Tag Archives: Travel

05/12/2023
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New Zealand, Travel

Becoming a Baggins of Bag End

Nearly 20 years ago the final installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy debuted in cinemas around the world. Thus ending, so it would appear at that time, our journey to Middle Earth. The original LOTR trilogy had a profound effect on me. I saw each film multiple times in theatres. I bought the DVDs. I was gifted the Extended Editions. I loved every single bit of those films.

As it would be, I was not alone.

People from all around the world flocked to theatres, bought the videos, and a whole new fandom was born. The only thing that was missing was to go and visit. In 2007 I made a mid-semester trip to New Zealand. I participated in a few LOTR tours and loved New Zealand. The one place I could not get to, because I didn’t have a car, was to Hobbiton. I had read and seen numerous things about how they had preserved the film set and it was open for tours.

I would not be denied a second time.

Armed with an actual car (yay!) and a partner who was as equally enthralled by the films as I was, we made our way to Hobbiton. After a roughly two-hour drive from Auckland, we arrived at the car park. We checked in, hopped on a bus, and were whisked away to the set.

I swear, I can hear Howard Shore’s score as I look at this image. It’s even playing in my head as I type these words. Also, yeah, there were some goosebumps.

Now, I don’t think I need to tell you that I was truly and absolutely giddy with delight upon seeing the rolling green hills, the farm animals grazing about, and finally The Shire. The set is on an active farm. Meaning that there are various animals roaming the grounds because they live there.

Walking the path into Hobbiton really made me feel nostalgic. I remember watching the trailer for Fellowship of the Ring debut before Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes and it made me hum with anticipation. I had read the books as a younger person, and even seen the animated Hobbit movie, and I was excited to see them bring a Hobbit to life. The walk in did not disappoint.

This is the same entrance Gandalf The Grey uses when he arrives in Hobbiton for Bilbo’s party! This means that Sir Ian McKellan and Elijah Wood stood right there! I’m not one to get giddy or starstruck easily, but I did here and there wasn’t even anyone actually there. I was, to say the least, excited.

Walking around, and being guided by our amazing tour guide Kate, we could see the attention to detail. Various little things indicated who lived where. Whether it was an item hanging in a window or a workbench nestled up to the hillside, each item told a story. All of this was done knowing it would not make it on the screen long enough to be noticed. The craftspeople and artisans take immense pride in their work and it shows. It was a wonderful thing to see first hand and enjoyable to experience.

Slowly but surely we made our way to the top of the small valley. That’s where the most famous resident of Hobbiton lives. I’m talking of course about Bilbo Baggins.

I can’t get over it. Words escaped me at this moment because it was such an out-of-body experience. Listening to our guide, Kate, tell us about how the set was all built and how she herself was an extra in The Hobbit prequels really drove home how magical this place really is. The people who work there are locals and they take huge pride in visitors coming from all around the world to see their little slice of heaven.

Honestly, we could not have picked a more beautiful day to visit if we tried. Being winter, it was still a bit nippy but not too cold. The clouds were out and provided an exquisite backdrop for all of our photos.

After seeing the spot where Bilbo had his 111th birthday party we made our way to The Green Dragon. It is an actual working pub/restaurant open only to guests on the tour. The walk across the bridge to get there was one of my favorite things.

It. Is. Perfect.

Inside the Green Dragon is a cozy space where we were offered a special ale brewed specifically for the tour. We discovered that the brewery that makes the ale was close to the film set. But, that’s another story for another post. Stay tuned!

Roaring fires. Malt beers. But no red meat right off the bone, sorry Gimli.

The Green Dragon is the end of the tour and it is a perfect way to end the roughly two-hour visit. You can grab a pint, yes Pippin it comes in pints, and cozy up to a fireplace, or take a seat outside and drink in (literally and figuratively) the landscape that is Hobbiton.

