Rivendell
Rivendell is a real place in New Zealand. If you search it on Google Maps, you will find a marker for its carpark – kind of mundane, haha, but sometimes you need a solid boring bridge to transport you from the real into the fantastic. And the forest there, located in Kaitoke Regional Park in Upper Hutt, is nothing short of fantastic.
It’s the site where Rivendell in Lord of the Rings was filmed, along with the Fords of Isen scenes. It’s pretty easy to get to the entrance of Kaitoke Park, but the actual park itself is a bit of an adventure. A winding narrow road that twists on and on deep into the reserve until you wonder whether Google Maps is giving you the runaround. I guess there must be a lot of camping locations along the way. But we pressed on with our sights set on that carpark.
Lo and behold, it was real! Admittedly some of it was anticlimactic: No elves. No elegant architecture leaning over waterfalls. Unassuming park signage casually name-dropping Lord of the Rings terms with other park things – “Swing Bridge Track” this way"; “Camp Ground/Rivendell” that way. But there was definitely something magical about the place. Everything was green and living strong and pulsing with clarity and life. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I could smell it. The air was so fresh and sparkling. I don’t know if I’ve ever been in a forest before or since that felt so ALIVE. Not just the birds singing but the trees themselves seemed to be pulsing with it.
Come walk through the fair forest with me!
Moss, twisted roots pouring over the ground like water, ferns and vines and layers of tall trees. Part of me wishes I could stay under that green canopy forever.
Come, walk this path to Rivendell!
The only relic left to remind you that a movie was filmed here: the arched gate that marks the road onward into the mountains in the Fellowship.
This is one of the places I know I will return to someday. I hope one day you get to, too. Even if you’re not a Lord of the Rings fan, it is an absolutely gorgeous location on its own. I hope this photo tour has helped you feel transported there for a moment. Until roads lead us back there, farewell for now, beautiful forest!
<3