We visited Hobbiton in Mata Mata, New Zealand three years ago. Anya was just 2 years and 9 months old then and Adam was a 4-month-old dumpling. It was amazing and definitely a must-do when in New Zealand. At that time, we were told in no uncertain terms that we were forbidden from posting pictures of Hobbiton online until all The Hobbit movies were done.
Of course, I see tons of Hobbiton pictures on the Internet all the time, even before this third instalment was released, but I am a woman of my word so none of those photos were posted by me. We went on a double date on Thursday night to watch The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies with the same couple that we visited Hobbiton with. Now I feel free to share my pictures of Hobbiton from 3 years ago and a (terribly short) review of the movie.
Gollum welcomes us to Hobbiton
family pic before our tour
Hobbiton cat
even the ‘mould’ on the sign is specially created
Adrian carrying a halfling
incredibly cute
look at that glass in the door
across the water
little hobbit houses in a row
the attention to detail is amazing
wheel
Hobbiton cat again
water pump
Adrian and halfling on the move
looking down
walking up to Bilbo Baggins’ house
the most famous hobbit house
family pic outside another little house
fast-moving hobbit
scarecrow
back on the bus!
Here’s my review of Battle of Five Armies; no major spoilers if you have read the book. Personally, I think The Hobbit would have done better split into two instalments than three. Nonetheless, I liked Batle of the Five Armies. It was a tad indulgent with way too many scenes of characters looking meaningfully into the distance and a bit draggy here and there, especially when we were waiting for Thorin Oakenshield to break out of his stupor. I know Legolas is not in the book but he is in the movie and I definitely enjoy the scenes of him in action. *insert heart-shaped eyes emoticon*
In short, is Battle of the Five Armies worth watching? Yes. Is Hobbiton worth a visit? Without a doubt!