New Zealand’s tourism industry saw a significant boost when the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed in various locations across the country. Fans flocked to New Zealand to visit the iconic sites from the films, and locals are hoping for a similar surge in tourism with the release of The Hobbit. Here are some must-see locations for fans of both film series.

**Hobbiton Tour, Matamata**
Matamata, located 160 kilometers south of Auckland, was a quiet farming town until Peter Jackson chose it as the site for Hobbiton. Initially, the set was dismantled after filming the Lord of the Rings, but with the filming of The Hobbit, an agreement was made to keep the set permanent. Now, tourists can explore Hobbiton year-round. However, be prepared for wet and cold weather during the winter months.

**Weta Cave, Wellington**
Traveling six hours south to Wellington, you’ll find Peter Jackson’s film studios and Weta Workshops, the special effects company behind the films. While the studios aren’t open for tours, the Weta Cave is a free museum that movie buffs will enjoy. Additionally, the Roxy Cinema, rebuilt and designed by the founders of Weta Workshops, is worth a visit.

**Lake Pukaki**
South of Christchurch, Lake Pukaki features many scenes from the movies, making it feel like you’ve stepped into Middle Earth. You can stay overnight in the nearby town of Twizel, which was used for filming, or head to Mt. Cook village for a short hike into the mountains.

**Glenorchy**
Near Queenstown, Wanaka offers numerous Lord of the Rings and Hobbit filming locations. Many of these sites are on private land, so booking a tour is necessary to see them. However, some locations, like Glenorchy, are easily accessible without a tour. Remember to prepare for cold weather in these remote areas.

**Fiordland, Te Anau**
South of Queenstown, Fiordland was used for many of the flyover scenes in the movies. To experience these scenes in person, you can hire a helicopter or charter a flight. While this can be expensive, it’s an impressive way to see the landscape. Keep in mind that flights are weather-dependent, and Fiordland’s temperate rainforest means you should be prepared for rain.

These locations offer a fantastic way to experience the magic of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit in New Zealand.