For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a fan of The Lord of the Rings. And like so many others, I dreamed of one day walking through the rolling green hills of Hobbiton, where Middle-earth comes to life.
Every time I scrolled through Instagram, I’d see photos of that iconic round door in the Shire, and I’d tell myself, “Someday, I’m going to go there.” I must have said it a hundred times over the years. But one day, I stopped and asked myself a hard question: Why do I keep saying someday? What’s actually stopping me from going there?
That was the turning point.
From Dream to Plan
At first, I wasn’t sure how to make it happen. I knew I’d most likely be traveling solo. None of my friends are quite as devoted to Tolkien’s world as I am. And that was intimidating. But I had just gotten into cruising, and the thought struck me: What if I could combine my love of the sea with my dream of visiting Hobbiton?
So I pulled up a map. Hobbiton is located near Matamata, with the closest port city being Tauranga. As fate would have it, Tauranga is a regular stop on itineraries for Princess Cruises and other cruise lines. Suddenly, the dream felt less like a far-off fantasy and more like an achievable plan.
The Booking That Made It Real
In the summer of 2024, I made it official. I booked a 14-night New Zealand cruise aboard the Discovery Princess, sailing in 2026. It felt surreal After years of saying someday, I had finally chosen a date.
The details only sweetened the deal. I found an amazing solo rate for a balcony cabin (with plenty of space to enjoy those stunning sea views) and secured the Princess Plus package, which added incredible value. It was more than just a good price. It was a sign that the timing was right.
More Than Hobbiton
This trip is about more than finally stepping into the Shire. It’s about exploring two countries, Australia and New Zealand, through the unique lens of cruising. It’s about immersing myself in cultures, flavors, and landscapes I’ve only read about or seen on a screen. And it’s about proving to myself, once again, that solo travel isn’t about going alone, it’s about giving yourself permission to live
the dream.
Why It Matters
Booking this cruise wasn’t just about a destination; it was about taking ownership of my bucket list. For years, I had let “someday” linger in the background. But travel has a way of reminding us that the only way to make “someday” real is to choose a date, make a plan, and set sail.
And in 2026, I’ll finally be walking through Hobbiton, not just as a fan of The Lord of the Rings, but as someone who chose to stop waiting for someday and start living it.
Is there a destination you’ve been calling your “someday” trip? Whether it’s Middle-earth, Machu Picchu, or the Mediterranean, I’d love to help you make it happen. With the right planning and the right cruise, your dream can be closer than you think.