Hotel for Hobbits

Q: I have heard about a “hotel for hobbits” in New Zealand, where one can stay in rooms built like hobbit hideouts. I thought this might be a fun break during a visit to the country in December. Do you have any idea where this hotel is? — Dave Gerard

A: This resort is located in Otorohanga, which lies in the heart of the North Island two hours drive from Auckland and 90 minutes from Rotorua. The Hobbit Motel consists of only two mountainside burrows with round windows and doorways, and is very popular with children. The motel is one of the Wiatomo Motels, a strange collection of lodgings that include an airplane from the Vietnam War, a dry-docked patrol boat and a 1950s railway car. The motels are part of Woodlyn Park, a working farm close to the famous Waitomo Caves. The area is also home to the Kiwi House and Native Bird Park. Get further details about the Hobbit Motel at the www.woodlynpark.co.nz website.