“There and back again: A Dragon’s tale of Middle Earth, by Lignum Draco.”
New Zealand April 2017 (10 photos)
This is part 1 of my New Zealand series of posts.
Bilbo Baggins: It began long ago in a land far away to the east, the like of which you will not find in the world today. There was the city of Dale, its markets known far and wide, full of the bounties of vine and vale, peaceful and prosperous. For this city lay before the doors of the greatest kingdom in Middle-Earth: Erebor, stronghold of Thrór, King under the Mountain and mightiest of the Dwarf-Lords.
A lovely town nestled in a beautiful peaceful setting.
Gandalf: A sickness lies over the Greenwood. The Woodsmen who live there now call it Mirkwood and, uh, they say…
Saruman: Well, don’t stop now. Tell us what the Woodsmen say.
Gandalf: They speak of a Necromancer living in Dol Guldur, a sorcerer who could summon the dead.
But peace is a fragile condition. And so I was summoned by the White Council to restore the balance to Middle Earth.
Legolas: There lie the woods of Lothlórien! That is the fairest of all the dwellings of my people. There are no trees like the trees of that land. For in the autumn their leaves fall not, but turn to gold.
I ventured to Lothlorien to seek counsel with the Elves; immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings.
“Far over the misty mountains cold
To dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away ere break of day
To seek the pale enchanted gold.
The dwarves of yore made mighty spells,
While hammers fell like ringing bells
In places deep, where dark things sleep,
In hollow halls beneath the fells.
For ancient king and elvish lord
There many a gleaming golden hoard
They shaped and wrought, and light they caught
To hide in gems on hilt of sword….”
There, I accepted the quest to venture beyond the Misty Mountains to Erebor, the Lonely Mountain, to challenge the mighty Smaug who was overcome with dragon sickness and threatening the peace.
Theoden: Arise! Arise, Riders of Théoden! Fell deeds awake, fire and slaughter! Spears shall be shaken. Shield shall be splintered. A sword-day! A red day! Ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now!
I crossed vast ancient lands and renewed friendships of old.
Gandalf: Go back to the Shadow! You — shall not — pass!
Unexpected dangers were encountered and overcome.
Elrond: Put aside the Ranger. Become who you were born to be. Take the Dimholt Road.
Chances were taken along the way.
Pippin: Eagles! The eagles are coming!
The final battle was fierce with no quarter given.
From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, we fought.
Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside.
“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be the blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.”
My 1/14th share of the reward was more than adequate.
Gandalf: Well, all good stories deserve embellishment. You’ll have a tale or two to tell of your own when you come back.
Bilbo Baggins: …Can you promise that I will come back?
Gandalf: No. And if you do… you will not be the same.
I returned to a triumphant welcome. After all, not all dragons are evil like Smaug.
Look out for more Dragon tales from Middle Earth in the next few posts.
…
Yes, I have been there and back again. Momentarily I have satisfied my wanderlust and returned from my recent trip to the South Island of New Zealand where I was based in Queenstown, one of the locations used to film scenes from the Lord of the Rings movies. Over 6 days, I took in the sights of Queenstown and the surrounding region. All this without ever once considering taking a bungy jump or jet boat ride.
…
This is part 1 of my New Zealand series of posts.
…
Footnotes:
Photo 1: Aerial view of Queenstown from a helicopter.
Photo 2: The Wanaka tree
Photo 3: Skippers Canyon.
Photo 4: Queenstown morning.
Photo 5: At the top of the Remarkables Mountain Range.
Photo 6: Skippers Canyon.
Photo 7: At the top of the Remarkables Mountain Range.
Photo 8: Queenstown.
Photo 9: Queenstown.
Photo 10: Cromwell, Otago.
Etcetera Etcetera Etcetera 
Beautifully done from above, middle and below, Dragon. It really did sound like you were walking through the land of LOTR. That shot with the bird seemed very random, and I’m guessing not what you were expecting. It fit the journey and story very well 🙂
Thank you very much. It felt very much like I was in Middle Earth. Much of the scenery can be recognised from the movies if you know where particular scenes were shot.
Yes, the (sea) eagle was not planned but it flew in right on cue. 🙂
Wonderful Set of photos!
Thank you very much. 🙂
wundervoll!
Danke. 🙂
Beautiful photos and loved the commentary 😉
Thank you. It just wrote itself. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Oh, what an excellent wander through parts of Middle Earth!!
Life imitates art. Now to find my mithril vest and elven sword. 🙂
Oh, indeed… And the shards of Nungesser, was it?
