Whether you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit or not, everyone falls under the spell of Hobbiton—the enchanting film set from Peter Jackson's masterpieces. Wandering its paths feels like stepping into a magical realm, peeking behind the camera's lens. Built from scratch on the Alexander farm (www.hobbitontours.com), the Shire's cozy hobbit holes look straight out of our dreams. Yet behind those colorful doors? Nothing—the interiors were filmed in Wellington studios, as guide Ethan (a young actor himself) explains with entertaining anecdotes.
Take the sheep: out of 13,000 on the farm, none suited the shoot, so they imported them from England! Or the apple tree turned plum tree—a two-week artistic feat. At dusk, the magic deepens. Select tours end with a lavish banquet at the Green Dragon Inn. Truly unforgettable.
Where to stay? Diane Parker's B&B, famed for her delectable scones. Her garden sheep come running at her call! www.maungatautariview.co.nz.
