Aotearoa New Zealand: Home of Middle‑Earth™

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Discover an ancient kingdom of endless forests, rolling green hills, and charming rural villages when you visit Aotearoa New Zealand—a country fit for folklore and fairy tales.

For many, Peter Jackson’s epic movie series – three parts for The Lord of the Rings, followed by three more for The Hobbit – is the definitive take on JRR Tolkien’s epic fantasy world. Both films were shot entirely in Aotearoa New Zealand, using more than 150 locations, handpicked for their resemblance to the kingdoms of Tolkien’s imagination. The success of films had a lasting effect on New Zealand’s tourism industry, sparking a raft of niche visitor experiences and attractions, designed to show off the landscapes and recreate the magic of the films. For any true Tolkien fan, a visit to Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours and Wētā Workshop should be top of their bucket list.

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Next on your journey through Middle‑earth™

Wellington: Film capital of New Zealand

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