Day 12 - Tuaranga, New Zealand

New Zealand's natural bounty is always on display at the Bay of Plenty. It was Captain James Cook who in 1769 aptly named this bay after he was able to replenish his ship's provisions, thanks to the prosperous Maori villages of the region. Tauranga, the chief city, is a bustling port, an agricultural and timber center and a popular seaside resort. Tauranga is also the gateway to Rotorua - a geothermal wonderland that is the heart of Maori culture.

 

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour 

at the Alexander Farm

(We booked ours with Zealandier Tours)

 

When Peter Jackson spotted the Alexander Farm during an aerial search of the North Island for the best possible locations to film The Lord of The Rings film trilogy, he immediately thought it was perfect for Hobbiton.

 

 

 

Thirty-seven hobbit holes were created with untreated timber, ply and polystyrene.

 

Barberry hedges and trees were brought in and gardens were nurtured throughout winter.

 

 

 

 

Bilbo's house

 

 

 

The Alexanders moved to the 1250 acre (500 hectare) property, in 1978. Since then it has been farmed as a traditional New Zealand sheep and beef farm.  It is still farmed the same today and is run by the brothers and their father. The property runs approximately 13,000 sheep and 300 Angus beef cattle hence the major sources of income are mutton, wool and beef. The brothers shear all the sheep on the property themselves, approximately every eight months.

 

 

 

 

The oak tree overlooking Bag End was cut down and brought in from near Matamata. Each branch was numbered and chopped, then transported and bolted together on top of Bag End (weighing 26 tonne). Artificial leaves were imported from Taiwan and individually wired onto the dead tree.

 

Sam's house