Matamata, New Zealand

Feb 27, 2013

Every little detail was in place from washing to vegetables to work tools. The Hobbits were really very small characters indeed. I'm not sure I'd have got through the door if anyone had been in when I knocked.

Matamata, New Zealand

Feb 27, 2013

The tree in the film was actually built up branch by branch after being transported from its original home. When the film was completed the tree died so this is actually a fake tree. You'd never know if you didn't look very carefully at the leaves.

Matamata, New Zealand

Feb 27, 2013

This was the view of the village as we first approached it and there at the top, under the shade if the tree, was Bilbo's house.

Auckland, New Zealand

Feb 27, 2013

Back on line again. It is Wednesday. But back to Saturday. We enjoyed a day at Eden Park seeing England win the 50/50 test match. Since then you will see we have been to the Hobbiton area, then Rotorua and now Waihi ( we pronounce it whey Hi man).

Taupo, New Zealand

Feb 22, 2013

This is the first time we have seen steam emitting from a mountain. We are looking forward to going to Rotaroa next week.