Hobbiton

Yesterday I visited Hobbiton near Matamata, a pretty town in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

Hobbiton probably needs no introduction because, as I discovered, it is still wildly  popular. Tours were setting off every 10 minutes the day we were there and some of the more popular tours with food included  were booked out months in advance.

My travel buddy got the last two tickets to a lunch-included tour a month ago because the tour which included an evening ''banquet' was book out. (Yes, she is doing nothing by halves and I am swept along for the ride, which I confess to finding very interesting, if just to experience the enthusiasm of the fans. ) I was rather afraid the food might be substandard bain-marie fare, but it was very tasty.

A friend who majored in sculpture at art school spent time in Matamata last year painting the hobbit house doors and props and I must say she's done a fine job. They look just as they did in the Hobbit movie.

Hobbits in Wellington

Hobbits are flavour of the month in New Zealand and Air New Zealand's safety video is watched with interest by passengers because it is funny and clever and features hobbit characters (and Peter Jackson).

Golem, in Wellington Airport

In Wellington Airport a giant Golem creeps from the rafters, reaching out for swimming fish.

I photographed him last Monday. My flight left Wellington 20 minutes before the most recent earthquake that shook the giant eagle from the ceiling. Golem must be more securely fastened as he stayed put.

The other Wotan

Looks suspiciously like Wotan's staff....

As the Melbourne Ring Cycle continues, we look at a Wotan a bit further south.

New Zealand .... You gotta love it!