I lived in Matamata for 4 months earlier this year and the site is actually in the process of being rebuilt. The interiors for the movie were filmed in a studio and so yes don't expect anything as detailed as the movie when you visit but it still is quite an interesting place to visit. It is amazing how many people visit the sight daily! Check out http://www.hobbitontours.com/ for more recent pics...the hedges are in the process of being regrown as well as gardens. Some new hobbit holes are being excavated for The Hobbit movie which hopefully will be filmed later this year or early 2011.

We have to remember that the producers of grains, milk, etc. need more money to actually produce their crops because of the rice in the price of fuel. But most of the blame is on the companies that process the grain, etc. - they are benefiting more than the producer or even seller. I think we would be better off if we could buy directly from farmers milk, eggs, flour. Or we each grew our own food...