After two incredible days of competition, cultural exchange, and unforgettable performances, our choir had a well-deserved “off” day to rest, recharge, and explore New Zealand’s stunning landscape. And what better way to unwind than with a journey into Middle-Earth itself? Day 3 of the Rise Up Tour took us to the iconic Hobbiton, the magical set from one of the greatest movie trilogies of all time: The Lord of the Rings.
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s countryside, Hobbiton is where the journey of Frodo, Gandalf, and the entire Fellowship began—and it’s where we, too, embarked on an adventure of our own. With Hobbiton located about two hours from Auckland, this scenic trip gave us a glimpse of New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and a chance to relax after two fast-paced days of travel, the Parade of Nations, and our intense gospel competition.
The choir explored Hobbiton through a personalized tour, walking along the same paths as Bilbo and Frodo, crossing the iconic bridge where Gandalf rode into the Shire, and even stepping into the legendary Green Dragon Pub, where everyone enjoyed a (non-alcoholic!) drink in true hobbit fashion. The experience was packed with fascinating stories, from behind-the-scenes insights into the practical effects to tales of how this little corner of New Zealand became a landmark beloved by fans worldwide.
But the magic didn’t stop there. As a highlight of the day, a portion of our group had the chance to sing some of our songs amidst the lush greenery of Hobbiton! We attracted a small crowd of fellow tourists who joined in on the experience, making it a truly memorable and unique performance. We ended the day with a hearty lunch, a taste of New Zealand’s hospitality, and reflections on all we had seen and learned.
This special day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors and community. A heartfelt thank you to Scott Glaze and Fort Wayne Metals for their generosity and commitment to empowering our young choir members. Your support allowed us not only to compete on the world stage but also to experience this culturally rich, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. For our youth, exploring Hobbiton was a meaningful pause—an opportunity to appreciate New Zealand beyond Auckland, learn about its culture, and discover the beauty and creativity that make this land unique.
Thank you, Scott Glaze, and all our supporters, for making experiences like this possible. Day 3 of the Rise Up Tour was an adventure we’ll never forget, and we look forward to sharing more of this journey with you.
This special day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors and community. A heartfelt thank you to Scott Glaze and Fort Wayne Metals for their generosity and commitment to empowering our young choir members. Your support allowed us not only to compete on the world stage but also to experience this culturally rich, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. For our youth, exploring Hobbiton was a meaningful pause—an opportunity to appreciate New Zealand beyond Auckland, learn about its culture, and discover the beauty and creativity that make this land unique.
Thank you, Scott Glaze, and all our supporters, for making experiences like this possible. Day 3 of the Rise Up Tour was an adventure we’ll never forget, and we look forward to sharing more of this journey with you.
