Yesterday I finally took some time to visit Hairy Feet Waitomo, the Piopio location used for filming part of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," just up the Mangaotaki River from Struan Farm.
(Of course) I've seen the film as well as the second installment, "The Desolation of Smaug," so was interested to learn more about the sheer scale of the production and see specific spots where particular scenes were filmed. Hobbit fans and movie buffs won't be disappointed, there's lots to see. Including Bilbo's sword Sting!
But what blew me away was the staggering beauty of this landscape: the cliffs, limestone rocks, and bush. I could have spent hours lost in the photo zone! Hairy Feet Waitomo is about a whole lot more than "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." It is a working farm in a spectacular setting, where a movie also happened to be filmed.
It's really a must see, for locals and visitors alike, and we will tell our guests that. For me, this day was yet another reminder of the special beauty that surrounds us in Piopio, somewhat off the beaten track in New Zealand.
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