Sometimes the best days at the United Seafarers Mission begin with a simple question.
On Saturday, 9 May, Captain Monroe Rosas from the vessel Allegra walked into the Tauranga Seafarers Centre with a request. Would it be possible to take five of his crew members to Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata — around an hour’s drive from the Port of Tauranga?
For many seafarers visiting New Zealand, shore leave opportunities can be limited. Long contracts, demanding schedules, and short port stays often mean they only see the inside of a terminal, a ship, and perhaps a nearby shopping centre. So when opportunities arise to experience something unique in Aotearoa, we try our best to make it happen.
After checking availability on the Hobbiton Movie Set Tours website, we were able to secure places for six crew members on the 2:20pm tour. With two 12-seater vehicles available at the centre, I was able to drive the crew through the beautiful Bay of Plenty countryside toward Matamata.
Since we had a little extra time before the tour began, we made a stop at McLaren Falls Park. The peaceful lake, autumn colours, and quiet surroundings provided a welcome change from life at sea. For seafarers who spend months crossing oceans and working long hours onboard, even a simple walk through nature can be refreshing.
From there, we continued on to Hobbiton, where the crew entered a world many had only ever seen in films. The tour lasted around two and a half hours, taking them through the famous movie set made popular by The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. There was plenty of laughter, photographs, and excitement as they explored the rolling hills, hobbit holes, and gardens of the Shire.
By 5pm, the crew were ready for the return journey back to Tauranga — tired, but clearly grateful for the experience.
The day did not end there.
After returning to the Seafarers Centre, Captain Rosas organised a shuttle run to Bayfair Shopping Centre so the crew could enjoy a meal together ashore. What a thoughtful gesture from a captain who clearly cares deeply for the wellbeing of his crew.
Moments like these remind us why the ministry of hospitality matters. Sometimes it is not the big things that make the greatest impact, but the opportunity to relax, explore, laugh together, and create memories far from home.
At the United Seafarers Mission, we are privileged to help make those moments possible.
Revd Iain Dickson
