New Zealand 2014 – Day 2

We had to set off very early that day, as it was one of the longest journeys of the whole trip. We were treated to blue skies as we set off. We left Lake Tekapo via the SH8. From Lake Pukaki, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the summit of Mt Cook in good weather. The landscape changes noticeably the closer you get to Omarama and Lindis Pass. The weather had changed too – it became overcast and really chilly. What’s more, in places the wind was blowing so strongly that you could barely drive any faster than walking pace to stay on the road.

The area around Omarama is world-famous amongst glider pilots; it boasts unique thermal conditions that are ideal for the sport. Shortly after Omarama, you can also see the limestone cliffs on the right-hand side. After Lindis Pass, the route continues southwards to Cromwell, along the shores of Lake Dunstan. In Cromwell, turn right onto the SH8B and the SH6 towards Queenstown. The route takes you through the Kawarau Gorge and is correspondingly winding. On the way to Queenstown, you pass the famous Bungy Bridge (more on that later 🙂 ). Just before Queenstown, we turned left and followed the SH6 along Lake Wakatipu towards Kingston/Lumsden. After around 100 km, you reach the SH94, which you follow all the way to Te Anau through vast farmland, past huge red deer and sheep farms. Te Anau, the small town on the lake of the same name, is the starting point for New Zealand’s fjords.

After we’d found our accommodation quite quickly (Avon House B&B – thanks to the sat-nav), our ‘landlady’ Aloma promptly served us a hot drink. We had lovely rooms here too and had a good chat with her husband, Jon. He works on cruise ships, explaining the sights to tourists – and he also helped with the production of *The Lord of the Rings* 😉

👤 About the person: John Von Tunzelman

• Hometown: Te Anau, New Zealand (South Island).
• Occupation: He worked as a senior officer for the Department of Conservation (DOC) – New Zealand’s government conservation agency, which is responsible for the protection of national parks.
• Personal life: Together with his wife Aloma, he ran the much-loved and welcoming Aloma’s B&B (also known as Te Anau Homestay) on Moorabool Street in Te Anau for many years. John passed away a few years ago.

🎬 His role in *The Lord of the Rings*

When director Peter Jackson transformed New Zealand into Middle-earth in the late 1990s and early 2000s, John Vance was the key liaison and logistics adviser (DOC Liaison Officer) on the ground in the Fiordland region.

• The Guardian of Middle-earth: His main task was to protect the sensitive, unspoilt ecosystem of Fiordland National Park from damage caused by the huge film crew. He had the final say on where heavy cameras, helicopters and hundreds of extras were allowed to go.
• Protecting the Fangorn Forest: Among other things, he supervised the filming in the ancient, moss-covered forests around Te Anau, which served as the mystical Fangorn Forest (home of the Ents) in the film. He ensured that the centuries-old ferns and mosses remained untouched
• Der Anduin-Fluss: Er koordinierte die Logistik für die Aufnahmen am Waiau River, der im Film den großen Fluss Anduin darstellt (auf dem die Gefährten in Booten paddeln).

🏆 The famous memento

As a token of gratitude for his invaluable work, the production team led by Peter Jackson and the actors presented John van Tunzelman with a huge, exclusive film poster, which had been signed by the stars (including Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, etc.) and Jackson himself. This poster hung in the hallway of the B&B as John’s pride and joy and was the starting point for countless anecdotes from the set, which he shared with his guests at the breakfast table.

Length of the day’s stage: approx. 450 km

Accommodation:
Avon House B&B
Aloma & John Von Tunzelman
8 Melland Place
Te Anau