Discover The Lord of the Rings Filming Locations | Tourism New Zealand Matamata The Shire and Hobbiton Movie Set The lush dairy farming landscape around the Waikato town of Matamata was used to portray the peaceful Shire region of Middle‑earth. The village of Hobbiton was created here. It has since been rebuilt for the filming of The Hobbit Trilogy, and will now remain as a permanent attraction. Hobbiton Movie Set, Hamilton - Waikato By Sara Orme Sheltered by tall trees, the hobbit holes at Hobbiton Movie Set are beautifully detailed. I’ll never forget that feeling of coming to Hobbiton the first time…there’s so many feelings of nostalgia and history Elijah Wood Wellington Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin, Rivendell, Osgiliath Wood, Paths of the Dead The most accessible filming location in Wellington is Mount Victoria, which is within walking distance of the central city. The forested areas of the mountain were used to depict Hobbiton Woods, where the hobbits hid from the black riders.

Other Wellington locations include the Hutt River between Moonshine and Totara Park, which played the part of the River Anduin; and Harcourt Park, which was transformed into the Gardens of Isengard. Wellington’s Kaitoke Regional Park became Rivendell, where Frodo recovered from the knife attack. The exact location - a grassy area surrounded by native forest - is signposted from the carpark. From Wellington you can drive up the west coast to Queen Elizabeth Park near Paraparaumu, which was used for filming the Nazgul and mumakil in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Further up the coast is Waitarere Forest (Osgiliath Wood), where Frodo, Sam and Gollum walked after leaving Faramir. A drive over the hills to the Wairarapa region will take you to the eerie Putangirua Pinnacles, where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli sought the Paths of the Dead. Wellington is home to Weta Workshop, Weta Digital and the Miramar film empire which is central to The Hobbit Trilogy production. While the movie business centre is off-limits to visitors, The Lord of the Rings pilgrims can experience the Weta Cave.

Kaitoke Regional Park, Wellington Nelson Home of the 'One Ring', Chetwood Forest, Dimrill Dale Nelson is home to Jens Hansen, the goldsmith responsible for creating the 40 different rings used in production. One of the original rings is on display and copies can be bought in 9 and 18ct gold. From Nelson drive west over Takaka Hill, which was the filming site for Chetwood Forest. Here the Ranger 'Strider' led the hobbits into the rough country east of Bree in an attempt to escape the Black Riders. You'll need to catch a helicopter to see where the fellowship hid from Saruman's black crows. Ask the pilot to show you Dimrill Dale - Mount Olympus and Mount Owen. From the air, you'll get an eagle's view of the region's three national parks - Abel Tasman , Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi . Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand By Active Adventures New Zealand Angelus Lakes, Nelson Lakes National Park Canterbury Edoras Nestled in the Ashburton District's high country sits Mount Sunday - a sheer-sided hill that was the set for Edoras, the main city of the Rohan people.

Nothing remains of this set, which took nine months to build, however the location still has a powerful magic. You can park your vehicle on Hakatere Potts Road and walk to the site. Nearby, Mount Potts Station offers accommodation and a restaurant. Mount Sunday (Edoras), Christchurch - Canterbury By PhillipC Mount Sunday was the location for Edoras in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Mackenzie Country Pelennor Fields Near Twizel in the Mackenzie Country, Peter Jackson filmed the epic battle of the Pelennor Fields, where thousands of orcs bred by Sauron clashed with the men of Gondor and Rohan. The grassy fields that stretch to the foothills of the mountains look exactly as described in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The location is on private land, however you can arrange a tour in the town of Twizel . Pelennor Fields, Christchurch - Canterbury By Oisín Duke Near Twizel the epic battle of the Pelennor Fields was filmed, where thousands of orcs bred by Sauron clashed with the men of Gondor and Rohan.

Southern Lakes Ford of Bruinen, Gandalf’s ride, Isengard and Lothlorien From the village of Glenorchy , at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, you can see the north-western slopes of Mount Earnslaw, which featured in the opening sequence of The Two Towers. From Glenorchy you can also discover Lothlorien - the beech forest on the road to Paradise. Another memorable location can be found near Queenstown at Arrowtown where you can walk to the Ford of Bruinen on the Arrow River; you can also walk to Wilcox Green, where the Gladden Fields scenes were filmed. From Chard Farm winery you can see a spectacular view of the Anduin and Argonath (Pillar of Kings). The Pillars were computer generated in the studio. Drive over the Crown Range Road and you’ll find yourself in the Cardrona Valley. From here you can drive to the summit of Mount Cardona (1119m) for a panoramic view of Middle‑earth. To the left are the River Anduin and the Pillars of the Argonath. In the hills straight ahead is the Dimrill Dale.

In the distance is Amon Hen on the shore of Nen Hithoel. Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka By Gilbert van Reenen An inspiring Lord of the Rings Trilogy valley in the Mount Aspiring National Park. Fiordland River Anduin, Fangorn Forest The Waiau River between Te Anau and Manapouri represented the River Anduin as the Fellowship paddled south from Lothlórien. The surrounding high peaks were used to depict the rough country south of Rivendell. To discover Fanghorn Forest, ask for directions to Takaro Road, which is near Te Anau. Both sides of the road were filmed as Fangorn Forest; remote cameras were strung from high wires to film Aragon moving through the trees. Film locations for Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) Photograph: Hobbiton An amazing achievement, three films in The Lord of the Rings trilogy filmed simultaneously, against the varied backdrops of director Peter Jackson ’s native New Zealand , standing in for Tolkien’s ‘Middle Earth’. Be aware, though, that the locations are spread over both of New Zealand ’s islands, and some are pretty inaccessible.

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring location: Welcome to Hobbiton: Matamata, North Island, New Zealand Photograph: Leanne Taylor, Matamata The private Alexander Farm, near Matamata, toward Karapiro in the Waikato area, represented the rolling, bucolic greenery of the Shire, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. In order for ‘Hobbiton ’to blend naturally into the landscape, the extensive set was planted with crops and flowers a year before the cameras rolled. Matamata, which now proudly advertises itself as Hobbiton, has a Tourist Information Centre at 45 Broadway. And the really good news is that, following the success of the films, and the making of The Hobbit , the set has been restored and extended to become a permanent attraction, where you can not only peer at the Hobbit dweiilings but also wine and dine in The Green Dragon Inn and The Shires Rest at Hobbiton Movie Set Tours , 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera.

