Piopio – the middle earth –

Piopio, with its picturesque landscapes and rolling farmland is the perfect place to base yourself to explore the nearby attractions.

The area is probably best known as a filming location for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The Denize Bluffs was used for numerous scenes, one of which was Trollshaw Forest.

Just 30 minutes from the world-famous Waitomo Caves, the Piopio area also boasts dramatic limestone formations, forest walks and cycling routes. Stay in the small village of around 400 people and experience true Kiwi hospitality and try a locally-made berry ice cream at the Piopio orchard. 

Although the area is better known for the Waitomo Caves and glow worms, the Mangaotaki Valley near Piopio also featured in The Hobbit where it became the location for Staddle Farm and Trollshaw Forest. Southwest of Te Kuiti on the western side of the North Island, the farmland is backed by the dramatic sheer cliffs of the Mangaotaki Rocks. They tower more than 300 feet above the valley, carved into fantastic formations over millions of years of weathering.

These amazing limestone cliffs form the foothills for the movie’s Misty Mountains and feature clearly as the spectacular backdrop to the Warg chase scene. This is also the area where Bilbo outwits three mountain trolls and gets his first look at his new sword, Sting. Staddle Farm is the abandoned farmhouse at Trollshaw where the brave band camps for the night. There is no longer a farmhouse – it was dismantled after the filming ended. The location itself however is very recognisable. Our enthusiastic hosts will have screen shots to match the filming done in this magnificent location. In the forest we will visit the Trolls cave, where Bilbo first receives his sword ‘Sting’, a very special moment. Photographs of this scene were the first ones shown on the Trailer for the Hobbit, worldwide.

We then carry on to where Radagast first meets up with the group. It’s easy to imagine you can hear the Wargs howl in the distance, readying for an attack. Apart from the fascination with it being the film’s location, you’ll appreciate the beauty and wildness of the site itself. The forest is primaeval with looming tree ferns and strangely shaped limestone boulders. It will be a magical experience for true fans and an authentic taste of both Middle-earthand rural New Zealand.

Hairy Feet Waitomo

Scenic Film Location tour, offering personally guided tours around sites used extensively for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Travel to the hidden Mangaotaki Valley near the famous Waitomo Caves. Consistent Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.