Page 16 - zcyj (1)
P. 16
farm family tending 13,500 sheep and around stranger happened to be a film location scout for There was a large established pine tree, later re-
400 cattle, suddenly thrust into a storybook that Sir Peter Jackson who would be directing The named “the party tree,” ideally placed in front of
dramatically changed their lives and fortunes. Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Jackson had spotted the lake. The surrounding farmland was free of
The story began on normal Saturday after- the farm during and aerial search of film sites. highways, modern buildings and power lines
noon in 1998 on the Alexander family farm The Alexander sheep and beef farm in the making it perfect for Hobbit homes.
near Matamata, New Zealand, when there was bucolic rolling hills of the Waikato region fit The Alexanders’ and Jackson came to an
a knock on the door by a “fairy godfather.” The perfectly with Jackson’s vision for the “Shire.” agreement and set construction began in
16 Wine Dine & Travel 2016
