new zealand tourist attraction for lord of the rings

Hobbiton Movie Set is open 7 days. Availability is very limited. Bookings essential.

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• Departing from Tour from The Shire's Rest™ From Matamata I-Site
• Date Selected
• Group size 1
• Departing from Hobbiton™ Beer Festival - Saturday Hobbiton™ Beer Festival - Friday

Step into the enchanting village of Hobbiton™ Movie Set

• Experiences
• Venture Beyond The Door
• Frequently Asked Questions

Experience the magic of Hobbiton Movie Set

Adult (18+ years) $120 | Youth (11-17 years) $60 | Children (0-10) FREE | NEW Family Pass (2x Adults + 2x Youth) $306 | NZ Gold Card $110

• duration: 2.5 hours

Selected weekend and weekday departures available.

Adult (18+ years) $230 | Youth (11-17 years) $177 | Children (5-10) $119 | Infant (0-4) FREE

• duration: 4.5 hours

Selected weekend departures available.

Adult (18+ years) $180 | Youth (11-17 years) $114 | Children (5-8) $64 | Infant (0-4) FREE*

• Duration: 3.5 hours

Escape the winter chill and warm up with a special feast in the Shire™ on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 July 2024

All bookings $290.00

• DURATION: 5 HOURS

Join us for another Hobbiton Movie Set Beer Festival on Friday 1 or Saturday 2 November 2024!

All bookings $300.00

This event is strictly 18+.

• DURATION: 5.5 HOURS

The door has opened on a new adventure and we invite you to step inside and explore the humble home of a typical Hobbit™ family. 

Learn More...

Explore Hobbiton™ Movie Set & Beyond

Getting to Hobbiton™ Movie Set

TEL: +64 7 888 1505

The Shire's Rest: 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera

Tours depart daily from The Shire's Rest and Matamata i-SITE

Tour Experiences

The Green Dragon™ Inn

The Shire's Rest™

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The Lord of the Rings Tour - 14 day

Im going on an adventure!

This 14-day LOTR New Zealand adventure is our most popular tour. Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Middle-earth, travelling from Auckland to Queenstown via many exciting The Lord of the Rings filming locations, movie studios, and adventures.

• Overview & highlights
• Inclusions & Add ons

This 14-day The Lord of the Rings Tour of New Zealand is our most popular tour. Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Middle-earth, travelling from Auckland to Queenstown via many exciting LOTR filming locations , movie studios, and experiences. This Tour is the ultimate adventure for an avid Tolkien fan!

You will also meet those involved in the making of the movies, and travel off the beaten track into the breathtaking landscapes and natural attractions New Zealand has to offer.

Along the way, there are opportunities for helicopter flights and landings on iconic mountains used in the films, blacksmithing workshops, kayaking down rivers in stunning The Lord of the Rings movie locations, bungee jumping or 4-wheel drive tours to amazing and remote film locations. All within a small fellowship of like-minded travelers, led by our passionate LOTR guides.

• Climb the magnificent Edoras
• Visit the makers of the 'One Ring'
• Explore The Shire at Hobbiton!
• Meet people involved with both The Lord Of The Rings & The Hobbit Trilogies!
• Dine in The Green Dragon
• Behind-the-scenes Weta Workshop tour and exclusive discounts for Red Carpet Tours passengers!
• Movie guest presentations
• Relax and enjoy a scenic cruise ( 3.5 hours ) between the North and South Islands
• Explore Laketown and Trollshaw Forest
• Charge across the Pelennor Fields
• Visit Gollums Fishing Pool
• Experience the beautiful Queenstown - the fun and adventure capital of New Zealand
• Visit beautiful Rohan country
• Step inside Fangorn Forest
• Kayak down the same river as the Dwarves in Barrels scene from The Hobbit

Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Middle-earth!

2025 Tour prices

Single NZ$8,450 (approx US$5,080) - Book here

Double: NZ$ 7,350 per person (2 people sharing a room) (approx US$4,420) - Book here

Triple: NZ$ 7,350 per person (3 people sharing a room) (approx US$4,420) - Book here

You can use a currency exchange website to check the cost in your currency.

2026 Tour prices

Single NZ$9,990 (approx US$6,115) - Book here

Double/Twin: NZ$8,500 per person, 2 people sharing a room (approx US$5,200) - Book here

Triple: NZ$8,000 per person, 3 people sharing a room (approx US$4,895) - Book here

You can use a currency exchange website to check the tour cost in your currency.

March, September and December Tours include the evening Hobbiton Tour and banquet dinner in the Green Dragon. (September Tour can be booked through our Hobbits Celebration Tour page). All other months include the Hobbiton Day Tour and Festive Feast Lunch in the Green Dragon Marquee.

We gather this evening for our Welcome Dinner, to meet each other and prepare for our early start tomorrow. Winter months include a special movie guest. Accommodation: Auckland hotel.

- Auckland to Rotorua

Be ready to depart at 7.45am ~ Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton. (A full cooked Breakfast is included from Day 2 to 14.) Prepare to be enchanted by Hobbiton - a very special site to visit. Have your camera batteries charged for photos of the tranquil Shire, Bag End, Sam & Rosie’s cottage, the Party Tree. Enjoy a cool drink at The Green Dragon followed by lunch in a Marquee beside The Green Dragon (included in tour cost). In Rotorua later today you will have the option of the beautiful Polynesian Spa and / or a fantastic Maori Cultural evening, dinner and show ( cost additional). Overnight Rotorua.

- Rotorua to Trollshaw Forest

Rotorua to Trollshaw Forest and a wonderful guided tour of this Hobbit location - stunning scenery. We will enjoy a picnic lunch (included) on our way to the majestic Huka Falls and the geothermal capital of New Zealand; Taupo. Overnight -Lakeside Taupo accomodation.

- Taupo to Wellington

This morning a Hobbit location of the Secret Entrance to Erebor and Lotr location of Gollum’s fishing pool, where Andy Serkis was careful not to plunge over the waterfall! Then, it's on to Wellywood ~ Wellington City. Tonight you may like to dine at “The Green Parrot Restaurant” (Optional) - said to be a favourite of Viggo’s. Accommodation: Wellington, for the next 3 nights.

- Wellywood Day

Wellywood Day, Miramar - New Zealand's movie capital! Weta Workshop extended tour, Weta Cave, The beautiful Roxy Theatre for lunch ~ included in the tour. Later today we check out the 'Get off the road!' location from Fellowship Of The Ring, overlooking the city. Dinner tonight? So many choices, your Guide will help you. Visit the Embassy Theatre, where the ROTK and The Hobbit World Premiere were held.

- Presentation day with Daniel Reeve

Presentation day with LOTR / Hobbit Calligrapher and Cartographer Daniel Reeve. He will blow you away with amazing talents! This is your opportunity to purchase some very special souvenirs. In Winter months we add a special movie guest presentation. Later today is yours to explore Te Papa Museum / see a movie at the special Embassy Theatre / or visit other Wellington places of interest.

- Wellington to Nelson

Our North Island Adventure concludes and our South Island Adventure begins! We catch the Inter-Island ferry from Wellington, sail to Picton in the South Island (approx. 3.5 hrs). After lunch, on our way to Nelson, stopping along the way to view the famous river, where the Dwarfs escaped from the Elves, in barrels! How about a fantastic 1 hour easy kayak down this amazing river and movie location with experienced local guides!! (optional extra) Accommodation tonight: Nelson.

- Nelson day

Nelson day: This morning we meet and chat with the makers of the "One Ring". There, we meet Jens Hansen's son, Halfdan Hansen and see the wonderful range Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit jewellery. From lunchtime, weather permitting, there is a two hour ‘optional extra’ helicopter ride to the LOTR sites of 'South of Rivendell' and 'Dimrill Dale'. More than highly recommended! Accommodation tonight: Nelson

- Nelson to Christchurch

An early start south through the very scenic South Island, stopping along the way for second breakfast, viewing of the Fur Seal colony and lunch via the beautiful wild Kaikoura Coast. Time for our coach quiz! We then travel south to Christchurch. An early night tonight for a big day tomorrow. Accommodation: Christchurch.

It's time to head for the magnificence that is EDORAS - a very spiritual experience! It’s a 35-minute trek to reach the summit. The 360-degree views are breathtaking! You will stand where the Golden Hall once stood and survey the mountain panorama all around you as you fly the Rohan flag! You will be reluctant to leave. Refreshment awaits us in the township of Geraldine, before we drive south past the stunning Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Keep a lookout for our highest mountain; Aoraki, Mt Cook – the Cloud Piercer of 12,500 feet. Overnight; Twizel. (Buffet Dinner included tonight.) This is a great place to study the night sky - and see the Southern Cross. Special Guest a local Hobbit inspired seamstress - you may like to buy your own cloak.

- The Pelennor Fields and Laketown

The Pelennor Fields ~ an area that once rang to the thunderous sound of 250 horses on the charge, as King Theoden’s battle speech roused men to battle. Moving on, we visit the stunning location of Laketown and enjoy a guided tour there. Time to try your archery skills - perhaps we have a budding Bard or Tauriel amongst us? Then head to Omarama for lunch. This afternoon a special visit to Mrs Jones's orchard. Overnight - Cromwell. The Harvest Hotel.

