An idyllic escape for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fans, New Zealand presents you with the charm of reel and real wonderlands from your own favourite shows. Home to some of the most mesmerising landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life, New Zealand is a breathtaking hub offering some stunning vistas. Be it the charming village of the hobbits, verdant pastures, or the dramatic Mount Doom, every picturesque scene feels like an episode straight from the land of Mordor.
Matamata: Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set
Hobbiton, in the town of Matamata, is renowned as the Hobbit homeland of the Lord of the Rings movie set. Tolkien fans can arrive, take a walk amid the lush greenery, and soak up the magical Hobbit energy.
Mount Ruapehu: Discover the Forbidden Pool
Remember “Gollum’s pool”? The Tawhai Falls on Mount Ruapehu were featured as the “Forbidden Pool’’ in The Two Towers. The falls can be reached within a short walk from the Whakapapa village and offer a captivating view.
Mount Sunday: Explore the Real Edoras
In the Lord of the Rings series, the city of Edoras, capital of Rohan, was brought to life by Mount Sunday in Canterbury. The sweeping vistas of Sunday Mountain and Ashburton Lakes are some stunning sights to behold. Though nothing remains of the once-built set, the place itself can give fans a powerful reminder of the scenery of their own favourite trilogy.
Glenorchy: Discover the Landscapes of Isengard
As you arrive at Lake Wakatipu, explore the enchanting northern slopes of Mount Earnslaw, a location that was featured in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. As you journey along the road to Paradise, you will be reminded of Lothlórien. Today, Isengard is a well-known destination for travellers on a road trip. Though the fictitious realm was artificially generated, the scenery is undeniably recognisable.
Mount Ngauruhoe: See the Landscape Behind Mount Doom
Visiting Mount Ngauruhoe offers you a glimpse of LotR’s fictitious fiery forge from the imaginative land of Mordor—Mount Doom. Nestled within Tongariro National Park, the breathtaking landscape fascinates visitors with its stunning panoramas and promises an amazing experience for seasoned hikers. You can reach Mount Ngauruhoe from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trail, making it an unforgettable adventure.
Pelorus River: Experience the Forest River
In the second Hobbit Trilogy, the desolation of Smaug, the Pelorus River was featured as the forest river. The famous scene of a barrel floating while escaping the wood-elves happened here. If you are here, enjoy the blissful scenery and dive in the river or go kayaking.
Fiordland: Explore the Landscapes of Middle-earth (Milford Sound, Manapouri, Te Anau)
New Zealand’s Fiordland served as a breathtaking filming location for both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, with its stunning landscapes showcased in Manapouri and Te Anau. Iconic sites like Fangorn, Anduin, the Dead Marshes, and Rivendell were brought to life here. When you visit New Zealand, you can immerse yourself in these legendary settings and relive your favourite moments from the films. Don’t miss Milford Sound and Mitre Peak, where cruising the serene waters is an unforgettable experience.
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