Middle-earth, the mythical land imagined and mapped by J.R.R. Tolkien, still enchants millions of visitors and fans. New Zealand’s South Island, with its dramatic scenery, is a worthy stand-in for this fantasy realm. Of all its awe-inspiring backdrops, Fiordland is perhaps the most memorable, showcasing some of the gnarlier, more rugged corners of Middle-earth.
Fiordland National Park is located in the south-west corner of New Zealand’s South Island. It features impressive peaks, dramatic fiords, and lush, temperate rainforests. This region’s rugged beauty and untouched wilderness made it an ideal choice for filming scenes from the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. Visitors to the park can immerse themselves in the majestic scenery. This stunning scenery perfectly illustrates the world that Tolkien imagined in his writings.
Farther afield, Spirit Island in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, offers another equally famous setting. Spirit Island, which is only reachable by boat, is known for its stunning views and peaceful setting. Sacred to Indigenous peoples, the island has become one of Canada’s Indo-Canadian sites most photographed and photogenic. Its postcard-perfect vistas of the nearby rugged peaks and clear blue lagoons lure more than 100,000 tourists per year.
Home to one of the world’s largest fringing reefs, Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef presents the ultimate playground for thrill-seekers. This vast and UNESCO World Heritage—listed site sparkles with vibrant marine life, dramatic coral formations and natural beauty. It provides adventurers with the opportunity to set out on exciting, multi-day kayaking excursions. Paddlers glide across some of the clearest water on Earth, exploring beautiful mangroves, seagrass beds, and the vibrant ecosystem that exists underneath the surface of the reef. Ningaloo Reef is one of the last frontiers where you can still connect with nature like nowhere else on the planet.
Indulging wanderlust Travelers looking for long drives chock-full of stunning scenic views should look no further than the Carretera Austral, in Patagonia, southern Chile. This isolated highway forms the backbone of the region, traversing more than 1,200 kilometers of some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. The Carretera Austral is considered one of the world’s most beautiful drives. It beckons intrepid explorers to hike through lush woodlands, granite summits and untamed lakes. It’s a trip that continues the Voyager tradition of discovery and exploration.
At the same time, the Trans Dinarica adventure cycling trail connects all eight Balkan countries, stretching along a stunningly scenic 5,500-kilometer length. This epic trail makes for an unmatched experience for cyclists, who will have the chance to ride through one of Europe’s most beautiful and wild landscapes. From towering granite spires to verdant valleys, the route showcases stunning landscapes. Through these experiences, riders dive deep into the unique culture and history of the Balkans.