Because they were actively constructing a new Hobbit house experience (below) we were each gifted a handmade, not sold in stores, mug. You can find people selling theirs on certain sites but it’s best to just go to Hobbiton. Trust me.

The grounds from Bilbo’s house.

Out of all of the things we ended up doing in New Zealand this was by far my favorite. The magic I felt walking into the set was unlike anything I’ve felt in a long long time. It’s also made me nostalgic for the movies and I am going to log off now and go start rewatching the Lord of the Rings trilogy again. Thanks for stopping by and I will see you next time!

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07/11/2023
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New Zealand, Travel

A “Quick” Trip to the Bay of Islands

Yes, “quick” is in quotation marks. Why, you may ask? Because it wasn’t such a quick trip. Doi.

From the CBD, Central Business District, of Auckland up to the Bay of Islands it was about a 3.5 hour drive. Our idea of a “quick” trip up north was quickly (there’s that word again) dashed. Nevertheless, we pressed on. We were determined to see some more of the country, outside of the most popular spots.

The drive was very beautiful. There were rolling green hills, scenic vistas, and numerous roundabouts. This country, they love their roundabouts. As someone who had only ever driven on the right side of the road, driving on the left was initially daunting but once I got the feel for it (and the turn signal and windshield wipers being on the opposite sides of the steering column) I was as cool as you like.

Did I once get pulled over for speeding but was then let off with a warning and told to spend the money, that would’ve been on the ticket, in town at a local shop? Who can say.

After driving for a long time, we decided that it would be best to actually find someplace to go as opposed to just inputting “Bay of Islands” into the GPS. We exited the main road, found a little marina to park at and we looked up someplace to go.

After some searching we decided to set out to Opito Bay. It was close by and there looked to be a trail we could walk to get a view of the water and islands. Because at this point, we needed to get out of the car for a bit, take in some scenery, and breathe in that fresh sea air.

At Opito Bay there was a small car park right next to the water and people’s homes (jealous!). From the car park it was an easy hike up a well-maintained trail to the Tareha Point Scenic Lookout. On our way up, and down for that matter, we saw a few of the local residents on their daily walk on the trail. I mean, I would be out there too if I lived there.

That video is from the near end of the trail to the lookout point. It was, as you can see, stunning. The weather was in full cooperation that day and we could see for miles and miles.

This will turn into Instagram for a hot minute as I show you what we saw.

To the right
To the left
The whole thing in panorama

Just, wow. Right?

After seeing some of the other natural wonders New Zealand has to offer, it was nice to visit a place that was not as crowded. This is truly the place to check out if you want to get away from the city. There are numerous islands and spots that we did not have time for but are keen on visiting on our next go around.

Thank you for visiting, and I will see you next time!

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18/10/2023
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New Zealand, Travel

Walking, Geothermal Walking

Last week I took you to Huka Falls. This week, I am taking you literally across the street, or road, or highway or whatever you wanna call it.

While we were at Huka Falls we were doing some research as to where to head next. I saw this next place’s name nearby and said “The name alone makes a visit necessary.” Ok, maybe I didn’t say that word-for-word but I am pretty sure I was excited about the next stop.

That place is the Craters of the Moon.

I love the way that rolls off the tongue. It sounds so, well, ethereal. That makes sense given that its name inspires thoughts of parts beyond our own atmosphere. And it does deliver just that.

Enter through the gift shop, take that Banksy, and you’ll come out to a covered platform that looks out over the grounds. As I mentioned, you will feel like you’re in a different place than before. You look around the park and see rolling hills of green and shrubs and trees and then BOOM there’s where you are. Steam rises from the ground creating pockets of warmth where various flora exist and thrive due to these special conditions.

You won’t find these plants surviving in just any old place. They exist here because of the geothermal activity beneath the Earth in this very spot. I was totally unprepared to be as wowed as I was. It’s an easy walk to make thanks to a well-maintained walkway.

