New Zealand: Colors and Skies Beyond Reality
"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." Ralph Waldo Emerson
It came as no surprise to me that The Lord of The Rings got recorded in New Zealand. Without any hesitation, I can indeed say this island country displays the most beautiful landscapes I have seen in my life, especially in terms of color intensity. This exceptional beauty extends in both northern and southern parts of the island. If you have, like me, only a few days before you to visit the country, it is still worth it to chose one of them. I personally opted for North, and I will show why I think it was a good choice. But I am looking forward to flying back to New Zealand and discover its the southern world.
It came as no surprise to me that The Lord of The Rings got recorded in New Zealand. Without any hesitation, I can indeed say this island country displays the most beautiful landscapes I have seen in my life, especially in terms of color intensity. This exceptional beauty extends in both northern and southern parts of the island. If you have, like me, only a few days before you to visit the country, it is still worth it to chose one of them. I personally opted for North, and I will show why I think it was a good choice. But I am looking forward to flying back to New Zealand and discover its the southern world.
Auckland: biggest city in New Zealand
New Zealand, one of the last places on Earth settled by human beings, now includes big urban areas and large cities, such as Auckland. This city - not the most interesting nor nicest one I have seen, I must say - has got several ports. One of them is at the center of the city, Princes Wharf, surrounded by classy and expensive restaurants. On the opposite side is Devonport, from where you can see Auckland's skyline.
To see Auckland from this side, jump into one of the ferry that are waiting for you at Princes Wharf, direction Devonport. After a few minutes, you will be arriving in a very small harbor. If you want to have a particularly pretty vista on the skyline, try to be there just before sunset. Sit on a bank facing the sea, and wait for the explosion of gold and light coming behind you. Before or after that, have a walk through the main street of the neighborhood. You will find some nice stores and restaurants. On a sunny day, it is worth taking some food to eat on the grass, near the sea. If you are as lucky as I was, you will be gazing at a rainbow framing the sky. And this will be the first of a long and delightful series of color experiences in New Zealand.
To see Auckland from this side, jump into one of the ferry that are waiting for you at Princes Wharf, direction Devonport. After a few minutes, you will be arriving in a very small harbor. If you want to have a particularly pretty vista on the skyline, try to be there just before sunset. Sit on a bank facing the sea, and wait for the explosion of gold and light coming behind you. Before or after that, have a walk through the main street of the neighborhood. You will find some nice stores and restaurants. On a sunny day, it is worth taking some food to eat on the grass, near the sea. If you are as lucky as I was, you will be gazing at a rainbow framing the sky. And this will be the first of a long and delightful series of color experiences in New Zealand.
Unstable weather, full of surprises
Dark and bright skies, cloudy blues, rainbows, golden and silver lights: New Zealand is a typology of all the sky variations. The mood of the weather is totally unstable and fanciful. The painter pulls her hair out, while the photographer is going nuts. I chose to stay on the photographer mode; and it turned out to be the best option. Driving from Auckland to Hobbiton, I basically wanted to stop every five minutes to take pictures of the ever-changing landscapes. On top of the permanent changes of atmospheres, the superposition of rain and sun often gives the traveler the chance to see a rainbow, and sometimes two at the same time. Who said landscapes with rainbows are kitsch? It's one of the most ingenuous and beautiful works of art one can admire in Nature's gallery.
Driving in New Zealand, for a non-British European, is not an easy task: like in Australia, they drive on the left side of the road. So watch out, you will be tempted to look all around you and get distracted by some breathtaking vistas, but keep your eyes on the road. Four hours drive from Auckland is the famous movie set of Hobbiton. Even though it is indeed a touristic place, it is sincerely a nice experience to add at your trip in New Zealand. On top of that, the road from Auckland to Hobbiton contains incredible lookouts where you will want to stop: flashing green hills go after one another ; blue sky, black sky, cloudy sky and rainbow also go after one another in a single 360° view. Look at the portal picture.
Driving in New Zealand, for a non-British European, is not an easy task: like in Australia, they drive on the left side of the road. So watch out, you will be tempted to look all around you and get distracted by some breathtaking vistas, but keep your eyes on the road. Four hours drive from Auckland is the famous movie set of Hobbiton. Even though it is indeed a touristic place, it is sincerely a nice experience to add at your trip in New Zealand. On top of that, the road from Auckland to Hobbiton contains incredible lookouts where you will want to stop: flashing green hills go after one another ; blue sky, black sky, cloudy sky and rainbow also go after one another in a single 360° view. Look at the portal picture.
On the Lord of the Rings movie set, behind the leaves, Bilbo's house can be discerned
Personally, I am nothing of a Lord of the Rings geek. I can even admit I did not see one of them. But the two-hour tour I spent in Hobbiton passed as ten minutes. Any person who has watched one of the movies - or even better The Hobbit - will recognize some of the magical scenes recorded in them. For example, the round Hobbits' houses and their little garden have been preserved in every details: paths, chairs, wheel-barrows, vegetables, signs.
We understand why Peter Jackson chose New Zealand to record his movie: the landscape surrounding the movie set perfectly reminds Tolkien's long and beautiful description of the Shire, originally inspired by Scottish nature.
We understand why Peter Jackson chose New Zealand to record his movie: the landscape surrounding the movie set perfectly reminds Tolkien's long and beautiful description of the Shire, originally inspired by Scottish nature.
