Photo Of The Week: Matamata Countryside | NZ

The day before visiting The Hobbiton Movie Set we decided to take a drive through the country side of Matamata, surrounding ‘The Shire’. We got caught in the thunderstorm you can see in this image. It was an incredibly scenic drive with the some of the most surreal countryside I have ever seen. Coming from Australia you don’t get to see lush green hills like the ones we discovered on this drive. James was so taken by the area that he has vowed to live there one day…..with me of course!

I Love Driving Through New Zealand

My mother was born in New Zealand and I have been traveling there with my family for many years. Over that time I have grown to love the country so much so that I decided to get married there. My first road trip in New Zealand as an adult was on my honeymoon. We drove from Queenstown to Christchurch on the South Island. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. James and I had planed to spend Christmas in Gisborne on the North Island’s east coast. The decision to drive there from Auckland was a ‘no-brainer’. Matamata was one of the most beautiful places we traveled through.

‘Matamata Countryside’ was taken on the first afternoon of our adventure and I remember being so excited. Not only because we were traveling again, but because there was an awesome thunderstorm. I absolutely love thunderstorms. I love the noise, the colours and the raw power of nature. They are my favorite subject to photograph. 

This is the last stretch of road before you turn into the ‘Shires Rest’. This is where all tours to The Hobbiton Movie Set begin. The road sign to Hobbiton is actually in this image. It is a bit hard to see so I have added a photograph of the sign here. 

I cannot wait to return to the area. It is a great place to unwind and take your time. If you are visiting the area I highly recommend staying in Cambridge, it is such a beautiful and interesting little town. That is where James and I hope to one day call home, even if just for a while.

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