Head off down SH32 from Whakamaru, and then to the south-west on Arataki road, right to the end. 2023 GAMESPOT, A FANDOM COMPANY. Explore this magical world of tall trees, clear rivers and melodious birdlife on a short walk or famous multi-day hike. Theres even a reconstruction of an Elven archway dedicated to all Lord of the Rings fans. It is my favourite hydro dam - not very hobbit-like, I know, but it was a major engineering feat in the 1920s. From the towering Mount Doom in Mordor, to the dreamy Hobbiton in the Shire, New Zealand's otherworldly landscapes brought the movies to life. HOWEVER, hobbits are smaller than humans and have a smaller stride like a child. I'm planning a holiday with a group of friends to walk from The Shire (Hobbiton in Matamata) to Mt Doom in Mordor (Mt Ngauruhoe). Search Google Maps for walking directions and even that site will tell you: "One does not simply walk into Mordor." The Walk to Mordor app actually outdoes the journey in the films. Most hikers can hit an average of 12 miles a day. Our goal is to re-create their walk in our neighborhoods, parks, gyms, homes, and minds. Find Hobbit-themed tourisms epicenter in this artsy little capital and film hub, which recently hosted The Hobbit world premiere (at the stylishly refurbished 1920s Embassy Theatre). The Shire is featured in the opening and last scenes of the film. Two things. To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. We challenge you to simply move as much as you can from April 1 - May 31 and report that activity using a simple webform. These two guys spent a week in New Zealand making the 120 mile trek from Hobbiton to the film location of Mount Doom to prove that you can actually walk into Mordor. This nine-day itinerary of Middle Earth highlights, from film sets locations to . Nonetheless, you would be truly doing hobbit-like mountain walks, along the side of Mount Titiraupenga. This is around a 200KM walk and will probably take us about a week to finish. One patient guide. Google Maps Has Walking Directions Into Mordor By Max Eddy Dec 20th, 2011, 4:05 pm Google has been wowing us with its humorous little jabs, and their fantastic Maps application is no different.. Best PS5 Headset In 2023 - Top Options For PlayStation, Conqueror Challenges app has been updated with a Middle-earth map, found on the Conquerors Virtual Challenges website. Asking Google Maps for walking directions from the Shire, where the Hobbits live in J.R.R. 2001-03: The Lord of the Rings (film series): Shire scenes were shot on location in Matamata, New Zealand. And in the spirit of fellowship, users can log workouts together to see how they stack up and to remain motivated to complete the challenge. But then Peter Jackson filmed his trilogy and transformed New Zealand into Middle-Earth. Maybe you can get some inspiration from them? Mount Victoria and its popular Hobbits Hideaway trail will make you feel as though youre traversing the woods surrounding the Shire. Read on to see my top 7 Lord of the Rings Read more, Hiking the Edoras Filming Location on Mount Sunday, NZ, New Hampshire Fall Foliage Scenic Road Trip, 11 Amazing Sights in Athens (that arent the Acropolis! I have up to 3 months to spend, so time isn't really a factor, but I'd prefer to not include any driving/non on-foot transport. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. There are huts available along the route, which are not particularly comfortable, but would be suitable for hobbits out on a hard slog. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. From Whakapapa you can also get an amazing view of Mount Ngauruhoe, the volcano that played the part of Mount Doom. Change). Make your trip easier and buy a detailed New Zealand map. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Mordor was a black, volcanic plain in the southeast of Middle-earth to the east of Gondor, Ithilien, and the great river Anduin . Just 45 minutes from Queenstown, Glenorchy is nestled on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu & is the gateway to hiking trails and Middleearth magic, Find current deals in Queenstown(opens in new window). It was Mt Sunday that was transformed into the home of the Rohan people and Meduseld in The Two Towers. About 1 hr. The choice of that mountain as Mount Doom was interesting, I thought, as the mountain's name comes from name of the slave of the priest Ngatoro who died on its summit, either from cold, or as a sacrifice to the Gods, depending on the legend. Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon, debuts on HBO Max. There are plenty of hiking options to help you get the most out of your time in Pelorus. The Conqueror specializes in virtual fitness challenges that allow people to gamify exercise and map their progress to different virtual scenarios such as scaling Mt Fuji, or Mt Everest, or walking the Great Wall of China. I've turned several themes from The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit movies into chill, instrumental and easy-listening lofi beats so you can study, focus on work, read, draw, play games, relax or simply just daydream about walking around Rivendell while listening to classic soundtracks from . All miles/kilometers count. 