Day 7 – Wellington – Nelson
In the morning you board the Interislander ferry to the South Island including your rental car. Via the Cook waterway and the famous Marlborough Sounds you will reach the small harbor town of Picton. From here you will first drive to Havelock, primary producer of green shell mussels. A short drive from Havelock to Pelorus Bridge will then take you along the Pelorus River via the picturesque town of Canvastown. There is a large parking lot in front of the bridge, and from here you will start an exploratory tour. This is where the filming took place of the scene where the 13 dwarves and Bilbo were washed ashore after their previous capture by Elf King Thranduil and subsequent escape in barrels through the Forest River.
You can visit two of the filming locations here: Walk onto Pelorus Bridge and look downstream, with beautiful views of the surrounding trees and clear water. Then walk along the path next to the bridge on your left. This is where the orcs desperately tried to stop the dwarves on their wild barrel ride. (Coordinates: 41° 17’56.39“S 173° 34’29.81“E).
Interesting info: The shooting took a rather rapid end by the arrival of the police. This was because the police were about to issue a severe weather warning. Peter Jackson said he had never seen a film crew pack up so quickly.
Your journey continues to Nelson, the sunniest city in New Zealand. In Nelson you will have the opportunity to visit „Jens Hansen Gold and Silversmith“ (Trafalgar Square). Among the jeweler’s designs is that of the „One Ring“. Jens created 40 rings for the filming, one of which is on display in the store. Sadly, Jens died in 1999 before he could see his masterpiece on the screen, but his son Thorkild continues the family tradition. Upon request, Thorkild makes copies of the „One Ring“ in 9 and 18 ct gold.
Your destination for the day today is Kaiteriteri, on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park.