Specifically, they were filmed across various locations on the North and South Islands, including:
* Wellington: The Weta Workshop studios were used for the majority of the visual effects and creature design.
* Queenstown: This location was used for the scenic landscapes of Middle-earth, including scenes in the Misty Mountains and Rivendell.
* Mount Ngauruhoe: This active volcano was used as Mount Doom.
* Fiordland National Park: The stunning landscapes of this park were used for scenes in the forest of Mirkwood and the Lonely Mountain.
* Hokitika Gorge: This gorge was used for scenes in the Goblin caves.
* Waitomo Caves: These caves were used for scenes in the Mines of Moria.
New Zealand's diverse landscapes made it an ideal location to bring the fantastical world of Middle-earth to life on screen.