Nearly everyone is aware that the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy were predominantly filmed in New Zealand. In recent years New Zealand has become a popular location for filming a range of movies and TV series, mostly due to its spectacular scenery and open spaces. A tour of the New Zealand film sets is a great way to see the country and the North Island in particular and many of the sets are located around the areas of Wellington on the South end of the island and Hamilton to the North. A road trip starting from your Wellington accommodation and finishing in Hamilton will take you past some very familiar countryside and through some elaborate film sets.
There are a number of companies running day trips to the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings sets, however you can also do a self-guided tour to see the sets and surrounding scenery at your own pace. Wellington is the perfect starting point for your movie experience offering a great range of accommodation for all budgets and tastes.
Mount Victoria is situated close to Wellington central city and was the set location of Hobbiton Woods. The Hutt River was the River Anduin and Harcourt Park was used to film the Gardens of Isengard. There are many walks including the Mount Victorian walk which is around 2.5 hours or for the more adventurous the Hutt River Trail which runs the length of the eastern riverbank for 29kms, however you can join and/or finish at many points.
Kaitoke Regional Park which is located past Upper Hutt was the setting for Rivendell. There is a signpost in the car park that points to where Frodo recovered from his attack.
Wellington is also where you will find the Weta Workshop Tour. Film buffs can experience a guided tour of the props, models and weapons along with film making techniques that are used to create movie magic.
The village of Hobbiton was created for The Hobbit Trilogy in the Waikato town of Matamata around a 30 minute drive from Hamilton or a 6 hour drive from Wellington. Hobbiton is now a permanent tourist attraction and visitors can enjoy a tour of the set and refreshments in the Green Dragon Inn or the Rest Caf©.
New Zealand's natural picturesque landscapes and scenery make it the perfect backdrop for many films and a wonderful holiday destination for film buffs and photography lovers.
There are a number of companies running day trips to the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings sets, however you can also do a self-guided tour to see the sets and surrounding scenery at your own pace. Wellington is the perfect starting point for your movie experience offering a great range of accommodation for all budgets and tastes.
Mount Victoria is situated close to Wellington central city and was the set location of Hobbiton Woods. The Hutt River was the River Anduin and Harcourt Park was used to film the Gardens of Isengard. There are many walks including the Mount Victorian walk which is around 2.5 hours or for the more adventurous the Hutt River Trail which runs the length of the eastern riverbank for 29kms, however you can join and/or finish at many points.
Kaitoke Regional Park which is located past Upper Hutt was the setting for Rivendell. There is a signpost in the car park that points to where Frodo recovered from his attack.
Wellington is also where you will find the Weta Workshop Tour. Film buffs can experience a guided tour of the props, models and weapons along with film making techniques that are used to create movie magic.
The village of Hobbiton was created for The Hobbit Trilogy in the Waikato town of Matamata around a 30 minute drive from Hamilton or a 6 hour drive from Wellington. Hobbiton is now a permanent tourist attraction and visitors can enjoy a tour of the set and refreshments in the Green Dragon Inn or the Rest Caf©.
New Zealand's natural picturesque landscapes and scenery make it the perfect backdrop for many films and a wonderful holiday destination for film buffs and photography lovers.