The Green Dragon Inn: Hobbiton's pub
By the way, you should read The Lord of the Rings just before and after you visit to Hobbiton. It will bring more magic into your experience in New Zealand, and more authenticity into your readings afterwards. And also just because it is part of the classics everyone should read: it is unique. But here is not the place for a glorification of Tolkien's work of art.
At the end of the visit, all the fans will especially appreciate to have a beer at Green Dragon Inn, the pub of Hobbitons. This will deliciously complement the details and "secrets" delivered by the guy along the entire tour. Take a moment to chat with her or his, you will learn more about these secret sharing a drink together. On your way back you may catch a rainbow getting over the Shire.
At the end of the visit, all the fans will especially appreciate to have a beer at Green Dragon Inn, the pub of Hobbitons. This will deliciously complement the details and "secrets" delivered by the guy along the entire tour. Take a moment to chat with her or his, you will learn more about these secret sharing a drink together. On your way back you may catch a rainbow getting over the Shire.
An incredibly flashy green composes the landscapes in New Zealand
After this stop at Hobbiton, you will probably be heading to Auckland at sunset. Stunning views are to be seen: the sun hiding behind the hills cuts them sharply and turn their flashy green grass into a golden velours.
I am aware I am spending a lot of time in lengthy - and I guess boring - descriptions of the environment of this island country. And I am just realizing why Tolkien was so kin on this kind of writing activities, knowing he found his inspiration in Scottish nature, very similar to New Zealand, as I have heard. But this is no coincidence: these are fairylike and elfin (it is the right word!) landscapes, that I never happened to see in previous travels. The color of the grass, as stupid as it can sound, is unbelievably flashy and seems unnatural. It makes you feel like some cunning spirits took possession of your mind and changed your color perception.
I am aware I am spending a lot of time in lengthy - and I guess boring - descriptions of the environment of this island country. And I am just realizing why Tolkien was so kin on this kind of writing activities, knowing he found his inspiration in Scottish nature, very similar to New Zealand, as I have heard. But this is no coincidence: these are fairylike and elfin (it is the right word!) landscapes, that I never happened to see in previous travels. The color of the grass, as stupid as it can sound, is unbelievably flashy and seems unnatural. It makes you feel like some cunning spirits took possession of your mind and changed your color perception.
Nature: a Master in hope and peaceful cohabitation
New Zealand's green hills are however not the only nature's works of art. The ocean side is also a precious jewel worth visiting. If you want to see an incredible contrast between turquoise water and emerald vegetation, go to one of the regional parks running along the beaches.
Do not make the same mistake as I made: plan one entire day to discover this part of the island, without being frustrated to hurry and shorten the trekking. Bring something to eat and drink, because nothing will be consumable as soon as you enter the park.
I chose Tawharanui Regional Park, and did not regret this random choice at all. The walk is a mix between sandy and rocky beaches, and between bushy and naked hills. As you start in a small forest of pines, and will then come out into a beach of beige sand. On your left, a mysterious shaped rock; on your right, a small cliffs surrounded by rocks; in front of you, the infinite ocean, playing with the sunbeams.
After a stay in this dreamlike area, go on your right where you will be walking on a soft green grass. More surprise are to come: as you go down this hill, you will suddenly find yourself into the sand. The abrupt contrast between the healthy grass, and the dry sand defy common sense. How come the vegetation is not yellow and dead, burnt by the sun, destroyed by the sand, and gnawed by the salt? I have no idea and I am still wondering. But the impression is delicious and astonishing (see picture bellow).
Do not make the same mistake as I made: plan one entire day to discover this part of the island, without being frustrated to hurry and shorten the trekking. Bring something to eat and drink, because nothing will be consumable as soon as you enter the park.
I chose Tawharanui Regional Park, and did not regret this random choice at all. The walk is a mix between sandy and rocky beaches, and between bushy and naked hills. As you start in a small forest of pines, and will then come out into a beach of beige sand. On your left, a mysterious shaped rock; on your right, a small cliffs surrounded by rocks; in front of you, the infinite ocean, playing with the sunbeams.
After a stay in this dreamlike area, go on your right where you will be walking on a soft green grass. More surprise are to come: as you go down this hill, you will suddenly find yourself into the sand. The abrupt contrast between the healthy grass, and the dry sand defy common sense. How come the vegetation is not yellow and dead, burnt by the sun, destroyed by the sand, and gnawed by the salt? I have no idea and I am still wondering. But the impression is delicious and astonishing (see picture bellow).
Tawharanui Regional Park: green grass, fine sand, and turquoise water together for an unforgettable walk
For a while, you will be walking through the beaches, the turquoise water on your left. You will come across Mother Nature's treasure, such as intact seashells or maybe this very tree coming out of a rock: a unexpected and moving friendship, that only Nature can bring forth. It seems like the rock support the tree, and that the tree give life to its protector. I could not resist immortalize this union.
Then, as you leave the seaside, up a new hill, you will overlook a breathtaking vista, mixing all the parcels of nature you have traveled through. What is more: you may be luckier than I was and see kiwis under a bush. and make me really jealous at the same time. Hopefully next time.
Then, as you leave the seaside, up a new hill, you will overlook a breathtaking vista, mixing all the parcels of nature you have traveled through. What is more: you may be luckier than I was and see kiwis under a bush. and make me really jealous at the same time. Hopefully next time.