I have only seen steam like that coming up from city streets, volcanoes, or fog machines. To see the steam rising naturally from the Earth was very cool stuff.

The walkway has numerous short branches from the main path to provide you with a better look at the grounds. Take the time to look at it all. It’s well worth it.

I know that this may not look like much but it’s cool as hell. The vents have created a completely different ecosystem from what is across the road. Mere meters separate you from one type of topography to another. I know I must sound like a yokel being amazed by nature, but it’s true! It’s a fascinating place and amazing to behold.

I brought my jacket with me, given that it was the middle of Winter (August, Southern Hemisphere, reversed seasons, etc.). But, I did not need it. It was quite warm on the walk thanks to the vents and our constant movement.

Towards the end of the walk, there’s a part of the path that goes up. You’ll have to double back but, whatever, get yourself up the trail. It’s a tad steep but worth the trip. Once you’re up there you’ll be treated to a hilltop view of the park and the various vents that populate it.

Double Selfie! Ussie???

After you’re back down to the main trail, you’ll exit through the gift shop (mutters an apology to Bansky) and head off on your next adventure.

Thanks for visiting, and I will see you later!

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10/10/2023
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New Zealand, Travel

Falling in New Zealand

OK, so by now you’ve seen a bungy jump and some other sites around Auckland. And if you haven’t yet, click on those links! But for now, I am going to take you further south.

Today, will I tell you about me actually falling? No. Sorry to burst anyone’s bubble. It’s a play on words. I am writing today about Huka Falls.

It’s kinda, sorta, maybe in the middle of the North Island. It’s in the Lake Taupo area (ahem, the bungy. Remember that?) and it’s a popular spot. You’ll see soon once you scroll down AFTER! after reading my words here. Don’t just scroll past my words that I put time into reading! Please & thank you.

If you are driving there from the North, you’re most likely going to be heading down State Highway 1. After a few hours you’ll see the signage for Huka Falls and the Lookout spot. Believe me when I tell you that you will want to park at the Lookout. The parking lot closest to the falls is not that big and will most likely be full. Parking at the Lookout will, hopefully, save you that hassle. It will also afford you the opportunity to stretch your legs after a long drive as you make your way down to the water.

It’s a fairly easy walk down. Little ones should be ok doing the trek but be mindful as it’s still a trail. Once you’ve made it a little bit down the trail, the noise of the passing cars from the road will fade away and a new one will fill your ears. A steady hum and rustle of gallons upon gallons of water crashing onto rocks will alert your ears that nature is nearby.

Huka Falls and my lovely and amazing partner, Kristen

Quite the sight, no? We must have stood there for a few minutes taking it all in. We even saw a jetboat race up the river and zoom around the base of the falls, getting the occupants a little wet. We both valued our dryness so we abstained from the jetboat.

Quick side note: There are some trails that branch off from the falls area that we did not have the time to walk, but you might!

Looking toward the Falls

Closer to the parking lot is a bridge that traverses the Waikoto River as it turns into . . . the falls? Yes? That’s right? I think. I don’t know. I don’t know much about rivers and such. I have the oceanography merit badge. This, this ain’t the ocean. Either way you slice it, the bridge is a great viewpoint to get on top of the water and see where it came from (photo below) and where it’s going (photo above).

Looking away from the falls

I’ll tell you what, the sound of the water pounding against the rocks really makes you appreciate the power of water. What can start out as a trickle of a stream can turn into a roaring torrent and consume all around it.

It’s a serene spot where plenty of families and travelers alike will stop and admire nature. It’s important to admire and respect what the Earth has to offer us. This is the only planet we’ve got and you should get out and see as much of it as you can.

Thank you for visiting and I will see you later!

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03/10/2023
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New Zealand, Travel

Game Day Part I

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my partner and I went to New Zealand because of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Being from the United States, that meant that we were going with the intention to support our four-time World Cup champion USA.

