In recent years film-makers have caught on to New Zealand’s charm, and its wealth of talent and technical innovation. The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in New Zealand and directed by New Zealander Peter Jackson. Computers helped create some of the effects, but the scenery was all natural – a number of operators offer tours to sites featured in the films.

Elijah Wood, who played Frodo, says: “New Zealand is Middle-Earth. It has every geological formation and geographical landscape you can imagine – and some you couldn’t.” There are also many distinctly New Zealand stories told on film. Whale Rider is a haunting tale based on a story by Witi Ihimaera, examining Maori culture and myth, while The World’s Fastest Indian tells the story of Southland motorcycle legend Burt Munro.

Did you know?

Lonely Planet’s Blue List 06-07 lists New Zealand as one of the world’s top ten places most like the film for its starring role in The Lord of the Rings.