I also agree with the above very strongly, and this is a great suggestion. I'm really happy to know that it's an option, actually, and I want to run with it. New Zealand in particular sounds like a tremendous amount of fun given that a Tolkien cast would be super cool there... and also those practical reasons you cited, definitely.

As long as the world is a little bit scary but we can preserve a slice of life dynamic for people who would rather chill with CR than get involved in the plot, I'll be happy with the game's tone. I've played pure survival horror before and it's very draining on the soul, so I'm all for giving characters a location that's isolated or fortified and conducive to downtime. I'll take a gander at that link, and as always, your insight and advice as a long-time mod of this game is very much valued and appreciated.