- Cromwell to Queenstown

This morning there are opportunities to Bungy at the famous Kawarau AJ Hackett Bungy bridge. Keen to jump above the river Anduin? Then onto Queenstown to enjoy this beautiful location, here we have time to pay for our Sunday activities and buy some lunch to take with us tomorrow on our big locations day. Our last 3 nights are in picturesque Queenstown, many great restaurants to explore.

- Queenstown

The breaking of the Fellowship. Buy a picnic lunch today to take to Mavora Lakes, where we visit several Lord of The Rings NZ sites - The calling up of Shadowfax - The Silverlode bridge - The Orc funeral pyre - Fangorn Forest - Nen Hithoel - The log which concealed Merry & Pippin before Frodo left the fellowship - And where Sam and Frodo paddled away on the next stage of their journey. Stunning scenery! Tonight is our farewell dinner at our Hotel, feast like Hobbits ! Tomorrow is our Optional activity day in Queenstown.

- Optional Activities

Devote today to optional activities! A guided walk on the Routeburn Track? -A Nomad Safari 4 Wheel drive half day tour ! - A relaxing Wine and Food Tour. Perhaps a cruise on Lake Wakatipu. -A parasail over the lake. -A coach & cruise trip to Milford Sound. --An adrenalin Jet Boat ride or a Bungy jump? -Para-sailing? Para-gliding? White water rafting? A hot air balloon ride? Trout fishing? Relaxation at Onsen Hot Pools? -Or retail therapy ~ shopping in Queenstown. The list "goes ever on" and your Guide will discuss the many options available and assist with bookings.

Departure Day

- Thank you for traveling with us

Alas ~ your journey through Middle Earth with Red Carpet Tours is at an end. Thank you for traveling with us ..... there and back again..... Haere ra ~ Good-bye from us all at Red Carpet Tours. "Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya: May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky." On departure day you will need a domestic airfare from Queenstown to Auckland and then your international flight home from Auckland. We can recommend Air New Zealand for this domestic flight: www.airnewzealand.co.nz

• Private bus  transportation
• Welcome pack  for direct bookings
• All guiding services
• Hotel Accommodation
• 14 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches & 3 buffet Dinners
• Entry Fees to private The Lord Of The Rings New Zealand sites
• Department of Conservation fees
• Entry fees for Hobbiton and festive feast lunch in the Green Dragon Marquee
• Tour fees at Trollshaws
• Weta Workshop extended Tour and workshop
• Inter-Island Ferry (3.5-hour cruise)  Wellington - Picton
• Special presentation guest from the films

Being in the Southern Hemisphere, our seasons here in New Zealand may be at different times of the year to yours (depending on where you live). Therefore, we have found it necessary to have seasonal itineraries to enhance your experience of Middle Earth. These comprise of the following months: 

2024 Dates - Fully Booked

2025 Dates - Fully Booked

NEW 2026 Dates - Available Now!

What people have said

This is the best and ONLY way for a LOtR/Hobbit fan to experience New Zealand. Julie and her team are fantastic, knowledgeable people who, you can tell, put so much time and effort into making sure your experience with them is an amazing one! You will not regret choosing them as your guides...

Stephanie B

Traveling New Zealand with RCT and Julie was amazing. It was the trip of a lifetime (but I hope to do it again!). It was very well put together and we got to see such amazing sites and do so many awesome things. I can't even name what my favorite part of the whole tour was because it was...

"Exceptional! Marvellous! Outstanding! Just a few of the words I could use to describe how fabulous the Red Carpet Tours winter Lord of the Rings tour was. The organisation from beginning to end couldn’t be faulted. Hotels were carefully selected for location and quality. The days...

This tour changed my life, Julie and Josh were amazing tour guides, everywhere we went was stunning. I could not have asked for anything more from them. Even where there were some hiccups outside of anyone’s control Julie and the team worked tirelessly to ensure we had the best experience...

This was a trip of a lifetime. I honestly couldn’t imagine seeing Middle Earth any other way. Julie is amazing and truly cultivated an experience that I will treasure forever. If you’re thinking about booking this trip—just do it. I promise that you will have the time of your life.

Red Carpet Tours is a fabulous company - been with them 3 times. I agree with others posted here that it is the BEST way to see New Zealand, especially if you are a "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" fan - and even if you're not! From all the Magnificent New Zealand...

There is a reason that this company is the premier in its field. I’ve been home for almost a week now and I’m still struggling to comprehend how incredible my experience with Red Carpet Tours was. This was hands down one of the best things I ever have, and likely ever will do in my...

Everything about this tour was amazing! Our tour guide Julie is a true LOTR fan, and made sure everybody was looked after. The locations were well researched and meaningful. Even after the tour ended, Julie has kept in touch as we all went our separate ways and travelled home to various parts of...

I went solo and am a bit of an introvert, but Julie and the rest of the tour members made this an unforgettable experience and made me feel right at home. This was number one on my bucket list and it exceeded my expectations across the board. If you're contemplating booking this tour, just...

With Julie James as our guide (Feb. 2018) on the 14 day tour... it was excellent! She always took every effort and opportunity to see to everyone's requests. The hotels we stayed in were wonderful. The meals were delicious. But the tour itself??? Awesome!!! We had big LOTR and the Hobbit...

Katherine C

Lord of the Rings & Hobbit Themed Tours

Home of middle earth - customisable self drive & coach tours.

New Zealand's stunning landscapes captivated movie fans around the world as the unbilled star of the hugely successful The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Over 150 real New Zealand locations were used, from the rolling green hills of Matamata in the North Island which we now know as Hobbiton to Queenstown's snowy jagged mountain peaks; the Remarkables, featured as The Dimrill Dale. Explore New Zealand on these great touring ideas. Visit Lord of the Rings attractions and film sites on these itineraries or talk to our team to get the perfect holiday designed for you. Tailor made packages can be created to suit your interests and budget.

Middle Earth Discovered

Duration: 8 days Auckland to Christchurch

• Hotel 4 star
• Independent tour (bus & coach)

Embark on a journey of Middle Earth and New Zealand. Visit official sites used in the filming of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, whilst visiting some of New Zealand's most stunning attractions including glowworm caves, active geysers, dramatic mountains and deep fiords.

• Viewed 651 times in the last 7 days

price pp from

twin share/double

Land of the Rings

Duration: 9 days Auckland to Queenstown

A tour appealing to those Frodo and Gandalf fans, with visits to official sites used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

• Viewed 608 times in the last 7 days

Waitomo, Rotorua and Hobbiton Weekender

Duration: 2 days Auckland to Auckland

• Hotel 3 star

Visit Waitomo Caves, Te Puia, Tamaki Maori Village and Hobbiton Movie Set on this 2 day fun-filled tour.

• Viewed 500 times in the last 7 days

Auckland to Christchurch 17 day Ultimate Explorer

Duration: 17 days Auckland to Christchurch

The 17 day Ultimate Explorer visits Bay of Islands, Tamaki Maori Village, Hobbiton Movie Set, explore glacier lakes, Milford Sound, Dart River Safari jet boat tour, TSS Earnslaw cruise and dinner, a boutique wine tour and the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train plus much more.

• Viewed 552 times in the last 7 days

5 day Waitomo, Rotorua and Hobbiton

Duration: 5 days Auckland to Auckland

Visit Waitomo Caves, Te Puia, Tamaki Maori Village, Hobbiton Movie Set and Wai-O-Tapu thermal area on this action packed 5 day itinerary.

• Viewed 760 times in the last 7 days

11 day New Zealand Southbound Explorer

Duration: 11 days Auckland to Christchurch

On the North Island, you’ll experience the unique Maori culture in Rotorua and the magic of Hobbiton. Then fly south for an exploration of the natural wonders of the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers, and Queenstown.

• Viewed 848 times in the last 7 days

12 day New Zealand Highlights

Duration: 12 days Auckland to Christchurch

This 12 day tour allows you to experience some of the highlights of New Zealand in a short time.  Some superb inclusions ensure a varied and exciting tour.

• Viewed 1428 times in the last 7 days

• Viewed 863 times in the last 7 days

• Viewed 922 times in the last 7 days

8 Day Upper North Island Adventure

Duration: 8 days Auckland to Auckland

This 8-day tour is great for people who wish to experience as much as they can in the upper North Island. Learn about New Zealand's history, cruise around the Bay of Islands, travel to Rotorua via Hobbiton village and experience New Zealand's geothermal capital before returning to Auckland via Waitomo Caves.

• Viewed 991 times in the last 7 days

Embark on a journey of Middle Earth and New Zealand. Visit official sites used in the filming of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, whilst visiting some of New Zealand's most stunning attractions including active geysers, dramatic mountains and deep fiords.

• Viewed 496 times in the last 7 days

Waitomo, Rotorua and Hobbiton 3 day tour

Duration: 3 days Auckland to Auckland

Calling all Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton fans! This is the perfect tour if you would like to indulge in New Zealand's culture as well as seeing the location of the famous films. Starting and finishing in Auckland this action packed 3 day tour will take you to Waitomo Caves, Te Puia, Tamaki Maori Village, Hobbiton Movie Set and Wai-O-Tapu thermal area.

