'The Hobbit' underway in New Zealand

I can't help it. I'm excited! Genuinely so. For after what has seemed like the longest time and innumerable problems and interuptions, 'The Hobbit' has started filming in Middle Earth, er, New Zealand.

I blogged a while ago about the positives of another encounter with NZ's fine landscapes on the silver screen and frankly I think we all need to focus on the positives right now.

So, as Ian McKellan's Gandalf and fellow Brit cast members now take up residence in New Zealand for the duration of the shoot - including newcomers James Nesbitt and Martin Freeman - perhaps now is the time to join them before the world once again remembers how amazing this country really is and heads for the Misty Mountains.

 

With a release date of 19 December 2012, i've finally something to look forward to after the Olympics!

For the latest gossip on the shoot, click here >>

Return to Middle Earth

It's been 7 long years since we last visited Middle Earth in a cinematic context and though the wait is not quite over (sorry), those of us yearning for a return to Rivendell and the Misty Mountains can take comfort in the fact that 'The Hobbit' is due to start filming in New Zealand this summer (though it's actually winter down there).

The film, based on Tolkien's novel, will be followed by a sequel and both new films are prequels to the fabulous Lord of the Rings trilogy by Peter Jackson the Great. Mr Jackson takes on a producing role this time, leaving the directing to Spaniard Guillermo del Toro best known for the Hellboy films and Pan's Labyrinth.

I can think of few films that have showcased a country as much as LOTR did New Zealand. Quite apart from being stunning fantasy epics, each of the three films was like a travelogue of NZ's fabulous landscapes. Peter Jackson may have used special effects to great end to create a world of orcs and hobbits and ents, and the actors certainly did there bit, and I suppose Tolkien should get a mention, but in terms of conveying the majesty of Middle Earth - that honour solely belongs to New Zealand.

You only have to visit for yourself to recognise this and might I suggest our Journey through Middle Earth itinerary as a starting point.

 

Anyway, I think this is the perfect excuse to watch the LOTR trilogy once again. So, before the weather really warms up, open a bottle of pinot and settle down for a terrific adventure through Aotearoa with Aragorn and Frodo.

Btw, in 'The Hobbit' Sir Ian McKellan is reprising his role as Gandalf. Wonder what colour he'll be this time?

Narnia or New Zealand?

Prince Caspian, the second installment in the Narnia series, is officially released tomorrow nationwide (26 June) and by all accounts is a far darker and, dare I say, more grown up film than the original Narnia outing.

I've not yet seen this fantasy epic, but with its enticing trailer and some positive audience reviews I've  read, I'm building up a healthy excitement. It also seems far too long ago that we got to marvel at the stunning New Zealand scenery on the big screen.

It's quite a lengthy film at nearly 2 hours 30 minutes, but having been propelled into a magical nether world (otherwise known as New Zealand), you don't want to return to reality too soon!

Weird & Wonderful in Wanaka

Sometimes it's rather nice amidst a brilliant, but full-on holiday, to throw something normal into the mix - like going to the cinema perhaps. Well, in NZ there's nowhere quite like Wanaka for adding a different twist to a regular outing.

Cinema Paridiso, as it's delightfully named, is a small but very charming theatre in the heart of the picturesque Southern Lakes region. OK, so being in such glorious surroundings you may think going to the cinema is a waste of time, but this is no ordinary cinema. What's special about Paradiso apart from the very chilled out atmosphere is the quirky seating. Not only can sink into a sofa and munch on a slice of pizza and beer, but a you can also opt to watch your chosen film from the 'comfort' of a Morris Minor. You can't deny it's different.

Located on Ardmore Street in downtown Wanaka, with hot meals available before, during or after the movie plus homemade icecream and hot cookies for the intermission, if you have the time, check this place out.

Personally, I think they do cinemas rather well in New Zealand. It was particularly taken by the comfort of Reading Cinemas Regency Cinelounge in Wellington (and all over NZ). Laz-e-boy reclining armchairs and food delivered to your seat made for a more satisfactory experience than at my local Odeon. I've also a soft spot for the Regent on Worcester in Christchurch - a great place to catch the latest New Zealand releases.

Return to Narnia

I saw my first trailer for the second Narnia film at the weekend, which was timely given that my conversation only moments before had speculated what was going on with this film.

