Pelorus Bridge
Barrel Scene from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Pelorus Bridge holds a serene charm, reached via the scenic route from Havelock. Following the Pelorus River through the quaint village of Comatown, you approach the bridge itself, passing through one of the few remaining riverbank forests in Mildhorough. Within this lush environment, encompassed by towering beech, rimu, and kahikatea trees, lies a sense of enchantment. Just before the bridge, a solitary car park emerges on your left – the starting point for your exploration.
This site marked the shore where thirteen dwarves and a bedraggled hobbit were cast ashore after their capture by King Throudil and their subsequent escape down the Forest River. The crystalline waters of the Pelorus River stand in vivid contrast to the dark-green foliage, evoking a feeling as if standing at the fringes of Arand Forest. Referred to by the Maori as Te Hoiere, the place earned its name in 1838 from the Royal Navy brig HMS Pelon, with the first bridge constructed in 1863.
Two captivating spots beckon your visit. First, venture onto the bridge and cast your gaze downstream, where the juxtaposition of trees and water presents a captivating sight. Upon your return, descend via the path beside the bridge to your left. It was here that the dramatic scene of ores desperately attempting to halt the dwarves' wild barrel ride escape from the Halls of King Thranduil unfolded.
A sequence featuring barrels floating down the Forest River came to a swift end when the weather took a fickle turn. The crew hurriedly packed their gear as the river's level rose dramatically within hours, posing a perilous situation.
For those traveling with camping gear, the Pelorus Bridge Campground provides an opportunity to stay in the secondary location, which doubled as the Forest River in the film. This intimate site boasts a welcoming family ambiance, excellent amenities, and a picturesque view. Adjacent to it, a café awaits, offering generous servings of coffee alongside delectable homemade custard squares and venison pies.
The river where the dwarves were filmed emerging from their barrels and making their way ashore flows past the campground. Rigorous preparation took place well in advance, involving stunt crews devising safe methods for the actors to float down the river. Scaffolding was erected for convenient access for both the cast and crew, especially crucial for the dwarves with their prosthetics and bulky costumes. Above the location, two sizable plastic pools supplemented the natural flow of a small waterfall. On cue, torrents of water were unleashed.
Numerous walks await exploration in the vicinity, such as the leisurely 30-minute Totara Walk and the 45-minute Circle Walk. Both routes, considered easy but rewarding, wind through ancient forests, offering glimpses of the river and the well-worn terraces it has carved over time. For those seeking an aquatic perspective akin to the dwarves, Pelorus Eco Adventures provides a gentle inflatable canoe journey past the waterfall and along the river itself, retracing the very scenes filmed here.
This site marked the shore where thirteen dwarves and a bedraggled hobbit were cast ashore after their capture by King Throudil and their subsequent escape down the Forest River. The crystalline waters of the Pelorus River stand in vivid contrast to the dark-green foliage, evoking a feeling as if standing at the fringes of Arand Forest. Referred to by the Maori as Te Hoiere, the place earned its name in 1838 from the Royal Navy brig HMS Pelon, with the first bridge constructed in 1863.
Two captivating spots beckon your visit. First, venture onto the bridge and cast your gaze downstream, where the juxtaposition of trees and water presents a captivating sight. Upon your return, descend via the path beside the bridge to your left. It was here that the dramatic scene of ores desperately attempting to halt the dwarves' wild barrel ride escape from the Halls of King Thranduil unfolded.
A sequence featuring barrels floating down the Forest River came to a swift end when the weather took a fickle turn. The crew hurriedly packed their gear as the river's level rose dramatically within hours, posing a perilous situation.
For those traveling with camping gear, the Pelorus Bridge Campground provides an opportunity to stay in the secondary location, which doubled as the Forest River in the film. This intimate site boasts a welcoming family ambiance, excellent amenities, and a picturesque view. Adjacent to it, a café awaits, offering generous servings of coffee alongside delectable homemade custard squares and venison pies.
The river where the dwarves were filmed emerging from their barrels and making their way ashore flows past the campground. Rigorous preparation took place well in advance, involving stunt crews devising safe methods for the actors to float down the river. Scaffolding was erected for convenient access for both the cast and crew, especially crucial for the dwarves with their prosthetics and bulky costumes. Above the location, two sizable plastic pools supplemented the natural flow of a small waterfall. On cue, torrents of water were unleashed.
Numerous walks await exploration in the vicinity, such as the leisurely 30-minute Totara Walk and the 45-minute Circle Walk. Both routes, considered easy but rewarding, wind through ancient forests, offering glimpses of the river and the well-worn terraces it has carved over time. For those seeking an aquatic perspective akin to the dwarves, Pelorus Eco Adventures provides a gentle inflatable canoe journey past the waterfall and along the river itself, retracing the very scenes filmed here.