Rotorua is nicknamed Sulpher City, but is the most touristed spot on New Zealand’s north island due to it’s thermal area with geyser, hot springs, and mud pools. It’s also close to Hobbiton. In September 1998, Peter Jackson discovered the Alexander farm during an aerial search for film sites. He landed the helicopter on the land and asked Mr. Alexander if they could discuss possibly using his farm for a movie. Since rugby was on, Mr. Alexander made him come back the next day, but they were able to reach and agreement. Construction started in March 1999. 39 Hobbit holes were created with untreated timber, ply, and polystyrene. The village was destroyed after the Lord of the Ring trilogy, but was rebuilt for The Hobbit Trilogy in 2009, but this time the structures were built out of permanent materials.
Polynesian Spa. Supposedly one of the top ten spas in the world.
Some of the hot thermal pools in Rotorua. Temperatures can get to over 200 degrees Celsius.
Some of the hot thermal pools in Rotorua. Temperatures can get to over 200 degrees Celsius.
Hobbiton. Originally Peter Jackson had 12 different locations for Hobbiton and his last search was for a tree to meet the books’ description as being large and symetrical. When he found this tree he realized that the entire area could be used for Hobbiton as opposed to having 13 different locations.
My own little hobbithole.
Bag End.
The Green Lantern
Sam & Rosie’s house at the end of the Lord of the Rings series. In the original series, beeswax was used for the smoke in the chimneys. One guy’s only job was to keep the smoke continuously going. Now they use smoke machines.
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