New Zealand is a must-visit destination for Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fans. The country’s stunning landscapes served as the backdrop for many scenes in the movies, and visiting these filming locations is a unique experience that no fan should miss. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at five filming locations in New Zealand and how to get to them.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Located in the small town of Matamata in the Waikato region, Hobbiton Movie Set is a must-visit for any Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan. The set was used as the backdrop for the Shire in both trilogies, and visitors can explore hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and other iconic locations from the films. To get to Hobbiton, visitors can take a bus tour from either Auckland or Rotorua.
Mount Sunday
Mount Sunday, located in Canterbury, was the filming location for Edoras, the capital city of Rohan. Visitors can hike up to the top of the hill, where they’ll be able to see stunning views of the surrounding countryside and visit the remains of the set. To get to Mount Sunday, visitors can drive from Christchurch or take a guided tour from Mount Potts Lodge.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park, located in the central North Island, was the filming location for Mount Doom, the fiery volcano where the One Ring was destroyed. Visitors can hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a challenging 19-kilometer hike that takes in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and volcanic landscapes. To get to Tongariro National Park, visitors can drive from either Wellington or Auckland or take a guided tour.
Te Anau
Te Anau, located in the South Island, was used as a filming location for the Misty Mountains. Visitors can explore the stunning Fiordland National Park, which served as the backdrop for many of the Misty Mountains scenes in the movies. To get to Te Anau, visitors can fly to Queenstown or Invercargill and then drive to Te Anau.
Deer Park Heights
Deer Park Heights, located in Queenstown, was used as the filming location for the Battle of the Wargs scene in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park and see some of the same stunning views that were featured in the film. To get to Deer Park Heights, visitors can fly to Queenstown and then take a taxi or rental car to the park.
Visiting New Zealand’s Lord of the Rings and Hobbit filming locations is an unforgettable experience for any fan of the movies. Whether you’re exploring the rolling hills of Hobbiton, hiking to the summit of Mount Doom in Tongariro National Park, or taking a tour of the Misty Mountains in Te Anau, each place offers a different, unique and breathtaking experience. Experience the magic of Middle-earth for yourself!
