New Zealand Shines As Bright As A Movie Star

“New Zealand might be best known for its breathtaking scenery, excellent wines and friendly locals; however, the land of the long white cloud has also earned a stellar reputation as a popular film location” proclaims the Vancouver Sun.

Especially native New Zealander Sir Peter Jackson’s Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies have inspired many fans to make a pilgrimage to experience the “real Middle-earth” first hand.

One of the most popular filming locations is Hobbiton near Matamata, where visitors can enjoy a tour of The Hobbiton Movie Set or enjoy a Hobbit-themed banquet feast at the Green Dragon Pub.

Other well-known North Island film locations are the small farming town of Piopio (Trollshaws Forest in The Hobbit) and of course Kiwi capital Wellington. The city is a fun foodie, fashion and film locale, offering many Lord of The Rings Tours also including Sir Peter Jackson’s Weta Cave, which is filled with exclusive props and costumes.

Queenstown, at the heart of the mountainous South Island, was prominently featured in both trilogies. Travelling by helicopter to Mount Earnslaw, visitors can take in the beautiful blue ice-hanging glacier and cascading waterfalls of the Caradhras pass and the Misty Mountains.

New Zealand has starred in several movies other than The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Some of the most well known are “The Chronicles of Narnia”, “King Kong”, “The World’s Fastest Indian”, “Heavenly Creatures” and “The Lovely Bones”.

Article Source: Vancouver Sun, Ruth Atherley, March 02, 2015.