In an effort to upload our past travel photos on this blog, I have inconsistently been creating some posts as flashbacks to our favorite destinations. Eventually, the hope is to be caught up and to be able to update our travel photos in real time. Until then, I will continue to retro-actively add images, while reminiscing of distant lands.

And speaking of far off places, (erm, well, make-believe per say), one of our favorite tours in New Zealand was the Hobbiton film set for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit movie.  When considering this post, I toiled between sharing interesting facts and aspects of the tour that I enjoyed for the sake of actually writing a post), and preventing myself from creating any spoilers for future goers. I came to the decision to (hopefully) peak your interest with the photos, without giving much away of the tour itself. All of this with the goal of inspiring fellow travelers to see it for themselves.

Exception: This one fact.

A majority of the extras in the film were Kiwi locals. For the Hobbiton scenes, they required the extras to be under 5’2″ in order to pose as hobbitses. A majority of the extras were actually children and teenagers. The guide proceeded to single me out, to tell me that I would make the cut. A missed opportunity to be famous, I suppose. Mike, on the other hand, would have no chance. Let the following be proof.

And onwards with the journey. From the bus ride to the secluded farm, all the way to the Green Dragon. Enjoy!