25 years since Lord of the Rings debuted in cinemas, why are fans still flocking to Middle Earth?
The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and fans are still flocking to New Zealand to explore the filming locations. Tourism operators have reported an increase in demand for itineraries that include visits to Hobbiton and other Middle-earth inspired destinations.
The Lord of the Rings movies were released 25 years ago, and since then, New Zealand has seen a significant increase in tourism. The country reported a 40% increase in visitors between 2000 and 2006. Tour operators have seen a surge in demand for New Zealand itineraries, with some linking the increase to fans of the series. One in five American visitors to New Zealand in 2025 were inspired by the series. The Hobbiton movie set is a popular destination, with 600,000 visitors last year. Custom tour operators have seen a spike in requests for Lord of the Rings itineraries, with some offering self-drive and guided tours. The series' enduring popularity is attributed to its good storytelling and the appeal of New Zealand's wilderness and outdoor activities.
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