Ok, I’m revealing my inner geek now…
Anduril (Flame of the West) was forged by the elves from the shards of Narsil.
Ah, yes, Narsil!
🙂
Years since I read Tolkien….30++
I read the books years ago. I have the audiobooks on CD and there’s always Youtube. Yes, the inner geek is really shining through. 🙂
Haha….I have an inner photo geek, don’t need more geekery…..oh, hang on, I’ve still got some residues of petrolhead in me!
He He 🙂
Very mesmerizing pics!
Thank you.
I had a feeling that’s where you went. Rare are those who resist the temptation of bungy jumping, jet boats, zorbing, and all other such easy adrenaline highs. Nothing beats nature for true bliss, which your photos have so richly captured. Those gold leaves. A forest of heaven.
I do drop occasional hints for those who know how to see them. Yes, I was on a photographic tour in the majestic scenery of autumnal New Zealand. That, of itself, is excitement enough for a Wood Dragon. As you say, who needs that other stuff? The colours were absolutely amazing.
You’ve created a treasure of gorgeous vistas that lyrically sweep through your images and text. Thanks for sharing such memorable experiences.
Thank you very much, Sally. Queenstown is set in a beautiful location. Very very hard to take a bad photo. The perfect setting for Middle Earth.
My eyes are melting. My favorite epic story, my favorite photographer, and stunning images. No Balrog images? Bravo my friend
Thank you, kind Sir. The autumn colours were epic. As if I really were in Lothlorien. Somehow, this Wood Dragon felt very much at home.
We’ll save the Balrog photos for another day. Life is too short to worry about the shadows.
Draco! The photos are stunningly beautiful. What a wonderful wanderlust story – perfectly matched photos to carefully chosen words. You’ve outdone yourself – but then you do that with each post!
I’m looking foward to the tale of a Wood Dragon wielding an Elven Sword ~!
Please do tell…. 🙂
Thank you very much, Debbie. The Wood Elves and the Wood Dragon are natural friends, from way long ago. It’s only natural… 🙂
Loved every moment in Queenstown. It’s a beautiful town and region.
As you said, life imitates art. Beautiful photos!
Thank you. I did know in advance which scenes from the movies had been filmed at the locations I visited each day. That made it more interesting. 🙂
Amazing set of photographs, LD ! 🙂
Much appreciated. Thanks, KG.
You are really enjoying your helicopter shots, I see 😉 I should try them sometimes, if I can open my eyes that is.
The aerial perspective is really interesting. They wouldn’t remov the doors for me on this flight but I was OK with that. You’d be OK, too. Just keep the seatbelt on tight.
Phenomenal post!! Oh my gosh, I have goosebumps! The tale you tell and your images are from a land of Magic. You just enthralled me with your tale and the beauty and the awesomeness of what you captured makes me long to be a Wanderer through this Land. Just wow! ❤
Thank you very much, Amy. It’s taken me quite a while to visit New Zealand, even though it is only a 3 hour flight from Sydney. I’m sure I’ll be returning soon enough. The majesty of the land and the scenery is beyond words.
I understand when you say, “is beyond words”. I’ve been in those circumstances where I just stand there with my mouth open in complete awe. To be in your shoes and experience in person New Zealand, oh how I wish!! It is on the other side of the world from me.
Thanks. I’ve only scratched the surface and hope to return to New Zealand one day. And there are many places on the other side of the world for me that I would love to see, that would just be a day trip for you. At least we can share via the internet and our blogs.
Yes thank goodness for the internet. I get to see places I normally would not. 😎
And it gives us inspiration to visit.
some absolutely stunning images here. Well done.
Thank you. Seriously though, it’s hard to take a bad photo in that environment.
Excellent, stunning, great, exciting!
Or only: WOW!!!
I’ll take all of them. Thank you. 🙂 🙂 🙂
The vastness of a land is not easy to capture, but you did so wonderfully with this visit to the South Island, Draco. A dramatic post with stunning photos from beginning to end. While I love all the photos, I find the rainbow and lone boat especially appealing.
Thank you very much, Jet.
I was eating brunch before a late hotel checkout. When I stepped out to walk back to the hotel, I saw the rainbow and took several quick shots with my phone. Then I quickly decided to run back to the hotel, unpack my camera and ran back to the beach to get this photo. That was a lucky shot. 🙂
Very nice but we keeps the precious 😉
Watch out for those Ringwraiths! They will never stop hunting you.
Thank you. 🙂
Omigosh – Omigosh – Omigosh… These photos are so gorgeous. I absolutely love this post and how you’ve connected it with LOTR! Love this trilogy — both the books and the movies. I have always, yes, always wanted to visit NZ. As a side note, our little Poodle who passed away a few months ago at age 13 was named Pippin!
