Middle Earth Adventures

McCrain's in Middle Earth
A travel dialogue of our adventures in New Zealand

In February 2004, Jim and Kathy McCrain began a five month oddessy in New Zealand. Kathy was transferred to Auckland for a temporary work assignment, and Jim followed her for moral support. (Isn't he just the greatest husband?) What follows is Jim's account of this adventure.

Wanaka: A Destination!

July 21, 2004

We drove to Wanaka today. This is a very picturesque small town that is in the throws of becoming a very picturesque large town. Still, the people are very friendly and the surrounding mountains don’t show any “wear and tear” from the growth.

We stopped in to the “War Birds” museum to speak with Ian Brodie, the author of “The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook.” This book gives directions to most of the locations used in during the filming. Now, even if you aren’t a LOTR fan, you should get this book if you are traveling through this country. Peter Jackson and his film crew really did use some of New Zealands best, most picturesque locations, and this book will get you to them. Ian is also a very nice man, and granted me a very good interview, even though his schedule was quite busy. It was interesting to talk with him, as we both know some of the same people from my days in the Museum profession. It sure is a small world, when a Man from Texas can travel to Wanaka, New Zealand, and talk to someone about mutual friends made many years before!

Oh yeah, we had to pass through Queenstown to get to Wanaka. Very pretty area, but absolutely the rudest, most distasteful drivers I have ever encountered in my life! And don’t ask the Visitor Information people for any information. Very rude and not helpful at all! This isn’t just my opinion, though. Most of the Kiwi’s I have talked to say the same thing about Queenstown.

The Adventure Begins!