{"id":109567,"date":"2020-12-19T08:45:33","date_gmt":"2020-12-19T13:45:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/?p=109567"},"modified":"2020-12-19T13:21:48","modified_gmt":"2020-12-19T18:21:48","slug":"can-we-please-go-there-and-back-again-touring-new-zealand-as-middle-earth-part-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/2020\/12\/19\/109567-can-we-please-go-there-and-back-again-touring-new-zealand-as-middle-earth-part-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Can We Please Go There and Back Again?  Touring New Zealand As Middle-earth (Part One)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"intro\">Twenty years. On December 19, 2000, a young TheOneRing.net was abuzz with news of LotR Christmas parties, a new spy photo of four battle-ready hobbits, and the big one: New Line Cinema was starting the countdown clock. Only 365 sleeps until <strong><em>The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring<\/em><\/strong> would make its long-awaited debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery alignwide columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"575\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-14.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"109581\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-14.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/?attachment_id=109581\" class=\"wp-image-109581 no-lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-14.png 575w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-14-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-14-213x160.png 213w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"395\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-8.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"109575\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-8.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/?attachment_id=109575\" class=\"wp-image-109575 no-lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-8.png 395w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-8-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-8-214x160.png 214w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 395px) 100vw, 395px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At the time, we hoped that the movie could live up to crushingly high expectations; that we would be transported, live-action style, into Tolkien\u2019s Middle-earth. What many of us did not appreciate, though, was the thorough gob-smacking we would experience through Aotearoa \u2013 how completely transporting, impossibly immersive, and mind-bendingly beautiful this remote archipelago of New Zealand could be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now here we are, on the cusp of 2021 and a series of 20<sup>th<\/sup> anniversaries for movies that have never faded in their grandeur and emotional impact (not to mention meme generation power).&nbsp; And like Bilbo, pandemic or no, the heart stirs and we long to see mountains again, Gandalf, <em>mountains!<\/em> And lakes, rivers, forests, fields, and fens. New Zealand is calling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the LotR-lover, this is mandatory bucket list territory. But did I mention remote? New Zealand is a long flight from literally everywhere. Even flying from Sydney to Auckland covers more than three hours and two time zones. One does not simply pop by.\u00a0 That means you need a plan, aspiring Kiwi-connoisseur. And TORn is at your service, with some thoughts on must-see filming destinations, an example itinerary or two, and some resources that might prove useful, should 2021 prove kinder than this last year to those itching to get out into the World again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><sub><strong>Note<\/strong>: This is the first part of a two part series. In this portion, we will review <a href=\"#gettingaround\" title=\"#gettingaround\">getting around<\/a> NZ and the <a href=\"#toptenlocations\" title=\"#toptenlocations\">Top Ten Lord of the Rings \/ The Hobbit locations<\/a>.<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"gettingaround\">Getting Around in General<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rent a car. That\u2019s the tweet. Sure, you\u2019ll have to figure out how to drive on the left, (not a problem for our British readers!), but getting out into the open country is the whole point. It\u2019s manageable, allows you to take everything at your own pace, and you\u2019ll want to stop and take pictures at every turn of the road. Every. Single. Turn. There will be some places where you\u2019ll want to join a professionally guided group, either to take a break or because it affords you special access to certain spots. Perhaps you\u2019re going with a selected group that matches your level of geeky enthusiasm. In that case, traveling with the group by bus could be an option. But there\u2019s really nothing like wandering un-rushed through brush-land, GPS coordinates in hand, looking for that <em>exact<\/em> spot where Sam longed for a few good taters. Tour buses don\u2019t tend to wait for that kind of thing. While there aren\u2019t any interstates that allow rocketing between major cities (they don\u2019t really have many of those), navigating NZ is eminently approachable. If you are fortunate enough to build an itinerary that covers both the North and South Island, (and there are great Middle-earth sites on both), take the ferry between them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"386\" height=\"487\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-1.png\" alt=\"Aotearoa tucks in nicely east of the Adirondacks\" class=\"wp-image-109568 no-lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-1.png 386w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-1-238x300.png 238w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-1-127x160.png 127w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 386px) 100vw, 386px\" \/><figcaption>Aotearoa tucks in nicely east of the Adirondacks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toptenlocations\">Our Top Ten Locations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First, let&#8217;s be honest here: the staff at TORn is not nearly monolithic enough actually to have a consensus point of view. This tapestry of tastes is part of the beauty of the Tolkien fandom. The population of the following list, let alone their order, can generate wonderful debate. Planning your ideal and customized adventure is the first part of the fun. Also, New Zealand has MUCH more to offer than simply the <em>Hobbit <\/em>and <em>LotR <\/em>film sites, as ridiculous as that may sound. We simply haven\u2019t the space to cover them all, so let\u2019s just focus on film immersion, shall we?