Filming Location, New Zealand, Travel

Kawarau Gorge – Gibbston, New Zealand – Bungy Jumping, Wineries & the Argonath

One of the highlights of our New Zealand trip was our first-ever bungy jump off the historic Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge—the birthplace of commercial bungy (never “bungee,” according to the Kiwis). The bridge has been standing since 1880, and AJ Hackett launched the world’s first commercial jump site here in 1988. Even better, the turquoise river below is also a Lord of the Rings filming location for the River Anduin and the Argonath, just around the bend from the road to the wineries. Before taking the plunge, we stopped at Chard Farm for a little liquid courage; its Pinot Noirs were fantastic, and the winery sits perched above the gorge with stunning views of vineyards, rugged bluffs, and the rushing water below. After our jump, we celebrated at Gibbston Valley Winery, known for its cellar door, beautiful grounds, and equally excellent Pinots—an unforgettable combination of adrenaline, scenery, and world-class wine.

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April 29, 2024 by
New Zealand, Travel

Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, New Zealand – Blooming Lupines and Glacier Blue Shores

Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki are two of the most stunning alpine lakes in the Canterbury region, each showcasing that unreal South Island turquoise glow. At Lake Tekapo, we were lucky to catch the lupines in bloom, painting the shoreline in pinks and purples. At Lake Pukaki, we dipped our feet into icy glacier-fed water for the first time – a refreshing shock and a perfect way to take in the sweeping views toward Aoraki/Mount Cook.

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April 11, 2024 by
Filming Location, Hiking, New Zealand, Travel

Twizel, New Zealand – Exploring the Dusky Trail along Pelennor Fields

Twizel charmed us with its rolling foothills and majestic peaks – so epic it’s no surprise this region became the Battle of the Pelennor Fields in LOTR The Return of the King. We enjoyed a leisurely hike along the Dusky Trail that passes near Pelennor Fields where Éowyn famously defeats the Witch-king of Angmar. We then rested at the tranquil Manuka Retreat, Middle‑earth’s very own cozy hideaway.

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April 4, 2024 by
Filming Location, Hiking, New Zealand, Travel

Mount Sunday, New Zealand – Exploring Edoras from LOTR

Mount Sunday was one of the absolute highlights of our New Zealand trip and ended up being my favorite hike of the entire vacation. This remote, windswept hill served as the filming location for Edoras, the capital of Rohan in The Two Towers, and even though the set is long gone, you can still recognize several iconic spots—including Éowyn’s lookout from the Golden Hall. We stayed at Mt Potts Lodge, the only hint of civilization for miles, and had perfect weather plus the trail almost entirely to ourselves. The hike to the summit is only about a mile, but the payoff is immense: panoramic views of braided rivers, jagged peaks, and open plains that feel straight out of Middle-earth. It was incredibly windy at the top, which made for gorgeous photos with my dress and hair whipping dramatically in the gusts as we recreated Éowyn’s famous scene.

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April 2, 2024 by
Filming Location, Hiking, New Zealand, Travel

Castle Hill, New Zealand – Where Narnia Magic Meets Incredible Bouldering

After flying from Wellington to Christchurch to begin our South Island adventures, our first stop was the Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Area, better known as Castle Hill. Before heading into the boulder fields, we made a very fitting “second breakfast” stop at the World Famous Sheffield Pie Shop, which ended up being the best food we had in all of New Zealand – the boysenberry pie alone was worth the detour. Fully fueled, we continued on to Castle Hill, where massive limestone formations stretched across the landscape. Famous as the filming location for the epic final battle in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the area was both cinematic and unexpectedly peaceful. We had an incredible time scrambling over the boulders, soaking in the sweeping views, and exploring a place that truly rocked in every sense

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March 29, 2024 by
Filming Location, New Zealand, Travel

Mount Victoria New Zealand – Outer Shire

In Wellington – nicknamed “Wellywood” thanks to how much of The Lord of the Rings was filmed there – we tracked down all four Outer Shire locations on Mount Victoria, just steps from the Embassy Theatre where The Return of the King premiered. We spent the most time at Hobbit’s Hideaway, joyfully reenacting the scene where the hobbits dive off the road to escape the Nazgûl (the massive tree root they hide under was a movie prop!). We also found Frodo’s reading/smoking tree, “I think I’ve broken something” hill, and the Way of the Nazgûl. 

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March 22, 2024 by
Filming Location, Hiking, New Zealand, Travel

Upper Hutt New Zealand – Rivendell and River Anduin

In Upper Hutt, just outside Wellington, we explored several iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations including Rivendell (Kaitoke Regional Park), the River Anduin (Hutt River), and Isengard Gardens (Harcourt Park). Though the original Rivendell set was removed after filming, the forest setting still feels undeniably elven, with one remaining archway that recreates the gateway to this peaceful realm. We had a blast reenacting scenes among the trees, imagining the Fellowship’s time in Elrond’s house. Nearby, we followed the Hutt River to the exact spot where Aragorn washes ashore in The Two Towers – a must-see for any Middle-earth fan.

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March 17, 2024 by
The Zone of Interest
Musings

2024 Oscar Nominees – Scott’s Best Picture Rankings

It’s that time of year when I post my thoughts on the Oscar nominees – not because anyone wants to read them, but because I spent 20+ hours watching them all.

First of all, it’s a travesty that my favorite movie of the year – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – received one measly nomination. This is a groundbreaking, genre-altering masterpiece. Only three animated films have ever been nominated for Best Picture. Just as The Dark Knight didn’t receive its rightful Best Picture nomination because superhero films were thought of as a lesser genre, I think the same thing is happening here. But anyway, let’s talk Best Picture nominees…

Scott’s Best Picture Rankings:

1. The Zone of Interest – A haunting, powerful, lingering examination of the cognitive dissonance required to raise a family at the gates of Auschwitz. My favorite shot from the film is when the family was having a pool party while, on the other side of the fence, a new batch of to-be-murdered prisoners arrived by train. The mental gymnastics required by that family to make that feel normal is inconceivable. From its theme to its score, The Zone of Interest feels like a sequel to one of last year’s favorites, All Quiet on the Western Front.

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March 9, 2024 by
Filming Location, Hiking, New Zealand, Travel

Tongariro National Park – Journey Across Mordor and Mount Doom

Tongariro National Park was absolutely breathtaking, with its dramatic volcanic peaks – including Mt. Ngauruhoe, better known to Lord of the Rings fans as Mount Doom. From our room at Skotel Alpine Resort, the view of the mountain was unreal, especially knowing we’d soon be trekking its shadow. We hiked the 12-mile Tongariro Alpine Crossing on a misty, drizzling day that made it feel like a true journey through Mordor in search of the One Ring. We also visited several filming sites – Mead’s Wall (Emyn Muil), Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s Pool), and Mangawhero Falls (Sméagol Catches a Fish) – and couldn’t resist reenacting a few iconic LOTR moments ourselves.

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March 9, 2024 by