Speaking in reference to P.J.'s choice of New Zealand for the filming: England is a small, and for the most part, industrialized country, whereas New Zealand is not. Plus New Zealand's topography is so varied that you can find almost any type of microclimate that you want there.
You have to remember that it is only the Shire that is quintessentially "English". Middle Earth was a vast, wide world, much larger than could be depicted in England. (I'm sorry, but the island of Great Britain ain't really known for it's mountains and glaciers. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] ) I think New Zealand was the perfect place to film Tolkien's masterpiece...as well as being cheaper than Europe or the U.S.
Oh, and by the way, did you know I have a first cousin who is a New Zealander? (A product of one of the World War II "war-bride" stories.) So by default, I'm a "Kiwi", too. So go to New Zealand. Enjoy yourselves! Spend money! My cousin will thank you.
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