We felt confident enough that we could skip the group stage and see some knockout round matches featuring our home nation. Never in the history of the competition had the USA failed to reach a semifinal at a World Cup.

Until 2023.

The IKEA-loving Swedes knocked them out of the tournament but it did not knock us out of our trip. Our plans remained the same: go, see the country, and watch some world-class soccer.

Eden Park, Auckland

Now, with the USA knocked out and sent home I needed to choose a different country to support. Luckily for me, I have a system: Every country I visit I buy a sport jersey. Rugby or soccer or whatever. But, it’s mostly a growing collection of soccer jerseys. When we left for Auckland I had a few jerseys to choose from: Japan, Spain, and Australia. Now, logistically I would not be able to wear the Australia jersey because they were playing across the Tasman Sea in, you guessed it, Australia. Still, I brought it anyway because I had to wear something on other days!

That left me with Japan and Spain.

It worked out beautifully that I could wear my Japan jersey to the Quarterfinal and then, should Spain advance, I would wear my Spain jersey (more on that game in a future post).

Pre-game walkout and anthems

Attending an event at Eden Park is relatively simple thanks to Auckland Transport. The train takes you within steps of the ground courtesy of the Kingsland station stop. During the tournament, the fees associated with using the train were waived for all fans attending a match. We simply had to show our ticket for the match to a Transport worker and that was the same as a valid fare purchased. Lovely!

I love trains. I love public transport. While this train moved slowly at times I was very appreciative of it. Coming from a car-dominated country, I always appreciate a train when I can.

Eden Park is a gorgeous stadium. It’s primarily a rugby stadium for the super successful All Blacks (you can even see that in the black-grey color scheme they chose for the seats). I was told that it was updated for this tournament and walking around it, I can say that there was not a bad view of the pitch from any level. The only thing that bothered me was the urinal trough. I need a barrier between the dude next to me! Other than that, great stadium!

An early corner for Japan

It was a truly great atmosphere in the stadium that night. There were pockets of blue & yellow Viking-clad fans speckled throughout the park but, for the most part, the audience was pro-Japan. I could spot a fair few of my fellow USA fans throughout the stadium. They, like us, thought that it would be the USA taking on the Japanese that night. Still, I was happy to be there.

One thing I’ll note about the grounds is that the food was standard gameday food. In that it was mostly fried. We tried a pork bao bun type sandwich thing but it was more like a Sloppy Joe and nothing to write home about…except I’m…now writing…about it…smdh.

Japan denied from The Spot

Now, you’ll look below and see a bird-looking thing. That’s Tazuni, the official mascot of the tournament. Nearly everything has a mascot these days and I love it. I love mascots. I have a soft spot for them because I was one back in my college days.

For my junior and senior years at Santa Clara University I was Bucky the Bronco. It’s not easy to don some fur and a giant head and prance around an arena. Tazuni gets my admiration and respect for bringing joy to a lot of people on that and every night.

Tazuni, the official mascot for the tournament

After the final whistle blew the Japanese players dropped to the pitch in despair and the Swedish players jumped in jubilation. The world of sports is cruel at times. It can give you everything and take it away just as easily. I felt for the Japanese players. They left it all out on the field that night. They had looked to be the best team in the tournament leading up to this match. But all it takes is one off night.

As we left and made our way through the neighborhood surrounding the stadium we could hear the faint echoes of music coming from ahead of us. We turned a corner to make way to the train and there was a house with an amp on their front steps blasting ABBA. Now, you might expect “Dancing Queen” or “Take A Chance On Me” to be played at this time but no.

“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” was playing for some strange reason and you know what? We loved it! It was weird and gave us something to smile and laugh about on our journey back to downtown Auckland.

As we made our way back to our hotel I took a fleeting moment to recognize the Sky Tower. I noticed that it was lit up in Swedish blue & yellow. A fun and simple tip of the cap to the victors that evening.

Sky Tower in Swedish Blue & Yellow

Thanks for visiting and I will see you later!

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