Day 3: Hamilton Gardens & Hobbiton
(Day 3)
Spending a couple of days in the heart of North Island makes you wonder how exquisitely divine it feels. The lush green highland scenery gets breath-taking with massive farms everywhere to look around. Here is when you see a variety of native and migratory bird flocks alongside farm animals nibbling over grasslands.
The Australasian Swamphen
Some bird species like a couple of Paradise Shelducks, Tui, Weka, Takahe, Moa, Swamphen and Kokako are easily spotted on the way.
Hamilton Gardens
Crafty & Themed gardens in Hamilton
A short 20 min drive from Cambridge uncovers an antique bleak city dump ground, sensibly sculptured into a pool of gardens, known as Hamilton Gardens.
The green orchards display regimes, sacred beliefs, social structures, philosophies, contemporary arts, and the mutable outlooks to nature. The award-winning public garden also imitate evolution of civilisation.
Turtle Lake
The best time of the day to be here is early mornings, allow at least an hour or two to leisurely see all segments, including the serene Turtle lake and valley walks adjoining the gardens.
Entry: Free, Opening hours: Daily from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm
"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit"-Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Magical Village of Hobbits
Hobbiton Movie Set is going to be the highlight of your day even if you are not a fan. Every moment spent here took us to memoirs of watching ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The hobbit’ trilogies.
The bucolic scenery swells within 1250 acres of livestock farms outside Matamata. There are about 39 hobbit holes cautiously conserved, artificial leaves were wired discretely on the Oak tree over the Green Dragon Inn.
Mesmerised being part of the backdrop
Which Hobbiton tour to book?
To get wholesome experience of Hobbiton, we recommend booking an ‘Evening Banquet Tour’ of approximately 3-4 hours, comprising an authentic hobbit dinner feast. This tour allows you to see the entire movie set in both day light as well as slightly lit in the dark which makes it even more charming.
Feast Like a Hobbit
The tour starts at 4:00 pm when the buses pick you up for a short drive to the set from Shire’s rest cafe, while you watch a few movie scenes in the making on screen inside the bus.
Once you reach at the location, the guides walk you around sharing fascinating stories while filming of trilogy movies.
Scenic path to 'The Shire'
There is no rush and you have ample time capturing your favourite spots on the way to ‘The Shire’ where surplus drinks and dinner assortments are served. Banquet is amazing and worth spending the money. We loved the cosy interiors creating an ambiance to cherish dining like hobbits.
The moment you think you are full and can’t gobble anymore, they serve sinful, irresistible desserts to jeopardise your dieting plans.
Those Yummy Sinful Desserts
The tour ends with a walk back taking the same track to admire Hobbiton all over again. This time, it is enhanced as a well-lit night tour.
Price: NZD 195, Pre-booking required
Nearby Attractions
- Otorohanga Kiwi House (9am-5pm)
- Glow Worm Caves: No pre-booking required, Open at 9 am, last tour at 3: 30 pm
- Waitomo Glow worm cave: 45 min Boat Tour in NZD 56, Glow worm photography not allowed.
- Ruakuri Cave: 2-hour tour in NZD 76, Glow Worm photography is allowed.
Explore More
Rustic Getaway to Pulau Ubin|Chek Jawa
Rustic Getaway to Pulau Ubin|Chek Jawa https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_5861-Pulau-Ubin-Thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gPulau Ubin is an ideal rustic getaway that is also the last ‘Kampong’ village of Singapore, just a short ride on a bumboat. Ideal for a day’s excursion to indulge into reminiscing rural days.
read moreWestern Australia|Travel Guide, Tips, Useful Info & Itinerary
Western Australia|Travel Guide, Tips, Useful Info & Itinerary https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_6430-Edit-Thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gAn offbeat road trip ideas in Western Australia (11-15 day Itinerary) including its most iconic spots, hidden gems, and transitioning scenic vistas. Things to know before you go.
read moreJeju Island: Top Tips & Travel Guide
Jeju Island: Top Tips & Travel Guide https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_9368-Jeju-Island-thumb-1.jpg 369 241 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gA travel guide to South Korea’s Jeju Island, home to world heritage sites and full of natural wonders, flora and fauna. Jeju Island offers some unique experiences that are worth visiting.
read moreNew Zealand: Full Travel Guide|Itinerary|Tips
New Zealand: Full Travel Guide|Itinerary|Tips https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_8707-tasman-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gFull guide, basic information about New Zealand travel in low season. 17D planner for both islands. Unique things to see and do. Weather, Transport, Parking, Cost, food & Stay, Mindful Shopping.
read moreBruny Island Ultimate Adventures
Bruny Island Ultimate Adventures https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_2035-Thumb-1.jpg 369 200 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gExplore the list of adventures in Tasmania’s exquisitely preserved gem of south east. Things to do in Bruny island, an ecstasy exclusive for couples!! Tours to do and places to see.
read moreGorgeous Day Drive Spots from Kaohsiung to Kenting
Gorgeous Day Drive Spots from Kaohsiung to Kenting https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_5991-eluanbi-post-1.jpg 860 573 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gA road trip self drive route exploring stunning locations in the southern slice of Taiwan along with gorgeous landscapes of Kenting National Park. Find out all about touring the south, where to stay, what to eat and top activities to indulge into.
read moreThe Phenomenal Sojourn in Taitung
The Phenomenal Sojourn in Taitung https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6736-lanterns-thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gHow to spend amazing time in Taitung, discover serene locations with outmoded vibes and habitations of preserved cultures and communities. It’s a far-far-away land from mundane thoughts and routine hum-drums and that is why we called it a phenomenal sojourn.
read moreCambodia
Cambodia https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_3766-Thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gAll you need to know before planning your trip to Cambodia. Ultimate travel guide and itinerary for Cambodia, best temples to visit, and things to see beyond temples for a perfect trip.
read moreSingapore
Singapore https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_3688-Thumb-2.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gAmazing things you can do in Singapore. Getting around Singapore is way easier than many other places due to its efficient and fast transport web that connects entire island. This green island has impressive shopping malls and great food to feast everywhere you step.
read more



Leave a Reply