Since the release of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, fantasy film fans have become enamored with Australia’s nearest neighbor, New Zealand.
Movie buffs have their work cut out for them if they hope to see all the trilogy’s locations, with spots on both North and South Islands used in the three films. The best strategy is to choose your favorites, then plan your trip around them.
Tangariro National Park will be high on most cinema lovers’ lists, as this is where the spectacular Battle of Mordor took place. With a few special effects, its peak Mount Ngauruhoe was transformed into Mount Doom. The summit is New Zealand’s most active volcano, but don’t let that scare you. The mountain hasn’t blown its top since 1977.
If the Battle of Amon Hen was your favorite, be sure to seek out tour operator Peter Davies. He’s the only guide authorized to visit The Garden of Eden, the beech forest where this famous fight was staged.
You can travel down the same river that Frodo did with Dart River Safaris. Their jet-boat has a little more oomph than Frodo’s canoe, but it’s a great way to see the familiar sites extending to Glenorchy.
And that’s just for starters. If you want the works check out Lord of the Rings Tours, a company which promises “the ultimate Lord of the Rings experience.”
