The eagerly awaited second Hobbit film, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is released around the world this Friday – and the backdrop for the adventure is once again New Zealand’s jaw-dropping countryside. Four new Hobbit filming locations have been revealed by director Sir Peter Jackson and Tourism New Zealand and here is our guide to them:
REALITY: Turoa, Ohakune, North Island
FANTASY: Hidden Bay, Lonely Mountain
Turoa is a popular ski area high on the flanks of the active volcano Mount Ruhapehu on the North Island’s great Central Plateau. Sir Peter Jackson chose this rugged terrain to depict Hidden Bay – the entrance to The Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, that features the watchful eyes of the giant craggy bust of Thror.
What the stars say: Martin Freeman (Bilbo) described the central North Island region as his favourite location: “It is beautiful. There is a mountain, there is a waterfall, there’s a beautiful view across the valley there. It’s one of the sort of archetypal Kiwi places that you thank god New Zealand has such amazing landscapes.”
Experience the Reality: The North Island’s main driving route passes directly through this region and Tongariro National Park is a year-round tourist destination. Take in the scenery on the spectacular 19.4km Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks, or choose two wheels and hit two of the great rides in the New Zealand Cycle Trail Network – Nga Haerenga including the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail, which uses a combination of local mountain biking trails, public roads and a jetboat to take riders the 317km from the central volcanic plateau to the sea in Whanganui.
REALITY: Pelorus River, Marlborough, South Island
FANTASY: Forest River
Pelorus River (pictured above), half way between Blenheim and Nelson on the northern tip of the South Island, is the setting for Forest River in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Sir Peter Jackson chose the setting for the ‘dwarves escaping in barrels scene’ (pictured below), with its solid rock shoreline surrounded by forest with a sandy beach for the barrels to come ashore.
What the stars say: The four-day shoot at Pelorus River was a highlight for Stephen Hunter (Bombur): “My favourite day on set – unquestionably – was floating down the Pelorus River in barrels … way cool, and if they ever make it a ride… I want a life time pass please.”
Experience the Reality: Visitors can swap barrels for kayaks on a guided kayak tour down the river, which includes stops at waterfalls, streams and the filming location itself, with the opportunity to camp overnight in the lush native forest just 100 metres from where the filming took place. Pelorus Eco Adventures offers river canoe trips through the filming locations in inflatable tandem canoes. From NZ$85 per person for a 3.5 hour journey. www.kayak-newzealand.com
REALITY: Lake Pukaki, Mt Cook, South Island
FANTASY: Lake-Town
Lake Pukaki is a shimmering lake set into the South Island’s grand alpine mountains. New Zealand’s highest peak Aoraki Mount Cook draws serious mountaineers from around the world, and the surrounding region is a popular destination for star-gazing, winter snow sports, cycling and summer hiking and walking. Sir Peter Jackson chose this part of the Southern Alps as the setting for ‘Lake-town’ in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. One of the most extensive outdoor sets built for The Hobbit Trilogy – was created at Tasman Downs Station on the shores of Lake Pukaki. The whimsical lakeside village set sits over water incorporating clusters of two-storey wooden dwellings arranged around connecting walkways, waterways and wharves.
What the stars say: James Nesbitt (Bofur) was impressed by the immense natural beauty and colours of the Aoraki Mount Cook region which he described as “very, very beautiful, huge open spaces, lovely wild flowers. I remember – going along all the roads – just all the kinds of colours.”
Experience the reality: One of the best ways to experience the southern Alps is on a scenic flight. There are also options for landings on glaciers and snow, or cross country tours by 4WD and Argo, and glacier exploring by boat. The iconic Alps to Ocean cycle trail starts in Aoraki and travels 300km to the coastal town of Oamaru. Along with shorter walks, the southern edge of Lake Pukaki forms one section of Te Araroa – The Long Pathway, a walking trail that travels the length of New Zealand. A 25 minute flight costs from NZ$265 per person with The Helicopter Line www.helicopter.co.nz
REALITY: Paradise, Queenstown, South Island
FANTASY: Beorn’s House
The epic landscapes of New Zealand’s vast Southern Lakes region are the epitome of Middle-earth. Arcadia Station – a working high country farm in Paradise Valley near Queenstown – was chosen as the setting for Beorn’s House in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Originally designed in England, the homestead at Arcadia Station – which sits beside Diamond Lake – was built in 1906. Jackson’s team spent six weeks building Beorn’s House at Arcadia Station with the film crew on set for four days.
What the stars say: Andy Serkis (Gollum) was impressed: “I was in a very fortunate position directing the second unit on this so I got to fly round in a helicopter over Queenstown and look at all the extraordinary places down there and shoot the most incredible places…it’s endless really.”
Experience the reality: Glenorchy’s proximity to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown, means there is a wealth of activities on offer. Next to Arcadia Station, popular Dart Stables runs horse treks through locations including where Boromir met his doom at Amon Hen in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Several horses from Dart Stables were also used in the Trilogy. Alternatively head to the skies for a scenic tour of the landscapes from above with Glenorchy Air. Dart Stables offers The Ride of The Rings tour, a 1 and ½ hour horse ride taking visitors to actual filming locations from The Hobbit:The Desolation of Smaug in Paradise, 22 km north of Glenorchy. The Ride of The Rings package starts from NZ $175 per person with return transport from Queenstown. www.dartstables.com
For more, see newzealand.com
Find out what the cast thought of New Zealand in the video below
