New Zealand is Middle Earth!
After weeks of tense negoiations between film execs and it would seem the entire Kiwi population, a deal has been made to keep the filming of Peter Jackson’s two part ‘Hobbit’ saga in New Zealand and I for one am heartily relieved.
The idea that Middle Earth can be re-created anywhere other than NZ is simply incomprehensible. Bilbo Baggins in Farnham Forest rather than Fangorn Forest is just not quite right. I have nothing against Farnham Forest (well, Bourne Wood to be specific) and indeed it has provided excellent backdrops for both Gladiator and the recent Robin Hood film, but I want to visit the Middle Earth I already know – that of the Lord of the Rings trilogy – that of New Zealand.
As anyone who has travelled around New Zealand will know, the scenery of Lord of the Rings was not just a collection of elaborate sets, but a window onto New Zealand’s glorious landscapes with a few elves and orks thrown in for good measure. Check out our Journey through Middle Earth itinerary to see for yourself.
This is definitely good news and surely the best excuse I’ve had today for a glass or two of ale! Pippin and Merry will require little more incentive.
