The Hobbit: Tourism New Zealand Braces for Hobbit Fever

Tourism New Zealand released this a couple weeks ago and we thought it was worth sharing.

December’s international launch of the first trailer for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will put Destination New Zealand centre stage for movie lovers world-wide, says Tourism New Zealand (TNZ).

The trailer’s release kicks off a new phase of strategic activity for TNZ that aims to convert the international attention New Zealand will draw, into travel.

Staff both here and in the United States are working to leverage the majestic scenery and buzz created around the movie and demonstrate how New Zealand – home of Middle-earth, is completely accessible to all travellers.

Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager Brand and International PR, Catherine Bates says the opportunities are significant.

“When we reflect on the hype generated internationally by The Lord of the Rings trilogy, you can start to get a feel for what is ahead.

“These movies help put New Zealand centre stage for international audiences and it is on top of this, this that we will running our New Zealand 100% Pure campaign work.

“We will be working alongside our NZ Inc partners developing cooperative consumer promotions, and focusing on our social media and newzealand.com channels to convert interest in New Zealand into travel.

“Our main goal is show how people coming to New Zealand can in fact get hands-on Middle Earth experiences with ease.”

There are many film-inspired activities and attractions for fans to visit while experiencing New Zealand’s dramatic scenery, one of the most popular being Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours.

A working sheep and cattle farm, Hobbiton formed the set for many of the scenes in The Hobbit.  The two-hour guided tour is a must-do on any New Zealand vacation.

New Zealand’s soaring mountains, lakes, rivers and plains that first caught the attention of the movie-going public in The Fellowship of the Ring will form the backdrop to the latest Tolkien epic.

More than 150 different locations throughout New Zealand were used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy, from the rolling hills of Matamata standing in for the Shire to the volcanic region of Mt Ruapehu, which was transformed into the fiery Mt Doom.

View the trailer on newzealand.com.

Happy New Year! 2012 Starts in New Zealand first

Check out this video of the 2012 New Year’s celebrations in Auckland New Zealand!

Have a safe and happy 2012 everyone!

Video: Cruise to Auckland – Tourism New Zealand

Discover the best of Auckland with these on shore excursions when you cruise to New Zealand.

Interest in New Zealand Rekindled by ‘The Hobbit’

USA Today has a great feature article on how tourism in New Zealand has been ticking upwards due to interest created by the filming of ‘The Hobbit.’

Here’s an excerpt:

Ian Alexander remembers the day well. He was watching a rugby match on TV when a knock came at the door. He opened it to find a location scout seeking permission to film scenes from Lord of the Rings on his sprawling sheep farm.

“I said, ‘Lord of the what? I’m just a bloody old broken-down farmer with a few sheep running around,’ ” Alexander recalls.

Flash-forward a dozen years or so, and Alexander, 70, is still on the farm. Except the old wool shed has been converted into the Shire’s Rest restaurant. And 20,000-plus visitors (some of whom speak Elvish) annually trudge through the lush emerald-green undulations of his 1,250-acre farm. And his son, Russell, a onetime accountant, is now general manager of Shire Tours.

Read the rest here.

Guest Post: A Brief Traveler’s Guide to New Zealand

My vacation at New Zealand was one of those memorable holidays in my entire lifetime. With its picturesque forested area, natural scenic mountain ranges and azure coastline boasting unique marine species, the beautiful country of New Zealand never stopped to amaze me. No matter, which township or area I visited, the spectacular sheer beauty of this exotic travel destination offered me some awe-inspiring and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Explore the astounding alpine regions, beautiful glaciers and breathtaking hinterland offering a number of thunder waterfalls, snow-capped headlands boasting ski areas and scenic bay areas of New Zealand by either visiting its rugged Southland or the beautiful Northland. With an array of great-valued holiday packages including cheap international flight trips, you can easily plan for a vacation at New Zealand. And don’t forget to get your camera as the country offers you an impressive photo shoot opportunities.

Where is the country of New Zealand located?