Tongariro National Park , home to three volcanoes: Mount Ruapehu (which is still active), Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe proved ideal as the dark rand savage realm of ‘Mordor’ and ‘Mount Doom’, where the ring is forged. Whakapapa Ski Field , on the slopes of Ruapehu, supplied Middle Earth’s snowy slopes and the opening battlefield on the slopes of ‘Mount Doom’, where an alliance of men and elves defeats the armies of ‘Mordor’, and the ring is taken from Sauron. A quick detour to the South Island: the Southern Alps and the extensive glaciers of South Island became the ‘Misty Mountains’, in which the wretched Gollum hid away in his cave for 500 years with the ring. Back to the North Island. Otaki Gorge Road, in Otaki Totara Forest in the Manuwatu Region, about 45 miles north of Wellington, was used for the ‘Outer Shire’ woods and roads surrounding ‘Hobbiton’.

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring location: Isengard, the realm of Saruman: Harcourt Park, Akatarawa Road, Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand Photograph: Paul Lambert & Peter McDonald, Upper Hutt City Surprisingly, it’s in the centre of the city of Wellington itself that the four Hobbits, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin, are forced to hide under tree roots to evade the Black Rider after escaping with Farmer Maggot’s vegetables. The site was the Town Belt of Mount Victoria, a peaceful park overlooking the city centre and, incidentally, it was the first day of filming Also in Wellington was the town of ‘Bree’, where the Hobbits are supposed to meet Gandalf at the ‘Inn of the Prancing Pony’, but instead meet up with the mysterious Strider. The set was built on the abandoned army camp of Fort Dorset at Seatoun, in Wellington’s Port Nicholson harbour. There’s nothing left of ‘Bree’, but you can see the site from the beach at the end of Burnham Street.

Back north of Otaki, to Keeling Farm in the tiny country village of Manakau, where the Hobbits narrowly escape the ring wraiths by jumping onto the ‘Bucklebury Ferry’ on the ‘Brandywine River’ ferry. South of Wellington is Waiterere Forest, which became ‘Trollshaw Forest’ and and the woodlands of ‘Osgiliath’. Harcourt Park , Akatarawa Road, Upper Hutt, 20 miles north of Wellington, became’ Isengard’, the realm of the evil Saruman ( Christopher Lee ), who has an army of Orcs use ropes to pull down trees to fuel his forge (don’t worry, they were old trees shipped in and erected for the movie). In June 2002, the remains of the tree, with bolts still embedded, could still be seen. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring location: Isengard, the realm of Rivendell: Kaitoke Regional Park, Upper Hutt, New Zealand Photograph: Paul Lambert & Peter McDonald, Upper Hutt City In Kaitoke Regional Park , about 8 miles from Upper Hutt City, the elvish realm of ‘Rivendell’ was built.

This is where Frodo recovers from his wound and the Fellowship is formed. The ‘Silverlode River’ and Galadriel’s swan-boat also filmed here. The ‘Great River Anduin’ is the Hutt River between Moonshine Bridge and Poets Park (rail: Wallaceville). Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring location: The White Bridge in the woods of Lothlorien: Fernside Lodge, Featherston, Wairapa, New Zealand Photograph: Fernside Lodge, Featherston The woods of ‘Lothlorien’, where Frodo gets help and advice from elf queen Galadriel ( Cate Blanchett ), are the gardens of Fernside Lodge , a homestead inn about two miles from Featherston, Wairarapa, about 40 miles east of Wellington. Here you can see the White Bridge. And, yes, you can stay here. On New Zealand ’s South Island you’ll find ‘Chetwood Forest’ near ‘Bree’, where the Hobbits first flee, which was filmed on Takaka Hill, between Golden and Tasman Bay near Nelson.

Mount Olympus, in Golden Bay in Kahurangi National Park , provided scenes in the ‘Eregion Hills’ and the rough country south of ‘Rivendell’. Mount Owen became the ‘Dimrill Dale’ hillside and ‘Chetwood Forest’. The spectacular Fiordland region, on the western coast, supplied several locations: ‘Weathertop’ camp, where the ring wraiths catch up with the Hobbits and Frodo is stabbed in the shoulder, is Te Anau. The Arrowtown Recreational Reserve, 15 miles northeast of Queenstown, which was used for the ‘West Road’, ‘Eregion Hills’ and the ‘Misty Mountains’. The ‘Ford of Bruinen’, where Arwen ( Liv Tyler ) challenges the wraiths “If you want Frodo, come and claim him!, before they are washed away in a flash flood, was filmed on the Shotover River near Arrowtown. Kawarau Gorge , on the Kawarau River, was the site of the ‘Argonath’, the gigantic statues of the two kings of Gondor past which the Fellowship sails.

Wanaka, to the north, on the banks of the Clutha River: the golden plains, where the Black Riders search for Frodo and Orcs attack the Fellowship. Closeburn, about ten minutes drive west from Queenstown on Geary Road, became the summit of ‘Amon Hen’ (the actual summit filming site isn’t accessible), where Bilbo takes his leave of Strider and the fellowship after Boromir begins to succumb to the ring’s power. The Paradise area, near the tiny township of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu toward the south of the South Island, became ‘Lothlorien Woods’ in the Elven realm of ‘Lorien’, the site of the battle, where Boromir is fatally wounded in the battle with the Orcs and Merry and Pippin are captured. In the Nelson area, Mavora Lakes Park, about 30 miles south of Lake Wakatipu in the Green Stone National Park, became ‘Nen Hithoel’, where Orcs chase the Hobbits out of the bush and into boats on the lake, and Frodo saves Sam from drowning.

Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring Lord of the Rings - Outdoor Travel Adventures Lord of the Rings 10 Days of New Zealand's Famous Sites Print Page Vacation Itinerary *Call for custom pricing Day 1: Arrive Auckland. You will be met at Auckland airport and transferred to your city accommodation. This afternoon take to the waters of the Waitemata Harbour for a short sailing excursion. Stay: Skycity Hotel Auckland (1 night) Day 2: Auckland to Matamata, Rotorua Collect your rental vehicle this morning and drive to Matamata. Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings and forthcoming 'Hobbit' movies. Upon completion of your tour of the set you will return to The Shires Rest to enjoy the Sheep Farm Experience. Continue to Rotorua. Stay: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (2 nights) Day 3: Rotorua. Explore the Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu Eco Thermal Parks with a local naturalist guide. The two parks offer a variety of thermal activity.

