A Travel to New Zealand the destination ranked in the top 10 in a new top ranking »hidden gems» across the world, highlighting Middle Earth.
The Hobbiton film set was ranked seventh in the international ranking of obscure tourist hotspots, the only New Zealand destination in the top 20.
A visit to the Hobbiton film set, about 15 minutes from downtown Matamata, allows visitors to explore the large and immersive fantasy mansions of Bag End.
The set was built in 1999, in complete secrecy, and once filming was completed, an attempt was made to demolish the site. After restoring the shells of the Hobbit houses and building the world of Bag End, Hobbiton opened its doors to guided tours in 2002.
Then, when director Sir Peter Jackson returned to cinema The Hobbit films, the set was rebuilt to become a more solid, more permanent and more immersive place to live.
The other 10 hidden gem destinations can offer an equally enchanting visit to adventurous travelers.
Top 10 international hidden gems
1. Fingal’s Cave, Scotland
This fascinating sea cave is located on the uninhabited island of Staffa, west of the island of To reflect on. It is known for its unearthly basalt columns, formed by lava flows, as well as its interesting natural acoustics. The cave is also the subject of an epic poem by Scottish poet and historian James Macpherson, which draws on regional mythological stories.
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2. Devil's Bridge Rakotzbrucke, Germany
This bridge is known for its distinctive shape, as its high arch shape is reflected in the water to create a perfect circle when viewed from afar. It was built in the 19th century and became a popular attraction in Saxony.
3. Mulini Valley, Italy
Sorrento is home to this collection of modern ruins, also known as the Valley of the Mills, which lie at the bottom of a valley. Parts of the attraction were recently controversially restored, with vegetation cut down and parts of a building rebuilt – some felt this disrupted the history of the ruin.
4. Sedlec Ossuary “Church of Bones”, Czech Republic
This Roman Catholic church houses an ossuary where skeletons and bones have been intricately arranged to create decoration inside the chapel. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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5. Hidden Beach, Mexico
The hidden beach is on one of the Marieta Islands. The beach is invisible from the water but opens into a large hole in the sky, as captivating as it is strange.
6. Skellig Michael, Ireland
The monastery of St Fionan, probably founded between the 6th and 8th centuries, sits atop the steep rock face of Skellig Michael, a knotty island (or rock). It was also chosen as Luke Skywalker's island sanctuary in the latest report. Star Wars trilogy – fans may recognize the beehive-shaped cabins.
7. Hobbiton, New Zealand
Although the Shire is best known for its tours through the rolling green hills, it will also host a midwinter festival next month and last year. Hobbit holes were listed on Airbnballowing guests to stay overnight.
8. The Enchanted Forest, Canada
This attraction presents an intricate old world fantasy. Suitable for families, it invites visitors to explore castles, pirate ships, witches, dragons and many fairy tales.
9. Glowworm Tunnel, Australia
The Metropolitan Glow Worm Tunnel is located in Helensburgh, New South Wales. The disused railway line has glow worms on its ceiling, which produce a blue glow when no flashlight is present.
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10. The Blue Forest, Belgium
This natural attraction lies in Halle and is also called the Hallerbos. It is known for its picturesque carpet of bluebells, which cover the forest floor for a short time in spring.
The rest of the list
11. Bisevo Blue Cave, Croatia
12. Chile Marble Caves Chico, Chile
13. Chand Baori, India
14. Corvin Castle, Romania
15. HR Giger Museum, Switzerland
16. Swing at the end of the world, Ecuador
17. Great Blue Hole, Belize
18. Giethoorn, Netherlands
19. Cistern, Denmark
20. Crooked Forest, Poland
The ranking was completed by Discovercars.com, which took into account the number of people who selected “interested in visiting” the places listed on the travel site Atlas Obscura. They selected the top-ranked “hidden gems” by bringing together destinations outside of major cities. American destinations were ranked separately.
