Home is Where the Hobbit Is
Day Two: Hobbit Dreams and Glowworm Magic
On day two of my Auckland adventure, I had a life-altering revelation: my future lies in a Hobbit House B&B. Yes, I’ve officially embraced my House Hunters International-level real estate delusions—and I regret nothing.
The vision struck during a visit to Hobbiton, the original movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, tucked into the rolling green hills of Matamata, New Zealand. Thanks to a seamless, well-run Viator tour, I was transported into another world—one more magical than I could’ve imagined.
The real kicker? I brought a friend who has neither read the books nor seen the films (gasp!), and she loved it just as much as I did. That tells you everything.
Hobbiton is stunningly detailed, right down to chimneys puffing smoke like the Hobbits had just stepped out for tea. The craftsmanship is so immersive that when we stepped inside one of the Hobbit homes open to guests, I felt it deep in my bones: I need to live here.
Naturally, my friend and I started plotting. Picture this: a cozy Hobbit House B&B with themed weekends, fresh-baked scones, homemade teas, and a slower, simpler pace between guests. The idea warmed us as much as the sunlit hills did.
And the view? Dreamlike. Lush pastures dotted with sheep, a glimmering lake with ducks drifting across the surface, and the soft rustle of the breeze weaving through round doors and flowering gardens. There’s a deep comfort in those little homes—something that speaks to the soul. I haven’t let go of the idea since.
House Hunters International, I’m ready when you are.
As if Hobbiton wasn’t magical enough, the tour continued to the famous Glowworm Caves—yes, part of the same day trip.
If Hobbiton was whimsical wonder, the Glowworm Caves were pure enchantment. Imagine a natural sensory deprivation tank: ancient, sacred, and glittering. We floated silently in the dark, the only light coming from thousands of glowing creatures overhead. It felt holy—like the earth itself was breathing. I’ve included a couple of pictures, but it’s impossible to share what it looks like or feels like to drift through that cave. Softly, silently. You really must experience it.
Final Thoughts
Day two was nothing short of transformative. Between the charm of Hobbiton and the quiet awe of the Glowworm Caves, I left with a full heart, a wild dream, and a newfound love for sheep-studded hills and tiny round doors. If you’re headed to New Zealand, do yourself a favor: book the Viator tour. You might just uncover your own unexpected calling.
The Momenté
You might recognize this pink jumpsuit from my “About Me” page—it’s one of my all-time favorite wardrobe pieces. I originally bought it for a girls’ trip where we all planned Barbie-themed outfits (I went as a Rosie-the-Riveter-inspired Barbie), but it quickly became the gateway to my current jumpsuit obsession.
Now for the bad news: this iconic Judy Blue jumpsuit is no longer available in retail stores. The good news? As of July 2025, you can still track it down through resellers on ThredUp and eBay—so all hope is not lost!