Matamata = Hobbiton = Lord of the Rings film set

On Monday afternoon, we stayed at a really great campsite, which was actually just an accommodation option on a farm. The view over the surrounding hills, chickens as neighbors... fantastic!

In the evening, we had the pre-booked Hobbiton Banquet Tour, which included a tour of the Shire (the location of the Hobbits in the Lord of the Rings film set) and a dinner in the style and rooms of the Hobbits. An extremely interesting and informative tour along the 44 Hobbit houses with stories about the creation of the film set and how this particular piece of land became the home of the Hobbits... because it was actually a private farm with, among other things, 13,000 sheep. Even Flo, who has only seen the first part of the trilogy (let alone the Hobbit movies), really enjoyed it and considered the evening to be more than successful... and that wasn't just because of the sumptuous food. 😛

We received many great stories and background information about the films and their production/filming from a super guide on this tour, were served delicious food, and were able to conclude this very intense day satisfied in the evening.