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There's something undeniably magical about hitting the open road, especially when you can follow in the tyre tracks of your favourite movie characters.
From the breathtaking landscapes of the American West to the rugged beauty of New Zealand, iconic movie road trips have inspired countless adventurers to embark on their own journeys. With Worldwide Caravan and Motorhome Holidays, you can recreate these cinematic adventures and experience the thrill of the open road. Let's dive in!
Thelma & Louise: The American Southwest
Thelma & Louise is a groundbreaking 1991 film that redefined the road trip genre with its powerful themes and unforgettable journey across the American Southwest. The story follows two friends, Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon), who embark on a weekend getaway from Arkansas. After a traumatic incident at a roadside bar, they find themselves on the run, travelling through Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona. The film showcases the region's stunning natural landscapes, including the La Sal Mountains, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park in Utah.
The climax occurs at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon (though filmed at Utah's Dead Horse Point State Park), where Thelma and Louise make their final stand. The sweeping cinematography captures the rugged beauty of the Southwest, reflecting the sense of freedom and adventure they experience. Thelma & Louise remains a landmark road movie, celebrated for its bold narrative and the majestic landscapes that serve as a backdrop to this empowering tale of friendship and liberation.
Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada. From there, head east towards the Grand Canyon, stopping at iconic locations such as Monument Valley and Arches National Park. Continue your journey through the scenic landscapes of Utah and Arizona, experiencing the same sense of freedom and adventure that Thelma and Louise felt.
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La Sal Mountains, Moab, Utah: This is where Thelma and Louise confront the truck driver. The stunning desert backdrop is perfect for photography.
Arches National Park, Moab, Utah: Thelma robs a store here. The park offers breathtaking arches and rock formations.
Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah: The final scene, in which the duo drives off the cliff, was filmed here, in place of the Grand Canyon.
Start on Interstate 15 (I-15) from Las Vegas. Take US Route 191 (US-191) to reach Moab and Arches National Park. Continue on Utah State Route 313 (SR-313) to Dead Horse Point State Park.
Moab Brewery, Moab, Utah: An excellent spot for local brews and hearty meals.
The Cowboy Grill, Moab, Utah: Offers a taste of the Southwest with a scenic view.
Chevron, Las Vegas, NV: Conveniently located near the start of your journey.
Shell, Moab, UT: A good stop before heading into the national parks.
Recommended stops
- Monument Valley: Iconic red sandstone formations perfect for photography.
- Canyonlands National Park: Offers stunning vistas and hiking opportunities.
Historical or cultural areas of interest:
- Goulding's Lodge, Monument Valley: A historic trading post with a museum.
- Moab Museum, Moab, Utah: Learn about the local history and culture.
Easy Rider: The American West
Easy Rider is a landmark 1969 film that captures the spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement. The movie follows two bikers, Wyatt (Peter Fonda) and Billy (Dennis Hopper), as they travel from Los Angeles to New Orleans on a cross-country journey. Their epic road trip takes them through some of the most iconic landscapes of the American West, including the vast deserts of California, the red rock formations of Arizona, and the majestic Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The film's sweeping cinematography showcases the rugged beauty of these regions, making the landscapes vivid characters in their own right.
As Wyatt and Billy make their way east, they encounter various characters and experiences that reflect the era's social and cultural tensions. Key locations include the Mojave Desert, Monument Valley, and the French Quarter in New Orleans. The journey ultimately leads them to a tragic conclusion, but along the way, the film immerses viewers in the freedom of the open road. "Easy Rider" remains a seminal movie, celebrated for its exploration of personal freedom and its stunning portrayal of the American West.
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Start your journey in Los Angeles, California, and head east through the Mojave Desert. Continue your trip through the stunning landscapes of Arizona and New Mexico, stopping at landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Park. Finally, make your way to New Orleans, Louisiana, where you can soak up the vibrant culture and music of the city.
La Contenta, New Mexico: This small town marks the start of Wyatt and Billy's cross-country adventure.
Hansen Dam Recreation Area, Los Angeles: The scene where Hanson meets his demise.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans: The scene was filmed guerrilla-style without obtaining permission from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, which owns the cemetery. This caused controversy when the movie was released.
Start on Interstate 10 (I-10) from Los Angeles. Take US Route 66 (US-66) through Arizona and New Mexico. Continue on Interstate 40 (I-40) to reach New Orleans.
The Pantry Café, Los Angeles, CA: A historic diner with classic American fare.
