Devil's Plug Hole - Fiordland NZ

Just off the remote Borland Road in Fiordland National Park is the site of a massive pre historic Mega Landslide, most probably a result of a massive earthquake is a mysterious lake..

Sitting at the bottom of one of NZs deepest natural depressions.. not yet measured by science it drains through underground outlets it has the appearance of a gigantic plughole.

Experienced bush walkers can get to the Lake by bush bashing from near by trails but its best to visit by helicopter from the Manapouri Airport as the ground in this region can be unpredictable..

Deer Park Heights Queenstown NZ

Originally a Tourist wildlife experience from the 1960s the Deer Park Heights was closed to the public in 2009 but is still a mecca for picture shoots in the Queenstown Area.

Used for movies like Disney's The Rescue, George Lucas's The Willow, Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and more recently Disney's Pete's Dragon remake as well as other lesser known productions.

Lord of the Rings Tourists are still allowed landings on the famous tarn area as part of the local helicopter tour itinerary.

from the unpaved road to the top of the hill near the Korean Fort Movie Set a number of LotR locations can be found a place near the fort was also used for promotional shots of Gandolf.

A Map relating to the Ian Brodie LotR Locations Guide Book main locations. 

Shotover River Oxenbridge Tunnel NZ

Years ago an effort was made to divert the Shotover River in order to mine the river bed for Gold.

The Oxenbridge Tunnel was not a financial success but it remains a monument to the hardy men of the past who toiled in search of riches. 

The Tunnel today is now a point of interest to curious tourists and rafting enthusiasts.

To get there follow the Oxenbridge Tunnel Road from Arthur's Point Village.

Taieri River Tunnel walk Hyde NZ

Back in the gold mining days a diversion tunnel was hand built on a sharp bend of the Upper Taieri River near the town of Hyde on the Central Otago Rail Trail.

The Tunnel Walk is a short track off the main Rail Trail just south of the Hyde Viaduct.

A little known landmark it is popular with rafting enthusiasts and history buffs and some photographers.

Palmerston Puketapu Summit Walkway

Anyone passing through the small town of Palmerston will notice a ancient volcanic cone with a grey stone tower overlooking the main street. If you have time and fitness you can climb up the summit thanks to walkway access NZ and visit the monument to agricultural visionary Sir John McKenzie.

The track is on private land so be respectful and thankful while visiting.

Edmund Halley Falls Fiordland NZ

Away in the Iris Burn Valley above the famous Kepler Track is a high "comet like" waterfall

in a Mountain Range that was inspired by Astronomers Sir Edmund Halley is right at home.
Like the comet of the same name the falls only put on a spectacular show under certain conditions.

Tiwai Bridge Wetland Cycleway (proposed)

One special place where people can explore the wilds of Bluff Harbour is the area between Joey's Island and the Tiwai Bridge across Awarua Bay.

Some 20 years ago there was a plan drawn up for a nature walkway for a trip back into a rare Southland  Landscape from before the arrival of modern times.

Tautuku Catlins Area

A Special Walking / Photography Area in the Catlins on  NZs Southern Coast including

Beach Walks, Sea Caves, Forest Walks, Historic Sites, Maori Settlements and Geographic Costal Formations. 

  

Best Place to stay is the Forest & Bird Lodge Buildings at the Lenz Reserve  off the Chaslands Highway (bookings / keys available from Papatowai)  Best Photographic place is the Isas Cave 

Tautuku Beach below Florence Hill.