Lord of the Rings

“After 4 wonderful weeks in NZ it’s hard to name a single highlight, but our flight to Mt Owen is definitly the prime candidate. Thanks for this unforgettable memory.” Christian, Germany

 

The Nelson region was a perfect candidate for site locations simulating middle earth during filming of “The Lord Of The Rings”. Visit these two world famous sites, adventuring into the breathtaking scenery of Mt Olympus (South of Rivendell) & Mt Owen (Dimrill Dale).

-Single Site Tour 1 – Mt Olympus, South of Rivendell

These strange pinnacle rock formations were used to portray the rugged country “South of Rivendell”. It was here, as the nine rested and cooked a meal, that the crebain crows of Saruman searching for news of the One Ring spied the travellers below. Hurriedly extinguishing their fire they hid behind the pinnacles in an attempt to escape discovery.

The site on Mt Olympus would not have appeared in the film at all if it wasn’t for Reid Helicopters pilot Bill Reid. Bill personally flew Peter Jackson’s location scouts to the sub alpine location where they instantly fell in love with the landscape and decided it would be perfect for showcasing “South of Rivendell”.This site is extremely remote and can only be reached by helicopter as there are no walking tracks. Mt Olympus sprouts rocky outcrops which over time have been eroded by weather to form incredible columnar shapes. The site is located at the northern end of the Kahurangi National Park and looks down into the Aorere Valley of Golden Bay.

-Single Site Tour 2 – Mt Owen, Dimrill Dale

Distraught at the loss of Gandalf, the remaining members of the Fellowship escape the mines and throw themselves to the ground in their grief. Filming was undertaken here for 10 days and the results are one of the most moving moments in the film.

Mt Owen Showcases some of the oldest rock in New Zealand and has priceless geological properties. As you fly toward Mt Owen, a landscape of glaciated marble karst is exposed and you appreciate the size of these giant rocks. The surface is split with crevasses and sinkholes where water has left its mark. The area also claims New Zealands largest underground caving system. Mt Owen is situated at the Southern end of the Kahurangi National Park near Murchison.

-Combo Tour, Combine these two fantastic sites for the ultimate ‘Lord of the Rings’ experience!