For Christmas, Luca and I bought each other tickets to the Hobbiton Movie Set evening tour and dinner. I had heard about the experience on another blog and we both agreed that we could not miss out on it, despite the cost of $120USD/person. The drive to Hobbiton was picturesque with rolling hills and fields of sheep. Of course they picked this location to film the scenes of Hobbiton in the Lord of the Rings movies!
Before you begin to look at all the pictures and read about my Hobbiton adventure, make sure to play this song in the background.
The tour was totally dorky, but it was perfection. We were touring while the day was turning into night, creating the ideal lighting. Tolkien dreamed up an enchanting little village where Hobbits enjoyed the little things in life, and lived simply and peacefully. It was fun to imagine myself as a character in his story. We walked around Hobbiton taking pictures while our guide shared fun facts about the movies.
Our dinner was in the Green Dragon Inn. I was starving by the time the feast was ready. When they theatrically opened the doors into the main dining hall, the aromas and displays of the food blew me away.
Our meal was laid out “Family Style,” with dishes prepared to pass around and share with the people next to you. There was everything there that you could imagine a Hobbit to eat: Whole roasted chickens, pork legs and ribs, veggie patties, sausages and beef in sauces, fresh vegetables, gravy, jams, roasted root vegetables and potatoes, biscuits and fresh bread, churned butter, and of course sautéed mushrooms, all spiced to perfection. And don’t even get my started on dessert: All kinds of cakes, poached pears, baked apples with stuffing, cinnamon spiced yogurt, dark chocolate brownies… I was in heaven.
After dinner we got a night tour of Hobbiton, which was also very unique and neat to see. The whole village was lit up and we were given old lanterns to carry. It was good to walk a little after our gigantic meal, as our bellies were bulging.
Yes, go to New Zealand. And yes, splurge on a dinner at Hobbiton. I absolutely approve!
Tales of the Travelbug 
Katie and Luca, you fit into Hobbiton like Sam and Rosie!
Beautiful pictures,great story telling. Time of your life (again!).I m living it through you. Thanks for the Tales of the Travelbug…
Susanne
Everyone deserves a little Hobbit house!
That is so neat Katie! The pictures of this and your previous posts are so beautiful! It makes me want to visit New Zealand!
Thank you for taking me with you on your magical trip. Your obvious joy in simply experiencing is inspiring.