"Hobbiton at Matamata was everything I hoped it would be. Idyllic, quiet, beautiful and peaceful. I spent a bit of time on a pencil sketch looking up at The Hill, while others observed (this was the first day - most people didn't want to take the initial plunge and start sketching, but rather watch their resident artist at work. It's a good idea, actually - you can learn a lot by observation). Followed this with a quick charcoal sketch of Bag End's entrance.

At Rotorua that night (after zorbing - what fun!) I made the third Bag End picture, to show what could be done with washes. I used diluted ink for this, each wash stronger than the one before, working from light to dark. Make sure you don't lose sight of the overall tonal plan when doing this (or any artwork, for that matter).

Great photo opportunities at bubbling mud pools and at Huka Falls the next day, before arriving at Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu, where some Mordor scenes were filmed. Lovely walk in the snow, beautiful alpine plants, "Frodo and Sam" photos. Good views of Mt Doom (Ngauruhoe) on the way down. Next stop, after the wonderful drive through native forest, was Turoa, Mt Ruapehu, site of Gollum's pool and other scenes. More excellent photos in the late afternoon light.

Evening of art instruction at the amazing Powderhorn Chateau (loved this place!) in Ohakune. Covered lots of technical aspects of drawing, composition, perspective, techniques, materials, etc. Very worthwhile (I hope).

Gravity Canyon was the first stop next day. The drive here is through amazing Dr Suess hillocks, and the canyon itself (used for some Anduin scenes) is breathtaking. Some people did the flying fox ride - at a mere 160kph! After that, there was a very enjoyable journey to Otaki, home of Chris Rutter, horse wrangler and stunt double for the films. Absolute pleasure to meet him, and Chief, one of the movie horses, and to hear all about Chris' adventures on set, with many behind-the-scenes shots. 1 minute charcoal sketch of Chief.

Breakfast session in Wellington the next morning - this was great, with the opportunity to present more than just my calligraphy and maps: I brought in some paintings, too, and some live wetas! The mere memory of Raewyn's scream is enough to set off tinnitus.... Then Weta Workshop, Weta Cave, Weta Digital, tattoos at Rogers, and Wellington in general.

Very quick (2 minutes?) pencil sketch at the "Get off theRoad" site on Mt Victoria the next morning, and photos in Frodo's tree (amazingly comfortable!), after which we drove out to Stansborough, where so much costuming material was designed and woven, not only for LOTR but also the Narnia films. Made a pencil drawing of one of their unique Gotland sheep.

First day in the South Island was a big one. We had perfect weather at Edoras - memorable trek, with river crossings and stunning views. Sketched the head of the valley in pencil (A quick watercolour may have been a better option). Postcard-perfect views of Lake Tekapo and of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's highest peak) later in the day.

Nice evening sketching session in the bar of the hotel at Twizel. Some of us drew this Himalayan Thar (head mounted on the wall), offered various tips.

Poolburn, where a lot of Rohan scenes were filmed, was a landscape like no other: desolate and dry, with bizarre rock formations against a brilliant blue sky. Captured a bit of it with a quick watercolour.

Amazing helicopter ride in the afternoon - many thanks to Heliworks and Alfie Speight (who did all the filming flights for this area). The Ford of Bruinen was very special, and will be the subject of a future painting.

Numerous filming sites near the Mavora Lakes the next day; glorious scenery once again. Did a quick watercolour at the lakeside. Another spectacular helicopter ride from Te Anau that afternoon, taking in various filming locations, some of Peter Jackson's favourites. Mega-thanks to Southern Lakes Helicopters and Rod Hall-Jones (who was Jacques Cousteau's helicopter pilot for six years!). Lovely boat excursion to the nearby glow-worm caves that evening.

We checked out the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary in the morning, coffee at the Five Rivers was absolutely hilarious (don't ask me to explain - you had to be there), lunch in historic Arrowtown was a lovely step back in time. I sat on a bench and drew the house over the road. Pencil work was finished on site; I added the washes and inkwork later.

Horse-riding with Dart Stables the next day was fantastic - and included more Rings filming sites: views to Isengard, Boromir's death scene, and also some Prince Caspian filming was done here. Lovely morning. More filming sites at Queenstown's Deer Park Heights in the afternoon, before finishing the tour with a sumptuous farewell dinner at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking the lake.