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A confession: ten is too hard, so a few honorable mentions first. Who knows? They may end up at the top of your own list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Honorable Mention #3: The Putangirua Pinnacles<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-2.png\" alt=\"The way is shut...The Putangirua Pinnacles, New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-109569 no-lazyload\" width=\"577\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-2.png 439w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-2-300x221.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-2-217x160.png 217w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 577px) 100vw, 577px\" \/><figcaption>The way is shut&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Located near the Haurangi Forest Park at the southern tip of the North Island, this is a full day trip side excursion out of Wellington. For the intrepid, cosplay like Aragorn, Legolas or Gimli, for a true &#8216;Paths of the Dead&#8217; experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Honorable Mention # 2: Lake Pukaki &amp; Tasman Downs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-3.png\" alt=\"Honorable Mention # 2: Lake Pukaki &amp; Tasman Downs - Not an Alfrid in sight\" class=\"wp-image-109570 no-lazyload\" width=\"577\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-3.png 363w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-3-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-3-214x160.png 214w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 577px) 100vw, 577px\" \/><figcaption>Not an Alfrid in sight<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This central South Island spot is immediately recognizable as the post-Smaug Lake-town survivor campsite. It\u2019s actually possible to stay in a bed and breakfast that has retained some of the movie wreckage. Lake Pukaki also offers wondrous views of New Zealand\u2019s tallest peak, Aoraki\/Mount Cook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Honorable Mention # 1: Helicoptering Near Nelson<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-4.png\" alt=\"Honorable Mention # 1: Helicoptering Near Nelson - Watch your feet!\" class=\"wp-image-109571 no-lazyload\" width=\"576\" height=\"431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-4.png 370w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-4-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-4-214x160.png 214w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><figcaption>Watch your feet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This will be the toughest spot to get to; just as it was for Sean Bean. Accessible via a helicopter ride out of Nelson, these iconic rock formations are NOT CGI. The helicopter cost? Expensive. Hiding from crebain from Dunland? Priceless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Number 10: Twizel &#8211; Pelennor Fields<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-5.png\" alt=\"Number 10: Twizel - Pelennor Fields - Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered!\" class=\"wp-image-109572 no-lazyload\" width=\"577\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-5.png 381w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-5-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-5-213x160.png 213w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 577px) 100vw, 577px\" \/><figcaption>Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>OK, sure, it\u2019s a field. But what a field! The winner of the 2020 OneRing March Madness tournament, the spot boasting the ride of the Rohirrim to Gondor\u2019s rescue needs to be on your list. Budget as much time as you need to get that \u201cDeath! Death!\u201d zeal stirred. It\u2019s also found on the central South Island, near the Lake Pukaki site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Number 9: Piopio\/Trollshaws &#8211; Hairy Feet Tours<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-6.png\" alt=\"Number 9: Piopio\/TrollShaws - Hairy Feet Tours - Troll Crossing\" class=\"wp-image-109573 no-lazyload\" width=\"579\" height=\"435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-6.png 389w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-6-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-6-213x160.png 213w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 579px) 100vw, 579px\" \/><figcaption>Troll Crossing?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you\u2019re not a big <em>Hobbit <\/em>film fan, you\u2019re going to love this spot. These scenic cliffs and surrounding caves and contours are located near Piopio on the North Island\u2019s west coast, and provided one of the most extensive filming spots in the <em>Hobbit <\/em>series. It\u2019s also very convenient to another non-Middle-earth wonder, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Maybe you\u2019ll find your own Sting! It\u2019s on private land, so there\u2019s an entrance fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Number 8: Mavora Lakes District<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-7.png\" alt=\"Number 8: Mavora Lakes District - Coming, Mr. Frodo!\" class=\"wp-image-109574 no-lazyload\" width=\"581\" height=\"436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-7.png 376w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-7-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-7-213x160.png 213w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px\" \/><figcaption>Coming, Mr. Frodo!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Found on the South Island, southwest of Queenstown, this is a charming area to explore generally; and home to a number of <em>LotR <\/em>and <em>Hobbit <\/em>scenes. For Team Samwise, you can charge into Nen Hithoel before Frodo makes his escape to the Emyn Muil. Watch out for submerged glass, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Number 7: Mount Ruapehu &#8211; Whakapapa Ski Field<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-8.png\" alt=\"Number 7: Mount Ruapehu - Whakapapa Ski Field - Hey, a Second Age set after all!