New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes served as the real-life Middle-earth in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films. From the rolling hills of Hobbiton to the fiery slopes of Mount Doom, over 150 Lord of the Rings locations in New Zealand brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world to life.
For fans planning a Lord of the Rings-themed trip to New Zealand, this guide will take you through the most iconic LOTR filming locations, from the North Island’s Hobbiton Movie Set to the South Island’s majestic mountains. I’ll also share tips on how to plan your visit, what to expect at each site, and how to make the most of your Middle-earth journey.
North Island LOTR Locations: Home of the Shire and Mordor
The North Island of New Zealand is home to some of the most iconic Lord of the Rings New Zealand filming locations. From the rolling hills of Hobbiton to the volcanic landscapes of Mordor, these destinations will transport you straight into Middle-earth.
| Location | Middle-earth Equivalent | Scenes Filmed | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hobbiton Movie Set | The Shire | Hobbit homes, Green Dragon Inn | Guided tours only |
| Mount Ngauruhoe | Mount Doom | Mordor scenes | Hiking trails |
| Tongariro National Park | Emyn Muil, Mordor | Sam and Frodo’s journey | Public access |
| Putangirua Pinnacles | Paths of the Dead | Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli’s journey | Public hiking trails |
| Mount Victoria | Hobbiton Woods | “Get off the road!” scene | Public access |
| Kaitoke Regional Park | Rivendell | Elven sanctuary scenes | Public access |
| Waitarere Forest | Osgiliath Wood | Frodo, Sam, and Gollum’s journey | Public access |
1. Hobbiton Movie Set: The Shire Brought to Life
You can’t say you’ve been on a Lord of the Rings vacation in New Zealand without a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Located on a sheep farm near Matamata, this 12-acre set brings the Shire to life in stunning detail.
The Hobbiton Movie Set has green hills dotted with 44 hobbit holes, each with its own unique details. You’ll see tiny clothes hanging on lines and garden tools leaning against fences. Smoke even rises from chimneys, making it feel like real hobbits might pop out at any moment.
The tour guides at the Hobbiton Movie Set will tell you all about how the set was built and share behind-the-scenes stories from filming. Make sure to snap a photo in front of Bag End, Bilbo and Frodo’s home with its iconic green door.
Planning Tip: Don’t miss grabbing a drink at the Green Dragon Inn – they brew their own special ales and ciders that you can only get here.
2. Mount Ngauruhoe: The Real Mount Doom
Tongariro National Park is where you’ll find the real-life Mount Doom, known as Mount Ngauruhoe. This active volcano with its perfect cone shape was used for all those scary shots of Mordor in the Lord of the Rings New Zealand filming locations.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a popular day hike that takes you past Mount Ngauruhoe and through other landscapes used in the films. It’s a tough 19.4 km trek, but the views are worth it. You’ll see the red crater and emerald lakes that stood in for the desolate plains of Mordor.
If you’re not up for the full hike, there are shorter walks in the area. The Tama Lakes track gives you great views of Mount Ngauruhoe without the full-day commitment.
In winter, the Whakapapa ski field on Mount Ruapehu turns into a snowy landscape that was perfect for filming scenes of the Misty Mountains.
Tongariro National Park isn’t just for Lord of the Rings fans. It’s one of many beautiful New Zealand national parks that you can explore. If you love nature, you’ll want to check out more of these amazing parks during your LOTR trip.
3. Putangirua Pinnacles: The Paths of the Dead
About two hours from Wellington, you’ll find the Putangirua Pinnacles. These weird, towering rock formations were used as the backdrop for the Paths of the Dead in “The Return of the King.”
It’s a bit of a hike to get to the Putangirua Pinnacles – about 2-4 hours depending on which trail you take. Wear good shoes because it can be rocky.
The Putangirua Pinnacles are pretty spooky in person, especially if you go on a cloudy day. It really feels like you’re walking into a forgotten, cursed part of Middle-earth.
4. Wellington’s Mount Victoria: The Heart of Middle-earth Filmmaking
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, played a huge role in bringing Middle-earth to life. It’s where Weta Workshop is based, the special effects company that created all those amazing creatures and props for the films.
