The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip | A Cinematic South Island Travel Film
The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip | A Cinematic South Island Travel Film
Notable moments
- 03:43 Eating Fergburger along Queenstown Waterfront
Tim and Jess visit the famous Fergburger gourmet burger shop in downtown Queenstown and grab takeaway food in paper bags. They sit by the edge of Lake Wakatipu enjoying their burgers while looking out across the calm water toward the surrounding mountains.
Queenstown, New Zealand - 04:45 Camping at Moke Lake
The couple sets up their Land Rover Defender camper on the shore of Moke Lake, where the calm water creates perfect reflections of the surrounding peaks. They pitch their rooftop tent, relax at a portable camping table, and feed local ducks by the water's edge.
Moke Lake, New Zealand - 07:48 Trekking Paradise Beech Forest near Glenorchy
Tim and Jess hike through the rainy, ancient beech forest near Glenorchy, which served as the filming location for Lothlórien in Lord of the Rings. Rain drips through the dense green moss and native ferns as they navigate fallen timber and forest trails.
Glenorchy, New Zealand - 08:48 Mavora Lakes LOTR Amon Hen Location
The travelers arrive at Mavora Lakes, the shoreline used as Amon Hen where Frodo and Sam departure by canoe in The Lord of the Rings. Rain clouds and mist shroud the steep forested hills surrounding the quiet, gravel-shored lake.
Mavora Lakes, New Zealand - 11:06 Driving the Waterfall-Lined Milford Sound Road
Driving their 4x4 Land Rover through Fiordland National Park after relentless rain, dozens of temporary waterfalls cascade down massive granite canyon walls. The road passes through snow-shelter tunnels and rugged alpine passes heavily enveloped in low fog.
Milford Sound Road, New Zealand - 12:13 Overlooking Misty Milford Sound Fjord
Jess gazes out from a wooden viewing platform toward Mitre Peak and the moody waters of Milford Sound. Dense clouds cover the tops of towering sea cliffs while white waterfalls plunge down the dark green rock faces.
Milford Sound, New Zealand - 13:33 Exploring Historic Arrowtown and River
The couple walks along the historic, tree-lined main street of Arrowtown past heritage wooden shops and colorful autumn trees. They also walk along the nearby Arrow River, which was used as the filming location for the Ford of Bruinen.
Arrowtown, New Zealand - 16:28 Roy's Peak Sunrise Ridge Hike
After a 3:30 AM start and a steep 1,000-vertical-meter ascent in dark mist, Tim and Jess reach the summit ridge of Roy's Peak. They stand above a dramatic cloud inversion layer as the rising sun illuminates Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountain ridge in golden light.
Roys Peak, New Zealand - 21:39 Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing
Tim and Jess take a scenic helicopter flight soaring above the glaciated peaks, sharp ridges, and deep crevasses of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. The helicopter lands on a high-altitude glacier snowfield, allowing them to step out and take photos surrounded by snow-covered mountain walls.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand - 26:33 Hiking Mount Sunday (Edoras Filming Location)
The travelers scramble up the grassy slopes of Mount Sunday in the Rangitata Valley, famous as the site of Edoras in Lord of the Rings. From the flat rocky top, they enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view across the wide braided riverbed and distant alpine ranges.
Mount Sunday, New Zealand - 28:24 Exploring the Omarama Clay Cliffs
Tim and Jess walk between the dramatic fluted pinnacles and narrow gravel ravines of the Omarama Clay Cliffs. The unusual badland formations feature tall pinnacles composed of layers of ancient silt and gravel.
Omarama Clay Cliffs, New Zealand - 30:34 Hiking the Rob Roy Glacier Track
The couple treks across swing bridges over rushing turquoise glacial rivers and through beech rainforest in Mount Aspiring National Park. The trail terminates at an open alpine amphitheater overlooking hanging glaciers and sheer waterfalls tumbling down rock cliffs.
Rob Roy Glacier, New Zealand - 34:21 Trekking to Lake Alta in The Remarkables
Jess hikes past ski field infrastructure up a rocky gravel trail in The Remarkables to reach Lake Alta. The clear alpine cirque lake rests beneath towering alpine peaks, recognizable as the location where the Fellowship escapes Moria.
Lake Alta, New Zealand
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