2 hours from Auckland 45 minutes from Hamilton 1 hour from Rotorua Matamata is a must see if you're a Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fan. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. And you wouldnt even haveto cheat. #mordor #shire #rivendell #lotr #lordoftherings #tolkientok #hobbit #gandalf #frodo #samwisegamgee #maps #CinderellaMovie. from Tawhai FallsKaitoke Regional Park is the only Lord of the Rings filming location that still has references to its role in the movies (the road signs even say Rivendell!). This self-drive New Zealand itinerary focuses on easy going guidedwalks for hikersofmodestfitness who love being in the bush and the naturalenvironment. The Conqueror Challenges app has been updated with a Middle-earth map that has five challenges to unlock: The Shire, The Fellowship, Mines of Moria, The Eye of Sauron, and the Mordor. It puts Frodos journey roughly equal to the Great Eastern Trail(which runs from Upstate New York to Alabama), but still a few hundred miles short of the Appalachian Trail. If you, Mr. or Ms. Average Appalachian Trail Hiker, left Hobbitton today and hiked all the way to the top of Mount Doom, it would only take you around 148 days, a full month faster than it took Frodo. This challenge offers two routes: 98mi/157km (recommended for running . I first discovered my passion for travel when an opportunity to study abroad allowed me to visit all of my favorite Lord of the Rings filming locations, and now I want to share that passion with the world! (Not sponsored, I just love this tour.). The Walk to Mordor app actually outdoes the journey in the films. While the original LOTR Shire set had been largely dismantled post-filming, The Hobbit brought an entirely rebuilt site that was left intact as a permanent attraction (now jointly owned by the original farm family and Peter Jackson). For all those interested, and for fans of LOTR and the Hobbit, NerdFitness have done a breakdown of the miles it takes from the beginning at the Shire to the end at Mordor and have calculated it to be around 1779 Miles to Mt. Frodo also stopped for a good while in both Rivendell and Lothlorien. Surrounded by rugged terrain and watched over by ancient geological creations is the Putangirua Pinnacles track. . 10 The Lake District, England (The Shire) The rolling fields and tiny towns of this national park bear an unmistakable resemblance to the Shire, but rising above the . Though the exact location can be difficult to identify depending on the time of year, it is easy to imagine the Ringwraiths getting washed away as Arwen and Frodo flee. Glacier-carved valleys, sparkling rivers and rugged mountainous landscapes await you at Edoras, a must-do stop on any Lord of the Rings hiking tour in New Zealand. While traveling and temporarily living in New Zealand, I was lucky enough to visit almost every Lord of the Rings filming location. Ad Choices. Mount Sunday, surrounded on all sides by fields, mountain ranges, and rivers, is the perfect location for Edoras. Participants can run, cycle, swim, or walk to reach the set distance, and each stop has stories and postcards detailing Frodo and Sam's journey. . Originally published in Amon Hen, a publication of the Tolkien Society. Wt is the Academy Award-winning company behind the special effects of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies, and the Wt Cave(opens in new window) in Wellington is a mini-museum that showcases the props and characters that create the movie magic. About 25 mins. The track starts from SH46 near Lake Rotoaira. The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Not sure yet if we have an escape from a slasher exercise app, but we should. from Port WaikatoHobbiton was originally built in 1999 for The Lord of the Rings trilogy and mostly demolished after filming. Makes Sense. 5520. It's the equivalent of walking from Denver to New York City, or from London to Moscow (provided you take the Chunnel, of course). I think you will have to follow the highway as far as Lake Karapiro - I just cannot think of a better route. It is the essential source of information and ideas that make sense of a world in constant transformation. About 40 mins. But it also served up glitches, ethical dilemmasand talk of a mysterious Sydney., Tech Layoffs Are Feeding a New Startup Surge. The stunning Milford Track that leads to Milford Sound is one of the countrys most beloved destinations and is another of New Zealands Great Walks. The Milford Track can be hiked on a day or multi-day expedition and there are many options to allow you to pick the perfect Milford Track experience tailored just for you. The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies were both filmed throughout New Zealand, making use of the country's naturally fantastical landscapes. Again, you need hut passes, and again, you need to be experienced trampers. 