The Hobbit’s Ultimate Guide to New Zealand

By Kyle Ellison, Viator.com
March 3, 2014
Every Lord of the Rings fan should pay a visit to Hobbiton in Matamata, New Zealand.
Courtesy <a href="http://mybt.budgettravel.com/_Hobbiton/photo/15148593/21864.html" target="_blank"> jkramb/myBudgetTravel</a>

This article was written by Kyle Ellison on behalf of Viator.com.

These are some of the staggering statistics behind the logistics of filming the latest in The Hobbit trilogy. Though much of the movies were shot in a Wellington studio, nine weeks were spent in the New Zealand countryside filming in surroundings that excite the imagination. From the rolling green hills of Matamata to the soaring peaks of the Southern Alps, the scenery of New Zealand is so phenomenally enchanting that it's almost too perfect to be real.

In fact, while filming the movies, many of the cast expressed concerns that viewers would think the landscape was fake. How, they argued, could moviegoers believe that such stunning scenery is real? Where in the world do thundering waterfalls, turquoise lakes, volcanic pinnacles, and alpine glaciers all occupy a terrain with hardly any people? Luckily for travelers to New Zealand, this fantasy-world of rings and hobbits was shot in a very real place, and thanks to the convenience of movie-themed tours, it's easy to visit the same outposts where dwarves and trolls once voyaged. To take a walk in the footsteps of The Hobbit, here is our guide to many of the locations where scenes from the movies were filmed.

NORTH ISLAND

Matamata
Seeing as most visitors fly into Auckland—and that the epic journey all began in The Shire—it only makes sense that Matamata should be the first stop on a Hobbit-themed holiday. This rolling pastureland three hours south of Auckland offers the famous setting for Hobbiton, and after the filming of Lord of the Rings, the Hobbiton movie set was completely dismantled and the area returned to pasture. For the filming of The Hobbit, however, Hobbiton was constructed from permanent materials, and the captivating hamlet of life-sized hobbit holes is now a permanent North Island attraction. In addition to visiting Bag End—home of Bilbo Baggins—you can enjoy a meal in the Green Dragon Inn made famous in the Lord of the Rings. While Matamata is only a short drive from Hamilton, many travelers choose to visit as part of a guided tour. There are multiple tours which depart from Auckland, others which also visit Waitomo Caves, and an exclusive option to arrive early to tour around Hobbiton prior to the opening.

RELATED: Book Viator's exclusive tour to Hobbiton.

PioPio
Set in a remote section of the Waikato region, PioPio and the Mangaotaki Rocks were the famous site of Trollshaw Forest. At an area known as Denize Bluffs, huge shafts of rock plunge upwards from the forest and make the perfect setting for a secretive hideaway. Located 40 minutes south of Waitomo Caves and not far from the town of Te Kuiti, the setting itself is on private land and can only be accessed as part of a private tour.

Turoa
For local Kiwi skiers and snowboarders, the Turoa ski area is a popular part of the largest skifield in New Zealand. For those on the trail of The Hobbit, however, the area around Turoa is better known as the entrance to The Lonely Mountain. Also known as Hidden Bay, this grassy tussock and rocky slope has the feel of an alpine outpost, and it's also the area from The Lord of the Rings where Gollum chased fish through the river. Not far away—on the opposite side of the mountain—is the volcanic section of Tongariro Park which was home to Mordor and the famous Mt. Doom. Given the somewhat remote location and the distance from major cities (4-5 hours from both Auckland and Wellington), the best way to visit the area around Turoa is by providing your own transportation. While here, be sure to do some hiking in Tongariro National Park, and the Tongariro Crossing is often considered as the best one-day hike in New Zealand.

