A Day in Middle Earth: Lord of the Rings Country

Bennett’s Bluff Lookout

The day is bright and sunny in Queenstown. After taking the view in from our Airbnb patio, we hop in the car and head to Glenorchy for a hike.

John is enjoying driving the curvy, uphill/down hill road. Every turn brings another gorgeous view.

The vista stop at Bennett’s Bluff is definately worth the short climb: blue lake, dramatic mountains and snow capped peaks.

There is no cell phone service in this area.

Glenorchy

arrive in the small town of Glenorchy where we do the lagoon hiking trail. So beautiful. Glenorchy is the area where they shot scenes of Isengard in Lord of the Rings (LOTR) Click here for a video.

Road to Paradise

We go into the town for lunch by the lake. Then we take the road to Paradise into Mount Aspiring National Park. Just as you enter the park there is a beautiful forest that they used to film the scenes in Lothlorien enchanted golden forest in LOTR. Click here for a video.

The paved road turns into gravel and we continue driving the narrow road through sheep and cow filled fields surrounded by mountains. We would often have to drive through small fords of water.

We reach the sign announcing that we have entered Paradise!

The road is getting rougher and we notice that the few other vehicles we see are all jeeps and pickups. Every time we drive through a ford, the water seems to be deeper than the last one. Although we would love to be stuck in Paradise, the car rental company might not be as happy to know their car was in Paradise and not returning, so we decide to turn around and head back. No easy feat on such a narrow road.

On our return journey, the cows seem to be fussed and are running around on the road. Fortunately we get through without incident. Click here for a video.

Lake Moke

We decide to stop into Lake Moke by way of a narrow, winding road. Everywhere you look there is stunning scenery. Once at the lake we do another short hike.

Twelve Mile Delta

Our last stop before heading back to Queenstown is Twelve Mile Delta. This is where they filmed Ithilien with its stream, manuka trees and matagouri shrubs in LOTR.

Evening in Queenstown

Back in Queenstown, we order a pizza and take it to the lakefront where ducks, gulls and fat little sparrows sit right with you in hopes of a few crumbs. Click here for a video.

Meanwhile a few feet away, a busker and his dog sing.. yes the dog sings too. Click here for the video.

We go to one more beautiful viewpoint before toasting the setting sun from our patio overlooking the lake.

A fabulous day.