Latest news with #Hobbiton
NZ Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Hobbiton Movie Set receives Guinness World Record for largest purpose-built film set
' Visitors to Hobbiton Movie Set are often blown away by the scale of the movie set and the detail they kept in the gardens and Hobbit holes nestled into the hillsides of The Shire, so to be recognised for this is fantastic'. The set was originally created in 1999 over nine months after Sir Peter Jackson's team of location scouts fell in love with the Alexander family's sheep and beef farm in the rolling green hills of the Waikato countryside a year earlier. The set was built with the help of the New Zealand Army, and soon 39 Hobbit Holes were taking shape. Filming for the Lord of the Rings trilogy started in December 1999 and took about 15 months. After filming wrapped up, the set was meant to be demolished, however, before the entire set could be taken down, the Alexander family intervened and 17 bare plywood facades remained. In 2009, Jackson returned to film the trilogy of The Hobbit movies and he left behind the set visitors see today, including 44 permanently reconstructed Hobbit Holes. Since then, the set has grown further to include the cafe The Green Dragon Inn in 2012 and two interior Hobbit Holes in 2023. WingNut Films chief executive and representative from Sir Peter Jackson's office Carlos Ramirez Laloli said they were 'thrilled' to hear about the record. 'This achievement is a testament to the care and dedication that Russell [Alexander], Shayne [Forrest], and the entire Hobbiton team demonstrate in their custodianship over the property,' Laloli said. 'We hope that this well-deserved recognition will lead to many more people taking their own unexpected journey's to experience the magic of Hobbiton.' A spokesperson for Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the world record was great news. 'This is great recognition for an iconic New Zealand tourism attraction, and one we're very proud to have in the Waikato. 'We know people love it, the effort which goes into maintaining the set, and of course the creative energy behind the movies themselves.' On her social media page, Upston said it was a 'very cool' recognition. 'Great recognition for one of New Zealand's most iconic attractions. Hobbiton brings in over half a million visitors a year, helping boost tourism and grow our economy.' Matamata-Piako Mayor Adrienne Wilcock said the record confirmation was 'awesome news' for the local community and the wider Waikato. 'Hobbiton is already a magical place nestled in the heart of Matamata farmland, and being named the largest movie set in the world is just the icing on the cake. It's a huge credit to the team at Hobbiton — their passion, hard work, and vision have turned a film set into one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations," Wilcock said. 'It's the kind of recognition that draws even more visitors to experience the magic of The Shire, and with Jetstar starting international flights into Hamilton in June, the timing couldn't be better. I'm sure the benefits will be felt across our local economy and through the whole Waikato region.' Hamilton and Waikato Tourism chief executive Nicola Greenwell congratulated the Hobbiton team on the achievement. 'While Guinness World Record have acknowledged Hobbiton Movie Set for being the largest, in our opinion, it is also the most magical,' she said. 'The team at Hobbiton Movie Set are masters at providing exceptional visitor experiences ... It doesn't matter if you have been to Hobbiton Movie Set before or if you are a new visitor, the magic continues.' Waikato Herald. She joined NZME in 2021 and is based in Hamilton.
