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The Guardian
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game review – too cosy for comfort
After several hours toiling in the pastoral fields of Hobbiton, it finally started to sink in why two generations of Bagginses felt compelled to leave in search of dangerous adventure. Sure, the Shire has a hazy comfort to it, and there's plenty of unique food to gorge on and friendly faces to meet. But once the saccharine novelty begins to wear off, this bucolic wonderland is actually a fairly dull place to live. Tales of the Shire is set in the Third Age of Middle-earth, years before the events of The Lord of the Rings. As such, there are no Nazgûls or Uruk-hai – instead the 'action' centres on the quaint town of Bywater, whose most pressing issue is its municipal status. Here, you play as a recent transplant from the nearby hamlet of Bree, who gets swept up in the process of turning the town into an official village by building infrastructure and befriending locals one odd job and home-cooked meal at a time. Naturally this high-fantasy life simulator houses plenty of Tolkienian paraphernalia. You can find the Three-Farthing Stone nestled atop a hillside, and walk through the homely Green Dragon Inn. Plus, there are plenty of familiar surnames bobbing around, from Tooks to Cottons and Brandybucks – heck, even Gandalf pops his head in every so often. A chunky art style frames these iconic spaces and characters, coating the world with an appropriately twee veneer. It's not a huge map to explore, but what's there is tenderly dressed, with hanging washing swaying in the breeze, dinky lanterns, and roaming wildlife aplenty. As an upstart Hobbit, your primary goal is to feed and be fed, with all aspects of day-to-day life revolving around this all-important activity. In the wild you can find veggies, nuts and fruits to forage, and the rivers are home to plenty of fishing spots where you earn your catch of the day. There are also seasonal seedlings to purchase and plant, as well as artisanal shop stalls offering speciality items such as flour. With each day running on a timer, the major source of friction is in how efficiently you can dash about and hoover up the goods before bedtime. It's a well-trodden loop familiar to anyone who has played rural life sims such as Stardew Valley or Harvest Moon. But here, the steady flow of button clicks and undemanding chores operates more successfully as a sleep-inducing mental message than any form of compelling challenge. If you can brave the repetition and invest in your relationships with others, the game begins to open up, providing a slew of formulaic but appetising skill paths to rank up. Collecting ingredients is only half the story; you'll also need to cook them up into satisfying bundles to serve at extravagant Breakfasts, Second Breakfasts, Elevenses, and so on. Combining elements of Cooking Mama and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tales of the Shire asks you to balance culinary profiles and textures to curate the perfect plate. To do this, you'll chop, mix and sauté ingredients while consulting a flavour compass in the bottom corner of your screen to ensure your food is as delicious as possible. Eventually, by feeding the right folks, your kitchen expands and there are more opportunities available to get you into the Middle-earth Michelin Guide. But beyond its overly familiar mechanics, Tales of the Shire's most pressing problem is how naive and placid it all feels. When vague interpersonal issues arise between your new friends, they're always resolved in a swift, often mundane manner. Much of your time is spent running between frustrated halflings as they burden you with their petty dissatisfactions. Not all cosy games need to evoke hard emotions. However, it does feel like a disservice to the emotionally complex source material not to explore the richness of the world at large – especially when dry humour, tragedy and finely drawn social structures are what make Tolkien's writing so powerful. Without any challenging quandaries to pull at your heartstrings, the promising atmosphere in Tales of the Shire is overwhelmed by endless fetch quests. Diehard Tolkienites and Stardew Valley lifers may be better off looking elsewhere for their cosy thrills. Tales of the Shire is out now, £34.99.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Like flying business, with better views: On board NZ's thrilling scenic train