• Viewed 673 times in the last 7 days

Nearly all our guests customise our tour ideas. That's what we do! Our expert team of New Zealand specialists can design a holiday itinerary to suit you perfectly. A tailor made package can be created for you in no time and doesn't cost you any more than one of our 'off the shelf' ideas. So get in touch with the team today to start your plans.

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The hobbit holes of the North Island's Hobbiton movie set act as a portal to New Zealand's film legacy.

This Dreamy Destination Continues to Inspire Fantasy Writers

New Zealand's epic mountains and charming valleys inspire the dramatic scenery of Middle-Earth.

In New Zealand , even a nondescript cutting in the woods can lead somewhere extraordinary. That magnetic pull to see what’s around the next bend, whether sparkling glacier or primeval forest, is my favorite thing about the country—its “round-the-corner-ness,” as I call it.

Here on a sheep farm on the North Island , in the valley of the rugged Kaimai Ranges , I feel the buzz. A clearing opens, and I step into a story. The vista in front of me also struck native filmmaker Peter Jackson . Recognizing the spot instantly as Hobbiton , the hobbit community written into legend by J. R. R. Tolkien in The Hobbit (1937) and The Lord of the Rings (1954), Jackson immortalized it on screen in six movies, the last of which came out in 2014.

As I survey the scene, I can see Gandalf, the stories’ sage wizard, driving his pony cart through the banked hills of the cutting. I imagine Bilbo Baggins racing out of the gate without his pocket handkerchief. In front of me are 44 hobbit holes nestled into rolling green hillsides. Paths lead up, down, and over the hills. Laundry dries on the line. Apple and pear trees hang low with the last of the summer fruit.

I feel a catch in my throat. Though I had steeled myself for an onslaught of souvenir kiosks, Hobbiton feels like more than a movie set for tourists: It’s my imagination brought to life.

As a 14-year-old in Minnesota, reading Tolkien under the covers by flashlight, I longed for the adventure and friendship found in the pages. Ten years ago, I followed my own quest to Wellington , the beating heart of New Zealand’s film industry.

Related Photos: Otherworldly Landscapes of New Zealand

In that time, as Lord of the Rings tourists flocked here by the thousands—quickly joined by Hobbitfans—filmmakers translated the remote country’s surreal landscape as the backdrop for movies ranging from King Kong to River Queen , The Chronicles of Narnia to The Last Samurai.

Even Hollywood tour de force James Cameron enlisted the technical prowess of Wellington’s Weta Digital visual-effects company to create the dystopian dreamscape of Pandora for his blockbuster Avatar. The North Island so enthralled Cameron that he purchased land in Wairarapa , east of Wellington, where he is working on a trio of sequels to Avatar.

In spite of all of that—or maybe because of it—I’ve never wanted to see New Zealand as a film set. I’ve always preferred to separate my love for Tolkien and the rumpled landscape that’s become my home.

But when my friend Lance Lones , a transplanted Californian who has worked in the film industry for 17 years, suggested we use film locations as markers on a road trip, he convinced me that the power of stories could help deepen my bond to both. “We have a real emotional connection to film. Don’t underestimate it,” he said. “Come with me to Hobbiton, and you’ll see.”

Each detail at Hobbiton is a labor of love of Jackson and his team of wizards—right down to the moss on the fences, explains our affable tour guide, Aidan O’Malley, on one of 17 daily tours. “Jackson decided to reverse the natural sunrise and sunset here, so he also changed the moss on the fences to reflect that,” O’Malley says, grinning. “Hobbiton only appears in The Hobbit for seven minutes, and in The Lord of the Rings for 35 minutes—that’s a lot of perfection for 42 minutes.”

After touring the grounds, Lones and I wind down the day at the Green Dragon , Hobbiton’s working pub that appeared in the films. A fire roars in front of us, the sunset glowing through the round windows at our sides. Massive macrocarpa beams cross the ceiling, carved with grapes, barley, and a serpentine dragon in faded green. Herbs hang in the kitchen. Celtic music pipes gently overhead. I settle deeper into my leather armchair, and take another sip from my clay mug of beer.

I strike up a conversation with Gemma Youlten and Tom Boreham, a British couple who are halfway through a round-the-world trip. I mention that the Green Dragon just might be the pub I’ve been looking for all my life. “This is the highlight, I have to say,” says Gemma in agreement. She lowers her voice as if confiding a secret: “And I’m not even a Lord of the Rings fan.”

Tom is. “I first read the book when I was 10—25 years ago—and it’s my favorite,” he says. “I was concerned, to be honest, that they would Disney-fy my beloved Hobbiton. But I recognized this pub straight away. It’s gobsmacking the way the idyll of the Shire is epitomized here. Only New Zealand could take a major movie attraction and make it feel like a place you’re familiar with.”

The next morning, I drive us south on state highways that wind through the Piopio and Te Kuitiarea , which stood in for the thick upland woods called Trollshaw Forest in The Hobbit —the lair of trolls, as its name suggests, and the site of several pivotal movie scenes.

The scenery melts effortlessly from jagged rocks to gentle undulations, wire fences, and weathered limestone formations—that constant change to the geography that I love. The famed greenness of the North Island fills the car windows.

I think of my friend Grant Roa . He’s a writer, producer, and actor who has been involved with most New Zealand-based films in one capacity or another, and he has a soft spot for this part of the country. “The South Island has that epic scenery, but I like the contrasts of things on the North Island,” he had told me as I planned my trip. “I like it when you see green rolling hills and turn around and there’s a snow-capped mountain behind you. Or you’re on the beach and behind you is all this native bush.”

About 140 miles south of the hills of Hobbiton, Tongariro National Park embodies those extremes. Home of three active volcanoes—Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe—as well as the Whakapapa ski field , the park was used to represent Mordor, the Land of Shadow, a blasted and desolate stronghold of evil in Middle-earth.

Tongariro is also a World Heritage area , and one of my favorite places in New Zealand. After half a dozen visits, I’ve hiked the Tongariro Crossing , skied down Whakapapa’s slopes, and reveled in white-capped views in crackling-crisp air from what feels like the rooftop of the world.

Today, though, Lones and I are alone in Iwikau Village at the top of the ski field and closed in by mist. The temperature has dropped 26 degrees since Matamata and hovers around freezing, with a swirling wind that whips at us from every direction. Lones finds it strange: “Mordor should be hot and dry,” he says.

My interpretation of Mordor is simply a thoroughly unpleasant place—and deceptive, which Tongariro is being. Every other time I’ve been up here the sky has been clear as glass. I know its weather can change quickly—and violently— but this is the first time Tongariro has shown me its wild side.

Now I see more sharply the landscape’s tangled heap of black and red lava rubble, where small, almost iridescent white-green vegetation struggles to grow. Rocks claw at the sky. I can imagine being utterly lost here. In reality, though, we’re only a ten-minute drive from the Chateau Tongariro , the granddaddy of New Zealand hotels in the historic Whakapapa Village .

Built in the 1920s, the elegant neo-Georgian structure emanates opulent, old-world ambience, a time of dinner jackets and crystal glasses, right on the flank of an active volcano. While sipping a glass of red wine from Gisborne , a vineyard region 260 miles away on the east coast, I reflect on the fact that I’m spending time with two good friends—not only Lones but a place that seized my heart the first time I saw it.

“That’s the good thing about film locations,” Lones says. “When you’re missing places you love, you can always revisit them in the movies.” That, and visiting Tongariro with Rings in mind allowed me to see it with different eyes: Tongariro has an unpredictability that’s grand and profound.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

The beech trees jostle for position, crowding over the road that leads into the southern end of Tongariro from the alpine village of Ohakune . It’s hard to believe that this sleepy, winterwaiting ski hub sits just 45 minutes east of Pipiriki. There, at the edge of Whanganui National Park, lush forests set a moody scene for 2005’s River Queen about the battle between the native Maori population and European settlers in the 1860s.

A few minutes past Ohakune, most traces of the outside world recede in our rearview mirror. We’re headed toward the Turoa ski field , at the foot of Mount Ruapehu, 30 minutes south of the hotel, in search of Mangawhero Falls . I’ve skied Turoa several times, but I’ve never paid attention to either side of the road—I’m always focused on the slopes. Two miles before the ski field, on the right side, we spot the sign for the falls. Under a canopy of dripping beech trees, a peat-brown track, brightened with red mushrooms and bursts of white lichen, suddenly leads to a familiar scene.

Watching the little river navigate the rust-colored rocks in its path before plunging over the falls hits me the same way as hearing a favorite song. Here the duplicitous Gollum chased a fish in The Two Towers , the second film in The Lord of the Rings series. Stronger than déjà vu, my memory of this place is as clear as the water, although I’m seeing it for the first time. I wade into the stream, the water bitingly cold, making my feet ache.

