So mum decided that she wanted to go to New Zealand. She planned out a nice, small, cheap trip in a campervan around the South Island.
Then I decided I had to go to Hobbiton. Which is in the North Island. And so began our epic journey across two islands, on a quest to see as much of New Zealand as we could in three weeks, and possibly destroy a ring in the process.
Part 1: The Fellowship of the Van
Day 1:
Arrived in Auckland and were greeted by this:
Not quite sure what’s going on with that guy in the background:
Is he even supposed to be there? Or is he just some random guy who happened to be walking past?
Anyway, moving on, here’s the creepiest view I’ve ever had from a hotel window:
He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake…
Day 2:
THE VAN
So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Van.
Great! Where are we going?
To Hobbiton Matamata!
Best Information Centre ever.
Day 3:
Hobbiton!
Hobbit holes! 44 of ’em!
You can keep your fancy ales, you can drink ’em by the flagon, but the only brew for the brave and truuuuuue… Comes from the Green Dragon!
Did our little tour with Toby the Tour Guide, saw hobbit holes, the vege patch, hills, the party field, hobbit holes, the party tree, a pond, and hobbit holes. Finished off with a drink in the Green Dragon, sang The Song, then went to Tauranga to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. 😀
Truly, the songs and tales fall utterly short of your enormity
Day 6:
Went to Rotorua and Waiotapu to see some mud.
Yay.
Day 7:
Drove to Whakapapa, then through the BLACK GATES (red and white pole) OF MORDOR! Got a bit lost and found ourselves in the Emyn Muil for a while, then…
Simply walked into Mordor.
Got up to Meads Wall and got a great view of Mount Doom:
Well, sort of.
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