Feb 5, 2023 Hobbiton, the Shire NZ

We left the Villa's early and began our drive to Hobbiton. One thing that we have found a bit difficult is to pump gas. The first 2 gas stations we stopped, the pumps were self serve with no one in attendance and the guys were not able to figure it out. Luckily, we found a place that had an employee to help them. Fuel cost is $2.21 per liter. It cost $129 to fill the KIA. Lodging is averaging about $200/night. Meals $100/couple/day. Craig is doing an excellent job driving and Doug navigating. We haven't got lost yet. The girls have found some great restaurants, like the one this morning: General Cafe in Tauranga. The Cafe served smoothies & seedy bread. Ordering coffee has been a challenge too. First time, Jerry O ordered a coffee, he got a tiny shot of espresso, very dainty.  Craig likes his morning coffee to help him stay awake. He & Jerry finally figured out with some guidance from the locals, that they need to order a Flat Black-most americanized coffee. The temperatures have been moderate with some clouds, more periods of sun and a bit of misty drizzle. 

On the North Island, in Matamata lies "The Shire". Craig, Jeri and I have been fans of JRR Tolkien's fantasy novels since we were in High School. This was one of our highlights. Tolkien wrote the Hobbit in 1937 then followed it with the Lord of the Rings Trilogy in 1954. In 1998, Sir Peter Jackson, who also was a fan, wrote the screenplay, directed and produced all 4 movies. Before production, he needed to find the perfect set. He searched by air and when he saw this 1250 acre parcel of rolling hills and lush green pastures, he knew that "the Hobbits had found a home". Jackson was very detailed oriented and had the set constructed with perfect precision to the books. Originally, for the movies, the Hobbit Holes were temporary but now there are 44 permanent lovely structures. It was a joy to tour. 

We were loaded on a bus at the entrance where there is, of course, a gift shop and restaurant. The bus took us through farmland until we arrived at The Shire. A tour guide walked us through while we learned about the filming of the movies. We were able to get up close to the adorable Hobbit Holes and walk through the Pub and get a drink. The landscapes of flower gardens, bushes, grasses and trees were amazing with so much color and full of Monarch Butterflies.  Even though Cheryl and Doug had never read the books, they too enjoyed Hobbiton.