Inside this faux cave, visitors can learn how some of their favorite fantasy characters were created.

The real place where the One Ring to rule them all was forged.

Home to some of the world’s darkest skies, this project blends ancient Māori culture with world-class astro tourism.

A New Zealand communications tower stands as the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

This quirky collection is an interactive exhibit crammed with creative contraptions and tinkered-with toys.

The platform atop this verdant volcano was built with the help of a royal elephant.

The premier place to experience the Victorian imagining of the steam-powered future.

These phallic stone spires once served as Tolkien's Paths of the Dead.

This strange geological landscape erupts with sudden bursts of water.

Known for the tunnel that leads visitors to the water.

The Dalai Lama named this New Zealand landscape the "Spiritual Center of the Universe."

One of the largest collections of traditional Māori artifacts in New Zealand.

Running since 1864, this clock has yet to be wound, one of the longest-running science experiments known.

Three rooms of bones, curios, and one artist's collection of natural artifacts create this intriguing museum.

One of New Zealand’s few castles boasts beautiful gardens, grand architecture, and a history filled with family drama.

Anyone wanting to know what a dwarven mine sounds like need only visit the tunnels of this New Zealand artillery compound.

A lakeside garden in the Southern Alps full of whimsical artwork and thousands of beautiful flowers.

Only 68 people per day are allowed to visit this New Zealand bird-watcher’s paradise.

The world's only complete colossal squid specimen is on display at the Te Papa Museum.

A galaxy of glowworms—larvae of a gnat—hides deep in the belly of these caves.

One of the world's largest Tesla coils.

One man's dream has turned into this naturally growing chapel made of almost nothing but trees.

Dolphins, ancient clams and hundreds of waterfalls make this one of the world's top tourist destinations.

Tubing through a cave lit with glowworms is a magical underground experience.