The Best Film Locations to Visit in New Zealand

 

Middle Earth. Need I say more? The Lord of the Rings put New Zealand on the map with it’s jaw dropping landscapes and beautiful cinematography. New Zealand is famous for its beauty, and any traveler will agree that it is one of the last places that is still untouched. The vastness of the valleys, the drama of its peaks, and the roaring of its rivers are just a few examples of why filmmakers choose New Zealand as their movie backdrop. We have compiled a list that includes some easily accessible locations and a few that might take an adventure or two to get there.  Either way, they are definitely worth checking out.

1.  Hobbiton, Matamata- North Island

(LOTR/The Hobbit)

Ah, Hobbiton. The land of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins where second breakfast is a normal meal. The Shire has been open to the public on-and-off for years, giving tourists a chance to see the movie set firsthand. The Shire is located on a family farm, and they graciously allow visitors all year round. The set is impressive; filled with actual organic gardens, hobbit dwellings, and mini picket fences, the Shire is almost too perfect to be real. No detail was overlooked by Peter Jackson when researching filming locations. He needed a hilly spot with a big tree…and he found it. The Party Tree, a star in its own right, is in fact, real. The Shire boasts a new favorite spot, the Green Dragon Inn. Each tour includes a free drink at the pub. Sit around the table and share your favorite scenes including the Shire, or sit in awe that you are in Hobbiton. Sorry, hobbits are not included in the tour. For tour info, visit www.hobbtiontours.com

An Enchanting Journey, Waikato, Photo by Ian Brodie LOW RES

Image: Tourism NZ

2. Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula- North Island (The Chronicles of Narnia)

Another classic book series, The Chronicles of Narnia made its way to New Zealand in 2005 to film part of the movie at Cathedral Cove.  This location is budget-friendly too, as the 45 minute hike is free.  Bring a camera, your sunnies, and a blanket and camp out on the beach in one of the most picturesque destinations in New Zealand.  Photo opportunities are abundant from the beginning of the trail to the bottom where the sand meets the sea at the impressive Cathedral Rock.  More information about other filming locations is available at the local I-SITE centre in Hahei.

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3. Lyall Bay, Wellington-North Island

(King Kong)

This blockbuster is no stranger to dramatic animation and special effects, but Peter Jackson created Skull Island from an actual destination.  Lyall Bay in Wellington was the example Mr. Jackson used when he built Skull Island.  Majority of the movie is on the island, a special tribute to the original director’s screenplay, keeping the movie mostly in one location.  King Kong fans can visit Lyall and Shelly Bay, but unfortunately no remnants of the movie are left.  The giant cement wall on the island in the movie was really built for the movie, which was located close by in Shelly Bay.

King-Kong-vs.-Dinosaur

Image: Geek Nation

4. Gisborne/Whanagara- North Island

(The Whale Rider)

One of the most critically-acclaimed independent movies for New Zealand films was shot in a small Maori village outside of Gisborne on the east coast of the North Island.  Rich with Maori history and legends, The Whale Rider takes a journey through the life of a girl and her quest to make her family proud. The stunning and isolated location is a huge character in the movie, creating a vast separation of characters and stories.  The movie is a small example of the importance of Maori ancestors, their stories, and the the creation of their people. Oscar nominated, this movie and film location are not to be missed, even if it is a little out of the way.

whalerider

Image: The Movie Review Warehouse

5. Waihau Bay, North Island

(Boy)

Another east coast movie, Boy is a tale of an 11-year old who loves Michael Jackson, lives on a farm with his grandma, and worships his father he doesn’t know.  That changes when his father returns to the farm to find a bag of money he buried.  A fantastic independent movie with a fantastic location to match.  Waihau Bay is right on the cusp of the Bay of Plenty, three hours north of Gisborne. Pristine beaches, relatively tourist-free, and stunning.

Boy-movie-poster

Image: mowglisurf

6. Southern Lakes-South Island

(LOTR/The Hobbit)

The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies were shot throughout both islands, taking advantage of every mountaintop and valley around.  The Southern Lakes region located nearby Glenorchy and Queenstown has had a lot of Hollywood traffic over the last decade as both films have shot the majority of scenery and aerial shots in this area.

At the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, you can see the north-western slopes of Mount Earnslaw, which featured in the opening sequence of The Two Towers. You will also recognize the area in Glenorchy at the end of the lake towards Mt. Aspiring National Park as the land where Saruman lived in his tower as well as the beech forest of Lothlorien.

Another memorable location can be found near Queenstown, in the sleepy hamlet of Arrowtown, where you can walk to the Ford of Bruinen on the Arrow River. There’s a great lookout spot at Chard Farm winery where you can see a spectacular view of the Anduin and Argonath (Pillar of Kings).

If you want an incredible view, drive over the Crown Range Road to the summit of Cardrona Range for a panoramic view of Middle-earth. From there you can see River Anduin, and the Pillars of the Argonath. Do yourself a favor and get a car for the day and visit these spots on your own time.

If you’re flying into this region, make sure you have a window seat for the best view of the misty mountains of middle earth on your way in.

 mountains lotr

7.  Lake Pukaki-South Island

(The Hobbit)

Lake Pukaki was featured in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug because of the color of the water.  The water comes from glaciers, giving the lake a beautiful crystal clear blue hue.  On a sunny day, this is one of the best views of Mt. Cook on the South Island.  Lake Pukaki is easy to get to, whether you are on a bus or road-tripping yourself.  It’s a major stop in between Queenstown and Christchurch, and is a popular destination for holiday goers in the winter time.

pukaki