I’ve driven this road a handful of times and never knew this was here. “And we would have missed it, except that it appeared in a movie,” Lones says. “Location scouts have already done all the work, hand-picking these stunning locations. It’s like a treasure map: All you have to do is follow it.”

We return to Wellington, the southernmost city of New Zealand’s North Island. This is where I first lived in New Zealand—home base for my early explorations—and it’s also the home of the cinematic geniuses who translated Tolkien onto the big screen. But I have one more stop to make.

I choose a path I haven’t taken before and find myself walking the eerie, pine-needle-carpeted trails of Wellington’s Mount Victoria . Climbing the slope, I’m suddenly pulled up short with a jolt of recognition. In front of me are the twisted tree roots where four small hobbits once hid from evil, cloaked Nazgul wraiths, after finding a shortcut to mushrooms in The Fellowship of the Ring.

I know this feeling now, like seeing a familiar face in a crowd, the thrill of spotting a long-lost friend.

This article first appeared in the June/July 2015 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.

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I've never seen 'The Lord of the Rings' but went to the New Zealand set where it was filmed. It's one of the most magical places I've ever been.

• I visited the New Zealand set where scenes from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" filmed.
• I hadn't seen the movies and wondered if I was wasting my time by visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set.
• Even without seeing LOTR, I thought it was a New Zealand attraction that's not to be missed. 

Hours after my red-eye flight landed in Auckland, New Zealand, I was in a van heading to the Hobbiton Movie Set, where scenes from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "The Hobbit" were filmed.

Source: Hobbiton Movie Set

Hobbiton is a fictional place in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" books. It's part of what the book calls The Shire, located in a fantasy world named Middle-earth.

Hobbiton is home to some of the series' most famous hobbits like Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, and the Hobbiton Movie Set is where many scenes were filmed. Today, it's one of New Zealand's most famous tourist attractions, according to Culture Trip.

Source: Culture Trip

For many, "The Lord of the Rings" is a main motivator to visit New Zealand. In 2019, for example, Matador Network reported that tourism around the movies, known as "Tolkien Tourism," contributed $428 million USD to the county's economy.

Source: Matador Network

As a tourist in New Zealand, I felt like an outlier. I'm not the biggest fantasy fan, and I've never seen the movies or picked up the books.

But since it seemed like a quintessential part of visiting New Zealand, I signed up for a tour of Hobbiton.

I booked a tour through the third-party company FlexiToursNZ for $175 USD, which included transportation and an official tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Source:  FlexiToursNZ

On my first day in the country, a driver arrived at my hotel in downtown Auckland to transport me and a group of six others to the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Source: FlexiToursNZ

On the two-hour drive from Auckland to New Zealand's Matamata region, where the Hobbiton Movie Set is located, I felt a flurry of emotions.

I was thrilled to be in a beautiful country with 10 days of adventuring ahead. I was exhausted from the 13-hour flight. And I wondered if I was wasting my day by exploring an attraction created around something I knew so little about.

Read more: I took a 13-hour flight to New Zealand from LA. Here are 8 mistakes I made and what I'll do differently on my flight home.

As the van barreled down narrow roads, I was thankful that at the bare minimum, I'd at least enjoy a stunning drive. As the city's skyscrapers filled the rearview mirror, ahead were vibrant rolling hills dotted with sheep.

Finally, I arrived at the Hobbiton Movie Set. I spotted a café, a souvenir shop selling hobbit trinkets, and bathrooms. What I didn't see was Hobbiton.

From listening to friends rave about the movies, I knew Hobbiton was known for its round, colorful doors and homes built into a hillside. I saw none of that as I looked around.

My driver explained that this was where the tour departed — not where Hobbiton was located. I'd join a larger group on a bus where I'd meet my official tour guide and head to Hobbiton, the driver said.

I did just that and embarked on a five-minute drive to Hobbiton. On the short ride, the tour guide assured us that we'd have a fun time regardless of if we've seen "The Lord of the Rings."

Once off the bus, I again searched for the colorful hobbit holes. The only thing I noticed was a sign confirming I was in the right place.

Our group of about 20 people walked along a muddy, narrow path. As I turned a corner, Hobbiton finally came into view.

The reveal felt magical. Built into a hillside were bright, circular doors and hobbit homes. Smoke billowed from tiny chimneys and a vegetable garden sat at the bottom of the hill.

As the tour zig-zagged up the hill, I stopped at tiny hobbit holes with little mailboxes and miniature-sized fences. Our guide explained that this was the location used in both "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit."

According to my guide, the movie's director Peter Jackson first spotted the land on an aerial search for filming locations for "The Lord of the Rings."

When Jackson saw the rolling hills with mountain views, massive oaks, and ponds, our tour guide said the director immediately knew that this was the closest thing to Middle-earth.

According to my guide, when movie scouts approached the farm's owner, Ian Alexander, he had never heard of "The Lord of the Rings." Ultimately, he agreed to the construction of Hobbiton on his 1,250-acre sheep farm.

The same location was used for filming both "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies. However, the movie set for "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy was disassembled after filming, my tour guide said.

When directors approached the Alexander family again to film "The Hobbit," the family insisted that the directors build a permanent set and transform their farm into a tourist attraction.

The filmmakers agreed, and today, there are 44 permanent hobbit holes on 14 acres of farmland co-owned by the movie makers and the Alexander family, the guide said.

As I looked around, I didn't feel like I was on a movie set. Instead, it felt like I had stepped into a real-life fantasy.

I towered over the circular doors and peered into the little homes.

Each one was unique. One hobbit hole was staged to look like a baker's home with a stand of fake bread outside. Another had a picnic table lined with child-size replicas of cheese, vegetables, and cakes.

According to my guide, the property's biggest undertaking was a giant oak above Bag End, which is where the hobbit characters Bilbo and Frodo Baggins live.

The massive oak was real when they filmed "The Lord of the Rings." But since "The Hobbit" takes place 60 years earlier, they cut it down and replaced it with a younger replica of the same tree, my tour guide said.

That replica, the tour guide said, has 200 branches and thousands of hand-painted leaves imported from Taiwan. "On a windy day, the tree sways just like the natural trees," my guide said.

From a distance, it was impossible to spot which tree was fake. As I approached the replica, I was amazed by how real it looked.

As the two-hour tour continued, plenty of details and references went over my head due to my lack of movie knowledge.

Luckily, the stories about the lengths the filmmakers went to create movies that were similar to the books they're based on kept me fascinated throughout the entire tour.

For example, the farm had more than 10,000 sheep when filming started. But because Jackson didn't think the look of the breed matched the book, he imported thousands of Suffolk sheep to the set instead.

And even after all that effort, there isn't a single sheep spotted in the movie, the tour guide said..

After walking past the 44 hobbit holes, the group headed to the Party Tree and Party Field, which I learned was where Bilbo's farewell party scene took place.

It was once a swamp, our tour guide said, but was transformed into an open field and decorated with lanterns.

From the field, we crossed over a bridge to the Green Dragon Inn, which was the meeting place for Hobbiton residents in the movies.

Here, our tour guide switched roles and became a bartender. He poured us ales and ciders, which were included in the price of the tour, to help us feel like we reenacting the movies.

I grabbed a glass of ginger beer and walked around the interior and exterior of the inn, which our guide said was a replica of what was featured in the films.

The intricate details I saw throughout the inn and across the entire property impressed me. It seemed like the directors went to impressive lengths to recreate every detail from the books.

Once my ceramic mug was drained, the tour was over. As my group headed back to the bus, another group was starting their tour, and I spotted a few tourists dressed up as movie characters.

Two hours in the whimsical world flew by, even with my limited knowledge. As I spoke with the fans around me, they said they were even more mystified and amazed by Hobbiton than I was.

On the drive back to Auckland, I scrolled through the hundreds of photos I snapped, and realized I was already missing the magical place with its stunning scenery and impressive details.

Ultimately, the Hobbiton Movie Set tour felt like an ideal way to kick off my trip to New Zealand. And it gave me an even better reason to finally watch the iconic films.

• Main content

Ultimate Lord of the Rings Road Trip

Published by bry on october 20, 2021 october 20, 2021.

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies were both filmed throughout New Zealand, making use of the country’s naturally fantastical landscapes.

While traveling and temporarily living in New Zealand, I was lucky enough to visit almost every Lord of the Rings filming location. Here I’ve put together the most efficient Lord of the Rings road trip that hits many of the most recognizable, quintessential filming locations.

North Island Road Trip

This portion of the road trip begins in Auckland where most international flights come in. It ends in Wellington where there is also a major airport or a ferry to the South Island where the road trip could be continued.

1. Weathertop in Port Waikato

About 1 hr. 10 mins. from Auckland. Weathertop (Amon Sûl) is the hill where the Hobbits are attacked by Ringwraiths in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring . Though the ruins were computer generated, the hill itself is very recognizable. The filming location is on private farmland but can be seen from Waikaretu Road just South of Port Waikato.