This stunning island country of New Zealand is nestled approximately 1,300 miles east of Australia and in the South West Pacific region. The country mainly comprises of two land masses of North and South Island.
  • The country’s relatively smaller size allows its guests to cover the entire nation in a week-long vacation. Believe it or not, I traveled all the way from east coast to west coast on the same day.
  • I took several road trips to explore the hinterlands, raging river areas, coastal venues and alpine mountain terrains that altogether make this country an amazing nature trip destination with spectacular scenery.

Things to See and Do at New Zealand:

  • My experience at New Zealand was amazing when it comes to sightseeing and activities. New Zealand is not less than a nature’s wonder known for its beautiful oasis boasting numerous scenic areas, picturesque valleys and breathtaking rugged terrain.
  • Also the pristine coastline offers you a wide range of activity choices. Each part of the country has something unique to see and explore. Whether you take a road trip, cruise tour or a hiking tour to explore the awe-inspiring beauty of this country, you will surely enjoy your exploratory tour across New Zealand.
  • And it really doesn’t matter if you are here on a relaxing family holiday or an adventurous romantic vacation just as mine as the country offers a plenitude of things to experience.
  • In addition, the country’s diverse culture and well-celebrated history fascinates a number of visitors to this land. Hence, you can expect to encounter an array of museums, galleries and heritage spots on your tour to different states in New Zealand.
  • Whether your interest in nature tours, beach activities or some action-packed adventurous trips across the rugged terrain, you will certainly find something unique and interesting to do all through your vacation in this wonderland.
  • Scenic nature trips and sightseeing tours are some of the most popular activities for tourists to New Zealand. I took a driving tour to the renowned Milford Sound, which is also denoted as the Eighth Wonder of the World. I also happened to visit the Rotorua’s thermal wonderland on a scheduled tour offered by a local tour operator.
  • In addition, I also enjoyed a number of winery tours to some quaint and picturesque vineyards and wineries that the country boasts.

This article was written by Melissa Davis on behalf of Escape Travel with the best holiday deals you can find online and Student Flights offering best flight deals.

The Hobbit: Stephen Fry and Peter Jackson Talk Tolkien

Stephen Fry has interview Peter Jackson in the final episode of his new show “Fry’s Planet Word.” In the video below he discusses language and also talks with Peter Jackson about The Hobbit and Tolkien.

Check it out:

Very interesting video. I hope Fry does another show on language – this one was very good!

Video: Exploring the Coromandel during Rugby World Cup

See how this local couple explores the Coromandel region of New Zealand.

Video: Air New Zealand Enlists David Hassellhoff in Strange New Commercial

In this strange new Air New Zealand commercial find out what sheep twins dream about when they’re lazing on the Skycouch starring David Hassellhoff.

Oh Dear: Nude Rugby in New Zealand – Video

Close Up reporter, Matt Chisholm meets the female member of the New Zealand Nude Blacks. 21 year old University of Otago student, Rachel Scott.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN4dW-AOBfg

Only in New Zealand!

Kentucky.com Explores New Zealand

The website Kentucky.com has featured an article about New Zealand – saying it has an unnatural share of beauty.

Here’s an excerpt:

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — It’s Sunday morning on New Zealand’s North Island, and I’ve just arrived after a 14-hour flight from Los Angeles. Unusually wired after the marathon flight, I go for a stroll around the bustling Viaduct Harbor.

Sails from an armada of boats billow in the gentle breeze; plump seagulls perch on pilings, and I get a whiff of the salty tang of the sea.

Later this afternoon, I’ve scheduled a bush and beach tour to the lush Waitekere Rainforest on the wild west coast, with its black-sand beaches, waterfalls and surfing waves rivaling Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, or Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii. For now, however, I’m content to wander idly, no particular destination in mind — a perfect plan for a laid-back city like Auckland.

Dubbed the City of Sails because of its position on two beautiful harbors, Auckland, like Sydney; San Francisco; and Vancouver, British Columbia, is a happy marriage of land and sea.

Read more here.

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