As a traveler and film enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the idea of exploring the real-life locations that serve as the backdrop for some of my favorite movies. And when it comes to picturesque film locations, few places can match New Zealand’s natural beauty. From the rolling hills of the Shire in The Lord of the Rings trilogy to the rugged landscapes of the South Island in The Chronicles of Narnia, New Zealand has served as a stunning filming location for countless blockbusters. In this article, I will take you on a tour of some of the most popular film locations in New Zealand, sharing my personal experiences and recommendations along the way.
Popular Film Locations in New Zealand That Every Movie Buff Should Visit
Some would say New Zealand is home to some of the strangest places. On the other hand, it’s home to some of the most magical ones. Allow me to take you on a tour of the places I have visited on my journey through this land! Places that, should you decide to take a trip to, will make you feel like you are on an entirely different planet!
#1 Hobbiton – A Visit to the Shire
Hobbiton is a must-see destination for any Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit fan visiting New Zealand. Located in Matamata, in the heart of Waikato, Hobbiton is the set of the Shire, home to Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. Walking through the lush green hills and rolling farmland of the Shire, I felt like I had stepped into the pages of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books. The attention to detail in the set design and landscaping is impressive, with each hobbit hole and garden perfectly crafted to create a charming and idyllic village.
I particularly enjoyed visiting Bag End, Bilbo’s cozy hobbit hole, and sitting by the picturesque pond where Frodo and Samwise Gamgee set off on their journey to destroy the One Ring. The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour is the best way to explore the Shire, with knowledgeable guides providing fascinating insights into the making of the movies and behind-the-scenes stories. Don’t forget to finish your tour with a pint of ale or cider at the Green Dragon Inn!
#2 Matamata – Exploring the Hobbit Holes
Matamata is another stunning location in New Zealand that fans of The Hobbit trilogy should not miss. This small town on the North Island became the charming village of Hobbiton. Complete with hobbit holes, a bustling market, and the iconic Party Tree. Exploring the Hobbit Holes was a highlight of my trip, as each hole is unique and filled with intricate details. Some even have smoke coming out of their chimneys! I was also amazed by the surrounding farmland. The same farmland used in the movies to depict the fields of the Shire.
The Matamata i-SITE Visitor Centre offers a variety of tours that take you through the different parts of Hobbiton. I recommend booking a guided group tour to make the most of your visit. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable and will make you feel as if you are in a fairytale. Also, be sure to take plenty of photos! Why? Every corner of Matamata is picturesque and worthy of capturing on camera.
#3 Milford Sound – Cruising Through Middle-Earth’s Fjords
As I left behind the hustle and bustle of city life, I headed towards Piopiotahi, also known as Milford Sound. It is a breathtaking place and another one of the popular film locations in New Zealand for many Hollywood movies. The journey there was an adventure in itself, with winding roads that offered stunning views of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and deep valleys that have been featured in films like, once again, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit.
Upon arriving at Milford Sound, I was blown away by the sheer size and grandeur of the fjord, which has also been featured in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and King Kong. The sheer cliffs that rose out of the water were awe-inspiring. As the sun moved across the sky, I was mesmerized by the play of light and shadow.
Taking a boat tour is the best way to experience the beauty of Milford Sound up close. But it is also the best way to spot the location where the famous waterfall scene from the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring was filmed. The boat glides through the water, taking you past cascading waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and pristine forests, where The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was filmed. I also recommend taking a stroll along the Milford Foreshore Walk. It offered stunning views of both the fjord and the surrounding mountains and was, surprise, surprise, a filming location of yet another popular blockbuster — The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
#4 Lake Pukaki – Inspiring Landscapes
If you haven’t realized, I am quite a fan of LOTR, the Hobbit, and Narnia. Therefore, I couldn’t pass the opportunity to visit Lake Pukaki on my tour of popular film locations in New Zealand. The lake in the South Island’s Mackenzie Basin is simply breathtaking. The crystal-clear blue waters and the towering mountains surrounding me astonished me.
In The Hobbit trilogy, the lake provided a stunning backdrop for several scenes. The Chronicles of Narnia, on the other hand, was used as the location for the Battle of Beruna. Standing by the lake and enjoying the magnificent view, I felt like stepping into another universe.
If you’re planning a visit to Lake Pukaki, take a walk along its shore for an abundance of family fun. Another great way to experience it is by driving along Mount Cook Road, which offers incredible views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Several hiking trails in the area offer even more stunning vistas.
Finishing Words
I would lie if I said the flight back from Aotearoa, aka New Zealand, was bittersweet. Regardless, after witnessing in person some of the most popular film locations in New Zealand, I felt incredibly refreshed, rejuvenated, and grateful for the opportunity to experience the raw beauty of nature. But also, as a huge motion picture enthusiast, extremely thankful to have experienced the magic of movies!
About the author:
Millie Johnson has found the light at the end of the tunnel and started collaborating with Archstone Behavioral Health experts after battling addiction. She has decided to leave everything bad in the past and live to the fullest, taking every free moment to explore what the world offers. Traveling is her passion; by the end of 2030, she plans to visit every country!
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