You will see volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pools and hot springs. This afternoon enjoy an indigenous evening experience of cultural storytelling, entertainment and Maori Kai (indigenous food). Day 4: Rotorua to Tongariro National Park – Wellington Pass through Taupo on your way south where you will enter the Desert Road and the Tongariro National Park. Take time to visit Tawhai Falls, the beech and toatoa-lined river tumbling over an ancient lava flow into a rock pool can easily be imagined as Henneth Annun. Perhaps take a short helicopter flight into the heart of Mordor or visit Whakapapa Ski Field for further Mordor locations (own expense). You will also see The Grand Chateau where the Lord of the Rings team stayed. Continue your journey through farmlands to New Zealand’s capital city – Wellington. Stay: Museum Art Hotel Wellington (2 nights) Day 5: Wellington.

This full day Lord of the Rings tour visits all of the filming locations from Rivendell where Frodo recovered fr om his knife attack; the Anduin River where the Fellowship voyaged to Amon Hen; the river where Aragorn was washed ashore after the attack of the Wargs - just to name a few. Visit the site of Lothlorien - the majestic Fernside Lodge. In 2000 Fernside’s lake was transformed into part of Lothlorien, and then to the Gladden fields. You will see where Smeagol and Deagol forught for the Ring right at lake-side. Fernside’s white bridge is a reminder of the bridge of Lothlorien. This tour also visits the district of Miramar. Miramar is production central and the home of Peter Jackson and many of the cast and crew. You will also visit the Weta Cave for unique souvenirs and an exclusive video of behind-the-scenes at Weta Workshop. Day 6: Wellington – Queenstown This morning return your rental vehicle and fly to Queenstown (flight not included). Once in Queenstown, collect your South Island vehicle and make your way to your accommodation. Stay: Hotel St.

Moritz Queenstown (4 nights) Day 7: Queenstown. Join the Dart River Wilderness Safari which allows you to discover and explore every aspect of this magnificent area through a combination of exciting wilderness jet boating, informative guided walk and picturesque back-country 4WD. Your will enjoy a guided walk through ancient native Beech forest where you’ll be fascinated by our unique flora and fauna as well as discover why New Zealand is in a very real sense the ‘Ark’ of ancient Gondwanaland. Journey by 4WD safari vehicle along a back-country route, stopping to view some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international movies, including The Lord of the Rings. In the afternoon, join Nomad Safaris and explore the magical side of New Zealand and understand why this beautiful country was chosen to portray Middle-earth. The Queenstown area featured prominently in the filming of the incredibly popular Lord of the Rings trilogy. Today, your Safari of the Scenes tour combines a true 4WD tour with film locations from the LOTR trilogy. Day 8: Queenstown. Enjoy a return scenic cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak across Lake Wakatipu onboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw.

On arrival at Walter Peak Station board a minibus and travel along the scenic back road to Mavora Lakes and take time to explore the beech forest, swing bridges and Lord of the Rings locations. A picnic lunch is included. On arrival back at Walter Peak you will join a guided farm tour. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead before boarding the TSS Earnslaw for the return cruise to Queenstown. Day 9: Queenstown at leisure. Today is free to explore this alpine resort. Known as the ‘adventure capital’ of New Zealand and possibly the world, Queenstown has so much to offer including jet boat rides, para punting, hot air ballooning, river rafting, and much more. Or enjoy a scenic helicopter flight (Lord of the Rings & Glacier Explorer) – minimum 4 passengers to operate. Come fly through the land where many parts of the Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed along with the chance to fly with our most experienced pilot, Alfie Speight, who was the principle filming pilot for the series. Fly along the Shotover River to the scene where Arwen turns to face the Nazgul at the Ford of Bruinen.

Fly over the mountain range from the opening scene of The Two Towers on the way to landing on a glacier alongside the Misty Mountains and get a sense of what it might be like to cross The Redhorn Pass. Head across to Glenorchy via the Dart Valley and Mt Earnslaw to see the natural features you may better recognise as Isengard, Amon Hen and Lothlorien. Experience a second landing amongst one of these scenes to truly feel immersed in Middle-earth. Day 10: Depart Queenstown Your tour finishes this morning when you return your car to the rental car depot at Queenstown Airport. Connect with your onward flights. (not included) Trip Includes: Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook Auckland Meet & Greet/private transfer to hotel Pride of Auckland sailing Skycity Hotel, 1 night B&B in Premier room Rental of Compact Auto rental car, standard rates for Akl/Rot & Queenstown Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Millennium Hotel, 2 nights B&B in a Club room 2 nights B&B in a Harbour view room Flat Earth tours, full day movie tour Hotel St.

Moritz, 4 nights B&B in a lake view room Dart River Safaris, Wilderness Safari Nomad Safaris, Safari of the Scenes Real Journeys Movora Lakes tour Not Included: Discover Lord of the Rings Film Locations // InterCity Matamata The Shire and Hobbiton Movie Set Tucked away on picturesque private farmland near Matamata in the North Island's Waikato region is the set of Hobbiton, which draws visitors from around the world for guided tours to see the famous 'Hobbit holes', along with the Mill and The Green Dragon. The set is on a working sheep and beef farm, just a short distance from the township of Matamata, a quintessentially rural Kiwi town, known for its thoroughbred industry and dairy farming. Getting to Matamata InterCity operates daily buses to Matamata from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua, with excursions including a two-hour guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set. Full day excursions start from just $139 per person - Learn more.. GreatSights New Zealand operates premium daily sightseeing tours to Hobbiton from Auckland and Rotorua to the Hobbiton. Learn more...

Mt Ruapehu Gollum's Fishing Pool, Emyn Muil and Mordor There are several locations around the Mt Ruapehu region that were used during the filming of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, including Gollum's Pool. Getting to Ruapehu InterCity operates multiple daily bus services from across the North Island to the Ruapehu region, including Taupo to the north and National Park to the east. Search for fares and timetables now and book online. Wellington Helm's Deep, Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin, Rivendell, Osgiliath Wood and Paths of the Dead The most accessible filming location in Wellington is Mount Victoria , which is within walking distance of the central city. The forested areas of the mountain were used to depict Hobbiton Woods, where the hobbits hid from the black riders. Other Wellington locations include the Hutt River between Moonshine and Totara Park , which played the part of the River Anduin; and Harcourt Park , which was transformed into the Gardens of Isengard. Wellington’s Kaitoke Regional Park became Rivendell, where Frodo recovered from the knife attack.

