Source: Tripadvisor
New Zealand offers breathtaking nature, a friendly population, known as Kiwis, and some of the most amazing food you have ever tasted, however for movie fans none of this mattes as much as the fact that a whole array of Hollywood blockbusters were shot in New Zealand.
Since a lot of tourists who travel to New Zealand also happen to be huge movie buffs, there has been a steady increase in movie themed activities and tours which will offer fans a behind the scenes experience, as well as showcase some of the spectacular locations that have been featured in popular movies. In fact the in many towns you can ask any local in New Zealand who their favorite star is and you’ll hear great, personal stories about the actors.
One director who has been very good at bringing productions to his native country is, Kiwi Peter Jackson, who made New Zealand world famous by filming the Lord of the Rings trilogy, entirely in New Zealand. This year he once again features New Zealand in “The Lovely Bones” which was shot on location on the beautiful island. 2010 will be no different with the filming of The Hobbit to start in March.
Past box office successes shot in New Zealand include King Kong; The World’s Fastest Indian; As well as Narnia The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe which showcased New Zealand’s dramatic and breathtaking scenery and cemented its reputation as a world-class filming location.
While filming, many of the stars take advantage of all the fun things to do in New Zealand. While filming The Warrior’s Way, Kate Bosworth took time to skydive; comedian Robin Williams has gone heli-mountain biking, George Lucas and Hugh Jackman took a wild ride in Queenstown on Shotover Jet and the list of celebrities that have bungy jumped includes members of U2, Slash of Guns and Roses and Velvet Revolver as well as many others.
So, if you go to New Zealand be sure to check out the filming locations of some of the biggest movies in Hollywood history, whether you are into comedy, action or horror we are sure you will find several locations that will be of interest to you.
