Thanks to Ringer Spy Zsa Zsa for sending in this tip:
It says in Taupo Times (small local paper Taupo middle of north island) that Peter Jackson has been seen around Taupo looking at locations. Whakapapa was used in the Lord of the Rings, and it is about 1.5 hours away from Matamata. It will be interesting to see if he is going to use an actual area close to Taupo, maybe the Taupo Lake?? Rumour has it he has been staying at the -snip- in Taupo, and a fleet of helicopters were seen arriving at the hotel. Neither the local helicopter company or the -snip- would outline any details, and Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper said Jackson’s visit had slipped under his radar. He did say he hoped the director had picked up on the locations the region had to offer, particularly the western bays with Tongariro in the background..but then, thats not for me to judge I am not directing the film! (from Taupo Times 8th December )
So what location do you think is being scoped out in Taupo? Share your thoughts through the discuss link or comments! [Google Map of Taupo]