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- The Citizen
Escape the cubicle: Work remotely, live freely
Research shows that proximity to nature boosts creativity, reduces stress and improves focus. It's no wonder digital nomads and remote workers are trading offices for forest canopies, coastal cliffs and tranquil lakes. The key ingredients? Decent internet, inspiring views and enough space to disconnect when the workday's done. Why nature and remote work are a perfect match As more people embrace location-independent careers, the hunt is on for places that combine reliable Wi-Fi with wild beauty. Whether you're writing code from a forest cabin, brainstorming beside the beach, or editing spreadsheets in a mountain hideaway, these remote work spots promise the best of both worlds: productivity and peace. Forest escapes Knysna – South Africa Surrounded by ancient Afrotemperate forests and calm lagoon waters, Knysna is ideal for those craving quiet and green. Many forest lodges offer fibre Wi-Fi, and you're never far from a hiking trail or sunset canoe paddle. Best for: Writers, solopreneurs, creatives. Highlight: Drupkelders trail or Jubilee Creek picnic spot. Ubud – Bali, Indonesia Known for its lush rice terraces and spiritual vibe, Ubud blends wellness and work in a tropical jungle setting. Coworking spaces like Outpost offer reliable Wi-Fi, healthy cafés and networking events. Best for: Remote teams, wellness seekers. Highlight: Daily yoga + a desk at Outpost coworking. Hogsback – Eastern Cape With Hobbiton charm and thick indigenous forests, Hogsback is perfect for writing, reflecting and wandering barefoot. Highlight: A midweek waterfall hike or labyrinth walk. Monteverde – Costa Rica This cloud forest town has become popular with remote workers who want to balance eco-living with birdwatching and coffee. Highlight: Zipline before your deadline. ALSO READ: Winter staycation ideas to consider Coastal calm Coffee Bay – Eastern Cape Remote, rugged and rich in Xhosa culture, Coffee Bay offers sweeping coastal views and laid-back energy. While limited in infrastructure, a few well-connected lodges and backpackers cater to digital nomads seeking nature over nightlife. Best for: Nature lovers, digital detoxers. Highlight: Hike to Hole in the Wall after your morning tasks. Lagos – Algarve, Portugal This beachy town offers sunny days, sea cliffs and a growing digital nomad scene. With coworking cafés and plenty of accommodation like Outsite, it's easy to plug in and zone out (on the beach). Best for: Freelancers, tech nomads. Highlight: Paddleboarding after your pitch deck. Jeffrey's Bay – Eastern Cape J-Bay blends surfing and working with strong Wi-Fi in several beachfront lodges and coffee shops. Coworksurf and Green Room JBay are some of the spaces that blend what you are looking for. Highlight: Catch waves before your 09:00 Zoom call. Canggu – Bali, Indonesia A mix of beach clubs and open-air workspaces. Surf at dawn, slack at noon. Highlight: Co-work all morning, sunset at Echo Beach. Mountain hideaways Clarens – Free State This art-filled town near the Golden Gate Highlands is perfect for mountain air and peaceful routines. With a good selection of guesthouses and boutique stays offering Wi-Fi, you'll have everything you need to work and wander. Best for: Creatives, photographers. Highlight: The Golden Gate Highlands hike before inbox zero. Bansko – Bulgaria Europe's affordable mountain town has transformed into a digital nomad hotspot, with coworking hubs, mountain views and seasonal snow. You can hit the slopes at lunch and finish that pitch by dinner. Best for: Coders, entrepreneurs. Highlight: The Nomad Fest if you're there in June. Semonkong – Lesotho This highland village offers dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and a peaceful retreat from notifications — bring your own mobile Wi-Fi. Highlight: The 192m Maletsunyane Falls nearby. Wanaka – New Zealand Nestled between mountains and a lake, Wanaka is ideal for focused work followed by hikes or paddles. The island town also has excellent internet and co-working spaces like The Cell. Highlight: Roy's Peak hike for perspective. Desert and dramatic landscapes Cederberg – Western Cape Cederberg's dramatic rock formations, hiking trails and crystal-clear skies deliver if you're looking to unplug without going off the grid. Many cabins use solar power and satellite internet. Best for: Focused solo retreats. Highlight: Stargazing after spreadsheets. San Pedro de Atacama – Chile The Atacama desert might feel like another planet, but it's increasingly connected — ideal for writers or remote workers seeking total solitude with cosmic inspiration. Best for: Writers, remote researchers. Highlight: El Tatio geysers at sunrise. Karoo towns (Prince Albert or Nieu-Bethesda) Off-the-grid yet artistic, with long silences and longer horizons. Highlight: Visit the Owl House or a Karoo art gallery. Joshua Tree – California, USA Home to quirky cabins and desert cabins with surprisingly good connectivity — perfect for meditative days and productive bursts. Highlight: Work mornings, explore boulders and Joshua trees by dusk. Lakeside serenity Stanford – Western Cape Nestled along the Klein River, this peaceful village is perfect for deep work and weekend wine tastings. Birdwatchers, canoeists and freelancers will all find their rhythm here. Best for: Content creators, birders, academics. Highlight: Klein River picnic after a full writing day. Lake Atitlán – Guatemala Volcanoes ring this high-altitude lake, where every village has its vibe, and many have coworking spots. It's spiritual, scenic and surprisingly well-connected. Best