The Shed, Santa Fe, NM: Famous for its New Mexican cuisine.
Café du Monde, New Orleans, LA: Iconic for its beignets and coffee.
Chevron, Los Angeles, CA: Conveniently located near the start of your journey.
Shell, Flagstaff, AZ: A good stop before heading into the desert.
Exxon, New Orleans, LA: A convenient stop before exploring the city.
Recommended:
- Wupatki National Monument, Arizona: Offers stunning views and historical ruins.
- Bryans Gallery, Taos, New Mexico: A great spot for art lovers.
- French Quarter, New Orleans: Perfect for exploring the vibrant culture and music.
Historical or cultural areas of interest:
- Route 66 Museum, Kingman, AZ: Learn about the history of this iconic road.
- Taos Pueblo, Taos, NM: A UNESCO World Heritage site with rich cultural history.
- St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans: One of the oldest cathedrals in the US.
Lord of the Rings: New Zealand
The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy brought New Zealand's stunning landscapes to the world stage. From the rolling hills of the Shire to the dramatic peaks of Mordor, the films showcase the country's diverse and breathtaking beauty. Here's how you can recreate this epic journey by motorhome.
Begin your journey in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. From there, head south to Matamata, where you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set™. Continue your trip through the North Island, stopping at locations such as Tongariro National Park and Wellington. Cross the Cook Strait to the South Island, where you can explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park and the Southern Alps.
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Hobbiton, Matamata: The iconic Shire set. The lush dairy farming landscape around Matamata was used to portray the peaceful Shire region. The village of Hobbiton was created here with brilliant attention to detail and is now a permanent attraction.
Tongariro National Park: The land of Mordor. Tawhai Falls in Tongariro National Park was the location for the forbidden pool, where Frodo and Faramir capture Gollum in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'.
Wellington: Mount Victoria was used to depict Hobbiton Woods, where the hobbits hid from the black riders. Kaitoke Regional Park became Rivendell, where Frodo recovered from the knife attack.
Putangirua Pinnacles: These eerie rock formations were used for the Paths of the Dead scenes in "The Return of the King."
Fiordland National Park: The stunning backdrop for numerous scenes, including the Misty Mountains.
State Highway 1 (SH1) from Auckland: SH1 is the longest and most significant road in New Zealand, running the length of both main islands. Starting in Auckland, it takes you south through the Waikato region, bypassing Hamilton and continuing towards Matamata.
State Highway 5 (SH5) to reach Matamata: SH5, also known as the Thermal Explorer Highway, connects SH1 near Tirau to Napier. It passes through Rotorua and is a key route to Matamata, where you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set.
State Highway 4 (SH4) to Tongariro National Park: SH4 runs north-south across rugged hill country, forming a shortcut between SH3 and SH1. It passes through Taumarunui and National Park Village and provides access to Tongariro National Park.
State Highway 2 (SH2) and State Highway 1 (SH1) to reach Wellington: From Tongariro, take SH4 south to connect with SH1. SH1 will take you through the Desert Road, past Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro volcanoes, and down to Wellington.
State Highway 6 (SH6) to Fiordland National Park: After crossing the Cook Strait via ferry to the South Island, continue on SH6. This scenic route takes you through the West Coast and down to Fiordland National Park.
The Green Dragon Inn, Hobbiton: Enjoy a pint in the iconic pub.
The Powderhorn Chateau, Ohakune: A cosy spot near Tongariro National Park.
Fergburger, Queenstown: Famous for its gourmet burgers.
Recommended:
- Waitomo Caves: Famous for its glowworms and underground rivers.
- Wellington: Visit the Weta Workshop and explore the city.
- Milford Sound: A must-see fjord with stunning scenery.
Historical or cultural areas of interest:
- Te Papa Museum, Wellington: Learn about New Zealand's history and culture.
- Rotorua: Known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.
- Arrowtown: A historic gold mining town near Queenstown.
In summary
Recreating iconic movie road trips by motorhome is a fantastic way to experience the thrill of the open road and the beauty of some of the world's most stunning landscapes. With our motorhome holidays, you can follow in the footsteps of your favourite movie characters and create your own unforgettable adventure.
Whether you're exploring the American Southwest, the rugged beauty of New Zealand, or the desolate landscapes of Australia, we have the perfect motorhome holiday for you.
Peter Stannett
Content Writer
Peter is our content writer and SEO specialist, helping keep our content current and monitoring website traffic.
His content covers all four corners of the globe, across topics like activities, advice, food, culture and history.
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