Alarm set for 5am, we head to Mata Mata to pick up the tour bus to Hobbiton.

This is our guide Sarah.

The original movie set was constructed from polystyrene and after the movie was completed the hobbit homes were torn down.

Film fans still made pilgrimages to the region to see the land where the films were made.
The land is owned by the Alexander family, Peter Jackson the film director , stumbled on the region while flying a helecopter overhead and deemed it perfect for his Hobbit & Lord of the rings sets.

When the 2nd set of films were commissioned, Jackson decided to  make the set permanant.
The Hobbit homes were constructed from Timber, stone & Slate..and built to local regulations.

The little doors are constructed to various scales, 60%, 90% to accomodate the size of the actors in any particular scene.

Welcome to Bag End the home of Bilbo Baggins.
The tree on top is entirely artificial, made from expanding foam & 22 thousand individually wired on leaves.

Sams house.

A view of the water mill, from the bridge & Green Dragon pub.

The set is maintained to an incredibly high standard ( Southsea model village could take a leaf! )

Mangapohue Natural bridge , a short stroll from the highway.

Piripiri caves our next stop, a bit steep for me thank you.

Finally the fabulous Marokopa Falls, well worth the steep walk.

Home at last, The Owls nest motel & its eatery next door..Its a bit chaotic here as 2 weddings are taking place tomorrow & the place is rammed.

Well goodnight lovely reader.
Lovely to speak earlier, everyone sounds wonderful..Miss you pixie xx