The exact location - a grassy area surrounded by native forest - is signposted from the carpark. To the north of the city on the west coast to Paraparaumu and Queen Elizabeth Park which was used for filming the Nazgul and mumakil in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Further up the coast is Waitarere Forest (Osgiliath Wood), where Frodo, Sam and Smeagol walked after leaving Faramir. Wellington is also home to Weta Workshop, Weta Digital and the Miramar film empire, which is central to The Hobbit Trilogy production. While the movie business centre is off-limits to visitors, The Lord of the Rings pilgrims can experience the Weta Cave . Getting to Wellington InterCity operates daily buses to Wellington from across the North Island. Search for fares and timetables and book online - no credit card required. Nelson The Rings, Chetwood Forest and Dimrill Dale Nelson is home to Jens Hansen, the goldsmith responsible for creating the 40 different rings used in production. One of the original rings is on display and you can even buy copies of the ring in either 9 and 18ct gold.

North of Nelson is Takaka Hill , which was the filming site for Chetwood Forest. It was here that the Ranger 'Strider' led the hobbits into the rough country east of Bree in an attempt to escape the Black Riders. Getting to Nelson InterCity operates daily buses to Nelson from Picton and Christchurch . Use the fare finder opposite to search for fares and timetables. Canterbury Pelennor Fields and Rohan Near Twizel in the Mackenzie Country, Peter Jackson filmed the epic battle of the Pelennor Fields, where thousands of orcs bred by Sauron clashed with the men of Gondor and Rohan. The grassy fields that stretch to the foothills of the mountains look exactly as described in The Lord of the Rings. The location is on private land, however you can arrange a tour in the town of Twizel. Getting to Canterbury InterCity operates daily services to Twizel from Queenstown and Christchurch . Queenstown and Southern Lakes Misty Mountains, Ford of Bruinen, Pillar of the Kings and Gandalf's Ride The Remarkables, the spectacular mountain range overlooking Queenstown, was used for scenery in Lord of the Rings and as the Misty Mountains in The Hobbit.

From Glenorchy located at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, you can see the north-western slopes of Mount Earnslaw, which featured in the opening sequence of The Two Towers. In Arrowtown you can walk to the Ford of Bruinen on the Arrow River and also Wilcox Green, where the Gladden Fields scenes were filmed. The Chard Farm winery provides views of the Anduin and Argonath (Pillar of Kings); however, the actual Pillars were computer generated in the studio. Speargrass Flat north of Queenstown and Wanaka comprised the Lonelands. Hobbiton: The Hobbit Trilogy Filming Locations | Tourism New Zealand The Hobbit Trilogy filming locations You are here Home of Middle‑earth › The Hobbit Trilogy filming locations The Hobbit Trilogy was filmed entirely in New Zealand, throughout locations in both the North and South Islands. Add to Wishlist North Island Locations Hobbiton The rolling hills of The Shire were once again brought to life near Matamata, where Hobbiton was re-built for The Hobbit Trilogy. Also used in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Hobbiton has remained open as an attraction for Middle‑earth fans.

Enjoy peering over a Hobbit’s front gate, dancing under the party tree or swigging back a beer at The Green Dragon Inn. Don't miss a visit to Hobbiton Movie Set - booking in advance is recommended. Gandalf in Hobbiton, Hamilton - Waikato By Warner Bros Gandalf in Hobbiton Piopio The looming cliffs, unusual limestone rock formations and prehistoric forest at Mangaotaki Rocks in Piopio looks as if it has been created especially to form the backdrop for Middle‑earth. This area provided the location for Trollshaws Forest and Staddles Farm where a number of scenes from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey were shot; including The Company arriving at a destroyed farmhouse, the exit from the Troll Hoard Cave, Gandalf bestowing Sting upon Bilbo, Radagast's arrival and the Gundabad Wargs and Orcs attack. Experience the exact filming locations for yourself with Hairy Feet Waitomo Scenic Film Location Tours , where you'll join a guided tour and experience the movie making magic for yourself.

Piopio, Hamilton - Waikato The Mangaotaki Rocks, near Piopio, featured in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey as Trollshaws Forest Turoa, Ruapehu The rocky slopes and grassy tussock of Turoa in Ruapehu was the setting for Hidden Bay, the entrance to the Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Turoa is a popular ski field on Mt Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park. The area is also known for its breathtaking cycling and hiking trails, including The Tongariro Crossing which is considered one of the best one day walks in the world. Crew filmed here for one day, in which giant scaffolding was built down to the site in order to protect native flora and fauna on the mountain. Tongariro Crossing, Ruapehu Views along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. South Island Locations Twizel Twizel's alpine magic was captured on-film in both The Hobbit:An Unexpected Journey and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Part of the Wargs chase was filmed here; and the largest battle scene ever - the Battle of the Pelennor Fields - was set in a remote Twizel field. Twizel is home to a charming mountain town, and a road trip around the local area will give you a feel for the spectacular scenes that were filmed here. Loch Cameron, Christchurch - Canterbury Serenity at Loch Cameron in Twizel. Mount Cook Mount Cook and it's surrounding alpine peaks are used in the backdrop of some of the aerial filming in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Visit Aoraki Mount Cook National Park for a range of walking tracks and scenic views. Mount Cook, Christchurch - Canterbury By Rob Suisted Mount Cook and it's surrounding alpine peaks are used in the backdrop of some of the aerial filming in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Queenstown One of the most magical locations in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey; Earnslaw Burn is a glacier that has created a number of cascading waterfalls that tumble down a huge rock face. Here, Bilbo and The Company are filmed continuing on their quest after departing Rivendell.

The Earnslaw Burn Track - beginning in Glenorchy - is a challenging 4-hour hike that rewards with spectacular views at the head of the valley over the glacier and beyond. Passburn was used for the approach to Misty Mountains and Passburn Track on the Mavora Walkway - one section of New Zealand’s national walkway Te Araroa - is open to the public. Beorn's House, Queenstown Beorn's House Wanaka The world-class ski area of Treble Cone was another filming location, and is famous for its off-piste terrain and unrivalled views across Wanaka and the Central Otago region. The skifield is abuzz during winter months and has the longest vertical run in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Alpine Peaks in the Wanaka region was also described as 'Wild Country' for the first film and provided the backdrop for soaring eagles. Treble Cone, Wanaka The world-class ski area of Treble Cone was another filming location. Nelson New Zealand’s sunniest region, Nelson , provided the backdrop for several locations in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The exact locations were filmed on private property, but visitors can get a good feel for these locations with a horse trek.

