The 12 Best Filming Locations to Inspire Your Next Holiday

Where: Hobbiton, Matamata and Tongariro National Park

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic sagas, New Zealand is a must-visit destination. Its breathtaking landscapes brought Middle-earth to life, from the rolling green hills of Hobbiton in Matamata, where Bilbo and Frodo began their adventures, to the foreboding volcanic terrain of Tongariro National Park, the stand-in for Mordor. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Hobbiton set complete with photo ops in front of hobbit holes and a pint at the Green Dragon Inn, or hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often hailed as one of the best day hikes in the world. For a deeper dive into the movies, you can also join tours showcasing filming locations in Wellington, Queenstown, and Fiordland National Park.

Where: Albuquerque

This gritty, Emmy-winning drama about a high school chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin was filmed entirely in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Retrace Walter White’s spiral into the underworld by visiting iconic locations like Saul Goodman’s colourful office or Los Pollos Hermanos, Gus Fring’s fast-food empire. You can even hop on a themed tour that includes Jesse Pinkman’s house and the Crossroads Motel, and don’t miss the chance to try themed snacks, like the “Blue Meth” candy, at local shops.

PS: They also have a great balloon festival.

Where: Kualoa Ranch, Oahu

Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park forever changed how we imagine dinosaurs, and much of its lush, prehistoric scenery was filmed at Kualoa Ranch in Oahu. We highly recommend taking a guided tour of famous filming locations, standing where the infamous T. rex scenes were shot and exploring the ranch on ATV or horseback. If you’re feeling adventurous you could also zip-line through the valleys, kayak to a nearby secret island or enjoy a movie-themed picnic surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Where: Matera

Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond opens with a breathtaking chase sequence through the ancient streets of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just an hour’s drive from Puglia. Known for its cave dwellings and dramatic cliffs, this Italian town, once known as the “Shame of Italy” due to the poverty and poor living conditions of its residents, blends history with high-octane action, and visitors can wander through the ancient Sassi district, explore rock-hewn churches like San Pietro Caveoso or enjoy stunning views of the Gravina Gorge. For a more luxurious touch, stay in one of Matera’s boutique cave hotels – Il Palazzotto Residence & Winery comes highly recommended.

Where: Petra

In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Harrison Ford’s iconic archaeologist races against time to find the Holy Grail, and Petra’s rose-red Al-Khazneh became an unforgettable setting for his adventure. Widely regarded as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, here you can take a walk through the Siq, a dramatic canyon that leads to the treasury, and explore the likes of the Monastery and the Royal Tombs. Be sure to book a nighttime tour to see Petra illuminated by thousands of candles while you’re there – it’s one of the most magical experiences in the world.

Where: Rapid City and Badlands National Park

Kevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves swept the Oscars for its depiction of life on the plains during the American frontier era, and you can experience it for yourself among the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park, with its jagged rock formations and expansive grasslands. Elsewhere take in the scenic drives and hiking trails near Rapid City while, for history buffs, the Journey Museum in Rapid City offers deeper insights into Native American culture and the history that inspired the film.