Guide to finding Middle-earth

The wild and remote landscape of Southland's Mararoa Saddle (pictured) provides a backdrop for the escape of the dwarves from Erebor in the prologue of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

It is just one of the spectacular Southern locations used to embody Middle-earth by filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson and featured in Ian Brodie's The Hobbit Location Guidebook (HarperCollins).

Perfect timing as the final Hobbit instalment hits the big screen, and holidays, sightseeing and adventures off the beaten track beckon.

Review: ODT books editor Helen Speirs; Photo: Ian Brodie.