Day 13: Hobbit, Redwoods, Geyser, & Thermal Health Spa
Sunday, September 8th
Up early! Make our coffee (we got cold brew concentrate to mix with unsweetened almond milk & water) and hit the road. Excitement levels are sky high because we are going to the Hobbit movie tour set. We waist no time. We hit the road, and head straight to Hobbiton.
Side note: Momma Ranfranz called us Globetrotters. Love that term.
The drive is GORGEOUS. We are definitely feeling like we are in New Zealand now. The rolling hills are endless & the grass is the most perfect shade of green. There are lambs EVERYWHERE. By far one of the coolest things ever.
We arrive to Hobbiton a couple minutes before 9. Our tour starts at 9. We didn’t realize you have to board a bus before the walking tour begins. No worries, we catch the 9:10. I assure Christopher that everything happens for a reason, and the 9:10 will be way better, whether it be a better group of people or a better tour guide. It’s no biggy, because it’s only a ten minute difference anyways!
We were like little kids on a school bus, all giddy, off on a field trip. They give you some history on the site and everything around it. They played some fun clips from the movie to show you exactly the things that we will be seeing in the shire. Like when Gandalf first arrived to see Frodo and he came over the bridge.
A little history for you: the movie takes place on the Alexander farm, and let me tell you… this family hit the jackpot. Producers flew a helicopter in search for the perfect land, and chose this!
We find out it’s mating season for the lambs. This explains all the cute little babies.
It’s a short ride, and we are officially to the shire. Right as we arrive, we couldn’t believe how many hobbit homes there actually were!!! It was far better than we imagined. We go so many amazing photo opportunities and they even have a special house for you to go in and interact. The tour guide told us at the beginning that we would get to go inside, but it was empty and nothing special. So once we got inside, it was the best surprise! It was a hobbit MANSION! Christopher brought his camera, which he got so many incredible, detailed photos. The details of everything they did truly made you feel like you’re a hobbit! We got to then go to the Green Dragon, where you get to enjoy a drink and coffee that comes with your ticket.
Along the tour, I see my “twin”. A girl was dressed exactly like me. We are both in pink sweaters, light blue jeans and white sneakers. She is also from Indiana and has a matching cross tattoo with her bestie just like I do. She’s on her way to Australia to do a 3 month bible school. It is such a small world & was such a pleasure to meet a fellow Christian & woman with a heart for God.
At the end, we check out the guest shop and grab a ham & cheese croissant to nibble on and share before we hit the next spot.
After the best morning ever, we then venture to the Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest. After doing a nice hike, we did the high climb, which is where you get to walk up in the trees on rope bridges and they even have stairs hanging from tree to tree. It was such a cool experience. Just like everything else we have done, I highly recommend it.
Now onto the next stop. We did a little walking path at the Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa. We ran through the smoke that came off the geyser. The smoke was so thick that we couldn’t even see one another. There are signs warning you about the scalding hot water. We walked around the terraces, which was a short walk through the “villages” highlighting the Māori culture. There were signs about the Ngatoroirgangi and Toi Whakairo. Christopher and I hop a fence to get a better photo on the back end of the geyser. After we explore, we head back to the camper van to throw our suits on and experience the natural pools. Some of the pools were nice and hot, and the others were still quite warm. We wore our headbands in to keep our ears warm (which we probably didn’t need to do) but it was fun. There was even a waterfall coming off one of the pools.What a treat. It was nice and relaxing and very inexpensive. The walk costed more than the pools. Add it to your list, because it’s another wonderful thing you can’t miss.
We end the day by driving to Napier. Christopher regretted driving in the dark, not just because it’s harder to see, but more because we want to see everything. It is so gorgeous here, we don’t want to miss a single beautiful view.
We pull over to make a little snack and go pee. The stars are magnificent! You can see the entire galaxy. We snap some photos, & appreciate the beauty of the night. Photos never do it any justice. Another perfect scenario where everything happens for a reason.
As we enter the town, there was an unmarked speed bump. Christopher flies over, sending us into the air. Everything is crashing and banging, and we are dying laughing. We then see a car coming straight towards us, Christopher goes “SHOOT! How long have I been driving in the right lane” I burst out laughing, because I didn’t even realize!
We park in a freedom park along the water. It is called Perfume Point. No power, but we are prepared for a colder night and only parking to sleep.
As we are laying in bed, Christopher looks over at me and says he would do this day over a million times. I certainly agree. Both of our highlights were Hobbiton. I didn’t even have to ask, I already knew what Christophers would be, but I did double check, just in case. ;) BUT, he did add when we were saying “GOLLUM” in his creepy, raspy voice. We are always acting like children and dying laughing.
It’s 9:53 and I can’t keep my eyes open. I am ready to rest up before our next hiking adventure tomorrow! Moral of the story, you need to book a flight and start planning your trip to New Zealand ASAP.
