The Southern Alps: The Misty Mountains
-These mountains form the backbone of the South Island; stretching over 550 kilometers from Blenheim in the north to Fiordland in the south
-The Southern Alps contain every peak in the South Island over 3000 meters
-The mountains are located between the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates; they are not static, but move continually, both horizontally
and vertically
-The Alps have a considerable effect on South Island weather and the predominant westerly winds create two distinct climates, as evidenced by
the lush western slopes and the wilted eastern slopes
-The mountains were used to depict the Misty Mountains because of their height and similar climatic effects on the landscape
-Four specific sites were used in the trilogy. The northwestern slopes of Mount Earnslaw near Glenorchy portrayed Caradhras.
-The Alps in the Rangitata Region was where Frodo dropped the Ring
-Mount Aspiring and Mount Earnslaw were used in the opening sequence of the Two Towers to represent the high peaks of Moria
-The East Matukituki was used to show the fellowship marching across the snow during their journey
