Hobbiton
Hobbiton was originally created for Lord of the Rings (LOTR), then torn down.  It was recreated for The Hobbit trilogy.  Instead of being torn down a second time, Peter Jackson and the farm owner decided to keep it, so tourists could visit
The tours finish inside the "Green Dragon Inn," where you can have a pint specifically brewed for Hobbiton.   The only downside was the time limit.  Tours take 2 hours, which just isn't enough time for a LOTR fangirl like me.  I mean
Most people visiting Hobbiton stay in Matamata , the closest town.  But, if you want the real experience, try to stay at a Farmstay .   We got lucky and were accepted to stay with a family whose farm borders the shire.  Our hosts w
Waitomo
Some of the adventures can get pricey, so here's a little secret for you: There's a free bush walk  you can do at night by the Aranui Cave.  We did a guided cave tour, which was awesome.  But, we saw just as many (if not more) glow
Plus, if you stay the night in Waitomo, you can stay here:   Big Bird B&B .  If you love animals more than people (like myself), you'll be in heaven.   This B&B doubles as a petting farm that specializes in everything miniatu
I mean, who doesn't want a selfie with a "geep"?   *A geep is a cross between a goat and a sheep.  
Rotorua
But, fair warning, it smells AWFUL.  The entire town has the sulfur, rotten-egg smell that NEVER goes away.  
The Rotorua redwood forest  is another main attraction in the area.  You can't drive a car through any of the trees like you can in California, but they're still pretty big.
My main reason for visiting Rotorua was to zorb .
Prior to doing it, I had no clue there was water inside the zorb.  But, evidentially, you'd break your neck bouncing around if there wasn't.
Besides LOTR, NZ is known for their rugby team.  The All Blacks (arguably, best in the world) have a silver fern  on their flag due to it's significance in Maori culture.   If you find the fern, it really will look silver on
Napier
Most people know NZ for wine that comes out of the Marlborough  region in the South Island.  But, if you prefer red wine over white, Hawkes Bay is the place to be.  
Auckland
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