New Zealand Travel Guide Lord Of The Rings
If you are a fan of the "Lord of the Rings" movies, you have probably heard that most of the scenes were shot in New Zealand. This beautiful country in the South Pacific is a dream destination for many travelers, especially those who love nature and adventure. In this article, we'll give you a comprehensive travel guide to New Zealand, with a special focus on the "Lord of the Rings" locations, so you can plan your trip and relive the magic of Middle-earth.
Why New Zealand is the perfect destination for LOTR fans
It's no coincidence that Peter Jackson chose New Zealand as the main location for his film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's famous books. New Zealand is a stunning country with a diverse and dramatic landscape, including majestic mountains, ancient forests, pristine beaches, and wild rivers. The Kiwi culture is also very welcoming and laid-back, so you'll feel at home even if you come from a different part of the world.
Moreover, New Zealand has a long tradition of adventure tourism, which means that you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, skiing, bungee jumping, and skydiving. Many of these activities can be done in the same places where the "Lord of the Rings" scenes were filmed, so you can immerse yourself in the fantasy world while having fun in the real world.
The main LOTR locations in New Zealand
If you want to visit the actual places where the "Lord of the Rings" movies were shot, you'll have to travel to different parts of New Zealand, as the locations are scattered throughout the country. Here are some of the most iconic ones:
Hobbiton
This is probably the most famous "Lord of the Rings" location in New Zealand, as it's the place where the Hobbit village was built. Hobbiton is located near the town of Matamata, in the North Island, and you can take a guided tour to explore the hobbit holes, the mill, the Green Dragon Inn, and other landmarks. The tour also includes a complimentary drink at the Inn.
Mordor
The dark and desolate land of Mordor, where Mount Doom resides, was filmed in different locations, but the most notable one is Tongariro National Park, also in the North Island. This active volcanic region has a surreal landscape of lava formations, steam vents, and turquoise lakes. You can hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19-km trail that takes you through the heart of Mordor and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Rivendell
The elven sanctuary of Rivendell, where Frodo recovered from his wound and the Council of Elrond was held, was filmed in Kaitoke Regional Park, near Wellington, in the South Island. This tranquil forest has a cool climate and a mystical atmosphere, with a suspension bridge, a waterfall, and a replica of the Rivendell archway. You can picnic, swim, or take a walk in the park and feel like you're in an enchanted land.
Edoras
The capital of Rohan, where King Théoden lived and fought against Saruman's army, was filmed in Mount Sunday, a hill in Canterbury, in the South Island. This isolated and rugged area has a panoramic view of the Southern Alps and the plains, and you can hike to the top of the hill and see the remnants of the set, including the Golden Hall and the Eorlingas flags.
Other attractions and activities in New Zealand
While the "Lord of the Rings" locations are a must-see for any fan, they are not the only reason to visit New Zealand. This country has plenty of other attractions and activities that will make your trip unforgettable. Here are some of them:
City life
New Zealand has several cities that blend modern amenities with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Auckland, the largest city, is known as the "City of Sails" for its maritime culture and has a vibrant nightlife, museums, and parks. Wellington, the capital, is a compact and artsy city with a bohemian vibe, a charming waterfront, and a cable car that takes you to a lookout point. Christchurch, despite the earthquakes that hit it in 2010 and 2011, has reinvented itself as a creative and resilient city with street art, pop-up markets, and innovative projects.
Hot springs
New Zealand is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means it has many geothermal areas with hot springs, geysers, and mud pools. Some of the most famous ones are in Rotorua, a town in the North Island that has a strong Maori culture and offers spa treatments, cultural shows, and adventure activities. You can also visit the Hot Water Beach, in the Coromandel Peninsula, where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand at low tide.
Marine wildlife
New Zealand has a rich and diverse marine life, including dolphins, whales, seals, penguins, and sea birds. You can take a boat tour or go kayaking to see these animals in their natural habitat, or even swim with them if you're brave enough. Kaikoura, in the South Island, is one of the best places for whale watching, as it has a deep trench close to the shore where the whales come to feed. The Bay of Islands, in the North Island, is a paradise for dolphins and offers cruises, kayaking, and snorkeling tours.
Conclusion
New Zealand is a magical country that has something for everyone, from the die-hard "Lord of the Rings" fans to the adrenaline junkies, the art lovers, and the nature enthusiasts. The best way to explore this land of wonder is to plan your own itinerary and take your time to savor every moment. Whether you choose to embark on an epic adventure, relax in a hot spring, or taste the local cuisine, you'll be enchanted by the beauty and diversity of New Zealand.