On our way to our final destination for the day we drove through the town of Matamata – often known as Hobbiton due to it being the closest town to the farm where some of the LOTR and Hobbit trilogies were filmed.
Before we got to Rotorua we’d been warmed of the smell that was yet to hit us but I don’t think anything could have prepared us for it when we got to the natural hot spring. I’ve never smelt something that was literally so rotten. Rotorua in Maori means two lakes (as there is two lakes in the town) however I think it is more fitting due to the ROTTing smell!!
That evening we spent the night in a Maori Marae (traditional house) where we were initiated into the tribe after performing a welcome song. We had a wonderful dinner prepared by the family and then we’re able to watch and take part in the traditional dances – which definitely weren’t as easy as they looked! Traditional story time from the father of the house Sean before an early night ready for the early morning!
We spent the day rafting down a 7 metre waterfall and finished up in the Hobbiton farm grounds where the actual set is held.
eyes abroad 