Embark on an extraordinary adventure through the real Middle-earth, following in the footsteps of Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam – from the rugged landscapes of the Tongariro National Park in the north, to the majestic Earnslaw Burn in the south. Throughout your journey you’ll traverse dramatic glowing plains, bewitching valleys and towering mountains, immersing yourself in the very locations that brought Middle-earth to life on the silver screen.
Start in the Shire at Hobbiton Movie Set | Hamilton – Waikato
Start your journey at Hobbiton Movie Set. Here, you’ll be transported to the Shire, a place so magical it’s hard to believe it’s real. Join a guided tour that will showcase all 44 Hobbit-holes™, each meticulously rebuilt to resemble their on-screen counterparts. It’s a dream come true for any The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fan. As you walk through the 12-acre ‘Shire,’ you’ll discover the picturesque home of Hobbits, including the new Bagshot Row experience opening in December, which will see visitors able to venture beyond the door into an authentic Hobbit Hole for the very first time. The lush green hills and charming details will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the heart of Middle-earth.
Mordor Awaits | Ruapehu Region
Tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered one of the best day walks in New Zealand. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the same locations that served as the backdrop for Mordor, home to the Dark Lord Sauron. The rocky slopes of Tongariro National Park, with jagged volcanic rock formations and eerie barren landscapes, were ideal for creating the moody scenes of Mordor. The centerpiece of these scenes, Mount Ngauruhoe, was digitally enhanced to become the fiery Mount Doom. Your journey through the Ruapehu region will also take you to other iconic film locations, including the Emyn Muil at Iwikau Village in Whakapapa, Ithilien Camp at Mangawhero Falls, and Orc Army scenes in the Rangipo Desert. It’s a day filled with adventure and the opportunity to step into the world of Middle-earth. There are some fantastic tours to help you discover this region – one of our favorites is the sunset tour with Adrift Tongariro, where you can enjoy a glass of New Zealand wine at the base of the Taranaki Falls, which flows 20 metres over the edge of a large lava flow.
Wētā Cave and Wētā Workshop | Wellington
Start your Wellington adventures by exploring the renowned Wētā Cave, where you’ll gain exclusive insights into the artistic ingenuity and imagination behind the creation of Middle-earth. For a more immersive experience, consider embarking on a guided tour of the Wētā Workshop and Studio, where you can delve further into the realm of cinematic creativity. Uncover the hidden techniques employed in crafting movie effects, encompassing everything from forging armor and weaponry to the conception of creatures, costumes, and intricately detailed miniatures. This enriching experience will undoubtedly deepen your admiration for the craftsmanship behind movie sets.
Jens Hansen Contemporary Gold and Silversmith – Creators of the “One Ring” | Nelson
Meet Halfdan Hansen, the son of Jens Hansen who made the rings used in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies at his jewellery store. His father Jens died in late 1999 before he was able to see his creation immortalised on screen. His sons have continued his legacy and their involvement with Peter Jackson as the ‘Creators of The One Ring’ featuring in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. They sell replicas in store, as well as other stunning jewellery pieces.
The World’s Largest Gollum | Wellington Airport
Tick off a Middle-earth must do the moment you step off the plan by snapping a selfie beneath the world’s largest Gollum, a 13-metre sculpture suspended from the ceiling at Wellington Airport. This remarkable installation skillfully captures Gollum’s gaunt physique and the fleeting delight in his face as he yearns for his beloved ‘juicy sweet fishes.’ The Gollum creation was masterminded and brought to life by Sir Richard Taylor and Wētā’s workshop supervisor, Rob Gillies, ensuring an unforgettable experience right at the airport. Alongside Gollum, you’ll find another installation featuring Gandalf perched atop one of two majestic Great Eagles. These impressive sculptures each weigh a whopping one tonne and boast a massive wingspan of 15 metres.
Hike or Heli to Earnslaw Burn | Queenstown
Visit the Queenstown region where an abundance of film locations and tours are on offer. Hike to Earnslaw Burn – one of the locations from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Here, Bilbo and The Company are filmed continuing on their quest after departing Rivendell, and a glacier creates cascading waterfalls in the backdrop. 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. For a less energetic experience, Nomad Safaris can take you deep into film country via 4WD or helicopter.
Re-enact River Scenes from The Desolation of Smaug | Marlborough
Embark on an enlightening journey along the North Marlborough’s Pelorus River, renowned for the iconic barrel scene featured in the second The Hobbit movie, The Desolation of Smaug. Drift along the pristine waters of the Pelorus River in your own canoe, passing the very same waterfall as Bilbo and his companions. Dive into the rich history of local gold mining and immerse yourself in cultural storytelling about how the indigenous Māori communities in the region utilised the flora and fauna.
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