This blog is a diversion from the mundane ones so far and focuses on something other the basic things like hockey, accommodation or transport. This is all about something we can do on a rest day. Let's go visit Hobbiton! (Shut up, Beato!)

Auckland is supposedly the narrowest capital city in the world. East to west it is only about 8.8kms at it's widest point. This physical restriction has made the development of public transport difficult and resulted in a relatively poor public transport system, revolving primarily around buses.

Being a harbour city, ferries are an option, and a great way to see the harbour. However, they do not offer an option for travel to any of the World Masters Games venues when it comes to Hockey.

I don't know the City Lodge personally, never having needed inner city accommodation.

Located at 150 Vincent Street, it is at the upper end of the CBD, two blocks over from Queen Street, the main road running through the central city. I know it has had some very positive reviews in recent years, and from asking around, seems to be the top-rated backpackers in town.

The North Harbour Hockey Association is hosting the Hockey competition in the 2017 World Masters Games. The Association was created when the North Shore competitions split from Auckland in 1983 and is currently the second largest association in New Zealand. With three water-based turfs at the North Harbour facility, it is the largest hockey facility in New Zealand.

In April 2017, the Tassie Old Devils will be travelling across the ditch to defend the title they won in Torino in 2013. I have converted an old hockey website into a general website for the Tassie Old Devils so I can blog before and during the event.