Hobbiton Has Become One Of The Best Butterfly Sanctuaries In New Zealand
While most people visit Hobbiton because it is the famous set of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, there is more to this place.
Hobbiton in New Zealand is well known as the film set for The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogies. However, it turns out this iconic place attracts more than tourists. With its beautiful, rolling green hills, dotted with wild flowers, Hobbiton has been deemed one of the best places in New Zealand for butterflies and moths to thrive.
Hobbiton In Waikako, New Zealand
This beautiful spot nestles on a 1250-acre sheep farm in Waikako New Zealand. It has become a popular location for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies in recent years. However, its natural beauty has attracted more than people. In fact, the location has been awarded a plaque from the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust (MBNZT), confirming it is a great example of a butterfly habitat.
In order to thrive, butterflies need two types of plants – one is a nectar source for the adults to feed on as they fly around. The second type acts as a place where the females can lay their eggs. Once the caterpillars appear, they eat the host plants and pupate, leading to more butterflies and moths.
Cottage Gardening At Hobbiton
Jacqui Knight from MBNZT explained that the type of gardening around Hobbiton is classified as “cottage gardening.” She said it is of an informal design, using traditional materials and dense, colorful plants. As there are many daisy-shaped flowers here, this gives the butterflies the necessary “landing pads” on which to sit as they sip nectar.
MBNZT has been searching the country for examples of good butterfly habitats since 2009. Places that apply are not automatically granted certification. They have to provide assurances that the habitat hosts at least three different species. It must also supply other requirements necessary for butterflies and moths to thrive, including maximum sun, shelter and a space free from pesticides. It turns out Hobbiton has all that and more, hence it has been granted the award.
Knight said the reaction to the news has been very positive and it has, in fact, had the desired outcome. Because of this, more people are thinking about butterflies and their importance to the environment.
She added, “The MBNZT is deeply concerned that we are seeing less New Zealand species every year, so over the coming years more people should become aware of our beautiful butterflies.”
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Great Habitat For Butterflies
Meanwhile, Lily Craig from Hobbiton said how thrilled they are to be recognized as a great habitat for butterflies. She said Hobbiton’s gardens are such an important part in the telling of the story of the Shire. For those gardens to thrive, butterflies are an integral part of helping the plants come to life.
Craig explained how their gardening team has a tremendous respect for the insect and avian pollinators that call Hobbiton their home. She said they “strive to provide them with the best environment in which to thrive.”
Next time Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit fans visit Hobbiton, they should keep an eye out for the beautiful and colorful butterfly inhabitants in the surrounding gardens. Learn more about Hobbiton from the official website here.
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