You can take a tour of Weta Workshop to see how they made the armor, weapons, and prosthetics used in the movies. The tour guides are often people who actually worked on the films, so you get some great insider stories.
Mount Victoria, right in the city, was used for filming the “get off the road” scene where the hobbits hide from the Black Riders. You can walk through the forest and find the exact spot – it’s pretty cool to stand where Elijah Wood once stood.
5. Kaitoke Regional Park: Rivendell’s Elven Sanctuary
Just a short drive from Wellington, Kaitoke Regional Park was transformed into Rivendell, the Elven outpost where the Fellowship was formed. While the elaborate Elven architecture was added digitally, the natural beauty of the park is still stunning.
You can take an easy walk through the forest to the exact filming location. There’s an archway marking the spot where Frodo recovered from his wound. The surrounding area, with its lush ferns and towering trees, really does feel like it could be home to ethereal elves.
6. Waitarere Forest: The Haunting Osgiliath Wood
Waitarere Forest, located on the west coast of the North Island, was used to film scenes set in Osgiliath Wood. This is where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum walked after leaving Faramir in “The Two Towers”.
The Waitarere Forest is open to the public, and you can take a peaceful walk through the towering trees. As you stroll along, it’s easy to imagine Gollum scampering along the forest floor with the hobbits.
The dense foliage and dappled sunlight create an atmosphere that’s both beautiful and slightly eerie, perfect for recreating the feeling of being deep in Middle-earth.
7. Hairy Feet Waitomo: Trollshaws Forest
Hairy Feet Waitomo, located in the small farming town of Piopio, is one of the newer Hobbit locations in New Zealand. This privately owned farm, framed by ancient limestone cliffs, became Trollshaws Forest in “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”.
Here, you can see where Gandalf gives Bilbo the sword Sting. The tour also shows you locations used for other scenes, including Radagast’s arrival and the Warg chase. The owners offer small group tours and even let you take photos with props from the film.
South Island LOTR Locations: Rohan, Lothlorien, and Beyond
The South Island of New Zealand is where many of the most dramatic Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed. From the golden fields of Rohan to the misty forests of Fangorn, the landscapes here are truly epic.
| Location | Middle-earth Equivalent | Scenes Filmed | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sunday | Edoras | Golden Hall of Meduseld | Public access |
| Twizel | Pelennor Fields | Battle of Pelennor Fields | Private land, tours available |
| Fiordland National Park | Fangorn Forest, River Anduin | Various forest and river scenes | Public access |
| Kawarau Gorge | Pillars of Argonath | River Anduin journey | Public access |
| Paradise | Lothlórien, Isengard | Scenes with elves, Isengard gardens | Private land, some tours available |
| Skippers Canyon | Ford of Bruinen | Arwen’s flight from the Nazgûl | Tour access recommended |
| Poolburn Reservoir | Rohan | Rohan village scenes | Public access |
| Lake Wakatipu | Lothlorien | Various elven scenes | Public access |
| Mount Earnslaw | Misty Mountains | Opening scene of The Two Towers | Viewable from Glenorchy |
| Mavora Lakes | Nen Hithoel, Fangorn Forest | Fellowship scenes, Ent scenes | Public access |
8. Mount Sunday: Edoras, Golden Hall of the Rohirrim
Mount Sunday in Canterbury was transformed into Edoras, the capital of Rohan, for “The Two Towers.” Today, there’s nothing left of the set, but the views are incredible.
Mount Sunday is about a 2.5-hour drive from Christchurch. When you get to Mount Sunday, you can hike up to the top. It’s not a tough walk, only about 1-1.5 hours round trip.
From the top of Mount Sunday, you get a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s easy to see why Peter Jackson chose this spot for Edoras.
Some tour companies offer 4WD tours that get you closer to Mount Sunday. They often bring props like flags and swords so you can actually feel like you’re in Rohan.
9. Twizel: The Vast Pelennor Fields
The epic battle of Pelennor Fields was filmed near the small town of Twizel in the Mackenzie Country. This is where the Riders of Rohan charged to the aid of Gondor in “The Return of the King.”
