Journey To Middle Earth

With its dramatic scenery of looming mountains, cascading waterfalls and breath taking valleys, New Zealand is the home of Middle Earth.

It’s no wonder New Zealand was chosen to play the mythical world of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit – you couldn’t get a landscape with a closer resemblance. Now iconic to the films it played such a huge role in, New Zealand has become synonymous with both franchises – so much so that movie sets remain to this day as must-visit tourist attractions.

The Shire region and Hobbiton village were created in Matamata in Waikato on the North Island. Surrounded by tall trees, the hobbit holes are intricately detailed and ever so homely. You can’t pass up an opportunity to reveal your inner Hobbit by crouching down to four foot tall.

Even the coveted rings were created in New Zealand – Nelson on the South Island to be precise – and visitors can see one of the originals on display at goldsmiths, Jens Hansen. In the Canterbury region, Mount Sunday played the main city of the Rohan people, Edoras, and while the location has nothing to show for the nine-month build, it still holds a powerful magic.

In the Southern Lakes, the village of Glenorchy is a pivotal spot for many LOTR fans. At the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, you can see the slopes of Mount Earnslaw, which starred in the opening sequence of the Two Towers. It is here where you can also discover Lothlorien – the beech forest on the road to Paradise – which was the beginning of the Fellowship’s journey down River Anduin, otherwise known as the Waiau River.

There are so many locations of these great films that come alive when you visit New Zealand. Incredible on screen and even more so through your own eyes, whether you’re a J.R.R. Tolkien fan or not, there’s no denying they take your breath away.

Visit Hobbiton with Contiki New Zealand tours

Images courtesy of Miles Holden and Sara Orme