\" class=\"wp-image-109575 no-lazyload\" width=\"579\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-8.png 395w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-8-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-8-214x160.png 214w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 579px) 100vw, 579px\" \/><figcaption>Hey, a Second Age set after all!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another area of New Zealand worth a lingering visit, the country\u2019s volcanic equivalent of America\u2019s Yellowstone can be found in the center of the North Island. Whether you\u2019re envisioning a Sauron-Isildur death match or a slow crawl to the Cracks of Doom, this is your spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Number 6: Poolburn<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-9.png\" alt=\"Number 6: Poolburn - Very dangerous over short distances...\" class=\"wp-image-109576 no-lazyload\" width=\"581\" height=\"435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-9.png 358w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-9-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-9-214x160.png 214w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px\" \/><figcaption>Very dangerous over short distances&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Iconic. A South Island location that\u2019s an easy day trip out of Queenstown, Poolburn offers you an opportunity to fully embrace your inner \u00c9omer\/\u00c9owyn in the Westfold, or maybe hum a few bars of \u201cThey\u2019re taking the hobbits the hobbits the hobbits\u2026\u201d Some of the area is on private property, so connecting with a tour may be necessary. The hobbits the hobbits\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Number 5: Mount Sunday\/Edoras<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-10.png\" alt=\"Number 5: Mount Sunday\/Edoras - Sadly, Meduseld is no more, but the view remains. And cows.\" class=\"wp-image-109577 no-lazyload\" width=\"578\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-10.png 355w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-10-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-10-214x160.png 214w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px\" \/><figcaption>Sadly, Meduseld is no more, but the view remains. And cows.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now we\u2019re getting into MUST SEE territory. Our Meduseld-boasting hill (OK, they tore that down) really is in the middle of nowhere, about a two-hour drive from the South Island\u2019s Christchurch. It\u2019s publicly accessible, and kids, when I was your age, I had to ford something like six streams just to get there. Today\u2019s footbridges are for the weak. Have a picnic on the windy top, and keep an eye out for Shadowfax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Number 4: Wellington and Environs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-11.png\" alt=\"Number 4: Wellington and Environs - Wellington Harbor from Mount Victoria. Get off the road.\" class=\"wp-image-109578 no-lazyload\" width=\"578\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-11.png 266w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-11-214x160.png 214w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px\" \/><figcaption>Wellington Harbor from Mount Victoria. Get off the road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Middle-earth Central in New Zealand, there are many fannish reasons to loiter around New Zealand\u2019s capital. Head up to Mount Victoria and throw yourself off the road just in time to avoid Black Riders. Take a quick trip to Harcourt Park and imagine strolling with wizards near Isengard. Wave at the Dry Creek Quarry and puzzle out how PJ and team managed to create Helm\u2019s Deep or Minas Tirith on the spot. Take a raft trip on the nearby Hutt River, and imagine the regret of leaving Lothlorien. Visit the Stansborough Mill to see how elven cloaks are really made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Number 3: Queenstown and Environs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-12.png\" alt=\"Number 3: Queenstown and Environs - Deer Park Heights is back! Ideally not the Corsairs of Umbar.\" class=\"wp-image-109579 no-lazyload\" width=\"578\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-12.png 324w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-12-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-12-213x160.png 213w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px\" \/><figcaption>Deer Park Heights is back! Ideally not the Corsairs of Umbar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps a controversial call. For some, this is THE number one spot, a jewel on New Zealand\u2019s South Island and one of the few towns with a truly vibrant night life. For Ringers, the treasures are abundant; it is one of the regions most densely packed with film locations in the whole country. That starts with the stunning Remarkables mountain range, an iconic backdrop for the Dimrill Dale and the White Mountains\/Gandalf\u2019s ride to Minas Tirith. Nearby Glenorchy was home to scenes in Isengard, Lothlorien, and that Ithilien camp where Gollum likes things raw and wriggling. There\u2019s great recent news that Deer Park Heights has reopened, bringing classic locations back into the fold: Aragorn\u2019s Cliff, the Rohirrim march to Helm\u2019s Deep, the exit to the Paths of the Dead, the Bad Soup Sitting Rock. Or visit Skippers Canyon and imagine outrunning the Nazg\u00fbl yourself. Or what Arwen might have done with a jet boat on the Shotover\/Bruinen River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Number 2: Weta and the Weta Cave<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"594\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-13.png\" alt=\"Number 2: Weta and the Weta Cave - Weta and the Weta Cave\" class=\"wp-image-109580 no-lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-13.png 594w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-13-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-13-214x160.png 214w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px\" \/><figcaption>The perfect spot for every aspiring burrahobbit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Guilty! This is a bit of a cheat, because technically this could have been part of the Wellington entry. But it\u2019s WETA for crying out loud. They continue to up their game on the wonder potential at the Cave, offering behind the scenes tours to see iconic props and prop making for the expanding universe of Weta projects. Plus there\u2019s an amazing gift shop, and you can hang with Bill, Tom, and Bert for as long as you want. They\u2019re not going anywhere. (By the way, today marks the one-day-versary of Weta opening another must-see experience, this one in Auckland: &#8220;Weta Workshop Unleashed&#8221;. But it\u2019s <em>possible<\/em> you\u2019ll hear a few more details on that front soon!