HOME OF THE HOBBITS

 

Behold the Tourist Information Centre in Matamata, New Zealand.

This is where we began a tour of the movie set for the fantasy town of Hobbiton,

in Middle Earth.

Now, I am not a Tolkien tragic, but I did read The Hobbit years ago,

and have seen at least one of the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.

 

 

As we were in the area, and as Mr C enjoys the series, it seemed a fun expedition.

Movie-maker extraordinaire Peter Jackson scoured New Zealand for locations for his latest Hobbit movies, settling on a lush green farm not far from Matamata as the home of the hobbits.

 

Once upon a time, there was a happy little tribe of short, plump, merry little guys known as The Hobbits.

 

They lived in homes/burrows, dug into a special verdant hill far away,

with round painted doors and windows, and beautiful cottage gardens.

 

 

Because of their short stature, their houses, doors, windows, and furniture were only about half human-size. 

 

 

The hobbits enjoyed gardening, and sitting outside for a drink.

Or tipple.

 

 

 

Their carpentry and sewing were of the rustic variety.

 

 

 

 

It is believed they grew all their own food...

 

 

 

Rhubarb? Yes, please ...

 

 

 

 

and that they loved flowers.

 

 

For celebratory or triumphal events,

they gathered under a Party Tree...

 

 

dancing jigs, playing and singing..

 

 

 

At the top of the hill was the home of the Hobbit hero, Bilbo Baggins.

His was the largest, grandest, hobbit home, with about 8 windows poking out of the hill!

 

 

 

Bilbo's view was grand, down to the water mill and the Green Dragon,

aka The Local...

 

 

One day, the Wizard Gandalf drove his cart over this bridge,

and came to see Bilbo.

 

 

 

Inside the Green Dragon, hobbits purchase delicious ginger beer,

and other boutique ales...

 

 

 

 

and they all live happily ever after ....

 

xxx