I've just been reading the first of the comments for my new set 'One Ring'. You are all so wonderful and lovely, thankyou. This set is one I've wanted to do for years, unfortunately I'm not in the habit of flying down to New Zealand on a whim so it's had to wait quite a while. As you can see, however, the beauty of New Zealand in the Lord of the Rings movies is completely natural. It really is amazing to be a part of the landscape there. You can probably tell that where I shot the set is right near where the battle of the Pelennor fields was shot (same grass, terrain etc). And the very same valley where they shot the White Mountain Foothills (onto which they CGI'd in Gondor). It was so difficult to pick a location to shoot, the day involved a LOT of driving around just looking for somewhere perfect.




(anyone notice this little easter egg I shopped in? Just for this pic).

It wasn't as cold as it looked either, but the breeze coming off the snow was rather fresh! I suppose I was asking for it though, shooting that close to a freaking glacier.

I wasn't interrupted by any passing bushwalkers which made for a nice change. I am still reeling from my naked encounters with passing motorists during the shooting of Country Avenue. But there were no issues this time. Far enough away from the road with some bushes between me and the rest of the world. I heard some voices not to far off when I was getting dressed again but nothing other than that.

I wish I could have spent more time in New Zealand. If you ever go, budget MORE than two weeks, you really need it! There is so much, it's all so far apart, plus the people and the (amazing tattoo) culture and so on. I honestly think it's one of the only places I could move to and NOT miss home.

Speaking of home, I'm rather hungover and I haven't had my morning cup of tea yet... I should do that. So here are a few more pictures from my NZ adventures and a video from my new youtube channel SexyPaleoFood!

xx

Paleo Diet 101:



The glacial lake just down from Mt Cook


Project Re:Start - Christchurch (temporary shipping crate city center)


Driving. Did a lot of this.


Hobbiton (AKA: Matamata)


the Weta Workshop... it really was a geek holiday, I make no apology <3