If you’re a massive fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy of books and films, it’s well worth planning an adventurous Lord of the Rings New Zealand Road Trip. As all of the Lord of the Rings films as well as the Hobbit trilogy of films, which were all directed by New Zealand born director Peter Jackson, were filmed in New Zealand.
Why you would want to go to the destinations that feature in the Lord of the Rings film:
You can visit the vast majority of locations which were used to film the Lord of the Rings trilogy:
While most fantasy films are primarily filmed in a generic studio most of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in stunning natural locations across New Zealand’s main two islands. The North Island and the South Island. Thankfully if you don’t want to miss out on any of New Zealand’s Lord of the Rings Locations you’ll be able to take your car from the North Island to the South Island on an inexpensive ferry. Which will also allow you to pass through the world famous Marlborough Sounds.
Key destinations to visit in the North Island:
Some examples of the locations which you’ll get to visit include Mount Doom itself which is actually named Mt Ruapehu and is a picturesque mountain in the Tongariro National Park, where you can ski and snowboard in winter and hike in summer. If you plan on driving up Mt Ruapehu to the car parks, it’s well worth visiting Tyre City before embarking on your magical trip of a lifetime.
Also located in the North Island is the set of Rivendell, which is located in Kaitoke Regional Park, which is located a stone’s throw from Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. If you visit Rivendell you’ll get to take a photo of yourself standing under one of the Rivendell arches which was left in tact, for tourists to experience a little bit of Rivendell magic. At the same location you’ll also get to take photo with a life size statue of Legolas. Who as portrayed in the trilogy by Orlando Bloom.
Lastly, make sure to visit Hobbiton in Matamata where you’ll get to see all the hobbit houses which were used in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Such as Bilbo Baggin’s home. You’ll even get to enjoy a meal and a drink in a cosy Hobbit themed bar. If you’re looking for the ideal location to take fun photos to post on Instagram or Facebook, it’s well worth visiting Hobbiton.
Key destinations to visit in the South Island:
If you were curious the South Island, it’s well worth visiting Queenstown, where you’ll be able to take a day long horse trek to many destinations which were used as key film locations in the Lord of the Rings films. As an example, you’ll be able to view some of the locations which were used to film some of the films’ Isengard scenes.
So if you’re always dreamed of being able to travel to Middle Earth, it’s well worth planning a road trip throughout beautiful New Zealand. Where all of the Lord of the Rings films were shot.
To read more on topics like this, check out the vacation category.
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