Prince Caspian as this film is subtitled does look good. Loads of cgi effects, plenty of action with epic battles and sword fights galore and then of course there is the glorious setting. Once again NZ provided the location and that's a great reason to go see this film if no other. Even during the trailer the landscape is very familiar as one moment the Pevensie siblings are standing on a dreary wartime London tube station before being transported to a glorious sun drenched beach on the Coromandel..., ahem Narnia.

As the iconic image of Cathedral Cove appeared on the screen I couldn't help but feel a little amused. Was this iconic NZ setting really supposed to be a fantastical world of talking lions, fauns and ice queens? Perhaps somewhere a little more generic would have been better, but who am I to complain. The Coromandel bathed in sunshine, looked great!!

Curiously for one who loves a good action romp including those aimed at the 'kid market', I didn't quite gel with the first Narnai outing and found myself wishing that I was 10 years old again to fully appreciate it. However, I'm fully prepared to give this sequel a fair go, if only to go and admire the lovely setting...

Location, Location

I was watching Eragon on DVD the other night marvelling at the landscapes used for the filming and yet wondering why New Zealand was not used as the location. I mean, everybody knows that there's nowhere better for filming fantasy epics involving wizards and elves and good versus evil! Which got me to thinking...what can film fans expect from next from NZ?

Well, staying in the world of fantasy, Prince Caspian the next (published) story in the Chronicles of Narnia series started filming in NZ in February. LOTR this may not be, but any excuse for sword play. In a similar vein, the current offering in cinemas, 'Bridge to Terabithia', was filmed in and around Auckland and is supposed to be a jolly fine family film. Finally, back in the real world, albeit in the past, and Peter Jackson's remake of 'Dambusters' is in production for release next year and is due to be filmed largely in Wellington. The original was such a classic I can't wait to see how the film is updated for modern audiences.

I get a buzz from watching New Zealand feature in films, but that doesn't compare to how I felt seeing the film locations for real. Pretending to fight off orcs on the full day TranzAlpine Experience was great, but visiting the towns and villages of the East Cape as featured on our 'Whale Rider' self drive tour was incredible. Next time I'm heading to Taranaki for 'The Last Samurai' flashbacks.

On a side note for fans of the genre I would definitely recommend Eragon. It's a fun romp and I look forward to the next instalment...should there be one. By the way, it was filmed in Hungary, though Weta Digital (based in Wellington and founded by Peter Jackson) was responsible for the special effects.

Flight Fright Fascination

Growing up in the South Island of New Zealand is different to anywhere else in the world. In order to see other parts of my country, such as the North Island, I have to take the ferry across sea or fly. New Zealand has one airline, Air New Zealand, yes how original, who dominate the Pacific skies along side the odd Qantas plane or two. So after only flying Air New Zealand (ANZ) all my life, its only natural that i feel safest and most at ease with this airline. Yet somehow i managed to develop this ridiculously minor fear of flying. Upon take-off i have to squeeze my eyes tight shut and draw my legs up to my chest, so that i can't feel any engine failure vibrations through the floor of the plane (duh). I then push my earlobes inside my ear, attempting to block out any freaky rushing plane sounds and picture myself lying on a calm tropical beach, with my feet safely digging into the sand. I recently learned it is best not to crush the hand of the person sitting next to me as it may result in further discomfort on my behalf. Surprisingly though, i love landing and find it hilarious when my plane bounces or skids upon contact with the ground at eye-watering speeds. I believe this unnatural joy has to do with the concept of arrival and the desired action of getting off the plane.

Yet this small issue with flying has not managed to tame my wild passion for travel and new adventures, as i seem to forget i am 30 000ft. above sweet stable ground once we are airborne. I get distracted by the large variety of up-to-date movies and that delicious airplane food we all know and love. The drive of the destination fuels me, keeps me coming back for more personal torment in order to sample the flavour of every culture our world offers.

Air New Zealand fly daily from London Heathrow and have recently opened up new routings to Auckland via Hong Kong or Shanghai. Other popular stopover options include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Fiji, Rarotonga in the Cook Islands way out in the middle of the no where, Osaka and Tokyo, along with many more code shares and connecting airlines within the Star Alliance. The airline also offer Economy, Premium Economy and Business class airfares with the most comfortable seat pitch and that friendly Kiwi service with a smile.