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YOLO New Zealand @ Hobbiton - Day 5

We started our day with a short hike starting from Martha Mine, situated in the Waihi township. Although the mine was no longer in operation, it was quite a interesting to see the abandoned mining town and of course the mine itself. 





After visiting the mine, we started our relaxing hike at Karangahake Gorge. This is an easy 2km round trip walk through exciting tunnels and the amazing Karangahake Gorge. AWalking through Karangahake Gorge is really delightful. Everywhere, we can see the remains of all the train tracks that carried the quarts out to the old noisy batteries. Steam boilers, not longer producing steam but rust remains on the track. Walks into the tunnels dug deep in to mount Karangahake is highly exciting and mysterious. As we emerged from the tunnels and walk along the gorge, the view of the river below was pretty spectacular. As we completed the walk easily within 1.5 hrs, we had our lunch before proceeding to Hobbiton. 

















A visit to the Hobbiton's movie set is a must even if you are not a fan of Lord of the Ring trilogy. Situated in the town of Matamata, the lush dairy farming landscape with low rolling hills is used to portray the peaceful  Shire region of Middle-Earth, and hence the village of Hobbiton has been created here. 






The set, built on a family-owned sheep farm, was originally torn down after the filming of the first Lord of the Rings, but then during the Hobbit filming, they decided to make it a permanent destination for fans to visit. Starting off in the welcome center on the main road, the set is about an 8-min drive through the rolling hills and flocks of sheep. Accompanied by an energetic guide throughout the bus journey, he/she makes the experience come alive by sharing fun facts, stories and secrets throughout the tour.

Once we get to the site, we had fun strolling through the lane where Gandalf first arrived in Hobbiton, pass by Sam;s house, gaze across the lake at The Green Dragon Inn, dance under the Party Tree, and climb the hill to Bilbo's houseat BaTolkien's epic adventure begins. To ensure that everyone has a chance to take pictures with these hobbit houses, the photo-taking guides are stationed there to ensure the queues are in order and assist you with photo-taking. 





























There was something very magical about being in Hobbiton. Besides picking the most picture-perfect rolling hills to build the Hobbit holes, the space evokes a child-like wonder. I might have skipped around pretending I was Frodo while humming the Lord of the Rings theme song in my head, relishing in this picturesque playground. 

Towards the end of the tour, we retrieved our free apple ciders at the Green Dragon Inn. I have to say that the apple cider tasted so good that one mug is never enough. By the way, we were served in Hobbit mugs!












I feel that as long as the Shire lies behind, safe and comfortable, I shall find wandering more bearable: I shall know that somewhere there is a firm foothold, even if my feet cannot stand there again. - Frodo 










We then headed back for a sumptuous dinner at a Tamaki Maori Village. The village was purpose-built to entertain and educate people on the Maori culture and is a traditional village replica, a place that sends you spiraling backwards in time. Back to a time when we lived, as a matter of course, at one with nature and this beautiful land; lent to us by some benevolent god who must have been in a really good mood.  












In short, the experience consists of the Waka (bus trip) to a Marae (Maori Village). On arrival at the village, a chief is chosen from each bus. This chief will face the challenge thrown down by someone from the tribe before being allowed to proceed into the village. This is followed by an official welcome, then activities and displays such as weaponry, poi and games. 

In addition, there's singing, a haka, waita (chanting), learning about the history of Maori people via a big screen, watching the food being uplifted from the hangi pit then eating that food as well as the buffet spread before us. As we were really hungry after a whole day, we do find the food super delicious. 






Last but not least, we really enjoyed the dance performance by the Moari tribe. The Maori Village is really worth going as it allows us to have a glimpse of the Maori way of living in the village and its culture. Most importantly, it's a great experience for us to view their dance performance.





Our cabins for the night

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