The actual field used for filming Pelennor Fields is on private land, but you can see it from the road. Some tour companies have permission to take groups onto Pelennor Fields.
If you’re a big fan of the LOTR film series, it’s worth booking one of these tours. Standing on that vast plain of Pelennor Fields, you can almost hear the thunder of horse hooves and the clash of swords.
10. Fiordland National Park: Fangorn Forest and Anduin River
Fiordland National Park stood in for several Middle-earth locations. The Waiau River between Te Anau and Manapouri was used for scenes of the Fellowship paddling down the River Anduin.
Nearby, the Snowdon Forest became Fangorn Forest, home of the Ents. You can take a walk through the moss-covered trees of Snowdon Forest and it’s easy to imagine Treebeard lumbering past.
For a real treat, take a scenic flight over Fiordland National Park. From the air, you’ll see the same sweeping views used in the films when the eagles rescue Gandalf, Bilbo, and the dwarves.
11. Kawarau Gorge: Site of the Argonath Pillars
The Kawarau Gorge, famous for bungy jumping, was used for the River Anduin and the Pillars of the Kings scenes. The pillars themselves were added with CGI, but the Kawarau River is still beautiful.
You can take a jet boat ride through the gorge to get a feel for what it might have been like for the Fellowship as they passed between the towering statues. If you’re feeling brave, you can even bungy jump from the same bridge where many of the river scenes were filmed.
12. Paradise: Isengard and Lothlorien’s Magical Forests
The area known as Paradise, near Glenorchy, was used for several different locations in the films. The beech forests here became part of Lothlórien, the magical realm of the elves.
Paradise was also used for some scenes of Isengard, particularly the approach to Orthanc. While Orthanc itself was a digital creation, the surrounding landscapes are very real and stunningly beautiful.
You can take a horse trek through Paradise to really feel like you’re traveling through Middle-earth. The scenery is so magical, you’ll understand why they call this place Paradise.
13. Skippers Canyon: The Ford of Bruinen Chase Scene
Skippers Canyon, near Queenstown, was the filming location for the Ford of Bruinen. This is where Arwen summons a flood to wash away the Nazgûl in “The Fellowship of the Ring.”
Skippers Canyon is a narrow, dramatic gorge carved by the Shotover River. It’s a popular spot for jet boating and other adventure activities, but it’s also worth visiting just for the scenery and its connection to the films.
14. Poolburn Reservoir: Rohan’s Village Under Attack
The Poolburn Reservoir in Central Otago was used to represent the Plains of Rohan. This area was the setting for the Rohirrim village that was attacked by Uruk-hai in “The Two Towers.”
The Poolburn Reservoir and surrounding landscape are strikingly beautiful, with tussock-covered hills and a mirror-like lake. It’s easy to see why Sir Peter Jackson chose this location to represent the horse lords’ homeland.
15. Lake Wakatipu: Backdrop for Lothlorien Scenes
Lake Wakatipu, near Queenstown, was used for scenes set in Lothlorien. The lake’s clear blue waters and the surrounding mountains created the perfect backdrop for the elven realm.
You can take a boat tour on Lake Wakatipu to see the filming locations from the water. The lake’s shores, especially near Glenorchy, were used for several scenes where the Fellowship travels by boat.
16. Mount Earnslaw: Part of the Misty Mountains
Mount Earnslaw, visible from Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu, was used in the opening scene of “The Two Towers.” Its snow-capped peak represented part of the Misty Mountains, where Gandalf battles the Balrog.
While you can’t climb Mount Earnslaw itself without serious mountaineering skills, you can get great views of it from Glenorchy or by taking a scenic flight.
17. Mavora Lakes: Nen Hithoel and Fangorn Forest Scenes
The Mavora Lakes in Southland were used for several scenes of Lord of the Rings locations in New Zealand. The lakes represented Nen Hithoel, where the Fellowship rested before being ambushed by Uruk-hai. The surrounding forests also stood in for parts of Fangorn Forest.
You can camp at the Mavora Lakes and explore the area on foot or by boat. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot that really feels like it could be part of Middle-earth.
