Travel Like You’re the Lord of the Rings in New Zealand’s Middle Earth

Travel Like You’re the Lord of the Rings in New Zealand’s Middle Earth

Has watching Lord of the Rings fuelled your desire to experience the life in Middle Earth? Thanks to The Hobbits, New Zealand has designated the Hobbiton and other shooting locations as the new sites of tourist attraction packages!

Now you have another reason to travel New Zealand! As we eagerly await the release of the last installment of The Hobbit, The Battle of the Five Armies, visit some of the most famous movie locations for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit!

From the beginning of an adventurous journey at The Shire to the ultimate defeat of dark wizard Saruman at his own fortress in Isengard, let loose the contained fandom, act out the scenes like you’re the lead and squeal in excitement over your favourite scenes over and over and over again. Feel the simple and peaceful life in Bag End of yore. Finally, walk down the exact road where Frodo and Bilbo set out on their adventure. All of this at New Zealand!

1. Hamilton Waikato (The Shire)

The significant absence of tall buildings and modernised architecture defines Waikato region. From rolling green fields to fascinating landscape, Hamilton Waikato is an unspoiled terrain dedicated unequivocally to nature.

Hobbiton

lord of the rings

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A panoramic look around uneven terrains of green with curious holes built on the depth of topography immediately snaps in mind the familiar sight of The Shire in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Even the scarecrow is right at where it was!

This is the warm and fuzzy home of of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, where all daunting (harebrained to other fellow hobbits) adventures began.

lord of the rings

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lord of the rings

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lord of the rings

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The 44 hobbit holes are also designed and built in painstaking details to match the exact replica of the original hobbit holes that were torn down at the end of the Lord of the Rings shoot.

Green Dragon Inn

Lord of the Rings

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You can drink your fancy ales,

you can drink them by the flagon,

but the only brew for the brave and trueeeeeee,

comes from the Green Dragon!

This Green Dragon is the closest resemblance to the actual Green Dragon Inn in the movie you can ever get!

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This is the inn that Frodo frequents with his best pals, Peregrin Took and Meriadoc Pippin. From using dark, luminous lightings with wooden bar tables down to serving ale with wooden mugs, this fully functional lodging is operating its business as close to the Middle-Earth style as possible. There is a wide selection of beer for you to choose from and complementary meals and snacks.

For now, a visual voyage into the Hobbiton and the Green Dragon Inn

Waitomo Caves

Lord of the Rings

Lord of the Rings

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Right under the green hills of Hamilton-Waikato region, there is a complex network of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers known as Waitomo – wai meaning water is Maori, tomo means hole.

This tucked away borehole is the hidden den of the goblins in the movies.

Carved by the constant stream running through soft limestone for thousands of years, this nature-born has been marked with several spectacular pointy stalactites growing down the ceiling and sharp stalagmites growing up from uneven weathered rocks.

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You can choose between a walking or boating tour to explore the caves. If the reminders of this dark chamber pump up a bit of adrenaline in you, get onto blackwater raft where you will crawl, swim and float through the cave on a rubber tube.

2. Wellington / Wairarapa (Rivendell, River Anduin)

Kaitoke Regional Park

Lord of the Rings

The natural light that filters through age-old trees, creating an ambiance of slow, easy and mythical feel. It’s no wonder Kaitoke Regional Park was the most ideal location for Rivendell and the Fords of Isen! Practically the whole area gives off the vibe of natural elvish sense! Even before you step foot into Rivendell, you’ll feel the magical tranquility that seeks to engulf the house of Lord Elrond.

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3. Queenstown / Glenorchy (Isengard & Lothlorien)

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Nestled on the shores of turquoise lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is a unbelievably beautiful region rich in diverse activities and experiences. Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. From skiing and jet boating to gondola rides and luxury golf, they are sure to capture your heart.

Apart from Lord of the Rings, Glenorchy’s breathtaking landscapes have won the hearts of many moviemakers to create scenes set against its magnificent backdrop. The other movie that boosts such impressive scenery is The Return of Narnia.

Locations for Isengard and Lothlorien were filmed just nearby Glenorchy accessible by jet boat.

Since there’s no ring to destroy nor a Smaug to kill, you’ll need some inspiration to spice up your stay on Middle Earth! This might help bring in some ideas to shape your own adventure!

Also Read

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Angela

Angela is a History enthusiast who indulges in exploring the whirlwind of events happened during the two World Wars. The one place she wouldn’t miss in her travel itinerary is to visit the Historical monuments. Her favourite movie, Schindler’s List, fuelled her desire to one day visit Schindler’s enamelware factory that eventually rescued over a thousand Jews.

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