3. We also know that Frodo left Bag End on September 23, and arrived at Mount Doom on March 25 of the following year [2]. Musk has given himself an even bigger bullhorn to annoy users and spread disinformation on the platform. They estimate that from the Shire to the fires of Mount Doom spans an enormous 2,765.6 kilometers. http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/waikato/waitomo-pureora/pureora-forest-park/. . Walk to Mordor and Back Again (2020) Whether you have been trekking to Mordor for years or just looking to get started, you are welcome to join us at anytime. Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions. Its wooded green fields depicted the outskirts of Hobbiton quite the contrast to the rest of the sinister Mordor landscapes filmed in the area. Would you like to add one of these amazing walks to your dream New Zealand holiday? About 7.5 hrs from Mount Owen/Nelson Mount Sunday played the role of the city of Edoras in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo and Sam walk all the way from the Shire to Mount Doom a six month journey. Getting there:The best way to reach the start of the Milford Track is by departing Queenstown or Te Anau. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The drive from Auckland to Hobbiton takes 2.5 hours. A country with film-star good looks, New Zealand is the only place in the world where you can lace up your hiking boots and explore actual Lord of the Rings filming locations on foot. In Return of the King, Gandalf declares that, "In Gondor the New Year will always now begin upon the twenty-fifth of March when Sauron fell," pinpointing the date Frodo Baggins finally stood upon the crack of Mount Doom. You can hover and click on every point on the line to show more information about the events on each day. From time to time, it may be unavoidable, but let's see what we can do. The most ambitious goal I would set would be 2 years, one to get to Mordor and one to get back to Hobbiton. I'm planning a holiday with a group of friends to walk from The Shire (Hobbiton in Matamata) to Mt Doom in Mordor (Mt Ngauruhoe). 1. Particularly, a whole mess of zombie ones. It took two years to film theLoTRtrilogy, but many millions of years to build the sets..This 8DayLoTRNew Zealand Self Drive Itinerary gets you up close and personal with the grand landscapes that inspired Director Peter Jackson to make the majority ofthe Trilogy in New Zealand's South. Though this is quite the drive, there are many amazing places to stop in-between, including Nelson Lakes National Park, Christchurch, and Arthurs Pass. One does not simply walk into Mordor. Beginners may start around 8, and experienced hikers might hit 15 or 20, but hikers on the Appalachian trail average around 12.7 miles per day [5], covering 2,180 miles in 6 months. You can get a great view of both Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook from the Lake Pukaki lookout, but I highly recommend doing the Hooker Valley hike to get some really amazing views of Mount Cook and its glaciers. . This trip includes the most enjoyable filming locations and passes through some amazing South Island scenery. Walking into the Hobbiton Movie Set is like walking into the actual Hobbiton and is a must-do for fans and non-fans alike. Singapore:800-130-1776 We searched everywhere but couldn't find what you're looking for. Auckland, (Aotearoa) New Zealand. The South Island of New Zealand is a haven for walkers and hikers. Looking to get in shape but need some extra motivation? The other journey Id love to know the distance of is the Noldor crossing from Valinor to Middle-earth. from Hobbits HideawayAlthough much of the filming was actually done at a studio a couple minutes down the street, Weta Workshop created the majority of the props, scenery, costumes, and special effects for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. Ngauruhoe has always had great spiritual and cultural significance Read more. Electric cars, the pandemic, and changing consumer behavior are now causing other automakers to embrace the shift. About 1 hr. you might want to send your walking distances to one challenge and your cycling or swimming distances to another challenge. About 2.5 hrs. Although the chance to walk through Mordor yourself might send chills up your spine, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors to New Zealand. I've never been to NZ (though I will have in 2 months!! It is easy to get to from anywhere in Wellington and is a great place to recreate some scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring. Maori history and culture are part of New Zealand's identity. These scenes include the War of the Last Alliance in the prologue, Frodo and Sam seeing Mordor in the distance for the first time, Gollum attacking Sam and Frodo, and more. There are multiple trails that allow