End, it's the Green Dragon Inn which serves a very decent custom ale and Ginger Beer. Oh and a meal if you sign up for a meal tour.
I think I liked it because I read the books in my early teens and the Hobbiton they constructed matched my inner imagined one very well.
Then on to Auckland, the big city, which I think we will explore tomorrow.Les mer