Despite stormy weather, 30 Year 13 Travel and Tourism students enjoyed an unforgettable visit to one of New Zealand’s top tourist destinations — the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata.

The Hobbiton site, made famous by The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, offered students the chance to experience what attracts thousands of tourists each year.

The guided tour allowed students to explore the film set as visitors do, deepening their understanding of visitor expectations and tourism presentation. They also enjoyed a buffet lunch as part of the full tourist experience.

Throughout the day, students observed various tourism-related roles, including tour guides, bus drivers, and hospitality staff. The visit highlighted the range of careers available in the industry and the economic value of tourism to both the local Waikato region and New Zealand as a whole. It was a valuable learning opportunity—rain and all!