Wellington
In addition to being the nation's capital, Wellington is the home of Stone Street Studios where much of the movies were filmed. It's also the home of the Weta Cave, which is the legendary studio of special effects where much of the magic was born. Only 20 minutes from downtown Wellington, the Weta Cave is a must-stop destination for anyone who is a fan of the films. Inside this iconic compound of creative imagination, you can come face-to-face with replicas of the characters and learn about how they were brought to life on screen. Though access to the Cave is open to the public, you can also visit as part of a tour which spends the day traveling to filming sights around Wellington. For Lord of the Rings fans, spend the morning touring the Gardens of Isengard and the walk along the banks of the Great River Anduin. After passing the site of famous Helm's Deep, attend the workshop at the Weta Cave for a full day of immersion in Middle Earth magic.

SOUTH ISLAND

Pelorus River
An hour west of the famous Marlborough vineyards—though not quite as far as the sunny coast of Nelson—Pelorus River is the only site in New Zealand where a collection of dwarves have rafted a river in wine barrels. The Pelorus River was used as an escape plan as a way to free the dwarves from Elvish imprisonment, and today is best visited as part of a guided kayak tour. For those who want to spend more time in the area, there is also a campground not far from the Pelorus Bridge where you can sit by the riverbank and re-enact the scene.

Queenstown
Known to most travelers as the adventure capital of New Zealand, areas around Queenstown were also the setting for some of the film's most dramatic vistas. On the outskirts of town, The Remarkables mountain range which is so popular with skiing also served as the setting for the mysterious Misty Mountains. An hour to the west of Queenstown, not far from the town of Glenorchy, Earnslaw Burn is the name of the glacier where Bilbo and company visit when leaving Rivendell. Today, visitors can walk in the footsteps of The Hobbit by lacing up their hiking boots and walking the Earnslaw Burn Track. Along this walk through the Southern Alps, glacial waterfalls cascade their way down mountains with such dramatic splendor that they seem to spill from the sky.

Twizel, Lake Pukaki, and Mount Cook
Situated high in the Canterbury interior, these expansive plains were the dramatic setting for many battles and panoramic vistas. Mt. Cook and the neighboring Southern Alps feature prominently in the backdrop of many aerial shots, and the turquoise-infused Lake Pukaki was the setting for Laketown—the city which is featured in The Desolation of Smaug. Small group Hobbit tours visit filming locations around Twizel, which itself is located over three hours from Christchurch. For those who are staying in the city of Christchurch, you can also take a Lord of the Rings tour to Mt. Sunday which was used as the setting for the city of Edoras.

Strath Taieri
Located an hour outside the city of Dunedin, Strath Taieri and the Rock and Pillar Range are the remote outposts used for many of the chase scenes. The Hobbit cast members were forced to use helicopters to access many of the locations, although physically-fit hikers can access the craggy ridgeline by a series of walking tracks which weave through the hills.

Fiordland
Finally, the filming of The Hobbit could never be complete without a series of scenes featuring footage from Fiordland. Of all the footage which was gathered from Fiordland, the iconic landmark which is immediately recognizable is 1,900 ft. Sutherland Falls. Located along the trail for the Milford Track, this awe-inspiring waterfall forms the dramatic backdrop for when the hobbits are soaring on the backs of eagles. Even though the sets—with the exception of Hobbiton—have been completely dismantled since completion of the films, movie fans are guaranteed to be touched by the magic of walking in the beauty of the footsteps of The Hobbit. After all, New Zealand is a real place, and while it might now be crawling in dwarves and orcs, standing in the surroundings leaves little to the imagination.

Book a private tour of Hobbiton from Auckland, or check out all Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit tours in New Zealand.

