Lyttelton, New Zealand, March 21st 2025 - Journey to Middle Earth

Lyttelton is a port town on the north shore of Lyttelton Harbor / Whakaraupō, at the northwestern end of Banks Peninsula and close to Christchurch, on the eastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand.

Todays Journey was quite spectacular to say the least. It started slow, but ended with a most amazing scenery in the world.

The bus took us first through Christchurch, we learned about the earthquake that devastated the town in 2011. The most destructive earthquake in Christchurch's recent history with a magnitude 6.3 earthquake on February 22, 2011. Its amazing how the town has rebuilt its self, from this devastation. No building over 5 story's high, and all have a earthquake code, withstand another earthquake.

The Journey took us to a War Memorial where we had high tea, hen off to the lake region and on to middle earth, where they filmed the Lord of the Rings movies

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On the way to Middle Earth, Clear Lake

This journey to the remote and beautiful Mt Potts high-country station -- a farm in the breathtaking Southern Alps of New Zealand.

Begin with a scenic journey over the farmland of the Canterbury Plains. Your local tour guide will provide entertaining and informative commentary on all aspects of Christchurch, Canterbury and the Lord of the Rings filming location, but you don't have to be a Rings fan to enjoy this amazing day out. Stop for a snack in a local country town. This is the stuff of lasting memories as you'll meet the locals at the multi-purpose hall.

Head inland from Mt Somers towards the heart of the Southern Alps, with a photo stop at Lake Clearwater. On a clear day, this spectacular alpine lake features fabulous views over the lake to the mountain chain that forms the backbone of the South Island.

Continue to Mt Potts Station, home of Edoras, where you will experience firsthand why this remote and beautiful location was chosen for filming the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Immerse yourself in the natural, unspoiled beauty of the high country, with its sparkling clear lakes, glistening blue rivers, rugged mountain ranges and fresh crisp mountain air. Enjoy free time to explore this magical landscape and to have your photo taken with Lord of the Rings replica swords.