Bus

At Hobbiton near Matamata. The set for Hobbiton in Lord of the Rings has been preserved. Visits are via vintage buses. This was built in 1972 at Dunedin. It's based on a Bedford truck. Interesting to see the drivers using a conventional clutch and 'double declutching' up the steep slopes. The driver said they are ideal for this purpose on dirt roads and steep gradients.
The tour itself is very well organised. The tour guides are funny and incredibly well informed. It's well worth the money. The site itself is very well maintained. The flowers and vegetables are kept flowering so especially on such a lovely day it looked just like the film.