2. Hobbiton in Matamata

About 2 hrs. from Port Waikato Hobbiton was originally built in 1999 for The Lord of the Rings trilogy and mostly demolished after filming. Thankfully it was rebuilt for The Hobbit trilogy and has remained as a tourist attraction ever since. Walking into the Hobbiton Movie Set is like walking into the actual Hobbiton and is a must-do for fans and non-fans alike. Read more about Hobbiton …

Recommended non-LOTR Stop: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing

3. Mordor on Mt. Ruapehu

About 2.5 hrs. from Matamata The area around the Whakapapa Ski Resort on Mount Ruapehu and a rock formation named Mead’s Wall served as Mordor in quite a few scenes in all three Lord of the Rings movies. These scenes include the War of the Last Alliance in the prologue, Frodo and Sam seeing Mordor in the distance for the first time, Gollum attacking Sam and Frodo, and more. From Whakapapa you can also get an amazing view of Mount Ngauruhoe, the volcano that played the part of Mount Doom .

4. Gollum’s Pool on Mt. Ruapehu

Directly on the way to/from Whakapapa Tawhai Falls on Mount Ruapehu is also referred to as “Gollum’s Pool” for the role it played as The Forbidden Pool in Ithilien in The Two Towers . Here you can get a view of the falls from Gollum’s perspective as well as from Frodo and Faramir’s view from above.

Recommended non-LOTR Stop: Palmerston North

5. Rivendell in Kaitoke Regional Park

About 4.5 hrs. from Tawhai Falls Kaitoke Regional Park is the only Lord of the Rings filming location that still has references to its role in the movies (the road signs even say Rivendell!). There are signs and maps all over the park pointing out where buildings like Frodo’s bedroom were constructed and which trees can be seen in the movies. There’s even a reconstruction of an Elven archway dedicated to all Lord of the Rings fans.

7. Valley of Harrowdale at the Putangirua Pinnacles

About 2.5 hrs. out of the way (including there and back to Kaitoke) These awe-inspiring pinnacles served as the Valley of Harrowdale where the Paths of the Dead are located in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King . There are multiple trails that allow visitors to hike into the valley or up to a lookout above the formations. These formations truly make you feel as though you are in an entirely different world. Though it is quite off the beaten track and somewhat far from the rest of these filming locations, it is absolutely worth the journey out to see it.

6. Anduin River in Upper Hut

About 25 mins. from Kaitoke Regional Park The Hutt River throughout Upper Hutt was used to portray the Anduin River in The Fellowship of the Ring when the Fellowship paddles along the Anduin in Elven canoes. You can get a great view of the Hutt River and the surrounding scenery and skip some pebbles in Poet’s Park.

8. The Shire in Wellington

About 40 mins. from Upper Hut Mount Victoria in Wellington is home to several locations where the Hobbits were filmed leaving the Shire and escaping the Ringwraiths. It is easy to get to from anywhere in Wellington and is a great place to recreate some scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring . Mount Victoria and its popular Hobbit’s Hideaway trail will make you feel as though you’re traversing the woods surrounding the Shire. Read more about Hobbit’s Hideaway…

9. The Weta Cave in Wellington

About 10 mins. from Hobbit’s Hideaway Although much of the filming was actually done at a studio a couple minutes down the street, Weta Workshop created the majority of the props, scenery, costumes, and special effects for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. The Weta Cave tour has an extensive display of props from many of Peter Jackson’s movies (including LotR and The Hobbit ) and other movies the workshop has worked on. Even the gift shop is a true marvel, with tons of elaborate, handcrafted miniatures available for purchase. Book your own tour of the Weta Cave here . (Not sponsored, I just love this tour.)

South Island Road Trip

The South Island portion of this road trip could be a stand-alone trip or continued from the North Island portion by ferry. The South Island trip begins in the North in Picton, where the interisland ferry docks, and ends in Queenstown, a major city with an international airport. This trip includes the most enjoyable filming locations and passes through some amazing South Island scenery.

1. Dimrill Dale via Nelson Helicopter Tours OR Mount Owen Hike

About 2 or 2.5 hrs. from Picton Ferry, respectively Perhaps the most insanely difficult filming location to get to, Mount Owen played the part of Dimrill Dale in the Fellowship of the Ring when the fellowship exits Moria and mourns the death of Gandalf. There are two ways to access this location but neither is easy: by helicopter tour from Nelson or via a 9 hour advanced hike . I’ve never had the opportunity to do either, but both seem amazing depending on your budget and hiking capabilities.

Recommended non-LOTR Stop: Arthur’s Pass

2. Edoras on Mt. Sunday

About 7.5 hrs from Mount Owen/Nelson Mount Sunday played the role of the city of Edoras in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. The hill where Edoras was built is easily accessible via a short hike and without a tour. None of the set remains, but you can clearly see where The Golden Hall once was and can easily spot scenery from the movies. The surrounding mountains make for an unbeatable view. Read more about visiting Edoras…

Though this is quite the drive, there are many amazing places to stop in-between, including Nelson Lakes National Park, Christchurch, and Arthur’s Pass.

3. Lake-town/Lonely Mountain on Lake Pukaki

About 3.5 hrs. from Mount Sunday Though technically a filming location for The Hobbit , not Lord of the Rings , anyone visiting New Zealand’s South Island should stop to take in the view of Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook. In The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug , the beautifully blue Lake Pukaki played the Long Lake where Lake-Town was computer generated. Mount Cook, the tallest peak in New Zealand, appropriately played the part of The Lonely Mountain. You can get a great view of both Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook from the Lake Pukaki lookout, but I highly recommend doing the Hooker Valley hike to get some really amazing views of Mount Cook and its glaciers.

4. Pelennor Fields in Twizel

About 15 mins. from Lake Pukaki lookout Pelennor Fields is the location outside of Minas Tirith where the largest battle of the War of the Ring took place. Most of the area where this was filmed is on private farmland, so the only way to visit is with a tour, which I would highly recommend for any dedicated LotR fans. The tour guide is extremely knowledgeable about the filming of the movies and how the town was involved. The tour includes comparison photos, reenactments of the Rohirrim’s charge, and other reenactments you can participate in, with costumes and props included. Edit: As of July 2023, it appears this tour of Pelennor Fields is no longer available. A tour of this location is still available as part of some multi-day Lord of the Rings tours. Please let me know if you know of a Pelennor Fields only tour that I can link to!

Recommended non-LOTR Stop: Wanaka

5. Ford of Bruinen in Arrowtown

About 2 hrs. 15 mins. from Twizel In The Fellowship of the Ring , Arwen (or Glorfindel in the book) carries an injured Frodo over the Bruinen River in an attempt to escape the Ringwraiths. The Arrow River just North of the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown was used to film the majority of this scene. Though the exact location can be difficult to identify depending on the time of year, it is easy to imagine the Ringwraiths getting washed away as Arwen and Frodo flee.

6. Dimrill Dale in The Remarkables

About 40 mins. from Arrowtown to car park The Lake Alta area in The Remarkables mountain range also plays the part of Dimrill Dale in The Fellowship of the Ring when the Fellowship exits Moria. Aragorn stands in front of the lake as shown above, looking out towards Lothlorien. The Lake Alta track begins at The Remarkables skifield and is about 2 miles (~3.2 km) out and back. This hike is a bit steep but not difficult, and gives amazing views of the Remarkables range and the Queenstown area below. The drive up to the car park can be hazardous, so I recommend only doing this hike in good weather.

7. Ithilien in Mount Creighton

About 45 mins. from The Remarkables On the Bob’s Cove Track in Mount Creighton is the lookout where Frodo and Sam see the men of Harad and the Oliphaunts in The Two Towers . The entire Mount Creighton area is gorgeous and you can get great views of Lake Wakatipu.

8. Isengard in Glenorchy

About 45 mins. from Ithilien Lookout In my opinion, the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. It’s no surprise that it was chosen as the beautiful backdrop for Isengard. Though Isengard was computer generated, the mountains are easily recognizable. The “Isengard Lookout” is marked on google maps, but I recommend going over the bridge to the corner of Routeburn road for an even better view.

Would you rather road trip the North Island, South Island, or both? Think I missed something? Let me know in the comments below!

Pin to read later!

Avery WePrint Australia · January 8, 2022 at 7:44 am

Great content! Keep up the good work!

Hold Porn · January 25, 2022 at 12:42 am

First time here, haha

Jose · January 28, 2023 at 12:36 pm

Nice job on this

Bry · January 28, 2023 at 12:41 pm

Thank you very much!

Leave a reply Cancel reply

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The Guide to The Lord of the Rings in Wellington

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the wellington filming locations for the lord of the rings..

In the city often described as “Wellywood”, Wellington is not only the political capital of New Zealand but the movie-making capital. So it comes to no surprise that Wellington was a central hub for the making of The Lord of the Rings. Although The Lord of the Rings and were filmed all over New Zealand , you’ll find many locations right here at these Lord of the Rings in Wellington locations. Just follow this guide to find them all!

From the outskirts of The Shire to the final battlefields of Minas Tirith, you can find Lord of the Rings locations spanning across every movie of the trilogy here in Wellington. Some locations you can find by walking from the city centre, taking the bus, hopping on a train, or going with a knowledgeable tour guide . Alternatively, you’ll be able to get to the locations by car.

