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The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most famous and beloved movie franchises in history. Directed by Peter Jackson, the series has been a huge success worldwide, and New Zealand, where the movies were filmed, has made good use of this popularity. From tourism to fashion, New Zealand has found some bizarre ways to use the Lord of the Rings as a branding tool. In this article, we will explore five of the most bizarre ways that New Zealand has used the LOTR series as branding.
Hobbit Coins
In 2012, the New Zealand Mint released a series of coins featuring characters from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, including Gandalf, Frodo, and Gollum. However, the most bizarre thing about these coins was their shape: they were curved, so they could fit into the shape of a hobbit's foot. The coins were made of silver, and some of them had a gold finish. Despite their unusual shape, the coins were a hit among collectors and fans of the series. This was followed by additional releases during LOTR's 20 year anniversary.
LOTR-Themed Weddings
New Zealand has long been a popular destination for weddings, but after the release of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it became even more popular. The Hobbiton Movie Set, which was used as the location for the Hobbit village in the movies, now offers wedding packages for couples who want to tie the knot in a Lord of the Rings-themed ceremony. The package includes a ceremony in front of Bag End, the hobbit hole where Frodo Baggins lived, and a reception in the Green Dragon Inn. For fans of the series, it's a dream come true.
LOTR-Themed Airlines
In 2012, Air New Zealand launched a new safety video featuring characters from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The video, which was directed by Peter Jackson himself, showed actors dressed as hobbits, elves, and dwarves explaining safety procedures to passengers. The video went viral, and it was a huge success for the airline. Since then, Air New Zealand has continued to use the Lord of the Rings as a branding tool, with aircraft decorated with characters from the movies.
LOTR-Themed Fashion
Finally, the Lord of the Rings trilogy has also influenced the fashion industry in New Zealand. Several designers have created collections inspired by the series, featuring designs based on hobbits, elves, and other characters from the movies. The designs include everything from dresses and gowns to shoes and accessories. The fashion industry in New Zealand has found a way to make the Lord of the Rings series relevant to modern fashion, and it has been a hit among fans of the series.
LOTR-Themed Casinos
The casino industry in New Zealand has also embraced the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Several NZ casino sites offer LOTR-themed slot machines and games, featuring characters and locations from the movies. Some of the most popular games include Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, Lord of the Rings: Two Towers, and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. These games are popular among fans of the series, and they offer a unique gaming experience.
LOTR-Themed Food and Drinks
New Zealand has also found ways to incorporate the Lord of the Rings trilogy into its food and beverage industry. Several cafes and restaurants offer LOTR-themed menus, featuring dishes named after characters and locations from the movies. For example, the Green Dragon Inn at Hobbiton Movie Set offers a range of hobbit-themed meals and drinks, including a hearty "Hobbit's Feast" and a refreshing "Gandalf's Ale". Similarly, the Weta Cave Workshop and Cafe in Wellington serves up Middle-earth-inspired dishes like "Mordor's Lava" hot chocolate and "Smaug's Delight" sundae. These creative menus are popular among both LOTR fans and foodies alike.
LOTR-Themed Accommodation
New Zealand has taken advantage of the popularity of the Lord of the Rings trilogy by offering unique accommodation options that allow fans to immerse themselves in the world of Middle-earth. From hobbit holes to luxury lodges, there are plenty of LOTR-themed accommodation options available throughout the country. The Hobbit Motel in Waitomo is a popular option, with rooms built to look like hobbit holes and featuring round doors and windows. Meanwhile, the Hapuku Lodge in Kaikoura offers luxurious treehouses that are inspired by the elves of the series. These unique accommodation options allow fans to experience the magic of Middle-earth firsthand and make for a memorable stay in New Zealand.
LOTR-Themed Adventure Activities
New Zealand's stunning natural landscapes and rugged terrain make it the perfect location for adventure activities, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy has inspired a range of LOTR-themed adventure experiences. Fans of the series can go on guided tours that take them to locations used in the movies, such as the Mount Victoria lookout in Wellington, which was used as the location for the Hobbiton Woods. They can also participate in LOTR-themed adventure activities, such as hiking tours that take them through the stunning landscapes of Middle-earth, or bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge, which was used as the location for the Pillars of the Kings in the movies. These unique experiences allow fans to experience the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy firsthand and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lord of the Rings trilogy has had a significant impact on New Zealand's branding, and the country has found some truly bizarre ways to use the series as a marketing tool. From hobbit coins to LOTR-themed airlines, casinos, fashion, food, and accommodation, the Lord of the Rings has become an integral part of New Zealand's culture and identity.
It's clear that the popularity of the movies has created an opportunity for New Zealand to showcase its stunning landscapes and unique culture to the world. And while some of the branding initiatives may seem a little strange, there's no denying that they've been successful in capturing the attention of fans and tourists alike. As the popularity of the Lord of the Rings trilogy continues to endure, it's likely that New Zealand will continue to find new and innovative ways to use the series to promote itself to the world.
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