We pull out of Auckland's Strand Station at 7.45am, the occasion marked with a selection of hot drinks (barista quality) and glazed pastries – a prelude to the feast ahead. A light breakfast of vanilla chia pudding topped with blueberries, kiwi fruit and coconut arrives as we cross the extinct volcanic cone of the Orakei Basin. Passing the fertile plains of Waikato – forever Hobbiton to Lord of the Rings fans – breakfast number two makes a surprise appearance – a wedge of fluffy frittata, plump beans in fresh tomato sauce and a rolled rasher of bacon, all paired with a generous top-up of Oyster Bay sparkling cuvee. I had naively assumed we had to choose between the two breakfast options, turns out we get both. Challenge accepted. While passengers have the option of adding a pre- or post- holiday package through Great Journeys New Zealand, we're embracing the spirit of slow travel by stepping off in Taumarunui, taking the time to experience the volcanic heart of the Ruapehu region. A week later we'll get back on the train to complete the Scenic Plus service to Wellington. But will we have time for lunch before getting off? It's my husband's only concern. Tia makes sure we do, starting with a pre-lunch Church Road chardonnay, followed by rosemary and garlic sliced lamb served with quinoa salad and tzatziki. We even squeeze in a dessert of Whittaker's dark chocolate and Wellington coffee mouse just before pulling into Taumarunui. After collecting our hire car, it's a short drive to the Morero marae (meeting house), where Fiona Kahukura Hadley-Chase receives us with a Powhiri welcome. With my husband walking behind me we enter the marae as Hadley-Chase calls her first karanga, her voice as powerful as the volcanic forces that have shaped the land. I don't understand the words, but I know she is paying respects to her ancestors, sharing her family lineage and speaking of her connection to the land. Finally, we press noses and foreheads together in a traditional hongi, exchanging breath as a symbol of unity. Hadley-Chase, who is also a Ruapehu District councillor, has just started Hinemaia Tours, offering visitors a way to engage with Maori culture in a personal and authentic way. Later, we paddle a section of the Whanganui River before hiking to the historical fortification of Te Porere Redoubt where Hadley-Chase shares hard truths about the 1869 battle that took place between government troops and Maori leader Te Kooti. Driving south to Ohakune, our stop for the next two nights, the landscape delivers a one-two-three punch. First, the craggy slopes of Mount Tongariro, then the perfect conical peak of Mount Ngauruhoe (stand-in for Mount Doom in Lord of the Rings) and finally, the towering presence of Mount Ruapehu, its broad shoulders still trimmed with snow. Forming the backbone of the dual Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park these mountains would be rockstars on any world stage, knowing they are active volcanoes adds an extra spark. In Ohakune I discover, in addition to their strong legs and hardy nature (a result of all that toiling up and down volcanoes) the people here also have a quirky side. It's the least you'd expect from a town known as New Zealand's carrot capital. From an afternoon stroll halted by a 7.5 metre carrot (all vegetables lead to Carrot Adventure Park) to our nights in a sustainable straw bale tiny house (Pumice Tiny), to a giant chocolate-eclair from Johnny Nation's pastry shop (rumoured to sell 1100 eclairs daily), this is a community that hikes, bikes and skis to its own drum. It's here on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu that the iconic 232-kilometre, Mountains to Sea Nga Ara Tuhona Great Ride begins. Right on time (and sporting highly questionable fitness levels) we set out to hike a 12.8-kilometre section of the newly-opened Te Ara Mangawhero loop trail, which follows old tramping trails and parts of historic tramways. While new and expanded trails have the hikers and bikers cheering, snow enthusiasts are also smiling with the recent announcement of Pure Turoa as the new owners of the Turoa Ski Field. After a few marginal seasons (thanks COVID-19) sent the previous owners into voluntary administration, Pure Turoa has stepped in with the money and vision to reimagine Turoa as a versatile, year-round destination. We round out our days at Whakapapa Village on the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, a convenient base for accessing the Whakapapa Ski Field and the hiking trails of the Tongariro National Park. The 17.6 kilometre Tama Lakes track skirts lakes so startling they could be filled with sapphires, while the Sky Waka gondola delivers us to a high tea at 2020-metres. Back on the Northern Explorer the treats continue – a glass of bubbles to farewell Mount Ruapehu, an afternoon cheese platter while traversing a series of soaring viaducts and a nana nap through who-knows-where. We head to the open-air viewing carriage to enjoy the tight curves, short tunnels and horse-shoe bend of the Raurimu spiral. This remarkable feat of engineering, envisioned in 1898 by Robert West Holmes and completed a decade later, was designed so the North Island Main Trunk could navigate the dramatic height difference as it descends from the Central Plateau. Back in our seats the tinkle of the drinks trolley announces dinner. Roast chicken breast with cranberry pistachio stuffing served with rosemary rock salt potatoes is the perfect accompaniment to the vistas of the Rangitikei River (the Anduin River of Middle Earth). Finally, the Kapiti Coast, where the Northern Explorer traces the cliffs of what must be one of the most spectacular stretches of coastal railway anywhere in the world. The approach into Wellington delivers sumptuous views of Kapiti Island, a New Zealand berry cheesecake and a rousing farewell haka from Tia.