for: Slow travellers, social impact entrepreneurs. Highlight: Ferry-hop between San Pedro and San Marcos. Dullstroom – Mpumalanga South Africa's fly-fishing capital has crisp air, calm lakes and cosy cottages with Wi-Fi. Highlight: Whiskey tasting or fly-fishing break. Annecy – France Work beside a turquoise lake with Alpine peaks in view — complete with cheese, croissants and coworking. Highlight: Cycle around the lake after the meetings. Tips for remote working in nature Check Wi-Fi speeds in advance : Ask hosts for screenshots or reviews. : Ask hosts for screenshots or reviews. Invest in a backup : Mobile data, solar chargers or UPS devices can save the day. : Mobile data, solar chargers or UPS devices can save the day. Set boundaries : Nature is a gift — don't work through it all. Block off time to explore. : Nature is a gift — don't work through it all. Block off time to explore. Consider time zones : If you're working globally, plan your nature walks around meetings. : If you're working globally, plan your nature walks around meetings. Pack light, pack smart: Noise-cancelling headphones, a good camera and a journal go far. The beauty of remote work is that the world becomes your office — and your sanctuary. Whether you're perched above a lake in Guatemala, hiking in South Africa's highlands or breathing in desert stillness, these destinations prove that productivity and peace can share the same view. ALSO READ: Best countries for digital nomads in 2025 The post Where to work remotely with the best nature access appeared first on Getaway Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
Lord of the Rings fan died while on 'dream trip' to locations in the film
Joseph Snode's mum Elaine said their family are all massive Lord of the Rings fans, which is what drew him to New Zealand. She said: 'He wanted to visit the film sets, which was thrilling for him and for us to hear' A Lord of the Rings fan was tragically killed in a car crash while hitchhiking to locations used in the films. Joseph Snode, 26, from Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, was in a vehicle on his way to Christchurch in New Zealand when the driver giving him a lift lost control and crashed into a wall, an inquest heard. The former film and photography student had graduated with a first class degree from the University of Buckingham in High Wycombe before taking a bar manager job at to fund the backpacking trip, which had included a trip to the Hobbiton set. Explaining the circumstances of Mr Snode's death, Coroner Michelle Brown told Essex Coroner's Court he had been "offered a lift by a lady and her teenage children". The woman was driving on the Otira Highway, on New Zealand's South Island, when the crash happened near Jacksons railway station on January 28 last year. Ms Brown said: "The car drifted to the left side of the road before overcorrecting, rotating and sliding across both lanes. The rear left of the car hit a stone wall. Mr Snode, who was in the left rear passenger seat, died at the scene." Ms Brown said it was "unknown" how the driver, who was later sentenced after admitting a charge of the careless use of a vehicle causing death, came to crash the vehicle. She ruled Mr Snode died from multiple head and chest injuries in a road traffic collision. Mr Snode's body was repatriated to the UK after a £10,000 fundraising campaign, which also covered the funeral costs. On the online campaign page, his mother, Elaine, wrote: "He was literally living his dream life before it was taken from him." She added her son was "always full of life and a loving, caring, intelligent young man" who she described as "one-in-a-billion". Speaking at the time of her son's death, Elaine the family had been overwhelmed by the wealth of loving messages from across the world. She said: "He was loved by lots of people which has been obvious from all the donations we've had so far. Every day we've been hearing from people that he's met and stayed in touch with. He had a passion for photography. This was one of the reasons why he wanted to travel; he wanted to do photography and filming as he went around the world. "He was always full of smiles, he made friends with everyone that he met. He was planning on travelling after leaving uni, but then Covid reared its ugly head and stopped that. He worked through uni at the student union bar and was promoted. He worked very hard in that for four years saving money. He worked at festivals like Glastonbury and Reading. He was asked to do higher up positions each time; he ended up managing people. He again made so many friends there. "A lot of people said he was the sort of person that would help them if they were struggling, any problems he was always there. He was so kind and considerate, he just had a lovely way about him. He never judged anyone, he accepted people for who they were and tried his best to get on with everyone." Elaine said their family are all massive Lord of the Rings fans, which is what drew Joseph to New Zealand. She continued: "He wanted to visit the film sets, which was thrilling for him and for us to hear. He stayed with his friend, we were just constantly getting photos from him and stories about people he was meeting. He loved being with people but also loved being on his own; going for a long hike, pitching his tent and being on his own with nature." "He loved music, he had different genres for different times that he liked to share. Travelling is something he wanted to do since quite a young age, he never wanted to settle down in one place, he liked to meet people. He had his backpack and tent and would go on a walk and go down to the park with friends."