So transport yourself to Middle-earth and head to these Lord of the Rings locations in Wellington!

5 Facts About The Lord of the Rings in Wellington

• The Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, grew up in Pukerua Bay, 30 minutes from Wellington city centre
• You can find huge sculptures of Gollum catching fish in Wellington Airport made by the Weta Studios
• Weta Studios sculptures can be found all over Wellington, including the spider-like robot on Courtenay Street
• The location for the town of Bree was made and filmed in an army base in Seatoun, however, access to the public is prohibited
• None of the original sets of The Lord of the Rings was left in the filming locations.

Mt Victoria

An easy-to-reach Lord of the Rings filming location in Wellington Central, Mt Victoria was used in The Fellowship of the Ring when the Hobbits hid from the ringwraiths just outside of The Shire.

As you hike your way up the forested hill, you’ll instantly recognise the environment like you have been transported to the scene when Frodo shouts: “Get off the road!” Specifically, this is on the first right turn on the walking track with the Lord of the Rings signpost. Further down the track on your left is a steep bank where the Hobbits discovered some mushrooms.

On the right are two trees on an overhanging ledge, where they hid from the ringwraiths. (To find the exact three trees featured is hard to find yourself without a local literally pointing them out to you). As for the tree roots that the Hobbits hid behind, these were props added to the set. With some locals’ know-how, you also might be able to find the tree where Frodo sat smoking a pipe.

Location: Wellington town belt. Take Alexandra Road and look for a parking area halfway up. A track on the left goes down into the forest. Find walking directions in Wellington – Guide for Backpackers.

Weta Cave and Workshop

Where all the magic happened, or at least, where they put the magic in The Lord of the Rings. The Weta Workshop is part of the studios where the props, costume and special effects were made for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

The Weta Cave is a free mini-museum and shop where you can buy and gaze upon the Middle-earth memorabilia made from the makers of The Lord of the Rings! There is also a short video to watch about the work they do in the Weta Workshop.

At the cave, you can sign up to do a tour of the Weta Workshop to hear some behind-the-scenes stories from The Lord of the Rings and watch props and costumes being made for new movies! Book your Weta Workshop tour on Viator or Tripadvisor .

Location : The Weta Cave and Workshop is in Miramar. From Wellington Central, take bus 2 to Miramar and simply ask the driver to tell you when to get off at the Weta Cave. Don’t worry, this happens often. Otherwise, it is located on the corner of Weka Street and Camperdown Road, for those driving.

Putangirua Pinnacles

Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fan or not (which you are because you are reading this guide), the Putangirua Pinnacles are a must-see! These impressive weathered pillars of rock were used in the scenes for Dimholt Road where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli search for the Army of the Undead in The Return of the King.

Read Wairarapa – Guide for Backpackers for more information on the walking tracks you can take to see the Putangirua Pinnacles.

Location : From Martinborough, take State Highway 53 and turn left onto Kahutara Road and follow it all the way to the T-junction at the end. Turn right onto Lake Ferry Road, then left onto Cape Palliser Road and follow the signs from there.

The Hutt River was used to show part of the River Anduin, where The Fellowship of the Ring travelled in boats after leaving Lothlorien. The boats were launched from Poet’s Park. The other location for the River Anduin is in Queenstown in the South Island, (see 23 Lord of the Rings Locations You Can’t Miss in New Zealand ).

You can bike or walk along this section of river between the Moonshine Bridge and Poet’s Park in Upper Hutt.

Location: Upper Hutt. Drive north on State Highway 2 from Lower Hutt, past the Haywards Hill turnoff, and head north until you reach a small bridge with a sharp right turn. Poets Park is on the left.

Harcourt Park

“They’re taking the Hobbits to Isengard!” Ok, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Before it all kicked off in Isengard, Gandalf first goes to visit Saruman in Isengard in The Fellowship of the Ring to share his suspicions about the One Ring. They take a stroll in the gardens of Isengard, which was filmed in Harcourt Park, Upper Hutt. Grab a large stick in the park to use as a staff and walk like a wizard.

Location: Harcourt Park. Head north of Upper Hutt on State Highway 2 and turn left at Brown Owl into Akatarawa Road. Harcourt Park is on the left.

Kaitoke Regional Park

This is one of the few Lord of the Rings locations in New Zealand with information boards to help you find the filming locations yourself. Even then, you need to use a lot of imagination, as many of the plants in the area were taken to a greenhouse during the filming, then replanted afterwards.

You’ll notice the huge elven arch, giving you those Rivendell vibes. However, don’t get too excited because the arch was a recent installation, rather than something that was actually used on set. On the plus side, it does indicate the gateway to the filming location where the Fellowship of the Ring leaves Rivendell.

Location: Kaitoke Regional Park is a 15-minute drive north of Upper Hutt on State Highway 2.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park on the Kapiti Coast was partly used to depict Pelennor Fields in The Return of the King. This was the final battle scene in the fields surrounding Minas Tirith.

Find the other location for the Pelennor Fields in Twizel on the South Island .

Location: Head north from Wellington along State Highway 1 to McKays Crossing. At the crossing take a left towards the coast and follow the road a short distance into Queen Elizabeth Park.

Dry Creek Quarry

Not the sexiest of The Lord of the Rings locations, but Dry Creek Quarry is worth checking out for any die-hard Rings fan. Dry Creek Quarry was the set of Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith in The Two Towers.

The quarry was transformed by the sets built for filming to depict the fortifications used in the last battle scene of The Two Towers.

Location : Dry Creek Quarry, Haywards Hill Road. Haywards Hill is a 10-minute drive from Upper Hutt or Lower Hutt. Take State Highway 2 north from Lower Hutt, or south from Upper Hutt to the entrance of State Highway 58. You can also take the train to Manor Park station.

More Middle-earth Madness!

Read these articles to find more Lord of the Rings locations in New Zealand.

• 23 Lord of the Rings Locations You Cant Miss in New Zealand
• The Famous Lord of the Rings Filming Locations in Ruapehu
• 10 “The Hobbit” Filming Locations You Cant Miss!

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
• Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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7 Best Hikes in New Zealand for Lord of The Rings Fans — Where to find The Loneliest Mountain, Mount Doom, Chetwood Forest and More

Recreate your favourite LOTR scenes on these stunning hikes in New Zealand!

If you’re reading this article, you’d probably already know that the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) trilogy was filmed entirely in New Zealand . 

And upon hearing news about the new Amazon series The Rings of Power , we couldn’t help but reminisce classic scenes from the franchise. But instead of simply fantasising over Middle-earth, why not dive straight into the movie set to experience some LOTR magic for yourself?

From The Lonely Mountain and Mount Doom to Chetwood Forest , we’ve collated a list of seven hikes across iconic LOTR filming locations in New Zealand you can add to your next New Zealand itinerary.

Read also: 12D New Zealand South Island Itinerary Under S$2.8k

1) Hooker Valley Track, Mount Cook

Photo credit: Miles Holden

The tallest mountain in New Zealand, Mount Cook is simply stunning. It’s pure alpine scenery at its finest — surrounded by many other skyscraper mountains and pristine glaciers. There’s no wonder it was director Peter Jackson’s top pick to represent The Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit Trilogy .

The Hooker Valley track is a popular hike to catch the mountain in its full glory. Snow-studded all year round, cross the Hooker Valley and hike along the Hooker River, before ending at a crystal-blue glacier lake. Along this exciting hike, you’ll also cross suspension bridges and catch floating icebergs along the way!

It may sound tough, but the Hooker Valley track is a relatively easy hike with not a lot of elevation gains. Suitable for hikers of all ages, it’s well-maintained and easy to follow.

*Note: Weather conditions can change quickly — prepare for strong winds, sudden rainfall, drops in temperature etc.

Distance: 10km (round-trip) Duration: 3-4 hours (round-trip) Nearest town: Aoraki/ Mount Cook Starting point: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park 227 Hooker Valley Road, Canterbury 7999, New Zealand (a short walk to the starting point)

2) Anawhata Beach, Auckland

Photo credit: Torpedo7.co.nz

This film site comes up in the latest series The Rings of Power, where Lady Galadriel rides across Anawhata Beach . According to executive producer Callum Greene, this spot is so spectacular that the crew left it “very untouched” .

This gorgeous beach is pretty much a hidden gem. Only accessible by foot, this makes the beach quieter and much more exclusive. Apart from the amazing views you get of the Hauraki Gulf, enjoy a relaxing swim or play a game of frisbee!

Distance: ~2km (one-way from the carpark to the beach) Duration: 20min Nearest town: Auckland Starting point: 103/75 Anawhata Road, Anawhata 0772, New Zealand (carpark)

3) Putangirua Pinnacles Track, Wairarapa

Photo credit: bennyjain

Find these towering pinnacles somewhat familiar? Just an hour’s drive south of Martinborough , the Putangirua Pinnacles formed the set of Dimholt Road — the path Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli took in search of the entrance to the Paths of the Dead.

The pinnacles were formed due to years of erosion by rain and flood, and are one of New Zealand’s most beautiful badlands (a dry terrain involving erosion of softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils).

