J.R.R. Tolkien created not only one of the most popular stories in history, but also one of the most compelling fantasy story worlds ever envisioned with his Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. Of course, it’s only a book, but our Middle Earth Travel Guide will help you experience it in real life. Middle Earth exists as the detailed descriptions of a world in which fantastic characters perform in an epic battle over a powerful ring. Thanks to Peter Jackson, however, Middle Earth has been translated from the mere description of words to some of the most stunning images in his film adaptations of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and now The Hobbit.
How did Peter Jackson bring Middle Earth to life? The movies were filmed in scenic New Zealand, and this gives fans of the film a great opportunity to visit Peter Jackson’s world of Middle Earth. For example, the town of Matamata has become a permanent tourist destination because of its role as the village of Hobbiton in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Matamata is located a two-hour drive Southeast of Auckland, and fans of the series can see Hobbit homes and the Green Dragon Inn.
Fans can visit the sight of Rivendell, which was filmed at the Kaiotke National Park in Wellington. They can even see the real-life Mount Doom, a surprisingly active volcano known as Mount Ngauruhoe. Mount Ngauruhoe is located in the Tongariro National Park and the last time the volcano erupted was in 1975.
These and many other scenic destinations make New Zealand a beautiful place to visit. The infographic below gives a perfect guide visiting New Zealand and seeing the “real” Middle Earth, as well as providing interesting information about the making of the films.
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