Step Inside the Story Fairytale Villages That Sparked Animated Movie Magic

10. Matamata, New Zealand: The Pastoral Beauty of The Wind Rises

Matamata, a town in New Zealand's Waikato region, is a place of pastoral beauty and rolling hills that evoke the same sense of wonder and nostalgia as the landscapes in Studio Ghibli's "The Wind Rises." The town's lush greenery and tranquil ambiance create a perfect backdrop for the film's exploration of dreams and the power of imagination. The town's historical significance, with its roots tracing back to the early Maori settlements, adds depth to its enchanting allure. As visitors explore Matamata's countryside and experience its natural beauty, they are transported into a world where the magic of storytelling and the beauty of nature are intertwined.