Thank you kindly. I love the whole LOTR world and to visit some of the sites used as locations and backdrops was an awesome experience. I hope you get there one day. I only saw a small part of it, and I already want to go back. 🙂
Pippin is a great name. If I had a horse, I would have named it Shadowfax. 🙂
Perfect! 😀
🙂
I’m enthralled x
Glad you enjoyed it. It’s a beautiful area.
I can say no more than has already been said, praise no more than has been praised. New Zealand is at the top of our bucket list and my husband is a huge aficionado of LOTR. Many, many years ago, I bought him the dramatized tapes, which were marvelous and entertained us on vacation for many years. Now each of our girls, out on their own, have a set on disc as do we. Thanks for the marvelous photos and enjoyable story.
janet
Sounds like a possible pilgrimage in your future. I have the full set of recorded audiotapes as well, narrated by Rob Inglis.
Queenstown is very picturesque but I need to see more of New Zealand now.
All your photos are breathtaking! What colors! So intense. Thank you!
Thank you very much.
You have my bow. Fly Dragon, fly!
Awesome post, and these amazing photos take us back to LOTR. Brilliant!!
Your bow? Then you must be an Elf. Wood Elves and Wood Dragons are natural friends. I feel much safer now. Thank you for journeying with me to Middle Earth, Amy.
Si 😋 just a heads up, my bird post is coming up! 😅
Thanks to you, Dragon for sharing these extraordinary travel photos!
I’m always on the alert for your birds, Amy. Thank you so much. 🙂
What gorgeous views, Lignum!
I especially love the first one and the rainbow.
Thank you for sharing here.
Have a wonderful week ahead!
Thank you, Lisa. That rainbow was a lucky find as I was taking final walk through Queenstown, about an hour before checking out of the hotel. Almost missed check out time as a result. 🙂
Have a great week ahead, too.
Hello ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’! Oh Mr Draco these are quite simply stunning! Love love … You have done my country proud! The last shot I could fall into .. so beautiful. I bet you had a wonderful time .. 😀 😀
Thank you, Julie. I love your country. It’s a slice of Heaven. That sounds like a good title for a song. 🙂
That last one was taken just near Cromwell. Just driving along from Bannockburn towards Wanaka and had to make a sudden stop. Went wild with the photography there. 🙂 🙂 🙂 So many great photo opportunities. Even a selfie or two.
Oh really .. do we get to see the selfies 😉
You already know the answer to that. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Ha ha ha .. I have a massive smile on my face! Grin .. whatever they call it. 😃😃
Me too 😆😆😆
😂
Beautiful shots. I’m not a Tolkein fan, and am very ambivalent about NZs “Middle Earth” branding, but I’m happy to put my curmudgeonly thoughts aside for these images 🙂
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Kind of like the phase I went through with Paul Hogan and Crocodile Dundee. But in the end, I have a bit of Tolkien geek in me which needs to be let out every now and then.
I didn’t realise how beautiful this area is. Already contemplating a return, further north next time perhaps.
I get the Crocodile Dundee thing!! I’d probably be ok with the NZ/Middle Earth branding if the people doing it actually had some respect for the novels. Queenstown, and indeed that whole region, is beautiful and hard not to enjoy. The north island is pretty special too. You can still have a beach to yourself sometimes, or walk alongside a river with only birdsong for company.
Sounds good. Must go further north next time.
PS I don’t understand why Queenstown needs all that non-skiing adventure stuff. The scenery should be attraction enough. The town sure was busy enough whilst i was there.
🙂 I used to love Queenstown, but it (like so many places here) has become soooo busy. I don’t think we really have the infrastructure for the level of tourism we’re getting and it’s going to bite the country on the bum very soon as more and more visitors don’t really enjoy themselves, and don’t experience the “clean, green” country they’ve expected. I’m with you on the adventure tourism thing — I guess scenery alone doesn’t bring in enough young people or something.
There did seem to be daily traffic jams in Queenstown whilst I was there. A friend of mine who lives in Queenstown expressed the same views as you have.
I think our views are increasingly common here.
Yes.
Well, Draco. Thanks for those woods! Another impressive post. How on earth did you capture that avenue? (Ok must be a special lens) I reckon if you ever go to Scotland, you’ll be there a while!
