After visiting Hobbiton in Matamata during the day, we stayed at the Chalet for a night before doing the Glowing Adventures Cave Tour in Waitomo the next day (this schedule worked out well). My girlfriend is a biologist and absolutely loved our stay at the Big Bird B&B. They have a nice assortment of miniatured (and regular sized) animals, including Victoria, a very friendly and smart ostrich, and a miniature Scottish Highland cow. The Chalet was spacious and comfortable, although it's on the more rustic side and doesn't aim at being a luxurious stay. The ostrich breakfast omelet was tasty and I enjoyed meeting our hosts. If you are interested in animals, you will probably love the B&B!