Mt Victoria
Escape from the Nazgul
While it might seem counterintuitive for the heart of a bustling metropolitan area to serve as the backdrop for the tranquil Shire, the inclusion of Mt Victoria in The Fellowship of the Ring film owes its existence to the visionary urban planning of Wellington. The strategic location of Mt Victoria as part of a surrounding green belt, complete with its summit offering breathtaking panoramic views stretching from Cook Strait to the northern expanse of Wellington city, was a pivotal choice. This natural haven with its encompassing woodlands and terrain proved to be the ideal setting for the Outer Shire scenes. Moreover, its convenient accessibility for both the cast and crew, a challenge not always easily overcome, was another driving factor.
On the 11th of October in 1999, the cameras started rolling atop Mt Victoria, signifying the commencement of a 274-day cinematic odyssey that would traverse the entire nation with the cast and crew.
The most straightforward route to these filming locations entails taking Alexandra Road by car, which eventually leads to the summit. There are multiple parking spaces along the road, with one situated 1.2 km from the intersection onto Alexandra Road, coinciding with a sweeping right-hand turn. The trail on the left side of the road, as well as the path on your right, ventures downhill through a forested area. After another right-hand bend, the panorama ahead resembles the very spot where Frodo once stood.
Though the forest scenery has evolved over time, and some artificial leaves have been introduced along the path, the simple power of imagination allows you to envision Frodo positioned in the midst of the trail, straining his ears for the telltale sound of the approaching Nazgul. The cityscape below remains unseen, and the ambiance envelops you in a tranquil solitude, enhanced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the chorus of chirping insects. This tableau captures the essence of a rustic path within the Shire.
Following the same pathway and as it curves to the right, two more locations unfurl. The steep incline on your left signifies the very spot where the Hobbits embarked on a joyous slide down the hillside, discovering a bountiful feast of mushrooms upon their arrival.
On the 11th of October in 1999, the cameras started rolling atop Mt Victoria, signifying the commencement of a 274-day cinematic odyssey that would traverse the entire nation with the cast and crew.
The most straightforward route to these filming locations entails taking Alexandra Road by car, which eventually leads to the summit. There are multiple parking spaces along the road, with one situated 1.2 km from the intersection onto Alexandra Road, coinciding with a sweeping right-hand turn. The trail on the left side of the road, as well as the path on your right, ventures downhill through a forested area. After another right-hand bend, the panorama ahead resembles the very spot where Frodo once stood.
Though the forest scenery has evolved over time, and some artificial leaves have been introduced along the path, the simple power of imagination allows you to envision Frodo positioned in the midst of the trail, straining his ears for the telltale sound of the approaching Nazgul. The cityscape below remains unseen, and the ambiance envelops you in a tranquil solitude, enhanced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the chorus of chirping insects. This tableau captures the essence of a rustic path within the Shire.
Following the same pathway and as it curves to the right, two more locations unfurl. The steep incline on your left signifies the very spot where the Hobbits embarked on a joyous slide down the hillside, discovering a bountiful feast of mushrooms upon their arrival.