It’s 25 years since cinema and fantasy storytelling changed forever, as the first instalment of Sir Peter Jackson’s epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, filmed entirely in New Zealand, hit our screens. The Fellowship of the Ring, the first of Tolkien’s novels to be given the big screen treatment was released on 10 December 2001. 3 hours long, this was immersive and thrilling cinema, telling a vivid story of good versus evil in a fictional world of wizards, elves, orks and Hobbits. Elevated by the stirring music of Howard Shore, Middle-earth was brought to life as New Zealand’s chiselled peaks, sweeping valleys and fast-flowing rivers simply shone.
2001 was also the year we launched Discover New Zealand, our dedicated travel programme offering tailor-made travel to the Land of the Long White Cloud. Though the research and the hard yards that go into launching a new destination had been ongoing for a while, our launch was perfectly timed with a boom in tourism to New Zealand. Suddenly the world could see on the big screen what we already knew – this far-flung nation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean was a powerhouse of natural beauty.
For fans of Tolkien’s sweeping saga, New Zealand is like one immense film set. With more than 150 locations used across the country over a period of 14 months, it pretty much is just that. Travelling around on a tailored self-drive you can hop from location to location discovering the country’s diversity and visual splendour from the rural pastures of the Shire to the volcanic vistas of Mordor. Read on for a pick of the locations that capture Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
Hobbiton – Matamata, North Island
The fictional home of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins is the only set constructed for the films that remains. Given a make-over for The “Hobbit” trilogy that followed on from LOTR in 2012, Hobbiton is a Qualmark endorsed visitor experience that charms even those who’ve never seen the movies. This slick tourist attraction is set into the hills of Waikato, and features Hobbit dwellings in meticulous detail. Visit Bag End and grab a drink in the Green Dragon tavern on an immersive guided tour through the 10-acre site. As a first stop on journey through middle earth, it certainly delivers.
Mt Doom – Tongariro National Park, North Island
Drive the Desert Highway past Tongariro National Park and as the conical peak of Mt Ngarahoe looms into view, there’s no mistaking the resemblance to Mount Doom. This is Mordor territory and it’s easy to picture the eye of Sauron gazing across the volcanic plains. The thermal heart of New Zealand’s North Island is home to a trio of volcanoes – Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe. With blasted volcanic rock, steep bluffs and ash, little imagination is required.
Tongariro demands a full day to explore. The renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing is full day walking trail for seasoned trekkers but there are plenty of shorter trails, both guided and independent. Tramp through native bush, rivers and volcanic terrain all the while watching out for imagined orcs.
Rivendell, Buckland Forest & the River Anduin – Wellington, North Island
In and around New Zealand’s capital city are a tranche of filming locations to thrill even the most ardent fans. To make sure you don’t miss any, join a full day tour visiting Rivendell, otherwise known as Kaitoke Regional Park, the Anduin River or Hutt River to locals and the Gardens of Isengard, that is Harcourt Park. At Mount Victoria lookout in the city, you can imagine yourself in Buckland Forest around The Shire. Visit the quarry used for the filming of Helm’s Deep in Rohan and Minas Tirith in Gondor and stroll through the gardens of historic Fernside Lodge, which was transformed into part of Lothlorien.
While New Zealand’s natural features take centre stage for much of a journey through Middle-earth, a visit to Weta Workshop sprinkles a touch of magical movie dust. Responsible for the extraordinary visual effects and countless sets and props used in the films, behind-the-scenes tours, the chance to see the props and meet some of the creative geniuses behind the magic, makes this a required experience for movie buffs. Venture into Wētā Caves for retail indulgence – collectibles, prop replicas and movie memorabilia.
The One Ring – Nelson, South Island
Sitting at the top of South Island, Nelson is worth visiting for countless reasons unrelated to Lord of the Rings. NZ’s sunniest town, it has a laid-back vibe that is easy to fall for. It’s the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park where golden sand beaches, kayaking, boat trips and one of the country’s great walks lure visitors. With all this, if you’re still wanting that Middle-earth fix, Nelson is also home to Jens Hansen, goldsmiths and designers of the One Ring.
Misty Mountains & Lothlorien – Southern Lakes, South Island
Reaching the Southern Lakes there is no doubt you are in LOTR country. Journeying into the heart of New Zealand’s high country feels like the embodiment of Tolkien’s Middle-earth. You’ll not see any sets, but such is the grandeur of the scenery, it doesn’t take much to conjure them in your minds eye.
Joining an off-road adventure tour is the best way to visit specific sites where filming took place. The stunning Remarkables range doubled as the Misty Mountains and Deer Park Heights was used for the Battle of the Wargs scenes. At Kawarau Gorge, famous for being the home of bungy in the real world, filming took place for the Argonath, the Pillars of the Kings.
At Arrowtown the loss of The One Ring at Gladden Fields was filmed and following an historic gold mining road up the Arrow River leads to the location of the dramatic Ford of Bruinen scene. Breathtaking viewpoints characterise the drive to Glenorchy along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, and beyond, the road to Paradise leads to the location for the Forest of Lothlorien, the ethereal Elven realm.
For thrills, tag on a Dart River Wilderness Jet experience and get a high-speed perspective of the spectacular scenery from the water.
Edoras & Pelennor Fields – Canterbury Plains and MacKenzie Country, South Island
Seeing the sweeping Canterbury Plains to the west of Christchurch instantly transports you to kingdom of Rohan and the setting for Edoras. Even without the extensive set, which took nine months to build, sheer-sided Mount Sunday in the high country of Ashburton looks very familiar.
Flat and uniform, the plains give way to the rolling hills of MacKenzie Country backed by New Zealand’s highest summit, Aoraki Mt Cook. Here, near the town of Twizel was the setting for the epic Battle of Pelennor Fields outside Minas Tirith in The Return of the King.
Feeling inspired?
If you loved the Lord of the Rings trilogy and subsequent Hobbit series of films, taking an journey around New Zealand is a must. The scenery is both evocative and inspiring and matched by the range of experiences available. With so many sites used across both islands, your trip should not be around pinpointing the exact locations used in filming but embracing the entire country as Tolkien’s fantasy land. As tailor made specialists, we’ll craft a New Zealand itinerary that offers the perfect balance of filmic throwbacks and classic experiences staying in your choice of accommodation along the way.
Get in touch with our Travel Specialists to tailor an adventure just for you. Call on 01737 214 250 or send an enquiry.