Plan Your Next Getaway
Keep reading
Inspiration

Escape The Cold With These Warm-Weather Travel Deals

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for spring. With more snow on the way this weekend for parts of the northeast, nothing sounds better right now than a quick getaway to somewhere—anywhere!—that is warm. Here, we've rounded up some great vacation deals, hotel specials, and travel sales to help you thaw out this winter. Hawaii • Picture yourself relaxing on the beautiful, legendary shores of Waikiki Beach. Hilton Hawaiian Village on Hawaii's island of Oahu (pictured above), is offering room rates from $199 a night, with access to Waikiki Starlight Luau, five luxurious swimming pools, and the longest waterslide in Waikiki. You'll also be able to try your hand at playing the ukulele or dancing the hula during your stay. • The Plantation Inn in Maui is offering more than 20 percent off with their "Moment in Time" package. You'll get three nights' accommodations in a Deluxe Lanai room, daily breakfast, dinner for two at Gerard's Restaurant on the night of your choice, a bottle of champagne with two glasses to keep, His and Hers Hawaiian robes to keep, and daily car rental, from $852 per couple. • You can find lots of hotel rates on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island for less than $200 a night when you book through this website—you'll also save 10 percent on your vacation by booking with promo code AstonLife and sharing your #AstonLife experience on social media. Must show your #AstonLife post to hotel staff for validation. • Save 10 percent on your stay at various Aqua Hospitality hotels in Hawaii and Guam when you "Rock a Shaka" at check in. • Still craving that dream trip to Hawaii? Flights from the west coast between February and May range from $358 to $553 round-trip, while other travel deals to Hawaii can be found by visiting the Hawaiian Airlines website, the Alaska Airlines website, or by visiting Delta Vacations or United Vacations for great air and hotel (and sometimes rental car) deals. Florida • Enjoy rates from $144 a night when you book the Hilton Orlando's 30 Hour Day package, which gives you overnight accommodations, eary check-in at 10 a.m. and late check-out at 4 p.m., discounts of 15 percent at The Spa, and a 20 percent discount at the gift shop. When the theme park fatigue sets in, head to Hilton Orlando's lazy river, veg out at one of their two swimming pools, or take on the water slide. Valid thru Dec. 25, 2015. • Check out these special deals and vacation packages in Daytona Beach, including promotional rates during Bike Week Mar. 6-15, 2015. Arizona • Book three or more nights at The Westin La Paloma Resort &amp; Spa in Tuscon, Arizona, by Mar. 30th and travel Mar. 2nd thru Apr. 6th and score rates from $189 a night—and a $50 gas card per stay. Kids will love The SlideWinder water slide, while adults can take on the resort's 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature course. Call 866-716-8108 or book online. Mention promo code LPPKG1 to get the special deal. Puerto Rico • Escape to Puerto Rico with stay at the Doubletree by Hilton San Juan for from $179 a night. You'll also receive fresh bakec chocolate chip cookies and handmade gourmet chocolates upon arrival, complimentary parking, breakfast, and admission to the Puerto Rico Museum of Art as part of their "Sweet Treats" package. Valid thru Mar. 31st. • Treat yourselves to Isla Verde Beach Resort's "My Puerto Rico Experience" package. You'll receive a 20 percent discount on a car rental, a 20 percent discount on Dragonfly Adventure Tours, and a special $75 resort credit per stay. From $185 a night; package is valid thru Dec. 21, 2015. • Book your stay at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel &amp; Casino now thru March to score rates from $175 a night this winter. • The Copamarina Beach Resort &amp; Spa is offering rates from $150 a night for a romantic package that includes a one-night stay, daily breakfast at Las Palmas restaurant, a one-hour sunset cruise, couple's massage, one romantic dinner, and sparkling wine with chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival. Curaçao • Don't miss the "Relax A Little Longer" package at the beautiful Santa Barbara Beach &amp; Golf Resort in Curaçao. You'll save 25 percent on stays of four nights or more and breakfast for two at Medi, the resort's Mediterranean