Ride across neighbouring private farmland to the dramatic cliff drop which offers spectacular coastal views over Golden Bay. Horse trekking, Nelson Take a horse trek in Nelson for spectacular coastal views Pelorus River, Marlborough Peter Jackson chose the Pelorus River to film the dwarves in barrels scene that appears in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Here, the dwarves were filmed floating in giant barrels down the river. Stephen Hunter, who played dwarf Bombur, called this experience 'his favourite day on set'. You can experience this exact location for yourself with an easy riverside walk, or take a guided kayak tour . Barrel scene, Marlborough Barrel scene filmed on the Pelorus river. Fiordland National Park Both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogies used the majestic Fiordland National Park for epic scenic shots. The scene where The Company flees the mountains on the backs of eagles in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was filmed here also. Experience giant fiords and spectacular waterfalls with a helicopter flight or boat cruise. The grasslands of Te Anau Downs provided the backdrop for chase scenes, while Mararoa Saddle doubled as the wildlands which Thorin leads the dwarves through.

Kayaking Milford Sound, Fiordland Experience the grandeur of Milford Sound up-close on a kayak tour. Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook Stunning Lake Pukaki was chosen as the location for Laketown in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Glacial lakes feed into Lake Pukaki giving the water its vibrant blue colour. The lake is also a favourite fishing, walking and cycling spot, while the snowcapped Mt Cook overlooking the lake is busy with skiers during the winter months. Braemar Station at Lake Pukaki was used in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey to portray epic scenic shots, the 'Warg Chase' and approach to Rivendell. The property was also used for the forest slopes of Misty Mountains. Lake Town, Christchurch - Canterbury Lord of the Rings New Zealand Lord of the Rings - New Zealand Featured Tour Visit Red Carpet Tours Web site New Zealand is known as Middle Earth for its Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. New Zealand born Peter Jackson filmed the entire six films in various locations around New Zealand.

This Academy Award winning trilogy of films (four Oscars for The Fellowship of the Ring, two Oscars for The Two Towers and 11 Oscars for The Return of the King - including Best Film and Best Director awards) showcased the skills of the cast and crew. One of the big winners however is New Zealand. It took two years to film the LOTR trilogy but millions of years to build the sets. Click here for more on the Oscars . New Zealand has recreated Middle Earth in six films: Featuring scenic videos of what there is to see and do in New Zealand's top tourist areas... more Price: NZ$24.95 (FREE DELIVERY - Worldwide) New Line Cinema , owned by the Time Warner Group, has financed the trilogy, said to have cost more than $640 million. It is the first time an entire feature film trilogy has been filmed all at once with the same director and cast, making it one of the longest and most massive productions in movie-making history. Middle Earth is New Zealand For Peter Jackson, choosing New Zealand to shoot his three Tolkien films was logical.

It was not just because he lives there, and the capital city Wellington (Wellywood) is home to his hi-tech digital studios Weta Digital and his film company Three Foot Six. It was because Jackson knew what other international film-makers have been discovering in the last few years, that "New Zealand is the best country in the world to shoot this film, because of the variety of locations we have". Jackson and his team scoured New Zealand for the most beautiful and diverse areas. The rolling hills of Matamata became Hobbiton, while the volcanic region of Mt Ruapehu transformed into the fiery Mt. Doom where Sauron forged The Ring, and Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, was the setting for numerous scenes including the Eregion Hills, and the Pillars of Argonath. Click here for more about Lord of the Rings film locations . Kiwi Creativity and Environmentally Friendly Filming Jackson's special effects team turned New Zealand's already impressive landscape into a magical Middle Earth with the help of ground breaking digital computer wizardry, adding buildings and mountains where they have never been. New Zealand's creative talent came from far and wide.

Around 2,000 people were employed during production; artisans including prop builders, set creators, make up artists and costume designers worked like elves to create Middle Earth. Kiwis Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger and their Weta Workshop team made tens of thousands of props, including armour, weaponry, household items, and 1,600 pairs of prosthetic feet and ears. Many of their sculptors and other staff have stayed on to produce Lord of the Rings collectable models. The Lord of the Rings was filmed over 274 days, using 350 purpose-built sets in more than 150 locations all over New Zealand (including 30 Department of Conservation sites). The use of conservation sites and National Parks meant Jackson had to employ a specialist lawyer to gain consent to film in protected areas. Filming in National Parks meant plants were uprooted to make room for the set, temporarily housed in big custom-made nurseries, then replanted at the end of the shoot. In Queenstown, the site of heavy battle scenes in The Lord of the Rings, up to 1100 people were on set each day. To protect plants from foot traffic, a massive amount of red carpet was laid.

Location people also had to make sure they didn't destroy cultural symbols. Kiwi Country New Zealand HD DVD (High Definition DVD) (Compatible with Blu-Ray Hi-Definition DVD players) Covering all leading tourist attractions and free sights from North Cape to Milford Sound, Kiwi Country New Zealand is your complete HD DVD collector's edition of our beautiful country... more Price: NZ$39.95 (FREE DELIVERY - Worldwide) The Stars Thousands of extras were brought in to join the internationally renowned cast of actors which includes Elijah Wood (Frodo), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Liv Tyler (Arwen) and Cate Blanchett (Galadriel). With New Zealand's capital, Wellington, home base for the stars for months on end, locals quickly got used to star spotting. The sight of "surfing hobbits" wasn't unusual with Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan (Merry Brandybuck), Sean Astin (Sam) and Billy Boyd (Pippin Took) among those who regularly took to New Zealand's numerous quality surf breaks.

Tours - Lord of the Rings Tours in New Zealand The popularity of Lord of the Rings has seen New Zealand tourism companies offer a wide range of tours that cover location sites and general sightseeing or adventure activities. For Tolkien fans and those with just a mild interest, these tours vary in length with many personalised Lord of the Rings options available. Check out the LOTR tour options now. The Department of Conservation also provides detailed information on Lord of the Rings' locations in New Zealand , including GPS co-ordinates, links to Google maps, access roads, scene references and information about the DOC parks and reserves where filming took place. The Wizard of New Zealand The Wizard of New Zealand is also the Archwizard of Canterbury, a "living work of art" at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Robert MacDougall Art Gallery, and "Cosmologer" at the University of Melbourne. Also the founder of the Imperial British Conservative Party. Born in 1932 in London, England as Ian Brackenbury Channell, he was appointed Wizard of the University of New South Wales by the Vice Chancellor and Students' Union in 1969.

