New Zealand is home to the iconic Lord of the Rings (LOTR) filming locations. The more than 150 sites scattered all over the country have captured the hearts of LOTR fans and landscape lovers. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit during your Lord of the Rings Tours.
1. Putangirua Pinnacles
The Putangirua Pinnacles is a park of a series of weird rock pinnacles formed by erosion over countless years. The area created the setting for the roads of the dead on which Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn walked to wake the army of the dead in the Return of the King film. You will find the eroded pillars in the Wairarapa district of the North Island.
2. Mt Sunday
Located in Ashburton district of the South Island, Mt Sunday represented the home of Rohan people in the LOTR film. You can remember the town of Edoras, which featured as a beautiful city surrounded by high snowcapped mountains. The town was built entirely for the film but destroyed later. However, the exception of the city in real life does not take away the epic view of the scene. Consequently, it’s a recommendable place to add to your list of LOTR tour places.
3. Rotorua/Hobbiton
A diehard fan of the Lord of the Rings cannot skip a visit to the Hobbiton set. It’s found in Waikato in North Island and offered a private setting for filming the original trilogy away from the prying eyes. The lush livestock farming landscape provided an ideal place to portray the undisturbed Shire region. The area has since been rebuilt for the filming of the Hobbit trilogy and is set to remain a permanent tourist attraction.
4. Wellington
Wellington housed the real magic of the Lord of the Rings. All behind the scenes actions took place in Wellington, including special effects, editing, and post-production. Moreover, it’s where most of the LOTR cast spent most of their time. Additionally, the hub is home to the Weta Cave, a fantastic museum where you can view the original movie memorabilia, props, and artwork.
5. Tongariro national park
Tongariro national park was the original setting for the Land of Mordor and featured magical sceneries. You will find the highlight of the park, Mt. Ngaurohoe, which represented Mount Doom. A climb up the 2000-year-old conical peak will not fail to impress you. Other places to venture into the park are Tokino ski fields and Mt. Ruapehu which represented Emyn Muil.
Lord of the Rings tours will reveal magical and impressive places scattered in New Zealand. So, ensure that you visit the Putanguria pinnacles and subsequently the Tongariro national park where you get to view sets for Mount Doom and Emyn Muil. Furthermore, don’t forget to make time for a tour in Wellington where you will find the Weta caves that house the original LOTR props and artwork.
No Comments