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Number 1: The Hobbiton Movie Set<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"575\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-14.png\" alt=\"Number 1: The Hobbiton Movie Set - Sam and Rosie's, of course \" class=\"wp-image-109581 no-lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-14.png 575w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-14-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-14-213x160.png 213w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/><figcaption>Sam and Rosie&#8217;s, of course<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Was there really any doubt? About a 2-3 hour drive south of Auckland and near Matamata, this is a fully rebuilt, permanent park offering a truly immersive experience. The 1250 acre sheep farm has been open to the public since the <em>LotR <\/em>filming wrapped, following a groundswell of fan interest (to local astonishment) in visiting this Middle-earth Mecca. The spot would still have been number one on most folks\u2019 lists even back when all it boasted was one sadly disheveled and mostly deconstructed hobbit hole. The Party Tree alone was worth making this stop the first priority on your NZ itinerary. But now! Hobbit holes galore, in varying sizes! Games on the Party Field! A new Sandyman\u2019s Millhouse, offering opportunities for private parties, wedding receptions, and corporate events. And there\u2019s a fully functional Green Dragon Inn, which also offers opportunities to book both breakfast and\/or dinner!\u00a0 Don your hobbit duds and loiter here long. And yes, it comes in pints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let the Top Ten debates begin!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Madeye Gamgee<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><sub><strong>Note<\/strong>: The second part of this series will be posted shortly. In it, we will suggest a variety of itinieries as well as the plethora of additional resources available. Stay tuned! <\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><sub><strong>Editor Note:<\/strong>&nbsp;Throughout the month, and as part of our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/2020\/12\/02\/109183-holiday-fun-with-torns-own-advent-calendar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tolkien Advent Calendar celebration<\/a>, we are featuring news and resources for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien, his worlds and works. Today\u2019s official advent calendar is below!<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"742\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/TORn-advent-2020-dec19-742x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Day 19 of TheOneRing.net's Tolkien Advent Calendar\" class=\"wp-image-109621 no-lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/TORn-advent-2020-dec19-742x1024.jpg 742w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/TORn-advent-2020-dec19-217x300.jpg 217w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/TORn-advent-2020-dec19-768x1060.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/TORn-advent-2020-dec19-600x828.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/TORn-advent-2020-dec19-1113x1536.jpg 1113w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/TORn-advent-2020-dec19-1484x2048.jpg 1484w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/TORn-advent-2020-dec19-116x160.jpg 116w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/TORn-advent-2020-dec19-scaled.jpg 1855w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 742px) 100vw, 742px\" \/><figcaption>Day 19 of TheOneRing.net&#8217;s Tolkien Advent Calendar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Twenty years. On December 19, 2000, a young TheOneRing.net was abuzz with news of LotR Christmas parties, a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39966,"featured_media":109581,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4,68,20,496,148,149,789,1514],"tags":[3522,2777,803,3524,3520,3523,3527,883,650,3521,3526,3525],"class_list":["post-109567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hobbit-movie","category-production-locations","category-new_zealand","category-production","category-hobbit","category-lotr","category-weta-cave-production","category-weta-collectibles","tag-film-sets","tag-filming-locations","tag-hobbiton","tag-lord-of-the-rings-film-sets","tag-lord-of-the-rings-locations","tag-lotr-film-sets","tag-middle-earth-tours","tag-new-zealand","tag-red-carpet-tours","tag-the-hobbit-locations","tag-touring-new-zealand","tag-visiting-new-zealand"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image-14.png","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1tLoH-svd","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109567","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39966"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109567"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109567\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":109646,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109567\/revisions\/109646"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/109581"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109567"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=109567"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=109567"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}