Lord Of The Rings Map Poster
Introduction
The Lord of the Rings Map Poster is a popular item for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic fantasy series. This poster features a map of Middle-earth, the fictional land where the story takes place. If you’re a fan of the books or the movies, a trip to New Zealand, where much of the filming took place, is a must. In this travel guide, we’ll cover all the top attractions, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path experiences that any Lord of the Rings fan should consider when planning a trip to New Zealand.
Top Attractions
Hobbiton Movie Set
The Hobbiton Movie Set is a must-visit for any Lord of the Rings fan. This is where much of the filming for the Shire scenes took place. You can take a tour of the set and see the Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and other iconic locations from the movies.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was used as the location for Mordor in the movies. You can take a hike on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which takes you through stunning volcanic landscapes and past the iconic Mount Ngauruhoe, which was used as the stand-in for Mount Doom in the movies.
Weta Workshop
The Weta Workshop is a special effects and prop company that worked on the Lord of the Rings movies. You can take a tour of the workshop and see some of the props and costumes used in the movies. You can even take a workshop to learn how to make your own miniature models.
Hidden Gems
Pelorus River
The Pelorus River was used as a location in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. It’s a beautiful spot for kayaking, swimming, and picnicking. You can even take a guided tour of the river and see some of the filming locations.
Putangirua Pinnacles
The Putangirua Pinnacles were used as the location for the Paths of the Dead in the movies. It’s a stunning geological formation that’s well worth a visit. You can take a hike through the area and see the towering rock formations up close.
Kaitoke Regional Park
Kaitoke Regional Park was used as the location for Rivendell in the movies. It’s a beautiful park with plenty of hiking trails and picnic spots. You can even stay in a Hobbit-style hut for a truly immersive Lord of the Rings experience.
Food Scene
New Zealand has a thriving food scene with plenty of options for Lord of the Rings fans. You can try some traditional Maori cuisine, like hangi, which is a meal cooked in an underground oven. You can also find plenty of meat pies, fish and chips, and craft beer, which are all popular in the country.
Budget-Friendly Tips
New Zealand can be an expensive country to visit, but there are plenty of ways to save money. You can stay in budget-friendly hostels or campgrounds, cook your own meals instead of eating out, and take advantage of free activities like hiking and visiting public parks.
Outdoor Adventures
New Zealand is known for its stunning natural landscapes, so outdoor adventures are a must. You can go hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and skiing in the country’s many parks and reserves. You can even take a helicopter ride to see some of the more remote locations used in the movies.
Historical Landmarks
New Zealand has a rich history that’s worth exploring. You can visit the Treaty of Waitangi grounds, which is where the treaty between Maori chiefs and the British Crown was signed in 1840. You can also visit the Otago Gold Rush town of Arrowtown, which has many historic buildings from the 1800s.
Family-Friendly Activities
New Zealand is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities for kids of all ages. You can visit the Wellington Zoo, which has a special exhibit on the animals used in the Lord of the Rings movies. You can also take a tour of the Te Papa Tongarewa museum to learn more about New Zealand’s history and culture.
Natural Wonders
New Zealand is home to many natural wonders, including glaciers, fjords, and geothermal pools. You can visit the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, which are some of the most accessible glaciers in the world. You can also visit Milford Sound, which is a stunning fjord located in Fiordland National Park.
Vibrant Nightlife
New Zealand has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues. You can visit the Wellington waterfront, which has many bars and restaurants with stunning views of the harbor. You can also check out the live music scene in Auckland, which has many venues that cater to all types of music.
Local Markets
New Zealand has many local markets where you can find handmade crafts, artisanal food products, and other unique items. You can visit the Christchurch Farmers’ Market, which is held every Saturday and has many vendors selling fresh produce and baked goods. You can also visit the Matakana Farmers’ Market, which is held every Saturday and Sunday and has many vendors selling handmade crafts and clothing.
Beaches and Mountains
New Zealand has some of the most beautiful beaches and mountains in the world. You can visit the Abel Tasman National Park, which has many stunning beaches and hiking trails. You can also visit Mount Cook, which is the highest mountain in New Zealand and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Cultural Immersion
New Zealand has a rich Maori culture that’s worth exploring. You can visit a marae, which is a traditional meeting place, to learn more about Maori customs and traditions. You can also attend a haka performance, which is a traditional Maori dance that’s often performed at sporting events and cultural festivals.
Art and Music Scene
New Zealand has a thriving art and music scene, with many galleries, museums, and live music venues. You can visit the Auckland Art Gallery, which has a large collection of New Zealand art. You can also visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, which has many exhibits on New Zealand history and culture.
Walking Tours
New Zealand is a great destination for walking tours, with many stunning landscapes to explore on foot. You can take a guided walking tour of the Milford Track, which is one of the most popular hiking trails in the country. You can also take a walking tour of the Wellington waterfront, which has many historic buildings and landmarks.
Architectural Marvels
New Zealand has many architectural marvels that are worth exploring. You can visit the Auckland Sky Tower, which is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. You can also visit the Christchurch Cathedral, which was damaged in the 2011 earthquake but is still a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Historical Sites
New Zealand has many historical sites that are worth exploring. You can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which is where the treaty between Maori chiefs and the British Crown was signed in 1840. You can also visit the Otago Gold Rush town of Arrowtown, which has many historic buildings from the 1800s.
Biking Routes
New Zealand is a great destination for biking, with many scenic routes to explore. You can take a bike ride along the Otago Central Rail Trail, which is a 150-kilometer trail that takes you through stunning landscapes and historic towns. You can also take a bike ride through the Hawke’s Bay wine region, which has many vineyards and tasting rooms to visit.
Wellness Retreats
New Zealand is known for its natural beauty and clean air, making it a great destination for wellness retreats. You can visit the Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, which offers yoga, meditation, and other wellness activities in a stunning mountain setting. You can also visit the Onsen Hot Pools, which has private hot pools with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Adventure Sports
New Zealand is a great destination for adventure sports, with many activities to choose from. You can go bungee jumping, skydiving, white-water rafting, and ziplining, among other activities. You can also take a jet boat ride through the Shotover Canyon, which is a thrilling way to see some of the country’s stunning landscapes.
Conclusion
New Zealand is a must-visit destination for any Lord of the Rings fan. With stunning landscapes, rich culture, and plenty of activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country. Use this travel guide to plan your perfect Lord of the Rings-inspired trip to New Zealand.