If you want to experience Hobbiton the right way, you have to kick off your shoes at the main gate-yes, even if it’s pouring rain (thanks for the recommendation, Traci! <3). They give you an umbrella, so don’t let the rain deter you.
Trust me, it’s the only way to truly step into the world of hobbits, who, as any Tolkien fan knows, are absolutely obsessed with food, comfort, and the simple joys of life. In the Shire, meals aren’t just about eating-they’re about community, hospitality, and celebrating the earth’s bounty. Hobbits famously enjoy six (or even seven!) meals a day, from breakfast to supper, and every bite is an occasion for laughter and connection.
Wandering among the artistically crafted hobbit holes, each one reflecting the personality of its resident-the beekeeper, the party-lover, the adventurer of Bag End-I couldn’t help but think about how much care hobbits put into their food and their homes. The Party Tree stands proudly at the center, and there’s even a working hobbit fountain along the path where you can stop for a drink, just as a hobbit would on a stroll between meals.
The tour lets you step inside two interactive hobbit holes, complete with handmade décor, working sinks, and a hobbit bed (which, for the record, I just barely fit in). It’s clear that every detail was crafted with love-just like a hobbit’s favorite pie or loaf of bread.
The experience wraps up at the Green Dragon, where you can warm your toes by the fire and enjoy a complimentary pint or tea. It’s easy to imagine a group of hobbits gathered here, swapping stories over second breakfast or elevenses, savoring the moment and the company.
Keep an eye out for my upcoming short video on ‘My Hobbiton Experience: Is it worth the admission?”!
Leaving Hobbiton, I found myself reflecting on how much hobbit culture values food as a way to build community and connect with the land. That spirit is alive and well in New Zealand, especially in the way Kiwis embrace outdoor cooking and communal meals. In fact, New Zealand’s public parks and reserves are dotted with free-to-use BBQ stations-modern-day echoes of the Shire’s feasts.
These BBQs aren’t just convenient; they’re a celebration of sustainability and togetherness. Anyone can use them, whether you’re a local or a traveler, and they’re regularly cleaned and maintained by local councils. Some parks even encourage you to bring your own reusable plates and utensils, reducing waste and making it easy to cook fresh, local food outdoors. It’s not just about grilling sausages or veggies-it’s about gathering with friends and family, sharing stories, and making memories under the open sky.
During my travels, I’ve hopped from one beachside campsite to another, often planning my meals around these public BBQs. There’s something undeniably hobbit-like about preparing a simple meal outdoors, surrounded by nature and good company. Whether you’re flipping veggie burgers at a lakefront reserve in Taupō or grilling fresh fish at a picnic spot in Auckland, you’re living out the hobbit ideal of savoring life’s simple pleasures.
Sustainable cooking here is easy: refill your water bottle at public stations, shop at local markets for fresh produce with NO PLASTIC BAGS (only paper or BYO), and leave your BBQ spot as tidy as you found it.
By taking advantage of these resources, you’re not just saving money-you’re supporting a culture of environmental stewardship and community that would make any hobbit proud!
Eventually, it’s time to continue my journey onwards, but I carry that hobbit spirit with me: a love of good food, good company, and the joy of sharing both with others-bare feet and all.
Going with Gubs 