Photos of New Zealand including Hercules, Xena and Lord of the Rings location photos.

I've traveled to the Land of the Long White Cloud (Aotearoa) four times now. It is getting to be a once a year thing and if you've ever seen the country, you'd know why. It is more than just the home to many fine kiwi actors like Craig Parker, Oliver Driver, Michael Hurst and Bruce Hopkins, it is also the most beautiful country side you'll ever find. Each year I try to see more of this great country from North Island to South Island. Here, I have some photos from my excursions that show not only some filming locations, but just why they say New Zealand is really Middle Earth.

NORTH ISLAND

The main offices in Auckland for two of New Zealand's main Tv stations, TV ONE and TV TWO. Shows such as Mercy Peak, Good Morning, Home Front and Intrepid Journeys are seen on TV ONE.	A street sign bearing the same name of the soap opera Shortland Street in downtown Auckland.	A day on the Harbor. Sailing on the Hauraki Gulf under the Auckland Brigde.	The sail boat 'Pride of Auckland'. Our hired ship for the day, when no other tourists booked on it, me and my friends had the boat to ourselves along with the crew of two.


The southern hemisphere night sky on a cloudless night. I am almost sure the star formation in the lower part of the photo is the Southern Cross. ('When you see the Southern Cross for the first time, you understand now why you came this way.'-Crosby, Stills, and Nash)	A rainbow begins to form over the Auckland Skyline as the storms come across from the west.	Auckland Skyline from the Ferry.	A trip to the sea aquarium at Kelly Tarlton's.

Bethells Beach on the Tasman Sea. A famous spot for filming shows such as Hercules and Xena.	The boat used for both Hercules and Xena series tied up in a Devonport marina across the harbor from Auckland. The ship was last seen in moored in the harbor near the bridge.

SOUTH ISLAND

The sun rises over the mountains known as the Remarkables in Queenstown, South Island. Queenstown was close to several locations used in Lord of the Rings trilogy, including Lothlorien.	A car drives down the winding road from Coronet Peak Ski Feild. A new snow had fallen the day before. Coronet Peak is close to Queenstown.	The Queenstown Mall, an out door mall in the center of town.	Fresh snow on top of Coronet Peak Ski Feild, near the learners hill.


Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu looking towards the Remarkables.	Queenstown from the Warf looking towards the center of town.	Looking across Lake Wakatipu to the Wharf.	Looking across Lake Wakatipu from the beach out in front of the Novetel Gardens Hotel.

The Arrowtown River just outside of Queenstown. This river was used in Lord of the Rings for the River chase between Arwen and the Black Riders as she tried to get Frodo to Rivendell. The actual shooting was done about a mile from this area.	More of the Arrowtown River in Arrowtown, South Island, New Zealand.	Shops in the town of Arrowtown. The town has one main street and many souvenier shops. It used to be a gold mining town and some of the Chinese houses are still there.	This is a mountain that is seen on the way into Queenstown from the airport in Frankton. The bus driver said it was used in the filming of Lord of the Rings.

The plane's shadow is cast on the mountian below as we near Queenstown/Frankton airport.	The airport from the plane as we taxi in.	The plane, run by Origin Pacific , a partner of Qantas Air.	Queenstown welcomes all to the Winter Festival.

One of the main roads in Queenstown. This town has no traffic lights, just roundabouts.	Memorial Hall, this is where the Debate has been held for the last two years. On the side is a rugby feild.	Looking across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown Gardens.	The view from the top. Top of Coronet Peak.

Yes it was COLD. Icicles hang from the cafe on Coronet Peak.

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