Recreate your favorite LOTR scenes on these gorgeous hikes in New Zealand!
When you’re studying this text, you’d most likely already know that the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) trilogy was filmed fully in New Zealand.
And upon listening to information concerning the new Amazon collection The Rings of Energy, we couldn’t assist however reminisce traditional scenes from the franchise. However as an alternative of merely fantasising over Center-earth, why not dive straight into the film set to expertise some LOTR magic for your self?
From The Lonely Mountain and Mount Doom to Chetwood Forest, we’ve collated a listing of seven hikes throughout iconic LOTR filming areas in New Zealand you’ll be able to add to your subsequent New Zealand itinerary.
Learn additionally: 12D New Zealand South Island Itinerary Below S$2.8k
1) Hooker Valley Monitor, Mount Cook dinner
Picture credit score: Miles Holden
The tallest mountain in New Zealand, Mount Cook dinner is solely gorgeous. It’s pure alpine surroundings at its most interesting — surrounded by many different skyscraper mountains and pristine glaciers. There’s no surprise it was director Peter Jackson’s prime decide to signify The Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit Trilogy.
The Hooker Valley observe is a well-liked hike to catch the mountain in its full glory. Snow-studded all 12 months spherical, cross the Hooker Valley and hike alongside the Hooker River, earlier than ending at a crystal-blue glacier lake. Alongside this thrilling hike, you’ll additionally cross suspension bridges and catch floating icebergs alongside the way in which!
Picture credit score: Miles Holden
It might sound robust, however the Hooker Valley observe is a comparatively simple hike with not a number of elevation positive factors. Appropriate for hikers of all ages, it’s well-maintained and straightforward to comply with.
*Notice: Climate circumstances can change shortly — put together for sturdy winds, sudden rainfall, drops in temperature and many others.
Distance: 10km (round-trip)
Length: 3-4 hours (round-trip)
Nearest city: Aoraki/ Mount Cook dinner
Start line: Aoraki/Mount Cook dinner Nationwide Park 227 Hooker Valley Street, Canterbury 7999, New Zealand (a brief stroll to the place to begin)
2) Anawhata Seashore, Auckland
Picture credit score: Torpedo7.co.nz
This movie website comes up within the newest collection The Rings of Energy, the place Girl Galadriel rides throughout Anawhata Seashore. In accordance with govt producer Callum Greene, this spot is so spectacular that the crew left it “very untouched”.
This beautiful seaside is just about a hidden gem. Solely accessible by foot, this makes the seaside quieter and far more unique. Aside from the wonderful views you get of the Hauraki Gulf, get pleasure from a soothing swim or play a recreation of frisbee!
Distance: ~2km (one-way from the carpark to the seaside)
Length: 20min
Nearest city: Auckland
Start line: 103/75 Anawhata Street, Anawhata 0772, New Zealand (carpark)
3) Putangirua Pinnacles Monitor, Wairarapa
Picture credit score: bennyjain
Discover these towering pinnacles considerably acquainted? Simply an hour’s drive south of Martinborough, the Putangirua Pinnacles shaped the set of Dimholt Street — the trail Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli took in quest of the doorway to the Paths of the Lifeless.
The pinnacles have been shaped on account of years of abrasion by rain and flood, and are one among New Zealand’s most lovely badlands (a dry terrain involving erosion of softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils).
Picture credit score: not_your_type1cal_adventurer through Instagram
It’s a quite manageable strolling path, however you’re going to wish good climbing boots because the gravel is gentle and damp. Whereas the film was filmed close to the valley, avid hikers can try the steeper climb to the Pinnacles lookout or go additional for wonderful views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke.
*Professional-tip: Keep away from climbing throughout wet climate as you’ll be crossing streams alongside the way in which, making floods a possible hazard.
Distance: 3km (round-trip)
Length: 2-3 hours (to the Pinnacles lookout)
Nearest city: Wellington
Start line: Pinnacles Monitor, Cape Palliser 5772, New Zealand
4) Lake Gunn Nature Stroll, Fiordland Nationwide Park
Picture credit score: NZ Division of Conservation
LOTR followers could discover photographs of Fiordland Nationwide Park strikingly acquainted, and it’s because it’s used time and time once more all through the collection. A brief and straightforward hike to soak up these scenic landscapes are through the Lake Gunn Nature Stroll.