visitors to hike into the valley or up to a lookout above the formations. Journey through dramatic scenes of golden plains, enchanting valleys and towering mountains as you experience many of the film locations for yourself. The Shire is a region of J. R. R. Tolkien 's fictional Middle-earth, described in The Lord of the Rings and other works. A new Lord of the Rings TV series has also . A short riverside walk gives you a glimpse of the river that was once full of Dwarves on the silver screen, while a 3-4 hour trek takes you through podocarp forests, over a swing bridge and past thundering waterfalls on a track that makes up part of New Zealand's Te Araroa Trail - The Long Pathway, an incredible walk that runs the length of New You join the river about halfway along Lake Karapiro, and then follow lakes Arapuni, Waipapa, and Maraetai, to where your road veers away from the Waikato valley. Stopping off at Tom Bombadil's house factors into the app's. Apple has officially released MacOS 13. Canterbury region Edoras Mount Sunday: The capital of Rohan and home to Meduseld, the hall of King Theoden. Weathertop (Amon Sl) is the hill where the Hobbits are attacked by Ringwraiths in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Web. . The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies were both filmed throughout New Zealand, making use of the countrys naturally fantastical landscapes. Opens in new tab Opens in new tab Opens in new tab. The Shire is an inland area settled exclusively by hobbits, the Shire-folk, largely sheltered from the goings-on in the rest of Middle-earth. I'm hoping that some of you can give suggestions on a scenic route to follow. Sadly, he passed away before seeing his creation immortalized in the films, but his sons continue his legacy here, where visitors can learn more about the various ring versions used in the film, and purchase replica ring keepsakes for a preccioussss of their very own. View on Map. Tolkiens Middle Earth throughout The Lord of the Rings trilogy, New Zealand is set to be featured again in all its epic, scenic glory in the upcoming The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (another three-parter). Nonetheless, I would recommend stopping at Arapuni. From Cape Reinga all the way down to Bluff there are national parks covering the country. 3000GT / Stealth / GTO - Samwise and Mordor, Follow Hiking Middle-Earth on WordPress.com. It is little wonder Sir Peter Jackson chose Mt Ngauruhoe (also known as Mt Doom) to become the home of Mordor and the Dark Lord Sauron in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Brian Heater. The shire region is constructed in the town of Matamata just outside of Lake Waikato, . With crystal clear waters, framed by native forest its easy to see why Pelorus River was chosen for the Dwarves in Barrels scene during The Desolation of Smaug. We'll either be camping or staying at an Inn or something similar if it looks like it might be suitable for hobbits. Children (0-8) FREE | NEW Family Pass (2x Adults + 2x Youth) $225 | NZ Gold Card $79. Do you want to be the first who gets the news directly to your mailbox? Tesla pioneered selling vehicles online. This hike is a bit steep but not difficult, and gives amazing views of the Remarkables range and the Queenstown area below. Dewy scenery and natural spectacles are NewZealand's biggest draw-cards and a sure reason why the country was chosen as the home of Middleearth. Getting there:The Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is located between Blenheim and Nelson in New Zealands South Island. And the films famously omitted that section of the books. For those just wanting a taste of the ancient wilderness that became Fangorn Forest, there are also one-day hike options available. Other scenes were put together digitally, at the WETA Workshop in Wellington, as well as at soundstages in Wellington and Queenstown. This is around a 200KM walk and will probably take us about a week to finish. Its the equivalent of walking from Denver to New York City, or from London to Moscow (provided you take the Chunnel, of course). Turn off State Highway 6, 500m south of Franz Josef Village onto the Franz Josef Glacier access road until you reach the car park. (LogOut/ The sheep farm-turned-Shire at Hobbiton Movie Set Tours served as the Hobbit home base for Frodo, Bilbo, and the rest of the fuzzy-footed gang. It was here thatBilbo and the Company of Dwarves continued their quest on foot after departing Rivendell. A new gamified fitness challenge involves performing exercise equivalent to the distance from The Shire to Mount Doom. One of the best ways to experience this location is with a hike on the Hooker Valley Track. Get a behind-the-scenes look before checking out nearby filming locations. I quite agree with you, plodding along the highways is not the most wonderful way to walk. Getting there:Drive 25km (15.5 miles) along an unsealed (gravel) road before beginning your journey to the summit