How to Plan Your Lord of the Rings New Zealand Trip
Now that you know about all these amazing Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand, you might be wondering how to fit them all into your trip. Here are some tips to help you plan your Lord of the Rings vacation in New Zealand:
Best Time to Visit
The best time for a Lord of the Rings New Zealand tour depends on what you want to see and do. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are great for mild weather and fewer crowds.
If you want to see snowy mountains like in the films, winter (June to August) is your best bet. But remember that some hiking trails might be closed due to snow, especially in the Tongariro area.
Summer (December to February) has the warmest weather, but it’s also the busiest season. You’ll need to book tours and accommodation well in advance if you’re traveling then.
Getting Around
The easiest way to visit Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand is by car. Many spots are in rural areas not easily reached by public transport. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
If you’re not comfortable driving, there are many organized tours. Companies like Red Carpet Tours offer multi-day Lord of the Rings themed trips that cover many of the main filming locations.
Tour Options
There are lots of different LOTR tour options in New Zealand. Here are a few popular ones:
| Tour Company | Tour Name | Duration | Price Range (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hobbiton Tours | Movie Set Tour | 2 hours | 89-199 |
| Nomad Safaris | Glenorchy LOTR Tour | 4 hours | 189-279 |
| Hassle-free Tours | Edoras Tour | 9 hours | 259-299 |
| Red Carpet Tours | Ultimate Middle-earth Experience | 14 days | 7,500-9,000 |
Costs and Budgeting
Visiting Lord of the Rings locations in New Zealand can fit different budgets. Some spots, like Mount Sunday (Edoras), are free to visit if you have your own transport. Others, like Hobbiton, require paid tours.
As of October 2024, 1 US Dollar equals about 1.64 New Zealand Dollars. Here’s a rough idea of costs:
- Car rental: 50-100 NZD per day
- Hobbiton tour: 89 NZD per adult
- Full-day LOTR tour: 150-300 NZD per person
- Accommodation: 50-200 NZD per night, depending on type
Budget at least 150-200 NZD per day for food, activities, and transport if you’re traveling independently. Organized tours will cost more but include most expenses.
Easy Lord of the Rings Itinerary New Zealand
To help you plan your LOTR New Zealand tour, here’s a sample 14-day itinerary that covers many of the major Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand:
Day 1-2: Auckland to Matamata
- Start in Auckland and drive to Matamata (2.5 hours)
- Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set
Day 3-4: Tongariro National Park
- Drive to Tongariro National Park (3.5 hours)
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to see Mount Doom
- Visit Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s Pool)
Day 5-6: Wellington
- Drive to Wellington (4 hours)
- Take a Wellington Lord of the Rings tour
- Visit Weta Workshop
- Explore Mount Victoria and Kaitoke Regional Park (Rivendell)
Day 7: South Island – Nelson
- Fly to Nelson
- Visit Jens Hansen Goldsmith (where the One Ring was made)
Day 8-9: Canterbury
- Drive to Mount Sunday (Edoras) via Christchurch (5 hours)
- Take an Edoras tour
Day 10-11: Twizel and Mount Cook
- Drive to Twizel (3 hours)
- Visit Pelennor Fields
- Explore Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook area
Day 12-14: Queenstown area
- Drive to Queenstown (3 hours)
- Take a Glenorchy Lord of the Rings tour
- Visit Paradise, Skippers Canyon, and Kawarau Gorge
- Optional: Take a scenic flight over Fiordland National Park
This Lord of the Rings itinerary covers many of the main LOTR filming spots while also letting you see some of New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes.
After a long day of exploring Middle-earth, you’ll need a cozy place to rest. New Zealand has some fancy places to stay that’ll make your trip even better. Check out these luxury lodges to stay in New Zealand for a real treat which are often close to filming spots.
Final Thoughts on Exploring Middle-earth in New Zealand
Visiting Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand is a dream come true for many fans. It’s amazing to stand in the same spots where your favorite scenes were filmed and to see how the landscape of New Zealand truly became Middle-earth.
Remember, though, that these are real places with real ecosystems. Always follow the “Leave No Trace” principles when visiting. Take only photos, leave only footprints, and help keep these beautiful locations clean for future fans to enjoy.
