Remuera address to Hobbiton Movie Set private car — Chloe's business trip

The GPS pinged, a familiar little chime, indicating the pickup location in Remuera. It was a crisp December morning, the kind where the sun has a bit of warmth, but you still appreciate a good jumper. Auckland was just starting to stir as I pulled up to the address, a grand old house with a sprawling garden. My passenger for the day was Ben S, who'd recently moved to Auckland from Canada. He’d booked me for a trip out to the Hobbiton Movie Set, a long-standing item on his New Zealand checklist. Ben explained, as we navigated out of the city streets and towards the southern motorway, that business had brought him to Auckland but he’d managed to carve out a full day for some serious tourism.

Leaving the urban sprawl behind, we joined the flow of traffic heading towards the Waikato. The landscape began to open up, fields of green stretching out on either side, dotted with contented-looking sheep. The air, even through the closed windows of the cab, felt cleaner, fresher. Ben mentioned he was still adjusting to the sheer amount of green here, a stark contrast to the concrete jungles he was used to back home. He shared a little about his work, something to do with software development, and how he was finding the move to New Zealand a significant change of pace, both professionally and personally.

Our route took us through Pokeno, a small town often marked by its famous ice creamery, and then past the turn-off for Te Kauwhata. The Waikato River came into view as we crossed it near Rangiriri, a wide, brown ribbon winding its way through the landscape. Ben commented on the historical significance of the area, something he’d read about prior to his trip. He had a genuine curiosity about Aotearoa, wanting to understand more than just the tourist hotspots. He told me about his initial impressions of Auckland, its relaxed vibe and the friendly nature of the people he'd encountered so far.

Further south, we took the turn-off towards Matamata, the gateway to the Hobbiton Movie Set. The landscape began to change, the rolling hills becoming more pronounced, giving a hint of the Shire's charm. Ben’s excitement was palpable. He’d been a fan of the films for years, and this visit was clearly a highlight of his trip. He recounted watching the movies with family, the immersive story and the fantastical world drawing him in. Now, he was about to step right into it. I could see his eyes scanning the paddocks, as if expecting to spot a hobbit hole around any bend.

Pulling into the parking area for the Hobbiton Movie Set, there was a definite buzz amongst the other visitors. We disembarked, and Ben was practically vibrating with anticipation. He said he couldn’t wait to see the detail up close. I wished him a fantastic time and explained I’d be waiting right here when he emerged from the Shire, ready for the journey back. He gave a nod, a wide smile on his face, and headed off towards the entrance, disappearing into the throng of excited fans.

My wait was a pleasant one. I found a quiet spot and watched the other visitors come and go, a constant stream of people eager to experience the magic. The sun was high in the sky now, casting long shadows. I reflected on the sheer variety of people I meet in this job. From business travellers like Ben seeking a touch of fantasy, to families on holiday, to couples on romantic getaways, everyone has a story, a reason for being here.

Around two hours later, Ben reappeared. His expression was one of pure delight. He hopped back into the cab, settling into the seat with a contented sigh. He said it had exceeded all his expectations. The attention to detail, the vibrant colours, the sheer scale of it all had been overwhelming, in the best possible way. He told me about the little touches, like the perfectly tended gardens, the tiny details on the doors of the hobbit holes, and the feeling of stepping onto a movie set that was still alive with character. He described the walk through the Shire, the way the landscape and the set blended seamlessly, making it feel like a real, lived-in place.

He also mentioned the Green Dragon Inn, saying it was exactly as he’d imagined, and the experience of having a drink there. Ben explained that it was more than just a tourist attraction; it felt like a genuine immersion into a beloved story. He appreciated how the guides shared anecdotes and facts about the filming, bringing the whole experience to life. He spoke about the rolling hills, the vibrant colours of the flowers, and the charming nature of the hobbit holes themselves. He said it was like stepping into a storybook, a feeling he hadn’t experienced since childhood. The afternoon sun glinting off the round doors of the hobbit holes, the smoke gently curling from the chimneys – it all contributed to the enchantment.

As we began our drive back towards Auckland, the conversation flowed easily. Ben shared more about his life in Canada, the differences in landscape and seasons, and what had drawn him to New Zealand. He spoke of the appeal of the outdoor lifestyle, the perceived sense of community, and the desire for a change of scenery. He found the pace of life here more manageable, less frantic than what he was accustomed to. He also mentioned the importance of disconnecting and finding moments of peace, something he felt New Zealand offered in abundance.

We passed through Tirau, famous for its corrugated iron sheep and dog, and then continued north on SH1. The late afternoon light cast a golden hue over the Waikato plains. Ben watched the scenery roll by, occasionally pointing out something that caught his eye. He spoke about the quiet beauty of the countryside, the wide-open spaces, and the sense of peace it evoked. He appreciated the slower rhythm of life outside the city, a stark contrast to his previous experiences.

As we approached Auckland again, the familiar landmarks began to appear. Ben reflected on the day, saying it had been a perfect escape. It was a chance to immerse himself in something completely different, to step away from the demands of work and everyday life and enter a world of pure imagination. He told me he was grateful for the opportunity to have visited, and that the memories of the Shire would stay with him for a long time. He felt the journey had been as much a part of the experience as the destination itself, the long drive through the beautiful New Zealand countryside adding to the overall sense of adventure. It was a day where fantasy met reality, a perfect blend for a visitor seeking the unique experiences Aotearoa has to offer. The glow of the city lights appeared on the horizon, signalling the end of our journey, but the contentment on Ben’s face suggested the magic of his day would linger.