of Mt Sunday. ), Summitting Mount Doom (Mt. Apparently, if you type in walking directions from "The Shire" to "Mordor," you will be treated to one of the most-parodied lines of dialogue from Jackson's trilogy. The Conquerer Challenges company will plant a tree or prevent 10 plastic bottles from getting into the ocean for every 20% of an individual challenge completed. The state sponsors titles that cast it in a favorable light and punishes indies for depicting a more complex vision of Iranian identity. Journey to Mordor Experience wilderness in Tongariro National Park - an area known for its mountainous, desolate beauty. More details about this LOTR exercise program can be found on the Conquerors Virtual Challenges website. All the Top New Features in MacOS Ventura. Paradise - a real place in NewZealand's Southern Lakes region is a picture of glorious isolationand natural grandeur. FEATURES. Guided tours run devotees through pastoral farmland and rolling green hills to the detailed set, chockfull of brightly colored hobbit holes and gardens (including Bilbo's Bag End home); past the. And Frodo and Sam both walked barefoot. If that happens, your companions would likely be hoping that goblins would waylay you at a lonely mountain pass, and carry you off, wouldn't they, Precious?, as that would be a VERY long way off your route. Ever since those endearing little Hobbits first hit Hollywood, film fans have flocked to New Zealand in search of something tangible from the beloved films. The Lord of the Rings Filming Locations in Ohakune. These guys did the exact same thing a few years back, it's a series of videos. 751. Here you will find sheer walls of granite rising 800 meters from the basin floor, and a monumental glacier creating a number of cascading waterfalls from its meltwater that spill down from the cliff-tops. You can either post all your distances to all of your challenges or you can decide what types of distances go to which challenges. It turns out that Frodo and Sam walked a whopping 2,765.6 kilometres (1,718.5 miles). Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality. The Middle-earth map in the app shows where you are on your journey from The Shire to Mordor. Read more about visiting Edoras. The company says this is a time-limited series, so anyone who is interested in taking part may want to do so sooner rather than later. Let's find a better place for you to go. The sheep seem pretty idyllic themselves: polite little nibblers who only sometimes . The author used the Hobbits journey in the films to motivate herself to get back up on that treadmill and start exercising again. It rests inside of Tongariro National Park, which was New Zealand's first UNESCO World Heritage site. The filming location is on private farmland but can be seen from Waikaretu Road just South of Port Waikato. You can also run, cycle, or even swim your way to Mt Doom. McClean Falls surrounded by lush rainforest in the Catlins. In the South Island, youre free to imagine yourself floating down the glistening Pelorus River, just like the escaping Dwarves did in The Desolation of Smaug. Ask the search engine for walking directions from the Shire to Mordor and you are given a stern warning: "Use caution - one does not simply walk into Mordor." The warning is a take on the line . Thanks for any advice you can give on any part of the journey between Matamata and Mt Ngauruhoe! 10 mins. It ends in Wellington where there is also a major airport or a ferry to the South Island where the road trip could be continued. The New Zealand Cycle Trail covers the country from head to toe. No hiking experience is necessary. About 45 mins. TOP 101. This scenic movie set is preserved just as it appeared in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.. Middle Earth comes to life before you the moment you step onto its picturesque landscape. Read more about Hobbiton, Recommended non-LOTR Stop: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing. New Zealand is a nation of otherworldly scenery, but one of its most magical sights is the Shire at Hobbiton. Traveling to the Shire and Rivendell and the realm of Gondor was only possible if you closed your eyes and let your mind wander as you read The Lord of the Rings. Tag along on her travels through Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, and Latin Americaand on the high seas in betweenas she reports back to Fodors.com on captivating cruises, hot hotels, and timely travel trends. from Lake Pukaki lookoutPelennor Fields is the location outside of Minas Tirith where the largest battle of the War of the Ring took place. 