Trollshaw
Although the area is better known for the Waitomo Caves and glow worms, the Mangaotaki Valley near Piopio also featured in The Hobbit where it became the location for Staddle Farm and Trollshaw Forest.
Although the area is better known for the Waitomo Caves and glow worms, the Mangaotaki Valley near Piopio also featured in The Hobbit where it became the location for Staddle Farm and Trollshaw Forest. Southwest of Te Kuiti on the western side of the North Island, the farmland is backed by the dramatic sheer cliffs of the Mangaotaki Rocks. They tower more than 300 feet above the valley, carved into fantastic formations over millions of years of weathering.
These amazing limestone cliffs form the foothills for the movie's Misty Mountains and feature clearly as the spectacular backdrop to the Warg chase scene. This is also the area where Bilbo outwits three mountain trolls and gets his first look at his new sword, Sting. Staddle Farm is the abandoned farmhouse at Trollshaw where the brave band camps for the night. There is no longer a farmhouse - it was dismantled after the filming ended. The location itself however is very recognisable. Our enthusiastic hosts will have screen shots to match the filming done in this magnificent location. In the forest we will visit the Trolls cave, where Bilbo first receives his sword 'Sting', a very special moment. Photographs of this scene were the first ones shown on the Trailer for the Hobbit, worldwide.
We then carry on to where Radagast first meets up with the group. It's easy to imagine you can hear the Wargs howl in the distance, readying for an attack. Apart from the fascination with it being the film's location, you'll appreciate the beauty and wildness of the site itself. The forest is primaeval with looming tree ferns and strangely shaped limestone boulders. It will be a magical experience for true fans and an authentic taste of both Middle-earthand rural New Zealand.
The Lord of The Rings Filming Locations Visited
Our New Zealand The Lord of the Rings tours include many movie locations such as Hobbiton and Trollshaw in The North Island, to Laketown and Edoras in the South Island! All of these beautiful places are instantly recognisable in real life.
In the midst of endless rolling green hills flecked with white sheep is the village of Hobbiton. Be prepared to be transported to the peaceful region of Middle-earth™ where Bilbo Baggins lived and the
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Pelorus River is a stunning location where Bilbo and the 13 Dwarves had to ride down the rapids in their barrels!
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Wellington is in many ways the heart of the movie fan's experience, being the home to the Weta Workshop & Cave, Weta Digital, Park Road Post Productions,Motion Capture Studio & Stone Street Studios.
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Just returned as part of the February 2023 Fellowship with Red Carpet Tours and it was one of the best trips of my life. I've been wanting to do this for years and was worried my expectations might be too high, but it was amazing and I wish it didn't have to end! Love the family...
Emily V
I will start my review by saying it was the best trip I’ve ever had. The Red Carpet Tours can offer you the best about Lord of the Rings in New Zealand. Julie is so knowledgeable and passionate about the movies and that makes our experience unforgettable. I loved listening to her talk...
Isabele P
Genuinely the best guided trip I've ever taken! Julie and Josh are amazing and so welcoming! Red Carpet Tours were so accommodating, fun, and had everything well planned. Our bus drivers and peers in the tours were really really nice and fun. Would strongly suggest taking Red Carpet Tours...
Renin J
Red Carpet Tours truly delivered something special. From the moment it began, everything felt smooth and easy. I never had to worry about logistics or timing, which let me fully enjoy the experience. Julie guided us through the North Island with incredible knowledge of Aotearoa and Māori...
Bradley S
There is a reason that this company is the premier in its field. I’ve been home for almost a week now and I’m still struggling to comprehend how incredible my experience with Red Carpet Tours was. This was hands down one of the best things I ever have, and likely ever will do in my...
Taylor K
Just concluded my third trip with Red Carpet Tours. 5 stars for the 3rd time running! Excellent planning and attention to detail by the James Family and fabulous guiding by Julie. Once again, a very lovely, friendly ‘Fellowship’ of travellers with a common interest. You might expect...
Sue B
With Julie James as our guide (Feb. 2018) on the 14 day tour... it was excellent! She always took every effort and opportunity to see to everyone's requests. The hotels we stayed in were wonderful. The meals were delicious. But the tour itself??? Awesome!!! We had big LOTR and the Hobbit...
Katherine C
Passion has been forged into the Red Carpet tours. Years of relationships with the artists, land owners, and businesses has created an unforgettable experience. The Red Carpet team guide you on a journey that is not just visiting locations, but creating a sense of joy and wonder for New Zealand....
Joshua W
This is the best and ONLY way for a LOtR/Hobbit fan to experience New Zealand. Julie and her team are fantastic, knowledgeable people who, you can tell, put so much time and effort into making sure your experience with them is an amazing one! You will not regret choosing them as your guides...
Stephanie B
This tour changed my life, Julie and Josh were amazing tour guides, everywhere we went was stunning. I could not have asked for anything more from them. Even where there were some hiccups outside of anyone’s control Julie and the team worked tirelessly to ensure we had the best experience...
Jon