The stunning landscapes of New Zealand have been the setting for many amazing cinematic productions over the years. Very famously, it’s beautiful terrains have been the set location of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and many fans and avid travelers have longed to visit the place where Middle Earth came to life. Now, after 11 years, the famous filming site is open to visitors.
Visiting the Lord of the Rings Filming Location
Deer Park Heights is located in Queenstown and was originally opened in 1966. It is an 800-hectare farm that has some of the best views of New Zealand. To share this unique beauty with visitors, the owner, Mike Mee, has decided to reopen the area. Visitors can enjoy a safari-style experience by driving through the area in their vehicle and marveling at the iconic views. An online booking system will be available and access through the tollgate allowed with the provided code. However, hikers and cyclists will not be able to gain access as the owner has explained that they tend to spook the animals.
What Visitors Can See
When taking a drive through the Kelvin Heights Peninsula park, visitors will be able to see and recognize some of the locations where famous scenes from the movie were filmed. As this area has been and continues to be a deer farm, it will be possible to spot different types of deer, miniature horses, llamas, Kunekune pigs, alpacas, and a variety of other animals. The drive is guaranteed to be great family fun and a real treat for Lord of the Rings fans, as well as moviegoers who enjoyed Pete’s Dragon or Wolverine, which also had scenes filmed in this area. An interactive map will be available to help guide all visitors to different locations that might be of interest to them.
For all those interested in experiencing Middle Earth, pre-booking is necessary through the official website and a vehicle booking currently goes for $55!
Pandemic-Based Street Art Pieces Have Began Appearing Around the World
While the worldwide pandemic has been affecting almost every layer of society, it has also given rise to a new type of pandemic-based street art. Creative and touching art pieces have been spotted all around the globe, showing messages of hope, frustration, and respect. Such artwork can be seen on large walls, empty public spaces, and on the side of buildings in most countries affected by the pandemic.
Artist Corie Mattie Created Her Street Art in Less Than 48 Hours
One art piece is nothing more than a bright yellow wall with black words in a bold font, shouting for attention. Another represents a figure wearing a face mask and sunglasses, with an open coat that reveals the word “HOPE.” A mural by artist Corie Mattie has been spotted on a wall in West Hollywood, California. Mattie actually painted her masterpiece in less than 48 hours. Artists like her continue looking for suitable walls to deliver their messages.
It’s noteworthy that throughout human history, artists have often reacted to times of great turmoil by depicting their emotions on public edifices, walls, and buildings. Such street art can be found on both the walls of ancient Pompeii and the subways cars of New York. The current pandemic has given rise to a unique trend with many of the artwork featuring masks, grimaced viruses, and messages of solidarity.
Many Unique Trends Can Be Spotted in the Pandemic-Based Street Art
It’s uplifting to see creative artists around the world expressing themselves publicly through their street art, and some of the pieces are truly stunning and thought-inspiring. The artwork often depicts the feelings of the people, including their love for the healthcare workers, frustration at the crisis, and cynicism for the politicians, while other pieces are simply focused on encouragement.
Despite how long the current pandemic might last, one thing is certain — the direct, witty, and poignant messages of these mostly unknown street artists will remain timeless, showing that while the streets may have been devoid of people and traffic, they were not devoid of humanity.