E X P LO R E>WA I K AT O
COAST TO COAST A family road trip across the Waikato results in a long weekend full of fun, adventure and even a little romance. WO R DS HAY LE Y BAR N ET PH OTOS HAY LE Y BA R N ET T + S U PPLI E D
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hen you’re based on the golden shores of Pāpāmoa it can be hard to find holiday destinations to beat our everyday living. With that in mind, my family and I decide that swapping white sand for the wild, rugged West Coast’s black beaches is all that’s needed for a change of scenery. It’s been a while since I visited the little town of Raglan. So long that I really don’t remember much of it at all. These days I have a seven and four year old in tow, along with a grumpy 44 year old, and road trips can be a bit more of a challenge compared to the old carefree days. There’s food stops and toilet breaks to consider, and if you forget the kids’ sick bags, you’ll spend much of the trip trying not to throw up yourself. Needless to say, you have to plan carefully. To break up the trip, we would need some pretty good distractions, and what’s more distracting for children – and 44-year-old Lord of the Rings fans – than a village made for Hobbits? 116 | u n o m a g a z i n e . c o . n z
HOBBITON In the past we’ve whizzed by the sign for Hobbiton many times, mumbling that we must visit someday. Now, I can’t believe we waited so long. This extraordinary movie set is designed with such attention to detail that it’s hard to believe Hobbits are only a figment of JRR Tolkein’s imagination. At 12 acres, the sheer size of the place is impressive. A tour takes two hours and consists of a 20-minute break at the famed Green Dragon Inn, where you get to try the delicious Southfarthing
beer or cider, made by local brewery Good George. The set is located on a vast sheep farm owned by the Alexander family, who themselves help to set the scene as you learn how director Peter Jackson came upon the site, how the village was set up and all the hilarious stories that ensued during the creation of a giant hobbit hole in the middle of the Waikato. The kids are entertained and it’s a great way to incorporate a little hike on a lovely sunny day. HOBBITONTOURS.COM