Witness a number of the franchise’s most well-known mountainous landscapes and luxuriate in glimpses of birdlife amidst panoramic views at Eglinton Valley. Whereas it’s unlikely you’ll see dwarves or elves right here, you may spot New Zealand’s resident alpine parrots — the cheeky Kea!
Positioned alongside Milford Street (it’s significantly some of the lovely highways we’ve been on), Lake Gunn Nature Stroll makes for an awesome stroll amidst contemporary morning dew. Wander alongside the purple beech forest and make stops at a number of stony lake seashores alongside the way in which.
Distance: 1.4km (loop)
Length: 45min
Nearest city: Te Anau
Start line: Lake Gunn Nature Stroll, Southland 9679, New Zealand
5) Tongariro Crossing, Ruapehu
Picture credit score: Camilla Ruther-ford
LOTR followers could recall Boromir’s iconic warning — “One doesn’t merely stroll into Mordor.” Properly, right here’s how one can.
To go to Mordor, one should first cross the Tongariro Crossing, named one of many 10 New Zealand Nice Hikes for good cause. Catch Mount Doom (Mt Ngauruhoe) for your self, the famed historical volcano house to Mordor and Darkish Lord Sauron. Right here’s a sneak peek of the volcano’s eruption in Rings of Energy:
Credit: For Frodo
As you deal with the fearful Satan’s Staircase to Mordor, don’t overlook to cease by the gorgeous emerald crater lakes scattered throughout the rugged terrain.
Picture credit score: Graeme Murray
To traverse the beautiful sweeping landscapes, you’ll require a primary stage of health. Excessive climate and alpine terrains make it a more durable hike, however skilled hikers can go for an extra 3hr climb to summit the majestic Mount Doom.
Distance: 19.4km
Length: 8hrs
Nearest city: Tongariro
Start line: Tongariro Nationwide Park, Manawatu-Wanganui 4691, New Zealand
6) Takaka Hill Walkway, Takaka Hill
Picture credit score: Ghislane Mary
Step into the (tiny) sneakers of hobbits as they flee from nazguls in Bree and into Chetwood Forest, filmed alongside these historical marble outcrops on the Takaka Hill Walkway. Not like the desolate plains portrayed in Fellowship of the Ring, Takaka Hill is far more scenic in actual life.
Aside from these distinctive rock formations, the hike takes you thru fascinating karst landscapes, scrubs, and beech forests, earlier than revealing implausible views of Kahurangi Nationwide Park and Takaka Valley.
Distance: 3km (half loop), 5.1km (full loop)
Length: 1-2 hrs (half loop), 2-3 hrs (full loop)
Nearest city: Takaka
Start line: 1147 Takaka Hill Freeway, Takaka Hill 7198, New Zealand
7) Milford Sound Lookout Monitor, Milford Sound
Picture credit score: NZ Division of Conservation
The charming great thing about Milford Sound is well-known to most — mountainous peaks, misty fiord cliffs, and mild cascading waterfalls full its ethereal surroundings. The distant landscapes naturally caught the eye of director Peter Jackson as effectively, with the scenic Fiordland making numerous options all through the collection.
Whereas the cruises supply wonderful excursions across the Fiordland, the Milford Sound Lookout Monitor shouldn’t be neglected as effectively. As you stroll alongside the fiord, go for a brief detour to the well-known Milford Sound Swing for a romantic shot with this iconic New Zealand backdrop.
Distance: 400m
Length: 20min
Nearest city: Milford Sound
Beginning Level: 147/157 Milford Sound Freeway, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand (carpark)
Hike throughout your favorite LOTR filmsites in New Zealand
Hikes are a good way to soak up the perfect sights and sounds of New Zealand. And the truth that one of many largest blockbuster franchises was shot on-site makes all of them the extra price visiting!
For these planning your individual New Zealand itinerary, right here’s what you are able to do at the South Island — from hikes, wildlife sightings to excessive sports activities! And in case you’re an adrenaline junkie trying to get your blood speeding, there’s a ton of excessive thrills out there in Queenstown, the journey capital of the world.
Primarily based on our 12D journey to the South Island, we’ve additionally compiled a checklist of FAQs that can assist you out in your individual planning! Now, in case you’d excuse us we’ll be busy binging on The Rings of Energy…
Featured picture credit score: Miles Holden
Which of those LOTR hikes in New Zealand are you most excited for? Share them within the feedback beneath!
This submit was dropped at you by New Zealand Tourism Board.
