New Zealand Tourism Draws 'Hobbit' Fans With '100% Middle-Earth' Campaign

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[img]http://moviesblog.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/movies/2011/03/the-hobbit-1.jpg[/img]
New Zealand is a beautiful place. This is something we've known for years. But when Peter Jackson filmed his "Lord of the Rings" trilogy in his home country more than a decade ago, people started visiting New Zealand for a whole new reason.

We've always wished that Middle-Earth could be a real place, and Jackson's films seemed to make that wish become a reality. Now that Jackson is filming his new "[url="http://www.mtv.com/movies/movie/376322/moviemain.jhtml"]The Hobbit[/url]" trilogy in New Zealand as well, it seems as though the country is embracing the fantasy world it has now become associated with.

[url="http://www.newzealand.com/us/"]New Zealand Tourism[/url] has released a new promotional video touting it's connection to "The Lord of the Rings" films. "100% Middle-Earth," the video claims. "100% Pure New Zealand."





We didn't need the connection to J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novels to convince us that New Zealand is a place we want to visit. The imagery included in the video speaks for itself, though the country's seemingly relaxed lifestyle certainly is reminiscent of the one described in "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings." Ian Holm, the actor who played Bilbo Baggins in "The Lord of the Rings" films and has a role as "Old Bilbo" in the new "Hobbit" films, appropriately narrates the entire video.

"Traveller, your dreams are waiting," he promises. They certainly are, though we feel it might be cheaper for the time being to visit Middle-Earth via the big screen rather than in person. "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is due in theaters on December 14. Special thanks to [url="http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/08/23/61145-new-zealands-middle-earth-experience/"]TheOneRing.net[/url] for bringing this great video to our attention.

[i]Have you ever dreamed of visiting New Zealand because of its connection to Middle-Earth? Let us know in the comments section below or on [url="http://twitter.com/mtvmoviesblog"]Twitter[/url]![/i]



[url=http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2012/08/24/new-zealand-hobbit-middle-earth/]View the full article[/url]