Visiting New Zealand is one of those places I never thought in a million years that I would ever make it to. Not due to cost (although it does make you think twice!) but due to time.
But purely by chance, a visit to Australia took place and during that time, Qantas ran a special on flights from there to New Zealand, so my wish to visit the Island finally came true!
So I flew from Adelaide to Wellington, which I had no idea that the runway was bookended with water from the sea and the bay areas! Still, it makes for quite a dramatic view from the local hilltop.
The Airport itself was my type of welcome, full of Weta bigatures on display, with this one epic piece that is recognisable from Return of the King.
With Gandalf riding the Eagle to help save Frodo and Sam from Mordor after disposing of the One Ring.
After roaming the airport nosing at all the Weta works, it was onto picking up the rental car, and then right into the city centre, and first, up, I had to visit the Te Papa national museum of New Zealand.
The museum's intention is to highlight the national identity of New Zealand. Although during my visit, they were hosting a special exhibition of work in collaboration with Weta highlighting the Anzac contribution to the Gallipoli, of which 25,000 men were involved during the attempt to weaken the Ottoman Empire. Sadly photos were not allowed of the exhibition but for those that have an interest in First World War history, it was very eye-opening.
Now for my stay in Wellington, I opted for a lovely B&B in Strathmore Park, just south of Miramar, near Stone Street Studios where filming of Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and while I was there Mortal Engines.
The view from the breakfast bar at the B&B was just something else, cruise ships could be watched coming and going and just to the other side the view just impressed me more.
Now a major part of the trip I must admit was tying it into a bit of fandom for me, which is, as could be guessed by now, related to Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit. So touring related to this took place.
If anyone watched the premiere of The Hobbit on TheOneRing.net they might recall the red carpet event with the cast and crew leading up to this location, the Embassy Theatre, where the film had its official first viewing.
The next day really was the tour of the area, and one stop was by the Hutt River, where the scene where Aragorn nearly drowned and was saved by his horse was filmed (this is not in the books)
Now I can't forget to show this amazing chappy that wanted to say hello to our touring group when we were visiting the riverside.
Next up was a visit to Kaitoke Regional Park, a wonderful area for walks in the first, riverside and hills and just a great escape overall. But it is also known for being the filming location of Rivendell, and is even sign-posted to say this!
Although if it wasn't for the signs and the non-filming version of an Elven Arch left to mark the filming of the location, You would never know filming ever took place. The team at Weta making efforts to preserve the park and do no harm at its highest effort.
Now while at the park, there was one thing that had to be experienced, and I must admit, not for the faint-hearted. And that is a rope bridge, be it one now made out of steel and wood secured In such a way to not be a danger, but still, it doesn't take the feeling away!
Giant bugs also seem to be a real thing too in New Zealand, including this big bugger there, resting and thankfully quiet Cicada!
This was to be the first and so far last time I had seen one, but I know the folks in the US have had a fun time with them this year.
A tour of Weta was on the cards, but sadly photos were not, but they did at least allow us to take photos within the gift shop, Anyone have a spare $6000 for Gollum?!?
My visit to Wellington, in the end, finished with a visit to The Roxy, a cinema lovingly restored by Richard Taylor, the head of Weta, and one packed with so much charm, you really never wished to leave the area.
Next up was the trip to Matamata, but on the way there, there was a bit of a stop to try to glimpse Mount Ruapehu, the active volcano on the North Island. A spooky thought for me being so close to a Volcano, that is still active.
Sadly the weather was not playing ball and the cloud cover had hidden the peak, but still, it didn't stop me from trying to attempt an artful shot, even if it did involve a Ford Ecosport!
Welcome to Matamata, after a 6-hour drive from Wellington, I finally made it, so time for a bite to eat, make myself comfy at the guest house I had booked (out in the country pretty close to the next day's activity!)
Yes, I was at Hobbiton! A place I had dreamed of visiting since watching the films and finally brought to life during the production of the Hobbit to a level it could be retained for visitors to visit.
There I was, standing outside Bag end, a Hobbit hole at the end of Bagshot Row, the home of Bilbo Baggins, and then Frodo (although Lobelia clearly wanted it!)
Further exploring was to happen, and it's not just Bilbo's hobbit hole that can be seen.
From the shire folk having their washing out, we can see Bag end in the distance, but a closer hole is the home of one Samwise Gamgee
Even the bridge and mill next to Hobbiton-Bywater was here, and visually functional too.
With an actively spinning waterwheel on its side, the detail on this location was just amazing. to a level, you wouldn't believe they were essentially film props.
Of course, as you come to the end of a visit to the shire, where else might you visit? Well, the Green Dragon of course!
With the doors open to welcome you in.
And a warm open fire, where it's nice and cosy to enjoy your half of ale or cider (and this being the Shire and not Breeland, they come in halves, not pints!).