I wrote a story about Hobbiton  several years ago after my friend Mandy and I visited the filming location. I was blown away by its magnificence, the detail and intricacy of the set, where the Peter Jackson filmed the Hobbit. It was perfect in every way, short of a few real hobbits going about their daily business.

I’ve travelled through Matamata literally hundreds of time on route to our holiday home in Taupo, seen the signs to Hobbiton and thought it was some touristy gig. It’s much more than that, and definitely worth a visit.

Several years on, Mandy and I are now joint grannies to Brooklyn, aged three and a half. We decided to take him on a roadie from Auckland to Hobbiton.

Excited, Brooklyn and Mandy on the bus heading over the farm to the film set.

Brooklyn, the ultimate tourist with his camera.

Imagining being a Hobbit…

Exploring the water well.

Turning the fish on the open fire.

Back at the Shire for a ginger beer!

It’s a memorable day and a great precursor for the young ones before they read ‘The  Hobbit,”or watch the movie.

For more information visit: Hobbiton Tours