7. Kaitoke Regional Park, near Wellington, New Zealand
Don’t miss a trip to Rivendell while you’re in New Zealand. Chances are you’re going to be passing through the capital city of Wellington anyways, so you might as well check out where the Elven outpost was filmed about an hour north. It’s a pristine area of rainforests and river pools, quite fitting for Elrond’s homestead (albeit digitally-enhanced). A signpost in the car park leads to a grassy area surrounded by forest, where many movie scenes were shot. There aren’t many traces left of the LOTR and Hobbit filmings, as nature has taken back the land quite aptly. As Tolkien himself never visited New Zealand, it is said that his true inspiration for Rivendell was Lauterbrunnental in Switzerland, where he had hiked before. It’s full of valleys, waterfalls and majesty worthy of an Elven refuge.
8. Fernside Gardens, near Wellington, New Zealand
Another one of the must-see destinations for Tolkien tourists around Wellington is the bucolic Fernside Gardens. Scenes of the other Elven oasis of Lothlórien were filmed around this historic pocket of pristine nature. The idyllic grounds, secret gardens and lake here is where Sméagol fought Deagol. You’ll also find the picturesque white bridge where the Fellowship said farewell to Galadriel. Although it’s not generally open to public access, you can join a Flat Earth Lord of the Rings Tour, or you can hope to be there on one of their rare open days during the Greytown Arts Festival.
9. Weta Cave Workshop Tour, Wellington, New Zealand
Film fans might be interested in taking of guided behind-the-scenes tour of the award-winning design and special effects studio that made the movies so magical. Check out the props, costumes, 3D models, makeup, prosthetics, animatronics, weaponry and other creative elements that the Weta artists and craftsmen have produced. Weta has worked on more than just the LOTR franchise, and are renowned as one of the best in the biz, worldwide. These tours are popular, so book your time slot well in advance.
