(Original article from Vancouver Sun on Saturday, February 21, 2004)
A guided tour of 'Middle Earth' Package takes Lord of the Rings fans to New Zealand sites where the movie was filmed
A local travel agent who bills himself as Canada's Lord of the Rings Middle Earth specialist creates tours throughout New Zealand for Rings fans to visit the sites where the popular movies were filmed.
Jason Stratford, director of sales for the South Pacific division of The Travel Group, puts together fully escorted and self-guided "Middle Earth" tours. The Australian-born Stratford recently did a self-drive tour and provides travellers with first-hand knowledge of the sites.
"People are looking for new things to do on their vacations," says Stratford. "This is the kind of holiday that appeals to Tolkien fans and people who are looking for an element of adventure. A "Middle Earth" tour is a memorable way to see New Zealand."
Stratford helps Rings fans design their self-drive adventure with the help of The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook. The book gives detailed descriptions of the scenes and directions to each of the settings.
"It is like a treasure hunt," Stratford says. "I took the guide book, jumped in a car, and saw almost every major site. The trip was an emotional experience as the locations seemed strangely familiar, even though everything was new to me."
The Location Guidebook has been revised to include the new locations from scenes in the latest movie The Return of the King. Stratford gives his clients a free copy of the guidebook, signed by the author, with every self-drive or escorted tour booked with him to New Zealand.
According to Stratford, he "Middle Earth" theme adds a unique twist to an already great destination. New Zealand is a safe, beautiful and friendly country that provides excellent value.
For information on a "Middle Earth" tour or the South Pacific phone Jason Stratford at 604-681-6345. or visit the website: The Travel Group - Lord Of The Rings.
© The Vancouver Sun 2004
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