restaurant. From $157 a night. Please call 855-590-2266 or book this deal online. Bahamas • Don't miss the Ultimate Spring Getaway package at the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina in the Out Islands of the Bahamas, which gives you five days / four nights' oceanfront accommodations; two days of round-trip water taxi rides to nearby Guana Cay and Elbow Cay; daily breakfast; dinner for three nights at Angler's Restaurant; and complimentary use of the resort's tennis courts, fitness center, non-motorized watersports, and yoga classes; from $873 per person. Based on double occupancy; valid on stays between Feb. 27th and Apr. 12, 2015. Dominican Republic • Don't miss this package from CheapCaribbean.com that gives you airfare to Puerto Plata, six nights at the Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort &amp; Spa with access to their special VIP beach and parties, from $589 per person when you book by Mar. 31st for travel between May 1st and Aug. 31st. Mexico • CheapCaribbean.com has two great packages to Mexico: choose from one with airfare from Ft. Lauderdale to Cancun with four nights' accommodations at the Villa del Palmar Cancun Luxury Beach Resort &amp; Spa from $769 per person (book by Feb. 28th for travel thru Apr. 30th), or one with airfare from Ft. Lauderdale to the Riviera Maya with four nights' accommodations at the all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Colonial and Tropical Beach Resort and $1,200 in resort credits per stay, from $669 per person (book by Mar. 23rd for travel between May 1st and Jul. 2nd). • Escape to the CasaMagna Marriott Puerta Vallarta Resort &amp; Spa with rates from $109 a night when you book by Feb. 28th for stays thru Jun. 30th. Las Vegas • You can save on a trip to Las Vegas this winter by using the following promotional codes on Vegas.com when you book now thru Mar. 19th for travel by Jan. 31, 2016: Enter promo code WINTER25 to get $25 off your purchase of $250 or more; enter promo code WINTER50 to get $50 off your purchase of $500 or more; and enter promo code WINTER100 to get $100 off your purchase of $1,000 or more. Costa Rica • Head south and embark on an eight-day Costa Rica Sky to Sea biking tour from Access Trips. You'll get seven nights' accommodations, biking instructions according to your level by expert teachers, six days of biking through Costa Rica's scenery, all breakfast, three lunches, all transfers and ground transportation within the country, the services of a local naturalist guide, a river safari, and entrance to Costa Rica's National Parks. Land only package starts at $2,090 per person and does not include international airfare, bike and helmet rentals, or gratuities. Based on availability for departures on Mar. 22, May 17, Jul. 19, Nov. 1, and Dec. 20, 2015. Australia Qantas Vacations is offering several air-inclusive packages like the 11-Day Best of Australia: Melbourne, Reef, and Sydney package—from $2,559 with airfare from L.A., three nights in Melbourne, three nights in Cairns, and three nights in Sydney among other perks—and the 10-Day Best of Australia's Outback package—from $2,959 including airfare from L.A., two nights in Alice Springs, two nights near Uluru, and four nights in Sydney. Other Great Hotel Deals • Red Roof Inn is offering several ways to save: You can save up to 20 percent at select Red Roof Inn properties thanks to their Snowbirds promotion—use promo code 618909 when booking your stay now thru Mar. 31st. Are you a veteran or active duty military member? You and your family can save 15 percent on regular rates with promo code 619091 when you book and stay by Mar. 31st. The Red Roof National Pet Discount gives you 15 percent off rates at participating hotels when you stay now thru Feb. 28th with your four-legged friend (use promo code 605422). • Save up to 20 percent at 31 participating Marriott Resorts in California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas with their "More is Less" sale. Book by Mar. 5th for stays thru Mar. 31st and use promo code D3Q. Remember, the longer you stay, the more you'll save! • Rates at the Hilton São Paolo Morumbi, Hilton Barbados Resort, and the Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico start at $99 a night and include a $50 per night on-property credit to use towards hotel restaurants, spa facilities, and golf, when you book one of their Leisure Escape packages.