2022, please join us for "Walk to Mordor" Year 2! Explore NewZealand - the real Middleearth - and follow in the footsteps of Bilbo, Frodo and Samfrom Tongariro National Park in the north, to Treble Cone and the Misty Mountains pathway in the south. Have your own go at a Frodo-esque journey by trekking past the steaming vents and scorched lava-flow terrain on whats widely considered New Zealands best one-day hike: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Heres how to download the latest desktop operating system on your Mac. Think I missed something? January 30, 2015. The app recreates the fellowship's journey from the Shire to Mount Doom by counting your steps and comparing it to the actual (okay, fictional) distance in the books and movies. It would be greatly appreciated! My friends and I propose something slightly more complex, just for fun: a 552 mile (888 km) hike from the Shire, to Rivendell (A New Zealand national park), to Moria, to Mordor. from The RemarkablesOn the Bobs Cove Track in Mount Creighton is the lookout where Frodo and Sam see the men of Harad and the Oliphaunts in The Two Towers. Frodo took six months to travel across Middle-Earth, but you could do it in five. Lovingly referred to as Mount Vic, it is a popular spot for walking and mountain biking, but also has roads and parking areas all the way to the top of the hill. The Isengard Lookout is marked on google maps, but I recommend going over the bridge to the corner of Routeburn road for an even better view. Mount Ngauruhoe is one of three volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, a dual world heritage site located on the North Island of New Zealand. Here, take a look at this example. (LogOut/ Most of the area where this was filmed is on private farmland, so the only way to visit is with a tour, which I would highly recommend for any dedicated LotR fans. First of all, Frodocheated [4]. Call in the eagles if something goes wrong!!:). Hobbiton and The Shire are located in Matamata on the North Island. Some Hobbits don't like to stray too far from home, but occasionally they embark on a grand adventure. Virtually travel from The Shire to Mordor Get 20+ stories and 6+ postcards United Kingdom:0808-189-2382 Earnslaw Burn is perhaps the most spectacular of all the locations in The Hobbit Trilogy. Anyway, back to the journey of the modern hobbits of a latter day Now, the only way I can think of to stop you plodding all the way down SH32, is to head up and through the ranges of the Pureora Forest Park for a while. See special effect and set designers at work in a Wt Cave Workshop Tour. Hobbiton itself, is 15km south-west of Matamata. If you aren't, stick to the road. and fans- new content, just as good as a whole new story DLC would be anyway! Ive never had the opportunity to do either, but both seem amazing depending on your budget and hiking capabilities. In the heart of New Zealand, step into the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided walking tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Getting there:The Hooker Valley hike begins at the Visitor Centre, or the White Horse Hill car park. Perhaps someone else can. Good luck and happy travels. This area set the scene for the unnerving trek undertaken by Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli as they sought the Paths of the Dead in The Return of the King. Before or after visiting NZ, a DVD helps you experience the country. Dont be surprised for fellow guests to quickly adopt character once properly cloaked and armed with weaponryor, even if one or two amongst you proves well-versed in Elvish (the language of Tolkiens elves). JOIN NOW. The Fellowship traveled an estimated 1,779 miles* from the Shire to Mordor, over the course of several months. here is the walk to mordor that frodo and sam did from the shire to mordor. from Arrowtown to car parkThe Lake Alta area in The Remarkables mountain range also plays the part of Dimrill Dale in The Fellowship of the Ring when the Fellowship exits Moria. Hope you return afterwards and let us know how it all goes! Directly on the way to/from WhakapapaTawhai Falls on Mount Ruapehu is also referred to as Gollums Pool for the role it played as The Forbidden Pool in Ithilien in The Two Towers. And secondly, you could still do better. Travel insurance for independent travellers. The Road to Mordor - New Zealand. About 15 mins. Journey from the exciting urban hub of Auckland to Matamata - the home of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Thanks for the advice. Get our free guide which is full of actionable tips and information about how to make the most of your time in New Zealand. You decide how you want to accumulate distance. An easy drive south of Auckland will take you to the verdant Waikato, home to Hobbiton and The Shire. New Zealand Faces a Future of Flood and Fire. The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. Photo credits: Hobbiton courtesy of John Garay; Flat Earth Tour courtesy of John Garay; Mount Doom at Tongariro National Park courtesy of John Garay; Helicopter Tour courtesy of Reid Helicopters; Mordor at Queenstown courtesy of John Garay, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Each workout you complete will push your avatar a little further, with the end goal being to reach Mordor and cast the Ring into the fire from whence it came.