Places queenofswing Wants to Go

A heritage park that explores the history and ecology of Whangārei.

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

The Catlins region has a bounty of breathtaking waterfalls, the best is arguably Koropuku Falls—a majestic waterfall with an enchanting bush walk.

An immersive Māori village where you can learn history and heritage through dance, ceremony, song, architecture, and food.

This bakery sells traditional Māori sourdough.

This quiet island in the middle of a bustling city is actually a volcano dotted with Māori ruins.

A giant doughnut was given to the small New Zealand town of Springfield to promote "The Simpsons Movie."

One of the largest collections of traditional Māori artifacts in New Zealand.

New Zealand's only running funicular railway.

Edoras, capital city of Rohan in Lord of the Rings, once sat atop this isolated New Zealand mountain.

One of New Zealand’s few castles boasts beautiful gardens, grand architecture, and a history filled with family drama.

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

Three rooms of bones, curios, and one artist's collection of natural artifacts create this intriguing museum.

Home to some of the world’s darkest skies, this project blends ancient Māori culture with world-class astro tourism.

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

The explorer Captain Cook may have named it White Island, but the Maori call it Te Puia o Whakaari – The Dramatic Volcano.

A lakeside garden in the Southern Alps full of whimsical artwork and thousands of beautiful flowers.

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauo tamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronuku pokaiwhenuakitanatahu.

One of the world's largest Tesla coils.

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

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

Major tourist destination known for its bubbling mud-pools and hot thermal springs.

The most southerly spot on New Zealand's South Island is home to surreally shaped, permanently mangled trees.

A Maori village obliterated by an 1886 volcanic eruption.