Inspiration

Meet Berlin, MD, America's Coolest Small Town!

How does it feel to live in the Coolest Small Town in America? Ask the folks in Berlin, MD, the winner of Budget Travel's 9th annual America's Coolest Small Town contest! Berlin's citizens—and fans from around the U.S. and beyond—helped get the town nominated last fall when Budget Travel solicited suggestions from tens of thousands of online readers. The editors tallied up the nominations, added a dash of editorial discretion for regional and cultural diversity, and came up with a list of 15 finalists—cool burghs from Upstate New York to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, from northern Colorado to the Everglades, and, of course, the Maryland shore. Now, after more than a month of online voting, Berlin, MD (population 4,563), has earned the title of "Coolest." Berlin not only has a dedicated citizenry and fan following (it grabbed more than 28 percent of the votes among the 15 finalists), but it's also a truly spectacular place to visit or put down roots. Like the beautiful backdrops in the films Tuck Everlasting and The Runaway Bride? Thank Berlin, where both movies were shot. Ready for a getaway that includes Maryland's awesome Ocean City beach and boardwalk and gorgeous Assateague Island? They're just a few miles from Berlin's downtown (a National Register Historic District), which plays host to fun events all year long, from the regular farmers market to one-of-a-kind bashes like the Berlin Fiddlers Convention, New Year's fireworks, Victorian Christmas (complete with horse-drawn carriages), and even bathtub races! Whether you're a beach lover, hiker, kayaker, bird watcher, or history aficionado, put Berlin on your list of small-town must-sees (in fact, put it at the top of your list—we just did!).   So, congrats to the people of Berlin, MD, and its mayor, William "Gee" WIlliams III (who just earned a growler of craft beer from second-place finisher Cazenovia's mayor, Kurt Wheeler). And let's join them in a rousing chorus of "Cool Berlin," by local songwriter Steve Frene, written especially to promote the town's campaign for the top spot. Here are the top 10 towns in Budget Travel's 2014 America's Coolest Small Town contest. (Online voting among 15 finalists began in mid-January and ended at 12 a.m. Tuesday February 25. Total votes cast were 137,819, with the winner receiving 39,285 votes.) Each of these 10 towns will be honored in an upcoming feature on BudgetTravel.com and an upcoming story in Budget Travel's tablet edition: 1. Berlin, MD 2. Cazenovia, NY 3. Buckhannon, WV 4. Travelers Rest, SC 5. Mathews, VA 6. Nevada City, CA 7. Rockport, TX 8. Estes Park, CO 9. Galena, IL 10. Elkin, NC

Inspiration

Food Lover’s Guide to Paris

This article was written by Christine Cantera on behalf of Viator.com's Travel Blog. Cheese. Bread. Pastries. With all the amazing things to eat in Paris, it’s a wonder anyone has time to visit the museums! If your itinerary for Paris looks more like a grocery list than a guide book, check out our tips for food lovers who are ready to fall in love with the City of Light. Steak frites is a simple dish, but don’t overlook it.It can be easy to forgo this brasserie staple in search of more inventive cuisine, but in a way it should almost be your first meal upon arriving. It’s one of the best Parisian comfort foods and should be eaten at a quality place (a great one is Charbon Rouge, 75008). Note that the French love a bloody steak, so if you’re squeamish, go one level up from your normal cooked preference. Read more about France’s best food Don’t overlook the fare at wine bars, either.Wine bars in Paris are especially useful for sampling the fruits of France’s vineyards, as many outside of Paris only serve their own region’s labels. And recently, the trend towards serving more than just some basic snacks has taken over, and now you can easily make a meal out of their offerings—in fact, many chefs are opening up bistrots à vins. Frenchie Bar à Vins (75002) is a fine example. Beware of outdoor seating.Outdoor seating is a popular temptation in Paris—and one I take advantage of regularly. But if you’re a foodie purist, there are two things you need to think about before grabbing that seat. First, this isn’t the States—outdoor seating is snapped up by smokers, and Parisians don’t mind when someone next to them lights up. So if you’re the type who coughs and splutters the second you see a cig, you’ll probably want to eat inside. And second, check out the traffic scene. Some places have a steady stream of buses, scooters, or just plain heavy foot traffic, which can leave you distracted and jostled. Check out the restaurants on tranquil Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine (75004) if the traffic seems way too much for you (but I can’t help you with the smoking). Not all bread is created equal.You can barely walk 15 feet in Paris without stumbling across yet another boulangerie. And you’ll be hard-pressed to find a truly crappy baguette (croissants are another story; boy can they stink!). But if you make sure that the place has a blue and yellow “Artisan Boulanger” sign out front, then you can be sure that it's at least homemade. And in case you’re wondering, yes, there is a “best baguette” in Paris, at Boulangerie Mauvieux (159 rue Ordener, 75018). They have a contest for it and everything. Go behind-the-scenes of a boulangerie Rent an apartment and hit the markets.Even non-foodies enjoy visiting Paris’s many food markets, but if you don’t have any way too cook, it’s no different than a (really awesome) museum. But whether you take a Parisian food tour or go it alone, with a vacation apartment you have the luxury of taking home that strange legume and messing with it for the rest of the morning. Or you can stock up on all the cheeses, even the stinky ones, without stuffing them in the mini-fridge between tiny bottles of vodka and candy bars. For true food lovers, the markets are where it’s at. Don’t miss the Marché des Enfants Rouges (75003), which is open more than just on the weekends and dates back to the 1600s.