His maiden speech in Cathedral Square in Christchurch, New Zealand on September 17, 1974 was greeted with derision and eggs, later ones by objections from the City Council, but after many battles with bureaucracy he is now an institution and tourist attraction. One of his pet peeves is filling out census forms, which he has tried to escape by such means as travelling off-shore in a small boat or by "magically disappearing" at the time of the census. He also claims that the traditional world views are incorrect, proposing the Upside-Down World, with Antartica and South at the top of the map, and the Inside-Out Universe, which inverts all dimensions and measurements. On October 6, 1990 he was proclaimed Wizard of New Zealand by the then Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mike Moore. He has also been known as The Wizard of Christchurch or simply The Wizard. The legacy of the Lord of the Rings In 2004: Six percent of visitors to New Zealand (around 120,000 -150,000 people) cite The Lord of the Rings as being one of the main reasons for visiting New Zealand.

One per cent of visitors said that the Lord of the Rings was their main or only reason for visiting. This one per cent related to approximately NZ$32.8m in spend 63,200 visitors participated in a Lord of the Rings activity while here. 9,988 international tourists did a group tour for LOTRs fans 20,251 international tourists did an organised tour that included a LOTR site 29,233 international tourists visited a LOTR site independently Since 2004, an average 47,000 international visitors each year have visited a film location. Source: International Visitor Survey The Hobbit Movies The Hobbit film trilogy are the latest in the series of movies to be created by Wellywood/Peter Jackson. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was released in December 2012, and the sequels, which will be known as The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, with the final part known as The Hobbit: There and Back Again, will follow in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was nominated for 3 Academy Awards, and 3 BAFTA Awards, and grossed over $1 billion in the box office. Top three Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand - Finding the Universe Top three Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand The entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, as imagined by Peter Jackson in the film adaption of the books , serves as a highly effective tourism advert for New Zealand. Having seen all the films, and being a bit of a Tolkien fan, it was inevitable that New Zealand would make it onto my list of places I must visit. And so it happened that I spent a year travelling around New Zealand in 2010/2011 I wanted to visit as many of the real life locations from the films as I could, both because they looked stunning in the films, so should look stunning in real life, and because, well, I’m a bit of a geek. If you are looking for resources that can help you find the filming locations for yourself, then head to the end of the post. Otherwise, here are three of my favourite real life Lord of the Rings filming locations that no fan should miss when visiting New Zealand.

Tongariro National Park – The land of Mordor If you were only able to visit one real life Lord of the Rings location in New Zealand, then the Tongariro National Park has to be it. This was the main setting for the land of Mordor, and is home to phenomenal scenery. The highlight of the area has to be Mount Ngauruhoe which was used as the stand in for Mount Doom – the place where the one ring was forged and then (spoiler alert!) ultimately destroyed by the hobbits. It’s hard not to be impressed by this incredibly conical 2000 year old mountain peak, which is essentially a gigantic mound of ash. You can climb Mount Doom / Ngauruhoe, from the car park it is a five to six hour return walk. Be aware though that this is not a simple task – the entire cone is largely constructed of soft ash, so is somewhat akin to climbing a sand dune. Down is far easier than up. The views from the top though rival any view you can get in New Zealand. As well as Mount Doom there are a whole range of other locations in the area.

Most notable of these is the Emyn Muil area, which was filmed on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, the north island’s highest peak. Finding this location is easy – park in the car park at the “top of the Bruce”, a short drive from Whakapapa viallage, and head to the bottom of the chair lift. Walk a bit further past the chair lift and you come to a giant rock outcrop known the wall. It was in this area that Sam and Frodo wandered in circles at the beginning of the Two Towers before Gollum rescued them. This part of the film was cleverly shot so as not to reveal that the hobbits at this point, location wise, were only a stones throw from Mount Doom itself. If Mount Doom and Emyn Muil aren’t enough for you, then you might also want to head round to the other side of Mount Ruapehu and take in the Mangawhero Falls, up from the town of Ohakune. The pool at the very top of these falls was where Gollum caught a fish . I know, not exactly Oscar winning stuff, but included for completeness.

Finally, if you have a four wheel drive vehicle then you could venture to the Tukino ski field, on the eastern side of the Tongariro National Park, which formed the plains of Gogoroth, not to mention the Black Gate. Phew. As you can see, there are enough locations in this area to keep you occupied for a couple of days. The desolation and majesty of the volcanic landscape here is truly awe inspiring in it’s beauty, and it is remarkably easy to imagine the place full of orcs and the fires of Mordor. Not to be missed. Hobbiton Unfortunately, the piece of paper that I signed when I visited Hobbiton was rather specific as to the particular method of death I would be put to if I shared anything from my visit to the set of the Hobbiton village. Something about hobbits appearing out of the vortices of time and painful evisceration. I’ll update this post when the NDA lifts, at some point in 2012. Update - the NDA has been lifted! Check out my thoughts and photos from the Hobbiton film set tour!

Anyway, this is the location of the Hobbiton set, which is on a farm in the middle of nowhere. For a long while after the filming of the first three films this was nothing more than a series of decaying bits of plywood, as one of the stipulations of the original filming contract was that all locations be returned to their natural state after filming. However, after multiple geeks trudged across the land to get a glimpse of the set location, the farm owners realised that perhaps some infrastructure was required. When it started the tour was a walk around some fields, a large tree, a lake, and some moulding bits of wood. Good for die hard fans, but perhaps not what folks were hoping for. With the advent of the new Hobbit movie however, that has all changed. Essentially, if you are even the mildest fan of the trilogy, or just want to see some funky film related stuff, I can highly recommend taking a visit. In all my time in New Zealand, I never spoke to anyone who was disappointed in the tour . Just pay the money and do it. You won’t regret it.

The Putangirua Pinnacles – The Paths of the Dead Not too far away from Wellington, on the bottom tip of the north island, are the Putangirua Pinnacles - a small national park made up of a weird series of rock pinnacles, formed by water erosion over countless years. These pinnacles were the setting for the roads of the dead , which Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas walked to wake the army of the dead in Return of the King. Whilst this was only a small part of the film, I can highly recommend a visit to these pinnacles purely for atmosphere. Perfect for visiting in the rain, they are easy to imagine as being haunted by spirits of a lost time. Afficiandos of Peter Jacksons other work may also recognise the pinnacles from his earlier gore fest Braindead (known as Dead Alive in America for some reason), as these Pinnacles featured as the location the rat monkey came from. Clearly Mr J has a soft spot for this park. Resources for finding filming locations There are a number of ways to find the filming locations for the Lord of the Rings.