The Age
4 days ago
- The Age
Like flying business, with better views: On board NZ's thrilling scenic train
We pull out of Auckland's Strand Station at 7.45am, the occasion marked with a selection of hot drinks (barista quality) and glazed pastries – a prelude to the feast ahead. A light breakfast of vanilla chia pudding topped with blueberries, kiwi fruit and coconut arrives as we cross the extinct volcanic cone of the Orakei Basin. Passing the fertile plains of Waikato – forever Hobbiton to Lord of the Rings fans – breakfast number two makes a surprise appearance – a wedge of fluffy frittata, plump beans in fresh tomato sauce and a rolled rasher of bacon, all paired with a generous top-up of Oyster Bay sparkling cuvee. I had naively assumed we had to choose between the two breakfast options, turns out we get both. Challenge accepted. While passengers have the option of adding a pre- or post- holiday package through Great Journeys New Zealand, we're embracing the spirit of slow travel by stepping off in Taumarunui, taking the time to experience the volcanic heart of the Ruapehu region. A week later we'll get back on the train to complete the Scenic Plus service to Wellington. But will we have time for lunch before getting off? It's my husband's only concern. Tia makes sure we do, starting with a pre-lunch Church Road chardonnay, followed by rosemary and garlic sliced lamb served with quinoa salad and tzatziki. We even squeeze in a dessert of Whittaker's dark chocolate and Wellington coffee mouse just before pulling into Taumarunui. After collecting our hire car, it's a short drive to the Morero marae (meeting house), where Fiona Kahukura Hadley-Chase receives us with a Powhiri welcome. With my husband walking behind me we enter the marae as Hadley-Chase calls her first karanga, her voice as powerful as the volcanic forces that have shaped the land. I don't understand the words, but I know she is paying respects to her ancestors, sharing her family lineage and speaking of her connection to the land. Finally, we press noses and foreheads together in a traditional hongi, exchanging breath as a symbol of unity. Hadley-Chase, who is also a Ruapehu District councillor, has just started Hinemaia Tours, offering visitors a way to engage with Maori culture in a personal and authentic way. Later, we paddle a section of the Whanganui River before hiking to the historical fortification of Te Porere Redoubt where Hadley-Chase shares hard truths about the 1869 battle that took place between government troops and Maori leader Te Kooti. Driving south to Ohakune, our stop for the next two nights, the landscape delivers a one-two-three punch. First, the craggy slopes of Mount Tongariro, then the perfect conical peak of Mount Ngauruhoe (stand-in for Mount Doom in Lord of the Rings) and finally, the towering presence of Mount Ruapehu, its broad shoulders still trimmed with snow. Forming the backbone of the dual Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park these mountains would be rockstars on any world stage, knowing they are active volcanoes adds an extra spark. In Ohakune I discover, in addition to their strong legs and hardy nature (a result of all that toiling up and down volcanoes) the people here also have a quirky side. It's the least you'd expect from a town known as New Zealand's carrot capital. From an afternoon stroll halted by a 7.5 metre carrot (all vegetables lead to Carrot Adventure Park) to our nights in a sustainable straw bale tiny house (Pumice Tiny), to a giant chocolate-eclair from Johnny Nation's pastry shop (rumoured to sell 1100 eclairs daily), this is a community that hikes, bikes and skis to its own drum. It's here on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu that the iconic 232-kilometre, Mountains to Sea Nga Ara Tuhona Great Ride begins. Right on time (and sporting highly questionable fitness levels) we set out to hike a 12.8-kilometre section of the newly-opened Te Ara Mangawhero loop trail, which follows old tramping trails and parts of historic tramways. While new and expanded trails have the hikers and bikers cheering, snow enthusiasts are also smiling with the recent announcement of Pure Turoa as the new owners of the Turoa Ski Field. After a few marginal seasons (thanks COVID-19) sent the previous owners into voluntary administration, Pure Turoa has stepped in with the money and vision to reimagine Turoa as a versatile, year-round destination. We round out our days at Whakapapa Village on the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, a convenient base for accessing the Whakapapa Ski Field and the hiking trails of