New Zealand’s Middle Earth

A land of snow-capped peaks, primeval forests and glacier-carved river valleys, New Zealand seemed destined to play a starring role in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films. As Middle Earth fans gear up for the last and final movie of the Hobbit series, here's a look at some of the fantastical set locations and fine behind-the-scenes craftwork that have helped shine a spotlight on one of the world’s most breathtaking countries.

Hobbiton

When director Peter Jackson flew over the gentle, rolling hills west of Matamata during location scouting on the North Island, he knew he'd struck pay dirt. Here was the Shire: a rambling and age-old countryside of fertile green hills framed by a picturesque lake and a towering pine tree – a dead ringer for Tolkien's 'party tree' (where Bilbo Baggins was feted at his Farewell Birthday Party).

Today, you can wander through this otherworldly landscape, stepping past dozens of handsomely painted hobbit holes set in the hillsides. Tiny flower and vegetable gardens, hobbit-sized garden tools and even a mini-sized stone bridge and water mill add to the illusion that you are clearly no longer in Kansas. Visits to Hobbiton are by guided tour; end your stroll at the recreated Green Dragon Inn over a few draughts of ale (thankfully served in human-, rather than halfling-sized mugs).

Wellington

Movie magic comes to life in the rooms of Weta Workshop, creators of props, costumes, and oodles and oodles of orc blood. Founded in Wellington by special-effects auteurs Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger in 1987, this outfit has garnered an armful of Academy Awards for its artistry in bringing fantasy to life.

Middle Earth fans can take a guided 45-minute tour through the Weta Cave, and peruse the chainmail armour, weaponry and elf ears fabricated for the Lord of the Rings films. You can often see the artisans in action as this company is much in demand (Middle Earth aside, Weta was involved in Avatar, King Kong, The Last Samurai and countless other films).

It's located in the suburb of Miramar, 8.5km southwest of the city centre. If you're without transport, tours (including shuttle transport) go several times daily from central Wellington. If you can't make it out to the workshop you can also see some of Weta's creations at Wellington airport, where several massive installations – including a rather lifelike dragon snout (Smaug, of course) – can be spotted.

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