We left Auckland and headed south, aiming for Taupo but with a diversion en route to visit the now permanent site of Hobbiton, built of course for the indulgence of Peter Jackson. As we had to pass within 20 kms of the site it just had to be done! David does not share my love for all things Middle Earth so amused himself for 3 hours while I took the tour. It was better than I was expecting and I can see why PJ chose the location. Even before the hobbit holes were revealed, the surrounding countryside looks just like Middle Earth with undulating grassy hills stretching in all directions. Matamata, the nearest town has embraced the hype and no doubt will soon officially change its name to Hobbiton. The owners of the sheep farm that now contains the hobbit village are, no doubt, millionaires thanks to the film-going public ( myself included) who signed up for the tour. The Green Dragon Pub is also there complete with specially brewed beers for hobbit folk and tourists.