Even 15 years later, one in five international tourists coming to New Zealand have chosen to come here because of the Middle-earth films, and one in three have an experience related to the movie, according to figures released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in September.
"The country's leveraging of its connection to Middle-earth, led by Tourism New Zealand, has changed the face of New Zealand tourism and has paved the way for film tourism being a powerful drawcard for international visitors," says Tourism NZ Director of PR René de Monchy.
The film's director, Sir Peter Jackson has thrown in his praise for the scenery that formed the backdrop to his movies.
"New Zealand is the perfect Middle-earth and a real place that visitors can experience for years and years to come," Jackson said.
The comprehensive website includes videos of what to pack and shots of the various suggested destinations - and has certainly given this elf a lot to think about.
The Fellowship of the Ring premiered in London on December 10 in 2001 before being released in New Zealand 10 days later.
The film earned NZ$1.2 billion at the international box office and was followed by two sequels and three prequels.
