Monday Beach Day, Tuesday Hobbiton, Wednesday Auckland

The days are counting down for our final few days in NZ. Monday it was really nice just to unwind and soak up some sun on the beach by Mount Maunganui. First we explored the rocks and found a baby seal sleeping next to a snail graveyard. Then it was warm enough to sit for a couple hours napping and reading on the sand. We didn't know how long we were going to stay, because it was so nice out, until at about 1:30pm the clouds rolled and it started to rain. It was nice while it lasted...

After another night camping near the beach, we headed inward to visit Hobbiton. Many have spoken highly of these Hobbit holes and they did not disappoint. There are different options for the tour, so we choose the dinner option. And what a dinner it was. So much good food.

If you look above the construction (a new wedding venue) you can see Bilboa's house, with the oak growing on it.

Here I am standing at the door of Bilboa's house.

In the many hobbit holes they built some they made small for a forced perspective. The small doors were to make Gandalf look big. All the big doors were to make the hobbits appear small. This door with Whit was a small door. Rosie and I were in a big door. Rusty was in front of a big door.

This is Samwise's house, it is just down the hill from Bilboa and Frodo's house.

Next to Samwise's house, they built two hobbit holes fully furnished. They did a really great job decorating and furnishing it.

After walking around Hobbiton for a couple hours, the last stop was the Green Dragon. This was were we enjoyed a fine Hobbit feast (and feast it was). After gorging ourselves with so much goodness, they cleared the table from dinner as we waited for dessert. It was all so yummy. If only I could just take one more bite!

Wednesday we got to go to the Auckland Zoo to see some Kiwis for real!!! Then we finished the day with a visit with Aunty Lin at NZ only Costco. The boys also could see out one window McDonalds, Taco Bell, KFC and Carl's Jr. all in one shot.