Authentic Living Series

Our authentic living series is about doing what you are truly passionate about in life. Whether it’s photography, traveling, writing, or whatever else you have a passion for. For us living our most authentic life is exploring, expanding our world and stepping outside of our comfort zone.  We don’t want to be stuck doing ‘what we are supposed to do’ in life. We want to create lasting memories and lifelong stories that inspire and carry on long after we are gone. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

Check out some of our other authentic living stories here.

Authentic Living: Visiting Hobbiton

From a very young age, I was obsessed with Lord of the Rings. I remember reading the books as a child after finding them in our library, shortly after the movies came out. It only further fueled my obsession for Tolkien’s stories. I knew one day I wanted to visit Hobbiton and immerse myself in a world that meant so much to me. So when Andy and I decided to take a trip to New Zealand for an extended period of time I knew my dream of visiting Hobbiton was about to come true. Not only is it a spectacular destination for fans of the books and movies, but it’s an increidible place to visit regardless.

It’s magical.

There’s no doubt about it. Hobbiton takes you from our world to a whole new one.

As mega fans, we knew we had to visit Hobbiton because there is nothing else on earth like it! And it did not disappoint. We purchased our tickets from the Hobbit hole replica tourist centre in Matamata. From there a Hobbiton bus picked us up and brought us to the set which is about twenty minutes outside of the town. During the ride your driver tells you all about how Matamata played it’s own role in making the movies! 

As a mega fan of Trilogies, I won’t lie, I cried when I saw my first Hobbit Hole. Through the window of the bus, I got a glimpse of a little yellow door and my eyes welled up and I became a big blubbering mess. 

Throughout the tour, the guide teaches you some of the filming tricks and techniques that were used to bring the story to life. We stood in front of Bag End, laughed under the party tree and photographed the yellow door of Sam’s house. They even let you stand inside a Hobbit Hole, which surprisingly enough is actually used as tool sheds! At the end, we crossed a bridge to the Green Dragon where we enjoyed some Hobbiton Ale and Ginger Beer (non-alcoholic). 

The ale and ginger beer are even specially brewed just for Hobbiton! Making it the only place in the world you can drink or purchase it! It makes a really great souvenir, you get to enjoy the drink and keep the cool bottle!

If you asked us what it was like to visit Hobbiton we would simply reply with,

“It was magical.”

Have you ever visited Hobbiton? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below!

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