Exlpore the New Zealand locations used for the LOTR & Hobit Films

To celebrate the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first part of The Hobbit Trilogy, http://www.newzealand.com is giving you the chance to discover the landscapes and experiences of the country starring as Middle-earth – Aotearoa New Zealand. The site has a really cool interactive book of Middle Earth, that allows you to turn the pages to find out how to experience key film locations amongst some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes. There’s exclusive content from the geniuses at Weta Workshop, as well as exciting Middle-earth themed itineraries and regularly updated special features. You can experience a range of activities and tours related to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogy in New Zealand. If you’re a fan of the films and are planning a trip to New Zealand, be sure to head to Hobbiton, check out some tour options, their knowledgeable and laid-back hosts will help you make the most of your adventure. Even if you’re not a film buff, you’ll be amazed and inspired by what you’ll see and learn.

Ever since the first The Lord of the Rings movie was released in 2001, New Zealand has been known as the ‘Home of Middle-earth’.

New Zealand’s dramatic scenery plays the mythical world of Middle-earth on the big screen in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogy. Golden plains, towering mountains and enchanting valleys form the lands of Lothlorien, Hobbiton, Rivendell and more with seamless magic.

The international spotlight will once again shine on New Zealand’s landscapes and film industry with the upcoming world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, directed by Oscar winning filmmaker Peter Jackson. The first of a trilogy based on J.R.R Tolkien’s much-loved book The Hobbit, the film is set in Middle-earth 60 years before The Lord of the Rings.

From scenery to set

The similarities between New Zealand and Middle-earth are remarkable. Bubbling brooks intersect with gentle waterfalls; snow-capped peaks cast shadows over lush forest valleys and ancient glaciers – frozen in time – cascade almost to the sea.

More than 250 locations throughout the country were used to film The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogy, after the film-making team scoured the country for the most stunningly beautiful destinations.

There’s no place like it

The diversity of the New Zealand landscape has been a draw for filmmakers and travelers from around the world. Many activities and attractions offer the chance to see the film locations for yourself, as well as the many other experiences New Zealand is known for.

Explore the articles below to learn more about the movies and where they were filmed, as well as suggested Middle-earth themed itineraries and special features.

Release dates for The Hobbit Trilogy:

• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,  December 14, 2012
• The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,  December 13, 2013
• The Hobbit: There and Back Again,  July 18th, 2014

NewZealand.com’s interactive tour of Middle Earth

Check back to the site as more features of the interactive book are revealed

Opportunities allow you to click on some of the concept images in the book to view the full art

From concept drawing to reality…

Walk in the footsteps of one of the greatest fantasy film franchises of all time