One of the best options is to buy the official film location guidebook by Ian Brodie from Amazon.com (also available on Amazon UK ), which comes with full directions, photos and GPS co-ordinates. There is also a version of the above book, newly published for the Hobbit movies, which you can grab off Amazon here . Between those you will be well equipped for discovering every nook and cranny of the filming locations! If you’re not into spending money to sate your thirst, there are a number of other options. New Zealand’s department of conservation lists GPS co-ordinates for the majority of locations which were filmed in national parks, which you can find on their website . A Google search for filming locations will also bring up fan compiled lists of GPS co-ordinates. Bear in mind however that a large proportion of the scenes were filmed on private land, and so are inaccessible. Others have suffered as a result of the passage of time, so are no longer even vaguely recognisable from the films – information which a set of GPS co-ordinates fails to convey. Still, it makes for a fun day out trying to find them.

Finally, there are of course a number of companies offering Lord of the Rings tours from a variety of locations and lasting from half a day to multi-day experiences . I have heard good things about these from fellow travellers, and they certainly save you mucking about with trying to figure out what happened where! Handy if you're on a limited time schedule! And that is that for my top three Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand. I visited a whole wealth of other locations in New Zealand from the films, including Rivendell , multiple sections of the River Anduin , the mountains used as the beacon fires , the mountain pass over Moria and more, but these three listed here were the three I would recommend as being worth the effort. Let me know if I’ve missed your favourite out! Thanks for reading my five favourite things to do on the south island of New Zealand! Got a favourite that you think I missed out? Let me know in the comments below! nzmustdo,travel,photography Lord of the Rings Locations Tweets by @virtualoceania Lord of the Rings Locations The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed entirely in New Zealand. There were as many as nine individual units filming in the remotest and scenic areas.

Since the release of Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring, many die hard Lord of the Rings fans have come to New Zealand to seek out the spectacular locations. Below is a guide to these locations with instructions on how to get there. Amon Hen An inaccessible location close to Closeburn was the location for Amon Hen. Closeburn is 8km from Queenstown . The area where the filming took place was in a Pine forest on a peninsula located on the shore of Lake Wakatipu . Bree Fort Dorset in the Wellington suburb of Seatoun was the location for Bree. The exact location is an old army base on Burnham St. The army base has now been demolished and plots of land are now for sale. Another area was the Miramar Peninsula which is close by. Both areas are very close to the coast of the Wellington harbour. The nearby Chocolate Fish Cafe at Scorching Bay , is where the actors often had lunch and coffee. Chetwood Forest Takaka Hill is the location for Chetwood Forest.

From Motueka, you head toward Kaiteriteri which is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park , but instead of entering the park, you climb up the 972 metre summit of Takaka Hill. You can also access Takaka Hill by road when heading toward the Totoranui end of Abel Tasman National Park. Takaka hill is the only place in the world except for Italy where you can find rocky marble outcrops. Dimrill Dale Mount Owen at the southern end of the Kahurangi National Park was the setting for Drimdale. This mountain is located near Nelson , which is a big artsy town home to many of the crafts people who created the film props. Close to Nelson is New Zealand's most popular National Park named the Abel Tasman . The park has a 31-mile trail that cuts through coastal forests and some of the most scenic beaches in New Zealand. Edoras Mt Sunday was the location for Edoras and Meduseld. There is no access to Mt Sunday, but nearby Mt Potts, a high country station provides views. Mt Potts offers accommodation and has a restaurant and you can see Mt Sunday near the entrance.

Mt Sunday is a rocky outcrop on the Canterbury Plains next to the Southern Alps located in the Rangitata River valley in Ashburton district, around 2.5 hours drive inland from Christchurch. The Canterbury Plains is the largest plain in New Zealand and the Southern Alps is the biggest mountain chain in Australasia. These mountains are bigger in area than the European Alps. Fangorn Forest and Nen Hithoel The Mavora Lakes was the location for Fangorn Forest and Nen Hithoel. The lakes are situated off the Te Anau Highway pass Mossburn or you can take an unpaved road near Te Anau which takes about 45 minutes by car. Just before the turn off to Mavora Lakes, you will see the Fangorn Forest to your left. The township of Te Anau is the gateway to to the spectacular Fiordland National Park . Ford of Bruinen The Ford of Bruinen is located in Arrowtown which is twenty minutes from Queenstown . The Ford is a stone throw from the centre of Arrowtown. From the main street you just need to walk to the nearby river bank and walk up stream for about 200 meters.

The scene where the river was flooded was filmed in a different location, namely the Shotover River at Skippers Canyon. Forest River Pelorous River was the location for 'Forest River' in The Desolation of Smaug. This was the scene where the dwarves escaped in barrells down a river and onto a sandy shore. Pelorous River was chosen for its solid rock shoreline, forest, and sandy beach. With great forest walks and crystal clear water, The area is a favourite for families who come here to enjoy walks, picnics, and swimming. Helms Deep A quarry on the Western Hutt Road in Wellington was the location for Helms Deep. Head north down the Western Hutt Road (highway) toward Upper Hutt and you will see the quarry just before the Paramata turn off. Hobbiton The town of Matamata in the Waikato was the setting for Hobbiton. This area of New Zealand is one of the richest agricultural and pastoral areas in the world and is characterized as a large fertile basin through which the Waikato river (the longest in New Zealand) flows. Most travelers comment on how green the grass is and this provided the ideal background for Hobbiton.

Isengard Gardens and the Orc Tree Harcourt Park on the Akatarawa Road in Upper Hutt about 20 minutes from Wellington City was the location for Isengard Gardens and the Orc Tree. The Akatarawa Road cuts through the Rimutaka Mountains here and provides access between the Hutt Valley and the Kapiti Coast. A scenic drive through here takes you pass densely forest hills with coastal views at the Kapiti end. Ithilien Camp Ohakune was the location for Ithilien Camp. Ohakune a centre for skiing in the North Island is located on the edge of the Tongaririo National Park and close to Mt Ruapehu , the highest peak in the North Island. The exact location for Ithilien Camp is a short drive from Ohakune toward the Turoe Ski Field also known as the Ohakune Mountain Road Scenic Drive. Keep going till you pass the Mangawhero Falls and you will see some nearby native bush where some of the filming took place. Lothlorien and the Gladden Fields Fernside was the location for Lothlorien and the Gladden Fields. Fernside is a Country House that offers accommodation and cannot be accessed unless you stay as a guest.

