Fiordland, on New Zealand’s South Island, possesses some of the most dramatic scenery. It’s no surprise that it has been selected to portray these beautiful environments from Middle-earth on popular literature and movies. This beautiful space is filled with wild fiords and beautifully jagged peaks. Lush tropical rainforests welcome adventurers to an otherworldly paradise that’s just waiting to be explored. Fiordland’s magical scenery is just a replay screen-wide of those craggy vistas that have entranced viewers across many a tale of discovery.
On the other side of the continent, though, Alberta’s Spirit Island is one of Canada’s best-known and most photographed locations. Hidden away in the remote wilderness of Canada’s Jasper National Park, an ancient sacred site. It possesses extraordinary cultural value to Indigenous peoples, who have historically and intentionally protected it from the outside world. You can visit Spirit Island only by boat. It features a calming yet stunning setting nestled in between crystal blue waters and impressively jagged mountains.
In Western Australia, Ningaloo Reef offers another sort of exhilarating experience. This remote coastal paradise allows for a rare experience: a multi-day kayaking trip through an underwater wonderland teeming with extraordinary biodiversity. The reef’s extraordinary diversity of marine life and magnificent coral formations offer an incredible opportunity to get up close with nature and develop a lifelong appreciation for it.
Farther south, Chile’s stunning Carretera Austral is open to intrepid travelers. It’s famous as one of the planet’s most beautiful and isolated drives. Drivers encounter impassable conditions on this picturesque road thanks to its mountainous landscape and extreme temperatures. The effort they require is handsomely rewarded – the views are astounding at every turn. No road tests the spirit of adventure more on every kilometre than the Carretera Austral, a half-deserted ride whose story lies in its stubbornly epic development.
Meanwhile, closer to home in Europe, the Trans Dinarica cycling trail links eight Balkan countries. It introduces you to some of the continent’s most magnificent and least-travelled landscapes. Stretching over 5,500 kilometers, this trail offers cyclists a chance to discover the Balkans’ remote corners, showcasing natural beauty and cultural richness along the way. The Trans Dinarica beckons adventurous souls to discover Europe’s best kept secret. Prepare to experience nature and history in a whole new way!
These diverse features are just a few examples of how actual places can help spark the imaginative realms depicted on bookshelves and movie screens. No matter where you go, there’s an adventure awaiting you. They simultaneously capture the rich beauty and diversity of our planet.