the Tongariro National Park. The 17.6 kilometre Tama Lakes track skirts lakes so startling they could be filled with sapphires, while the Sky Waka gondola delivers us to a high tea at 2020-metres. Back on the Northern Explorer the treats continue – a glass of bubbles to farewell Mount Ruapehu, an afternoon cheese platter while traversing a series of soaring viaducts and a nana nap through who-knows-where. We head to the open-air viewing carriage to enjoy the tight curves, short tunnels and horse-shoe bend of the Raurimu spiral. This remarkable feat of engineering, envisioned in 1898 by Robert West Holmes and completed a decade later, was designed so the North Island Main Trunk could navigate the dramatic height difference as it descends from the Central Plateau. Back in our seats the tinkle of the drinks trolley announces dinner. Roast chicken breast with cranberry pistachio stuffing served with rosemary rock salt potatoes is the perfect accompaniment to the vistas of the Rangitikei River (the Anduin River of Middle Earth). Finally, the Kapiti Coast, where the Northern Explorer traces the cliffs of what must be one of the most spectacular stretches of coastal railway anywhere in the world. The approach into Wellington delivers sumptuous views of Kapiti Island, a New Zealand berry cheesecake and a rousing farewell haka from Tia.
News18
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
‘Orcs, Swords, Hobbit Hills': Rajkummar Rao And Patralekhaa's Fairytale Babymoon
From sword fights to hobbit hills, parents-to-be Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha's dreamy vacation is winning hearts online. Think of a castle surrounded by monsters, goblins and orcs. A small village by the river, ginger ale by the fire, pancake breakfasts and a home where time slows down. Sounds like something straight out of a fairytale! That's exactly how Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa are spending their days in New Zealand. Their vacation looks less like reality and more like a cinematic dream. The couple, who are expecting their first child, are currently on a babymoon. They are exploring the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, and their travel content is making fans swoon. From the lush green forests and calming hot baths to rivers and soul-stirring scenery, every moment feels magical. But what's truly caught everyone's eye is their recent visit to the iconic Hobbiton, the very set that brought JRR Tolkien's fantasy world to life. Their latest video on Instagram captures the spirit of fantasy and imagination. Styled as a dream sequence, the couple narrates what they wish to experience. Rajkummar envisions 'creatures, monsters, a castle, unapplauded red sky," while Patralekhaa dreams of a cosy little home nestled in scenic beauty. And instead of picking one, they go on to live both dreams, first stepping into Patralekhaa's picture-perfect fantasy and then into Rajkummar's mythical world. Sharing their fairytale adventure, the couple wrote, 'Orcs, swords, hobbit hills, and one very competitive co-star (ahem, Patra). From Middle-earth mischief to sword fight face-offs — Fantasy worlds feel a lot more real in New Zealand ." View this post on Instagram A post shared by RajKummar Rao (@rajkummar_rao) The visuals feature everything from sword fights in castles to quiet moments beside a fire, sipping ginger ale and soaking in the dream. Their storytelling format, where they first dream a scenario and then jump-cut into actually living it, is adding a cinematic flair to the reels, keeping fans hooked. Earlier, the couple had dropped another dreamy travel montage from their New Zealand diaries. In that reel, the two are seen flying over tall-stand mountains in a helicopter, wandering through serene forests, sailing on electric blue rivers and bonding with the locals. Their caption perfectly matched the mood that read, 'New Zealand gave us its skies, its soul, and a welcome we will never forget. The destination took our breath away — literally and emotionally. Watch our journey here ' View this post on Instagram A post shared by RajKummar Rao (@rajkummar_rao) With each reel, Rajkummar and Patralekhaa are painting a story that's personal yet universally enchanting. Their journey is filled with wonder, love and a little magic, just enough to transport us into their world. Fans can't seem to get enough, and truthfully, neither can we. From hobbit hills to heart-melting moments, the couple's New Zealand trip is the fantasy escape we didn't know we needed. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Courier-Mail
30-06-2025
- Courier-Mail
