From rugged mountains to a wild and deserted coastline, golden hill country to crystal alpine lakes, the Southern Lakes region is one of the most diverse and physically beautiful on earth. It’s easy to see why New Zealand film director Peter Jackson chose this region for so many Lord of the Rings locations. Fans will recognise the Misty Mountains, Isengard, the Ford of Bruinen, Lothlorien, and among locations Rohan and the Pillars of Argonath. Stunning, movie-inspiring scenery aside, there’s a deep cultural bent to this area. Meandering wine regions, villages rich in history, high country sheep farming and primordial world heritage areas sit alongside international standard tourism resorts.