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Lord of the Rings fan died in NZ on 'dream' trip
A Lord of the Rings fan from the UK who was in New Zealand hitchhiking to locations used in the films was killed when a car crashed into a wall, a coroner ruled. The family of 26-year-old backpacker Joseph Snode, from Westcliff-on-Sea, said he was "living his dream life" when he died on 28 January 2024. He was on his way to Christchurch when the driver giving him a lift lost control of her vehicle, an inquest at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford was told. Area coroner Michelle Brown ruled Mr Snode, a bar manager at Buckinghamshire New University, died from multiple head and chest injuries. The former film and TV production student had taken the job to fund the trip, which had included a trip to the Hobbiton set. Ms Brown said Mr Snode had been "offered a lift by a lady and her teenage children". The driver was later sentenced after admitting a charge of the careless use of a vehicle causing death. The crash happened on New Zealand's South Island on the Otira Highway, near Jacksons railway station. Mr Snode had been in the back of the car, the hearing was told. "The car drifted to the left side of the road before overcorrecting, rotating and sliding across both lanes," Ms Brown said. "The rear left of the car hit a stone wall. Mr Snode, who was in the left rear passenger seat, died at the scene." Ms Brown said it was "unknown" how the driver came to crash the vehicle. Mr Snode's body was repatriated to the UK after a £10,000 fundraising campaign, which also covered the funeral costs. On the campaign page, his mother, Elaine, wrote: "He was literally living his dream life before it was taken from him." She said her son was "always full of life and a loving, caring, intelligent young man" who she described as "one-in-a-billion". Ms Brown concluded Mr Snode's cause of death was a road traffic collision. Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk. 'One in a billion' backpacker dies in NZ car crash Essex Coroner's Service
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Lord of the Rings fan died in NZ on 'dream' trip
A Lord of the Rings fan from the UK who was in New Zealand hitchhiking to locations used in the films was killed when a car crashed into a wall, a coroner ruled. The family of 26-year-old backpacker Joseph Snode, from Westcliff-on-Sea, said he was "living his dream life" when he died on 28 January 2024. He was on his way to Christchurch when the driver giving him a lift lost control of her vehicle, an inquest at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford was told. Area coroner Michelle Brown ruled Mr Snode, a bar manager at Buckinghamshire New University, died from multiple head and chest injuries. The former film and TV production student had taken the job to fund the trip, which had included a trip to the Hobbiton set. Ms Brown said Mr Snode had been "offered a lift by a lady and her teenage children". The driver was later sentenced after admitting a charge of the careless use of a vehicle causing death. The crash happened on New Zealand's South Island on the Otira Highway, near Jacksons railway station. Mr Snode had been in the back of the car, the hearing was told. "The car drifted to the left side of the road before overcorrecting, rotating and sliding across both lanes," Ms Brown said. "The rear left of the car hit a stone wall. Mr Snode, who was in the left rear passenger seat, died at the scene." Ms Brown said it was "unknown" how the driver came to crash the vehicle. Mr Snode's body was repatriated to the UK after a £10,000 fundraising campaign, which also covered the funeral costs. On the campaign page, his mother, Elaine, wrote: "He was literally living his dream life before it was taken from him." She said her son was "always full of life and a loving, caring, intelligent young man" who she described as "one-in-a-billion". Ms Brown concluded Mr Snode's cause of death was a road traffic collision. Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk. 'One in a billion' backpacker dies in NZ car crash Essex Coroner's Service
