25 Years of Lord of the Rings: Great Packages in New Zealand: Canadians Looking to Travel Cool

This year marks the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and with a new film slated for release in 2027, there’s renewed momentum around Middle-earth, along with new reasons for fans to make the journey to the real-life landscapes behind the films.

I’m a big fan of the movies and books and visited the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata when I visited New Zealand in 2016. It was truly fantastic to wander past the hobbit homes and see where parts of the movie were made. I also checked out a few other film sites around the country, including the river scene where Arwen summons up dashing horses in the river (the scene was shot at the Arrow River and the Shotover River, both of which I was lucky enough to visit).

The Hobbiton movie set in New Zealand. Tourism New Zealand Photo.

New Zealand has a number of new experiences, itineraries and events coming up, including:

• A new customizable Middle-earth journey: Among the new offerings is Kensington Tours’ newly created New Zealand’s Big Screen Landscapes itinerary is fully customizable to suit travelers’ interests, travel style and budget, with 12-day journeys (pricing available upon request). Each trip will feature unforgettable experiences including a guided tour through the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata complete with Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, a visit to Wētā Workshop in Wellington where the artistry and practical effects behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies were created, and a journey toMount Sunday, the breathtaking setting for Edoras, capital of Rohan.

• Exclusive access to a sold-out Hobbiton event: For travelers visiting during the anniversary celebrations, Kensington Tours also offers the exclusive opportunity to add admission to the Lord of the Rings 25th Anniversary Celebration at Hobbiton on December 4 to its curated itinerary. While the event is sold out to the general public, a limited number of tickets remain available exclusively to North American travelers booking through Kensington Tours.

Yours truly at the Hobbiton Movie Set in 2016. 

• New ways to road trip through Middle-earth: Independent travelers can also explore Middle-earth at their own pace through Tourism New Zealand’s Middle-earth Itineraries. Designed for varying trip lengths and fandom levels, the itineraries include Halfling’s Ramble, a North Island route featuring Hobbiton, Tongariro and Wellington; Elven Magic, which blends cinematic landscapes with cultural and scenic highlights; and Wizard’s Journey, the ultimate full-country pilgrimage for dedicated fans.

• A year of Middle-earth events: Countrywide celebrations will extend well beyond the film locations, with anniversary-themed activations and fan events taking place throughout the year. Festivities begin on International Hobbit Day (September 22, 2026), when fans celebrate the birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins with special tours, themed dining and festivities at Hobbiton. Visitors can also attend Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings concerts in Auckland, raise a pint at the annual Hobbiton Beer Festival in November, join the official 25th anniversary celebration on December 19, 2026, or take on the Middle-earth Halfling Marathon on March 20, 2027.

Beyond the film locations, these journeys offer an easy entry point into the wider New Zealand experience – from hiking, beaches and wildlife to Māori culture, food and wine and the country’s cities.

CANADIANS LOOKING FOR COOL HOLIDAY SPOTS  …. AND FOOTBALL!

Saskatchewan Roughriders fans are acknowledged as the most enthusiastic fans in the Canadian Football League, PHOTO COURTESY SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS