Discover the rugged charms that make New Zealand the "home of Middle-earth"

New Zealand's lakes, rivers, plains and mountains formed the magical landscape of JRR Tolkien's mythical Middle-earth in the Lord of the Rings films. A decade after the first movie release and ahead of the upcoming The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, travellers and Hobbit-hunters continue to be inspired by the country's vast and varying landscapes.

Filmed at over 150 locations on both the North and South islands, the Lord of the Rings films capture the diversity of New Zealand's landscapes: the peaceful Shire in Matamata, the depths of Mount Doom in the volcanic region of Ruapehu and the glistening lakes of Edoras in the Canterbury plains. This extraordinary geography, in addition to New Zealand's adventurous culture, Maori history and lively cities, combine to offer an unforgettable journey right out of a story book.

Matamata

Matamata is a rural town nestled at the base of the scenic Kaimai Ranges on the North Island. A private, working farm in Matamata is home to Hobbiton, the Hobbit's village from the LOTR trilogy. While the original Hobbiton set was dismantled in 2000, it was rebuilt for the upcoming The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (www.hobbitontours.com).

The sleepy town is preparing for an influx of travellers who can enjoy not only Hobbiton, but a range of walking and tramping options, golf courses and cafés.

Rest up like a Hobbit and stay at the nearby YHA Hamilton.

National Park - Tongariro

Walking or cycling around New Zealand's oldest National Park, Tongariro National Park, it's easy to imagine Hobbits, dwarves and elves trudging through the vast network of trails. The Department of Conservation land and its three active volcanoes took a starring role in the LOTR films. Visiting means discovering Sauron's stronghold, Mordor, and Mount Doom (volcano Mount Ruapehu), Henneth Annun, Orc country and the very spot where Sauron lost the ring.

Tongariro National Park is home to the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing and one of New Zealand's 9 Great Walks. Enjoy hiking, climbing, mountain biking, white water rafting in summer and skiing and snowboarding in winter.

Sleep in the shadow of Mount Doom without worrying about Orcs. Stay at YHA National Park or YHA Taupo.

Wellington

Wellington is not only New Zealand's capital of Cool, but it could just be New Zealand's capital of all things Hobbit. The primary filming and production of LOTR was at Peter Jackson's Weta Studios in Wellington. While Weta Studios isn't open to the public, fans can journey into the Weta Cave, a free museum dedicated to the films' incredible special effects, characters and props.

Discovering the city on foot might be the best mode of transport, offering access to the stunning harbour and vibrant downtown. An easy stroll from the city centre is Mount Victoria, the forested hillsides of which transformed into Hobbiton Woods. Want to get out and about in the car? Many LOTR locations are within driving distance and will satisfy the Fellowship junkie in you.

Kick up your Hobbit feet at YHA Wellington.

Nelson

Nelson sits in the sunshine at the top of the South Island and is known as an arty, happy city in close proximity to a number of stunning National Parks including Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes. A handful of locations in the Nelson region were used in the LOTR filming including the hilltop reserve, Canaan Downs. Canaan Downs became Chetwood Forest where, after leaving Bree, Aragorn leads the Hobbits. The forest's ancient beech trees, rolling meadow and rock formations created a magical setting. In Nelson, stop by Jen Hansen's studio and meet the man who designed and forged the One Ring.

Make YHA Nelson your home base for exploring these National Parks.

Christchurch

Lonely Planet dubbed post-earthquakes Christchurch as "one of New Zealand's most exciting cities." Stay the night in the Garden City and discover why. Here's a clue: the vibrant city is rebounding and flourishing following earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

The nearby Canterbury plains and beautiful Mount Sunday are home to the Edoras filming location, the capital city of the Rohan people. See the sparkling lakes, glistening rivers and breathe the fresh mountain air. A local tour operator would be happy to take you.

Prepare for your journey by resting up in Christchurch's historic hostel, YHA Christchurch Rolleston House.

Queenstown

"There lie the woods of Lothlorien! That is the fairest of all the dwellings of my people." - Legolas

Queenstown's spectacular backdrops were used in all three LOTR movies including Lake Wakatipu which became Lothlorien. Discover the range of filming locations on a driving tour or with a guide. Whichever option you choose, be sure to head north to Glenorchy, used for Isengard, Lothlorien, Ithilien, among others.

Queenstown offers an incredible range of activities no matter the season. Dubbed the adrenaline capital of New Zealand with bungy jumping, canyon swinging and jet boating all on offer, no two days will be the same.

Enjoy the scenery of Middle-earth and rest your head at YHA Queenstown and YHA Glenorchy Kinloch Lodge.

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