14/07/2026
On the road before 5am, chasing a wedding story all the way to Hobbiton.
There’s something about leaving Whangārei Heads in the dark that feels like stepping into another world. The air was still warm — that classic winterless‑north softness, and I watched the temperature gauge like a little travel diary as I headed south. 14… 12… 9… and then, somewhere near Matamata, it dropped all the way to 0 degrees.
From balmy to bone‑cold in a single road trip. Only in New Zealand.
Rolling into Hobbiton on Matariki weekend was like arriving at a festival. The movie set was buzzing, buses, visitors, staff everywhere, all that green, rolling landscape alive with people. And in the middle of it all, this beautiful wedding.
Magic layered on magic.
The day itself was a delight. Crisp air, golden pockets of light, the hum of people exploring the Shire while we tucked into our own little story.
After the final hugs and goodbyes, I hit the road again — this time not home, but to stay with friends. And honestly? I was treated like a queen. Warm house, warm food, warm company, the kind of hospitality that makes you exhale. I even got to catch up with my son, which was the perfect end to a huge day.
The next morning, I looked outside and stopped.
“What on earth is that white stuff on the car…?”
Frost. Actual frost. I had to laugh.
Then back on the road north, watching the temperature climb from 0 degrees to 17 degrees as I crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The sky opened up, the air softened, and by the time I was heading up the Brynderwyns, I could feel home pulling me in.
And then that moment cresting the Brynderwyns and seeing Whangārei Heads, the sea stretching out, familiar and blue and beautiful.
Nearly home.
What a journey. What a wedding. What a weekend.
huge thanks to the team Movie Set
The Lovely Jo from Dear White Productions on Video
And Mathew and Hailey who flew all the way from Canada for thier very special Day.
