Gandolf, Where Are You?

The good thing about Monday here in Auckland is it is Sunday in the U.S., meaning I could start working in the evening and still be ahead of everyone.  So it was a full day excursion to Matamata, New Zealand, aka Hobbiton, aka Middle Earth, aka The Shire.  You get the point.  The set where the  Hobbits live for the three Lord of the Ring trilogy and upcoming The Hobbit movies is on a real working sheep farm in Matamata.

The day started out early to take the coach as it rolled through the lush, green countryside of New Zealand.  I haven't seen this much green since Ireland.

The bus arrived around 11AM in Matamata, which is more known for its thoroughbred racehorces than Bilbo Baggins, for about an hour of free time...

Then it was hopping aboard the Gandolf bus and not the little Frodo van...

...for a 10 minute ride to the Alexander farm, a working sheepfarm, with plenty of space for Hobbits.

The farm is absolutely amazing with acres upon acres of rolling green hills.  The bus let us off and the walking tour began.  The weather alternated from chilly gusty winds to warm sunshine to rain, changing every couple of minutes.  Fortunately, they give you umbrellas at the start of the walking tour.  The Hobbiton area is larger than I imagined with little Hobbit homes dotting the landscape.  Some were under renovation in anticipation of shooting the Hobbit films starting in February.

After the tour, we were given a sheep shearing demo, followed by meeting a couple of lambs...