Inspiration

How To Do Lima On A Budget

Just because it's called the City of Kings doesn't mean you have to spend like one! Lima has plenty to offer the broke backpacker and savvy traveler, from gourmet meals to free galleries and events. Here's how you can enjoy a budget-friendly holiday in Lima and save your money for other adventures around Peru. Take the MetroWhen most newcomers first arrive in Lima, they rely solely on taxis to get around, which can cost upwards of ten soles (about four dollars) for a short trip. To give you some perspective, that's the same price as a full meal here in Lima. Taking taxis is also a time-waster because the traffic in Lima is unpredictable and you can end up spending a lot of time stuck in gridlock if you get caught traveling at the wrong time. Instead, save time and money by taking the Metropolitano, a system of buses that can get you from one end of the city to another for a flat rate of two soles. If you're staying in Miraflores, for instance, and you want to explore the historic city center, you can take the Metro from the stop called Benavides—where you can buy a card for as little as five soles and reload as necessary—to the stop called Estacion Central. The A, B, and C buses will get you there from the platform marked "Norte," usually in about twenty minutes tops. Meanwhile, the same trip via taxi would end up costing at least 12 soles one way, and if you go during rush hour, could last up to an hour.  Stick to Sites with Free AdmissionIn the center of Lima, you can visit two free museums, the Palacio de Gobierno in the Plaza Mayor and the Museo de Congreso y la Inquisicion (Jr. Junín 548). At the first site, you can take a free tour of the presidential palace. In the second, you can take a gruesome tour of the site where the Spanish Inquisition tried accused heretics and exacted punishments. All materials are in Spanish, but the displays definitely get the point across. If you are going to be traveling to Lima during the summer months of January to March, you can enjoy the sunshine on the beaches in Barranco, a district just south of Miraflores. To get there, just hike down from the Parque de Barranco and cross the highway called Circuito de Playas. While you're in Barranco, you can check out the Galeria Delbarrio (Bernardino Cruz 148), just a fifteen minute walk south in nearby Chorrillos. It's a gallery set in a beautiful old mansion and serves as a showcase for independent artists' work and community art. The best part: it's free! Enjoy a Walk Along the MalecónWith 43 unique districts, Lima is a massive urban sprawl. Some areas are definitely safer than others, but certain spots such as Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, and parts of the center are quite pleasant and nice for walking. One particularly breathtaking walk is along the Malecón, which snakes along the cliff tops of Miraflores and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Gourmet Eats on a Backpacker's BudgetLima has been making a name for itself as a gastronomic destination, with world class restaurants and fine dining options just about everywhere you look. But you don't have to break the bank to have a nice meal. On just about every street corner, you can find set-menu restaurants for 7-10 soles offering a range of traditional meals and everything from Andean stews to fresh ceviche. Walk along the street and take your pick of the chalkboard signs advertising the day's offerings. This article was written by Sophia Guida, who has been living in Lima, Peru, on and off since the beginning of 2012, where she works as a freelance writer/photojournalist and takes every opportunity to explore the areas left out of the guidebooks. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr. She wrote this article on behalf of Peru for Less, experts in providing tours to Lima and all over Peru.