Hobbit Holes.

Are we the luckiest people in the world, or what? Our wander round the Hobbiton film set has to be the highlight of this tour and the competition was whale-watching, dolphin swimming and getting damaged while trying to body board (Tell you later) as well as some of the most amazing little places in the world.

Today, Heather, Anne and myself had a leisurly walk around Hobbiton having signed to say that any photos we took would not appear on the internet anywhere. They could have simply banned people or banned photography but joy, we will be able to show you over 400 photos of Hobbit Holes when we get back! Doesn't that make you happy. However, I'm ok to show you myself drinking 'Sobering Thought', the weak beer the actors drank on set, and eating second breakfast (yes, The Shire's Rest really do sell a 'second breakfast').

It really is a phenomenal tour. The detail those guys go to to get everything right. I felt quite at home. I think Sheree, Lewis, Henry, and Maggie would have loved it as the doors on the Hobbit homes are just the right size for them the little ones. Wait till you see the pictures guys! They are preciousss.

Shame though - Ian Brodie's day off. I've been hoping to see him again since our first visit about five years ago.

The journey from Mount Maunganui where we've been for the past two days was another scenic ride all the way but coming down over the mountains and looking down onto the plain surrounding Matamata was impossible to catch on a photo. Just miles of flat plain before the mountains in the blue distance. It's the flatest bit of New Zealand I've seen.

Speaking of Matamata, that's where Gary Snape and his family live and he was good enough to motor over and meet us at Maunganui. We had a great chat for about two hours in a bar near the front. He's loving New Zealand and is into dozens of different things. He looked great and was terrific entertainment. Great to see you Gary. That's him in the last photo. Anyone in Moreton remember him?

Well, we're here for just one more night and flying home tomorrow. I'll catch up on the missing days and put up some photos when I get home (and have stopped wanting lunch at midnight).
See you all soon.