Cheers M
Thanks, Meg. You mean the last photo taken in an orchard? Actually I took quite a few shots at differing focal lengths and apertures. Some standing, some kneeling and some lying down. Lucky for me the ground was dry. 🙂
Didn’t twig it was an orchard. Looks surreal. 😉
It felt surreal to this city dweller. 🙂
I almost don’t know what to say, your photographs have rendered me (almost) speechless. I’ve never seen anything quite this beautiful. Live or in print. LOVE the shot of the giant tree bare of leaves. Wow.
You’re far too kind, Elisa. Thank you very much.
Funny you should mention that tree. It is probably the most photographed tree in New Zealand. At the right time of the year, that Willow Tree is completely surrounded by water. Christchurch photographer Dennis Radermacher took a photo of this tree on a misty June day that won the 2014 New Zealand Geographic photograph of the year.
Sigh. I will go there someday and just gaze at that beautiful specimen.
I can definitely see you doing that, and getting some great shots at the same time.
Beautiful shots!
Thank you.
What wonders you found. Middle Earth indeed.
Something to photograph everywhere you look. The autumn colours are special.
Beautiful pictures. #s 4 in particular is stunning!
Thank you. That was something we saw whilst driving. Had to stop immediately for photos. 🙂
It’s on my to do list – I’m very envious 😄 The last image in Cromwell is an absolute stunner, I love it!
Thank you. We saw that orchard as we were driving along. Had to stop immediately. 🙂
I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to make my first trip there. You’d enjoy it.
These photos are breathtaking…all of them!!
Thank you very much, Sue.
Great adventure! Very fun posting! Who doesn’t love a great story? and a picture is worth a thousand words!😉
Thank you very much. It was a fun trip and a fun post to make. 🙂
wow these photos and places are amazing
Thank you very much.
New Zealand, I have not been yet, but will someday. Lovely photos.
Thank you. Definitely go. The scenery is so vast and beautiful.
These images are stunning! Very nice 🙂
Thank you very much.
The Dragon was flying again 😀 It was such a beautiful ride with you. Welcome back, Draco 🙂
Thanks, Paula.It was a very good holiday.
Enchanting!
Thank you.
Wonderful pictures and great light!
Thanks. We had some great weather during the trip.
Beautiful photographs! How I would love to go back to NZ…
Thank you. It’s a very beautiful country.
That last picture made me gasp. Love the rainbow too!
Thanks. I tried to comment on your blog but your comments are turned off on all but the most recent post.
Thanks for letting me know. Apparently, a new feature was released for self-hosted blogs that automatically turns off comments after 28 days (unless you deactivate it which I just did 🙂
No problem. And I just rescued this comment from my spam box. Strange happenings in WP land.
Breathtaking images.
Wish Peter Jackson could see them.
Your skills with the pen and camera are amazing,to say the least.
Much appreciated.
I’m an enthusiast for LOTR and photography. It was very easy to combine the two when much of the scenery seemed so familiar. 🙂
Fabulous photos and a lovely post LD, but you do know, of course, that Tolkien was describing the Shires of Middle England and the Mountains of Mordor are most likely based on his journey in Switzeralnd – just saying… 😉
Yes, our environments determine our imaginations and I don’t think Tolkien visited New Zealand. But the scenery of New Zealand was so perfect for the movies. So perfect. 🙂
Perfect – like your wonderful photos. NZ certainly has the wow factor when it comes to scenery!
Definitely.
Holy moly! All your photos in this post are amazing!
Thank you very much, Sandy. It’s a beautiful place, only 3 hours away. Close yet far enough for a short break from the usual routine.
Your photos are really nice and I was shocked to find this in my feed since I’ve lived in Otago in my childhood 🙂. I love the symmetry in the last photo!
Thank you very much. Otago is a beautiful area, particularly during the Autumn. I hope to return.
Truly epic photos showcasing our favourite part of the world. I’ll share with the social media followers (Queenstown related). Would love to see some winter photos of the same spots. Would that be in the pipeline?
Thank you very much. Great to hear that from a local. 🙂
Sorry, no winter photos from NZ, at least for this year. Perhaps next year.
That tree with the pools of water… it’s just sheer art all by itself!!! And the mist in the hills and mountains… wow, I would live to see a scene like that one day! And the rainbow!!! 😀 Did you just get lucky, or is New Zealand as stunning as that all the time? I did see The Lord Of The Rings movies, and I can remember my brother telling me a lot of it was filmed in New Zealand. It certainly made a perfect fantasy world, combined with some clever CGI.
New Zealand is a naturally beautiful place, but there was a certain degree of luck in finding that misty valley and that rainbow. 🙂 The LOTR connection added another dimension to my experience there. I loved every moment there.