NEW ZEALAND DAY 16

DAY 16 – AUKLAND

For our last full day in New Zealand, we set off to see a place I never imagined I would visit—one that, until this trip, I didn’t even know existed. Hobbiton. The actual Shire where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were brought to life. This was very much Stephen’s dream stop, and as a good travel partner I said yes, despite never watching the movies and only being vaguely aware of the stories. I’m so glad I did.

A little background on Hobbiton

The film location sits on the 1,250-acre Alexander family sheep and cattle farm near Matamata. Peter Jackson and his scouts discovered it from the air in 1998, searching for a landscape that felt untouched—rolling emerald hills, gentle slopes, and no traces of modernity. They found it here: a quiet working ranch, dotted with grazing sheep and natural ponds, remarkably similar to the idyllic Shire described by J.R.R. Tolkien.

For the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, most of the Hobbiton sets were temporary and dismantled after filming. When The Hobbit trilogy was greenlit, the studio rebuilt the village permanently, using more durable materials and careful craftsmanship. That decision transformed the location into what it is today: a real walk-through cinematic world, not just a backdrop. What delighted me most was how intentionally it’s preserved—gardens tended, chimneys smoking, laundry on lines, and doors nestled into grassy hills.

The visit

Thoughtful as ever, Stephen arranged with the front desk to have a bag lunch prepared for our day trip. A van arrived right on time to collect us, sharing the ride with a few other visitors. The ride was about two hours, and I managed to doze off along the way, saving a bit of energy for the afternoon.

Arriving at the site, my first thought wasn’t of hobbits, but of coffee. The hotel café wasn’t open before we left, and I was absolutely craving a latte—fortunately, the café at the entrance delivered. Revived, we joined the flow of travelers. Hobbiton runs tours every ten minutes, each filling a coach with visitors heading down into the valley.

Walking among the hobbit holes, I was genuinely impressed. I must admit I have never seen any of the films, yet I couldn’t help but appreciate the level of artistry and care. Each round door tells its own little story through props, gardens, and small details—fruit crates, fishing poles, handwritten notices. I think it’s wonderful that the rebuilt set wasn’t just packed up after production, but instead saved for others to experience.

I must say—it did not disappoint.

For our final dinner in New Zealand, we chose Tony’s, a classic steakhouse just a short walk from the hotel. The steaks were extraordinary—truly melt-in-your-mouth tender—and we paired them with a crisp bottle of prosecco that suited the evening perfectly.

Tony’s isn’t just another restaurant; it’s something of an Auckland institution. Originally founded in the 1960s, Tony’s was one of the city’s first dedicated steakhouses, opening on Wellesley Street before later expanding to its well-known Queen Street location. Its original purpose was simple: serve honest, hearty meals that travelers, families, and locals could rely on. That spirit still shows today.

The menu leans into old-school charm—generous cuts of beef, oysters, seafood, and sides that feel comforting rather than fussy. The décor reflects that heritage as well: warm wood tones, a relaxed atmosphere, and just enough nostalgia to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a place with history rather than trendiness.

After days of exploring, Tony’s was the perfect send-off—no pretense, just great food, good wine, and that satisfying feeling of having found exactly the right spot for your last night in the country.

NEW ZEALAND TOUR DAY 17