Photo credit: not_your_type1cal_adventurer via Instagram

It’s a rather manageable walking trail, but you’re going to need good hiking boots as the gravel is soft and damp. While the movie was filmed near the valley, avid hikers can attempt the steeper climb to the Pinnacles lookout or go further for amazing views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke .

*Pro-tip: Avoid hiking during rainy weather as you’ll be crossing streams along the way, making floods a potential danger.

Distance: 3km (round-trip) Duration: 2-3 hours (to the Pinnacles lookout) Nearest town: Wellington Starting point: Pinnacles Track, Cape Palliser 5772, New Zealand

4) Lake Gunn Nature Walk, Fiordland National Park

Photo credit: NZ Department of Conservation

LOTR fans may find shots of Fiordland National Park strikingly familiar, and this is because it’s used time and time again throughout the series. A short and easy hike to take in these scenic landscapes are via the Lake Gunn Nature Walk .

Witness some of the franchise’s most famous mountainous landscapes and enjoy glimpses of birdlife amidst panoramic views at Eglinton Valley. While it’s unlikely you’ll see dwarves or elves here, you might spot New Zealand’s resident alpine parrots — the cheeky Kea!

Located along Milford Road (it’s seriously one of the most beautiful highways we’ve been on), Lake Gunn Nature Walk makes for a great stroll amidst fresh morning dew. Wander along the red beech forest and make stops at several stony lake beaches along the way.

Distance: 1.4km (loop) Duration: 45min Nearest town: Te Anau Starting point: Lake Gunn Nature Walk, Southland 9679, New Zealand

5) Tongariro Crossing, Ruapehu

Photo credit: Camilla Ruther-ford

LOTR fans may recall Boromir’s iconic warning — “One does not simply walk into Mordor.” Well, here’s how you can.

To visit Mordor, one must first cross the Tongariro Crossing , named one of the 10 New Zealand Great Hikes for good reason. Catch Mount Doom (Mt Ngauruhoe) for yourself, the famed ancient volcano home to Mordor and Dark Lord Sauron. Here’s a sneak peek of the volcano’s eruption in Rings of Power:

Credits: For Frodo

As you tackle the fearful Devil’s Staircase to Mordor, don’t forget to stop by the beautiful emerald crater lakes scattered across the rugged terrain.

Photo credit: Graeme Murray

To traverse the gorgeous sweeping landscapes, you’ll require a basic level of fitness. Extreme weather and alpine terrains make it a tougher hike, but experienced hikers can opt for an additional 3hr climb to summit the majestic Mount Doom.

Distance: 19.4km Duration: 8hrs Nearest town: Tongariro Starting point: Tongariro National Park, Manawatu-Wanganui 4691, New Zealand

6) Takaka Hill Walkway, Takaka Hill

Photo credit: Ghislane Mary

Step into the (tiny) shoes of hobbits as they flee from nazguls in Bree and into Chetwood Forest, filmed along these ancient marble outcrops at the Takaka Hill Walkway . Unlike the desolate plains portrayed in Fellowship of the Ring, Takaka Hill is much more scenic in real life.

Apart from these unique rock formations, the hike takes you through fascinating karst landscapes, scrubs, and beech forests, before revealing fantastic views of Kahurangi National Park and Takaka Valley.

Distance: 3km (half loop), 5.1km (full loop) Duration: 1-2 hrs (half loop), 2-3 hrs (full loop) Nearest town: Takaka Starting point: 1147 Takaka Hill Highway, Takaka Hill 7198, New Zealand

7) Milford Sound Lookout Track, Milford Sound

The captivating beauty of Milford Sound is well-known to most — mountainous peaks, misty fiord cliffs, and gentle cascading waterfalls complete its ethereal scenery. The remote landscapes naturally caught the attention of director Peter Jackson as well, with the scenic Fiordland making countless features throughout the series.

While the cruises offer amazing tours around the Fiordland, the Milford Sound Lookout Track should not be overlooked as well. As you stroll alongside the fiord, opt for a short detour to the famous Milford Sound Swing for a romantic shot with this iconic New Zealand backdrop.

Distance: 400m Duration: 20min Nearest town: Milford Sound Starting Point: 147/157 Milford Sound Highway, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand (carpark)

Hike across your favourite LOTR filmsites in New Zealand

Hikes are a great way to take in the best sights and sounds of New Zealand. And the fact that one of the biggest blockbuster franchises was shot on-site makes them all the more worth visiting!

For those planning your own New Zealand itinerary, here’s what you can do at the South Island — from hikes, wildlife sightings to extreme sports! And if you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to get your blood rushing, there’s a ton of extreme thrills available in Queenstown , the adventure capital of the world.

Based on our 12D trip to the South Island , we’ve also compiled a list of FAQs to help you out in your own planning! Now, if you’d excuse us we’ll be busy binging on The Rings of Power …

Featured image credit: Miles Holden

Which of these LOTR hikes in New Zealand are you most excited for? Share them in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by New Zealand Tourism Board.

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The Lord of the Rings Fan's Guide to Visiting New Zealand

This post covers just some of our favourite New Zealand spots that were immortalised in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. A country this big, a trilogy this rich, there are plenty more places to see and they are all pretty breathtaking.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan, or someone looking to structure a sightseeing holiday, follow in the footsteps of a team of native, knowledgeable Kiwi film producers and take a Middle-Earth tour of New Zealand .

When a country has landscape as gorgeous and as varied as New Zealand, of course it’s going to catch people’s eye. It’s no wonder it has stolen the show as the shooting location for several movies.

In particular, director Peter Jackson didn’t just choose to set his fantasy film adaptation of Lord of the Rings in New Zealand because it’s he was born there (though he is a kiwi!)

He chose it because he saw, in New Zealand’s breathtakingly stunning scenery, the only possible place to match with Tolkien’s epic, beautiful and terrible vision for Middle Earth. From the snow-tipped spines of its mountain ranges to its vibrant woodland and sweeping rivers: New Zealand is every bit as fantastic, every bit as epic as Middle Earth.

(In fact, it was such a perfect match that from all three films, only a single scene was shot outside of New Zealand, and that was simply because they couldn’t find a waterfall high enough!)

This post is our guide to some the most memorable locations featured in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. We’ll cover where they are in New Zealand, where they are in Middle Earth and what you can expect if you decide to stop by for a visit.

For fans, this may just be putting scenes to names but even if Elves, hobbits and Gollum’s aren’t really your thing, read on. The locations we’ve picked are beautiful in their own right, and well worth seeing even for LOTR newbies!

Lord of the Rings Filming Locations in New Zealand

Matamata: the shire and hobbiton.

Director, producer and hobbit-enthusiast, Peter Jackson knew exactly what he wanted when he sought the location for The Shire, home of the hobbits. ‘Warm, comfortable and […] lived in’ was his vision and he found it in the rolling hills of Matamata, in Waikato on the North Island.

This iconic set was so loved, that after filming for the Hobbit wrapped, the set was left standing. This unique place should be the first stop for any LOTR fan seeking a slice of Middle Earth.

It isn’t the cheapest trip on our list. It’s about $84 for a standard two-hour tour, but it is an absolutely essential visit. 44 hobbit holes stud the hills, along with their carefully tended gardens: you will basically be walking through Tolkien’s beloved town made real.

Plus, if that isn’t enough, you will even get to try the only drink for the brave and true: a flagon of Southfarthing Finest (™) from local hostelry The Green Dragon.

Kaitoke Regional Park, Upper Hutt: Rivendell

Find the magical, healing Elven land of Rivendell out in Kaitoke Regional Park, 50 mins outside Wellington. A haven of tranquil streams, tall trees and dappled sunlight, it’s easy to picture Elrond and his kin choosing this lush forest for a home.

As well as it’s natural beauty, Kaitoke is worth a visit as it’s so proud of it’s Elven heritage. The walk to the Rivendell filming location is signposted from the car park, and scattered along the trail is loads of information linked to the films. A must-take photo opportunity also awaits, in the form of a specially placed Elven gateway.

Southern Alp, Queenstown: Misty Mountains

The Misty Mountains can be spotted in every LOTR film, though they are perhaps most firmly featured in the first one: Fellowship of the Ring.

In the movie, they are the mountains that prove impassable thanks to a combination of swirling snow and shivering hobbits. In real life, they are a majestic mountain range that can be spotted on the horizon throughout the Queenstown area.

Snowcapped, sky scraping, it’s hard not to flash back to the film any time you see them, conquering the horizon. But, if you really want to recreate the sweeping panoramas the filmmakers caught, then local helicopter tours will give you a birds eye view of the path the Fellowship forged.

7 Mile Scenic Reserve, Queenstown: Amon Hen

Those of a sensitive disposition might choose to avoid 7 Mile Scenic Reserve, outside Queenstown on the North Island.

One of the trilogy’s most tragic scenes was filmed here, at the location for Amon Hen.  The untimely death of Boromir, the disbanding of the fellowship and the kidnapping of two hobbit, it’s an eventful woodland whose beauty is rich with emotional memories.

