A neon-illuminated statue of James Cook at the edge of a historical Auckland wharf makes for an unexpected discovery.

The world's only complete colossal squid specimen is on display at the Te Papa Museum.

This ledge in Victoria Park served as a hiding spot for Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin.

Inside this faux cave, visitors can learn how some of their favorite fantasy characters were created.

These phallic stone spires once served as Tolkien's Paths of the Dead.

You may recognize this beautiful grove within Kaitoke Regional Park as location of the house of Elrond.

Taihape's claim to fame is a fictional Kiwi farmer wearing gumboots.

The "punniest place on Earth” has nearly as many bull-themed puns as it does people.

This remote highway took over 50 years to build.

This mechanical clock performs "Romeo and Juliet" in a Shakespeare-themed New Zealand town.

This 46-foot-tall carving of a legendary Māori navigator can only be visited by boat.

This sheep farm has been forever transformed since being built for “The Hobbit” film series.

Largest Kauri tree in New Zealand.

Mounds of fine golden sand that can rise nearly 500 feet tall.

Watch the seas clash at the place where according to Maori tradition, the spirits depart for their journey to the afterlife.

A serene, almost spiritual place to do one's business. Who knew a public toilet could inspire and awe?

A gigantic sculpture garden is packed with innovative oddities.

A galaxy of glowworms—larvae of a gnat—hides deep in the belly of these caves.

After much poking and prodding, this island is decidedly not a magnetic anomaly, but it sure is pretty.

Nine limestone rock stacks on Australia's "Shipwreck Coast."

You'll find the little birds tucked within the rocks of this Australian beach.

A clear example of the process of erosion in action.

An avant-garde artist is survived by his seaside garden.

Huge concrete structures designed as an early warning system for Britain to detect enemy aircraft.