Fernside is located on State Highway 2 just three kilometer's north of Featherston. The main road gate is marked with large sign on the north side of the highway (left driving towards Masterton from Featherston). Fernside is a little under an hour from Wellington by road via the scenic Rimutaka Rd. Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu was also used as the location for some scenes. Mordor Whakapapa Ski Field on Mt Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park was the location for Mordor. To get there go to Waiouru in the Central Plateau on SH1 and then turn left and go to Ohakune. Keep going through Ohakune to National Park. Turn right at the BP station, following the signs to Whakapapa. From Auckland go SH1 to Turangi and then follow the signs to National Park except turn up to Whakapapa just before National Park. Misty Mountains The mountains behind Glenorchy, a village at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown was the location for the Misty Mountains.

Glenorchy is very close to Queenstown and is the gateway to the spectacular Mt Aspiring National Park and the start of the famous Routeburn track . Mount Doom Mount Ngauruhoe served as the menacing Mount Doom. Situated in Tongariro National Park , it is one of three main volcanoes that rise above a landscape of lava flows and scoria. The region draws skiers in winter and offers luxury accomodation. Pillars of the Kings Kawarau River was the location for the Pillars of the Kings. To get there you can start at the oldest Bungy Jump site in the world, namely AJ Hackett and look for the entrance road to Chard Farm Vineyard. You can see the view from there, although you will not be able to see the pillars themselves as they were computer generated. Plains of Gorgoroth Like Mordor, Tongariro National Park was the location for the Plains of Gorgoroth. The plains themselves are vast and can be seen from either the National Park side of the park or the Desert Road.

One of the best ways to explore this park is to walk the Tongariro Crossing , which has been classed in the world's top 10 one day walks by National Geographic. Rivendale and the Fords of Isen Kaitoke Regional Park was the location for Rivendale and the Fords of Isen. Kaitoke is north of Upper Hutt near Wellington . The park is sign posted on SH2 and offers BBQ areas. The position of Rivendale is sign posted at the entrance of the park. You can see the Fords of Isen from a bridge near the car park. River Anduin Four rivers were used to depict the River Anduin. The Rangitikei River was the main location and can be accessed just south of Taihape and turn left at Ohutu. You will see a Bungee Jump and from the nearby car park you need to walk across a one way bridge which will open up a spectacular view of the river. The Moawhango River was also used and you can see this river as it runs into the Rangitikei nearby.

Another river that was used was the Hutt River which flows from the Tararua Ranges north of Upper Hutt and through to the Wellington Harbour from Petone. In the South Island the Waiau River which flows from Lake Te Anau was also used. Forest River Pelorus River in Marlborough was used as Forest River in a part of the river where the water flows through a steep gorge. The river has water so clear it is almost invisible when looking straight down at the rocky river bed. Located next to the main road between Picton and Nelson, means it is easy to get here by car. A reserve with a good sized carpark near the river makes for a popular stop for holiday makers who can enjoy a meal at the local restaurant; stay at the camp site; try some fly fishing; explore the river and forest walks by foot; or take an organised river tour by kayak while admiring waterfalls and native beech trees reflecting in the crystal clear water. Rohan The surrounding area around Poolburn Reservoir on the Rough Ridge Range in the Ida Valley was the location for Rohan.

Located 40 minutes from Alexandra, head toward Omakau and turn toward Ophir then drive up and over the Raggedy Range toward Poolburn. From here you will need a 4WD to reach eerie rock formations around Poolburn Reservoir. However the owners of the land can take you there from Rohan and they also offer accommodation Silverlode River Mararoa River, South Mavora close to the village of Mossburn near Te Anau was the location for Silverlode River. Mararoa River is a picturesque river abounding with Rainbow and Brown trout. Trollshaw Forest and Osgiliath Wood Waitarere Forest near Foxton in the Wellington region was the location for Trollshaw Forest and Osgiliath Wood. Head toward the Kapiti Coast from Wellington and turn to Waitarere Beach just after Poroutawhao. LOTR actors talk about New Zealand Elijah Wood who played Frodo said, "New Zealand is Middle Earth. It has every geological formation and geographical landscape you can imagine, and some you can't." Sean Astin who played Sam the hobbit said "I recall sitting in Queenstown against the mountain range aptly titled the Remarkables and feeling I was actually living the books.

It was like Tolkien had walked across New Zealand." Billy Boyd who played Pippin the hobbit said,he was changed by New Zealand and gave this quote: "The way the people seem to understand the land better; they enjoy it without destroying it". New Zealand | The One Wiki to Rule Them All | Fandom powered by Wikia Location Flag Aotearoa New Zealand is a British Commonwealth country of four million people in the South Pacific Ocean originally inhabited by the Maori . It has been producing films almost as long as any other country has, with the occasional Oscar win, culminating in the record-equaling eleven Oscars awarded to Peter Jackson 's third film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy . All of each of the three films in the trilogy was shot in New Zealand, with most of the cast being New Zealanders. Its three official languages are English, sign language, and Maori. Peter grew up and remains based in the region around the capital city, Wellington , which provided a number of locations for the trilogy, and his associated Weta Workshop (in eastern suburb Miramar) produced many of the props and effects and did much of the post-production.

The effects company then turned their attention to a live-action movie version of King Kong, also directed by Peter Jackson. Before The Hobbit (films) and The Lord of the Rings trilogy , the country was considered to be an amateur in film. But no longer with the release of the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King it became one of the only three movies in the world to win a total of eleven Academy Awards (Oscars). Now different crew members live in New Zealand because they loved the landscape and decided to stay. It has an area of 268,680 km2. Before Europeans arrived in the late eighteenth century, it was predominated by the Maori, who arrived from Pacific Islands in the eleventh century. Its two main cities are Auckland and Wellington, which are both coastal cities. Its national animal and one of its biggest national icons is the Kiwi. The popular sports include rugby and softball- football and cricket are more secondary sports. Elizabeth II, as the Queen of New Zealand, is the country's head of state and is represented by a ceremonial Governor-General who holds reserve powers. The Queen has no real political influence, and her position is essentially symbolic.

Political power is held by the democratically elected Parliament of New Zealand under the leadership of the Prime Minister, who is the head of the government. The population of New Zealand is mostly of European descent; the original Māori people are the largest minority. Asians and non-Māori Polynesians are also significant minority groups, especially in urban areas. The most commonly spoken language is English. New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation: it is situated about 2000 km (1250 miles) southeast of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and its closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga. During its long isolation New Zealand developed a distinctive fauna dominated by birds (there are, in fact, only two native mammals in New Zealand), a few of which (including the Moa and the enormous Haast Eagle) became extinct after the arrival of humans and the mammals they introduced.

Question: In what country was "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy filmed?
Answer: New Zealand