So if you’re looking for places to explore around Queensland, but your heart can’t face something this emotive, try Te Anau or Milford Sound. Loads of locations can be found around here, including Fanghorn Forest, the Dead Marshes,  and the Great River Anduin.

Mount Sunday, Canterbury: Edoras

Rohan, home of men, is possibly one of the most instantly recognisable locations you can find in the ‘wild’.

The windswept plain, tufted with long grass,  and the sheer-sided hill will immediately conjure the image of the castle at Edoras dominating the view,  although sadly none of the set remains.

It’s fun fan-walk though, with a lot of the signage making nods to Middle Earth. It’s popular with tours, and has become a lot more accessible over the years. It’s a place worth exploring on foot, being generally flat with well-worn trails.

Tongariro National Park: Mordor, Mt Doom

Turns out, if one wishes, one can simply walk into Mordor. Just lace-up your hiking boots and trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on the North Island.

Is it’s easy to see how this spot was chosen to be the volcanic wasteland of Sauron’s Kingdom but even in this desolation is stunning beauty.

Fittingly though, Mount Ngauruhoe (known in Middle Earth as Mount Doom) is actually a pretty difficult climb. The loose rocks and ash make it a tough surface to walk on, and the summit is over 7500ft high.

Still, any LOTR fan’s will feel a rush of joy when they stare down in to the centre of Mount Doom, see the ashy remains at its heart and imagine molten lava swallowing the One Ring.

Bonus Visit: Wellington and the Weta Workshop

Technically, this location wasn’t featured in the film, but the Weta Workshop is your second must-see after Hobbiton.

Home of the company responsible for all the props, sets and miniatures on the film, the Workshop offers a variety of tours showcasing their work.

There’s a mini-museum, housing some of their best creations, plus the opportunity to buy some brilliant replicas. There’s also a special half-hour documentary that you can view, about the work WETA have done across multiple Oscar-nominated films.

The Weta Workshop is in Wellington at the very tip of the North Island. Entrance prices vary depending on what you want to see or do there. Full on fans can splash $45 for a feature-packed combo tour but those strapped for cash can still visit the Weta Cave absolutely free of charge.

Best Lord of the Rings Tours

With so much to see, spread all across the country, it will probably be tempting to join a raft of guided tours to make sure you catch every single movie mention.

Or, maybe you’re drawn to the idea of entirely setting your own itinerary. This way, you will be able to prioritise all your favourite locations and won’t end up wasting time on a spot you don’t remember.

Both options have their advantages, which is why we would honestly recommend mixing up a combination of them.

Some of the more remote, rural spots like Edoras and Amon Hen are definitely best enjoyed on foot at your own pace. These spots are about more than fond film memories, and worth an explore in their own rights.

There is just so much to see though. Tackling it alone would be an epic quest in itself.  Talk to us here at Silver Fern and we can help you put together a personalised itinerary , combining guided and self-guided excursions to help you all the sights you want to see.

Alternatively, for those who truly know their stuff and wish to put together a completely independent itinerary, we recommend Ian Brodie’s Extended Edition Guidebook to help you research your perfect trip.

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10 Places In New Zealand Made Famous By Movies

• The Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand is a major tourist attraction and the filming location for the Hobbit Shire in Lord of the Rings.
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers stunning volcanic landscapes and was used as the filming location for Mordor in Lord of the Rings.
• Milford Sound is a popular destination in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park and was featured in the movie Alien: Covenant as an alien world.

New Zealand is a stunning country famous for its breathtaking landscapes. Some places have been made famous by movies filmed in New Zealand - including The Lord of the Rings, 10,000 BC, The Last Samurai, Mulan (2020), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , and others.

Today, there are many Lord of the Rings tours around New Zealand , while visitors should also visit Weta Cave and see where the makeup, stage props , and more of the movies are made. Here are ten places in New Zealand made famous by movies.

Hobbiton Movie Set

Perhaps the most famous location in New Zealand is the Hobbiton Movie Set. The Hobbiton Movie Set was the filming location of the Hobbit Shire in the Lord of the Rings . Today, it is a massive tourist attraction in New Zealand, and the site has been developed progressively.

Enjoy a feast fit for a Hobbit at the Green Dragon and tour inside the Hobbit holes from next year.

• Movie: Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Hobbit Trilogy

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was the filming location for the lands of Mordor in the Lord of the Rings (Mount Doom is the volcano Mt Ngāuruhoe).

The Tongariro National Park may not look anything like the movie, but it is one of the most stunning locations in New Zealand with other-worldly volcanic landscapes.

• Movie: Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Mount Cook is the largest mountain in New Zealand, offering a true mountaineering experience for those who would like to climb it.

Much of the 2020 movie Mulan was filmed in New Zealand , including some of the most dramatic mountainous landscapes in the movie.

• Movie: Mulan (2020)

Related: Reaching Mount Cook: How To Climb New Zealand's Most Challenging & Toughest Mountain

Mount Taranaki

At first glance, people might think that New Zealand's volcano, Mount Taranaki, is Japan's more famous Mount Fuji.

This is what the producers of the 2003 movie The Last Samurai were betting on. The romantic telling of the Samauri as Japan modernized in the 1870s is set in Japan but filmed in New Zealand.

• Movie: The Last Samurai (2003)

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a dramatic fjord in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park - the largest national park in New Zealand. It is one of the top destinations in the country, but in the movie Alien: Covenant , the alien world that the shuttle lands on is, in fact, Milford Sound.

The scene is also filmed in such a way that the iconic-giveaway features of Milford Sound are readily visible.

• Movie: Alien: Covenant (2017)

Bowen Falls

Scenes from the movies X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Mission: Impossible Fallout were also filmed in Milford Sound.

The early wedding scene in Mission: Impossible Fallout was focused on Milford Sound's Bowen Falls. In the movie X-Men Origin: Wolverine , the Wolverine is seen jumping out of one of the waterfalls in Milford after getting his Adamantium skeleton.

• Movies: X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) and Mission: Impossible Fallout (2018)

Related: Take One Of The New Zealand's Instagrammable Picture With Milford Sound's Bowen Falls

The hills, mountains, and lakes around Queenstown have been the scene of a number of filming locations in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

While none of these movies filmed the alpine resort town itself, Queenstown is a great place to go on Lord of the Rings tours to discover the nearby filming locations.

Related: Why Adrenaline Seekers Love Queenstown, New Zealand

Pūtangirua Pinnacles

The PÅ«tangirua Pinnacles (locally called The Pinnacles) are the best examples in New Zealand of badlands erosion. They are made up of a number of earth pillars (aka hoodoos).

The Pinnacles are located near the capital, Wellington, and were used in the Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King as the Paths of the Dead.

• Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Kawarau Gorge

The Kawarau Gorge is located just out of Queenstown and was made famous as the filming site of the mighty Argonath or Pillar of the Kings from Lord of the Rings : The Fellowship of the Ring .

The Kawarau Gorge is one of the most stunning gorges in New Zealand and was the first place in the world to offer commercial bungy jumping (which is still its main activity).

• Movie: Lord of the Rings : The Fellowship of the Ring

Flock Hill in the interior of the South Island was used as the filming location for the Great Battle in the Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe .

There are other locations around the country to discover that were filmed in the movie, including Woodhill Forest as the White Witch's Camp and the Elephant Rocks as Aslan's Camp.

• Movie: Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

New Zealand tourist attraction for "Lord of the Rings" fans Crossword Clue

New zealand tourist attraction for "lord of the rings" fans answer is: hobbiton.

If you are currently working on a puzzle and find yourself in need of a little guidance, our answer is at your service.

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Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Hairy feet film location tour

Hairy feet location at night

Weta Workshop Cave Museum in Wellington

Wellington to Picton on the Interislander Ferry

Barrel kayak tour on the Pelorus River

Lord of the Rings Edoras tour

LOTR Heliopter experience

Nomad Safaris LOTR 4WD adventure

Real New Zealand Tours is Qualmark Bronze accredited for providing exceptional tourism experiences and meeting national quality standards

Lord of The Rings 14-Day Scenic Explorer

A 14-day tour from Auckland to Queenstown covering the best of Middle‑Earth™, famous LOTR movie locations and standout New Zealand attractions and activities. A tour that is truly the best of both worlds and an adventure you shall not want to pass.

Pricing and Conditions

All pricing is independently quoted based on group size and journey customisation, please request a quote through our website

www.realnewzealandtours.com/Terms-and-Condition/

Discover the best of the Hobbiton Trilogy film locations as your journey takes you from the 'City of Sails' Auckland to the spectacular Queenstown. An exciting itinerary with all details arranged, customised to suit you and your travel. Highlights include: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Hairy Feet Scenic Film Location Tour, LOTR great forests scenic helicopter flight and Hobbit Barrel run kayak trip. LOTR Edoras tour, Middle‑Earth™ film locations half day tour, Weta Cave and Windows into the workshop tour and Auckland Sky Tower admission and harbour cruise. Christchurch Gondola, Ko Tane Maori experience, Nomad Safaris 'Safari of the Scenes' Lake Wakatipu basin tour, Dart River Wilderness safaris and Onsen Hot Pools day session.

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