6 best luxury lodges in New Zealand that will take your breath away
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Picture yourself at one of these luxury lodges in New Zealand. Blanket Bay You can arrive by car or helicopter at this mountain-style lodge 45 minutes from Queenstown were your outlook is framed by the Lake Wakatipu frontage and glacier-topped Southern Alps. The main lodge is designed to make the most of the view from floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge that extends into the pitched roof, a perfect spot to cosy up with a book and glass of local red in front of the fire. Blanket Bay offers next level luxe. There are eight rooms in the main lodge plus four chalets and a four-bedroom villa elsewhere on the estate. But one of the biggest drawcards is the menu, which changes daily. What doesn't change is chef Dan Reynolds' ethos to highlight local New Zealand produce, like organic chicken from Hawke's Bay or kingfish from Queenstown. Book here Huka Lodge You can close your eyes on the banks of the Waikato River near Taupo and imagine the white canvas fishing tents that stood there 100 years ago. The serene natural beauty of the North Island spot hasn't changed much, but the accommodation sure has. Today, 20 guest suites with canopied beds, deep baths and doors opening onto the river, plus two owner's residences are the result of a recent year-long restoration. The newly refurbished Huka Lodge. If you can drag yourself away from this sanctuary, the main lodge is your base for meals, pre-dinner drinks and planning your day's activities. Though, with a yoga and meditation lawn, a gym and a spa, there may be little reason to leave the estate. Book here Wharekauhau Wharekauhau may look like a luxury farmstay, but it's also a working enterprise, in fact it's the second oldest Romney sheep stud in the country. The main homestead is the beating heart of the estate - cradled between the Remutaka Mountains and Palliser Bay - offering a lounge decked out in plush velvet sofas around an open fire (perfect for pre-dinner drinks), a private dining room, games room for kids and a country-style breakfast room drenched with sun in the mornings. Accommodation is located away from the main homestead in 16 luxe cottage suites and a villa. Wharekauhau Lodge is a working sheep stud. You can spend days exploring the 1200ha estate 90 minutes from Wellington, from ATV quad bike tours to clay target shooting, or visit the nearby town of Martinborough for gin tasting and shopping. Book here Solitaire Lodge Could life get any better at Solitaire? There are nine luxury suites at Solitaire Lodge and all have one thing in common – uninterrupted views over Lake Tarawera and the bushland beyond, making you feel like you're miles from anywhere. Actually, you are only about 20 minutes from Rotorua on the North Island, making this your perfect base for activities like visiting thermal springs, bush walking, rainbow trout fishing, helitours, or even a Hobbiton movie set tour. Or, stay close to base and satisfy your hunger with breakfast, lunch and dinner from a menu that changes daily in the main lodge, as well as pre-dinner drinks and canapes all included in the tariff. Book here Otahuna Lodge Grand scale at Otahuna Lodge. Picture: Stephen Goodenough/Otahua Lodge. Stepping through the door of this Queen Anne mansion 30 minutes from Christchurch is like visiting a friend, a rich friend with a meticulously restored historic home. That's because the owners have deliberately created a home-away-from-home feel, where you can eat your meals at your choice of locations throughout the house, pop into the kitchen for a coffee any time and wander the extensive grounds at will. Built in 1895, Otahuna's extensive grounds are just as special. Brought back from a derelict condition during the home's restoration in 2006, the grounds include a Dutch garden, hedge-trimmed paths, orchard, 130-variety fruit and vegetable garden, bee hives, mushroom hut, flower beds and more. Book here Lindis Lodge Lindis Lodge is literally embedded in its landscape. It's one of New Zealand's most unique accommodation options - the three glass pods with their mirror-like panels reflecting the rugged fields of the Ahuriri Valley in the South Island's Canterbury region. Enjoy the remote landscape through floor-to-ceiling windows from your king-sized bed, or from the alfresco hot tub on your private terrace. Five suites complete the accommodation offerings at this off-grid destination which perfectly melds the indoors with the outdoors. Book here Originally published as 6 best luxury lodges in New Zealand
