New Zealand Private Tours, Planned Especially For You.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS
Most Popular Locations
We have listed the most popular locations where New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes brought The Lord of the Rings to life, with iconic filming locations scattered across the country. From the rolling green hills of Hobbiton in Matamata to the dramatic peaks of Fiordland’s Fangorn Forest, each site immerses visitors in the magic of Middle-earth. Explore Edoras at Mount Sunday, walk through the mystical beech forests of Lothlórien in Glenorchy, or stand where the epic Battle of Pelennor Fields unfolded in Mackenzie Country. With New Zealand Private Tours, you can experience these legendary locations on a personalised journey tailored to your interests.
North Island
The North Island of New Zealand is home to iconic Lord of the Rings locations, including the enchanting Hobbiton in Matamata, the volcanic landscapes of Mordor in Tongariro National Park, and Wellington’s Wētā Workshop, where the film’s magic was brought to life.
Hobbiton
Hobbiton, nestled in the rolling green hills of Matamata, is one of the most iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand. This charming movie set brings the Shire to life with its picturesque hobbit holes, the Party Tree, and the welcoming Green Dragon Inn. Originally built as a temporary set, it was later reconstructed as a permanent attraction, allowing fans to step into Middle-earth and experience the magic firsthand. Guided tours provide exclusive insights into the filmmaking process, making Hobbiton a must-visit destination for any Lord of the Rings enthusiast.
Tongariro National Park
The stark, volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park brought the dark and menacing land of Mordor to life in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. With its rugged terrain, steaming vents, and barren slopes, the park’s Mount Ngauruhoe famously stood in for Mount Doom, where Frodo and Sam journeyed to destroy the One Ring. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s most famous hikes, allows visitors to walk through this dramatic scenery, experiencing the otherworldly beauty that made it the perfect setting for Sauron’s domain. Whether you're a film fan or an outdoor adventurer, Tongariro National Park offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Middle-earth.
Wētā Workshop
Wētā Workshop, located in Wellington, is the creative powerhouse behind the stunning visual effects, costumes, and props of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Founded by Sir Richard Taylor, this world-renowned studio played a crucial role in bringing Middle-earth to life, crafting everything from intricate armour and weapons to realistic prosthetics and miniature sets. Visitors can explore the magic behind the films with a guided tour of the Wētā Cave, where they can see original props, watch skilled artists at work, and learn about the cutting-edge techniques used in the movies. A must-visit for film enthusiasts, Wētā Workshop offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and craftsmanship that made The Lord of the Rings a cinematic masterpiece.
South Island
The South Island of New Zealand is home to some of the most breathtaking Lord of the Rings locations, including the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps as the Misty Mountains, the golden plains of Mackenzie Country as Pelennor Fields, and the remote beauty of Fiordland as Fangorn Forest.
Mount Sunday
Mount Sunday, located in the remote Ashburton Lakes region of Canterbury, served as the stunning filming location for Edoras, the capital of Rohan in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This rocky outcrop, surrounded by vast golden plains and framed by the rugged Southern Alps, was transformed into the great city of the horse-lords, featuring Meduseld, the Golden Hall. Though the set was removed after filming, visitors can hike to the summit and experience the breathtaking 360-degree views that made this location so iconic. A visit to Mount Sunday is a must for Lord of the Rings fans wanting to step into the world of Rohan.
Mackenzie Country
Mackenzie Country’s vast golden plains and rolling hills provided the epic backdrop for Pelennor Fields, the site of the legendary battle in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Located near Twizel, this breathtaking landscape was transformed into the war-torn battlefield where the armies of Gondor and Rohan clashed against Sauron’s forces. With its open, untouched scenery framed by the Southern Alps, Mackenzie Country perfectly captured the scale and grandeur of Middle-earth. Visitors can explore this cinematic location with guided tours that offer exclusive insights into how the battle sequences were filmed, making it a must-visit for any Lord of the Rings fan.
Queenstown
Queenstown and its surrounding areas are home to some of the most breathtaking Lord of the Rings filming locations, showcasing the dramatic landscapes of Middle-earth. Just outside the town, Glenorchy and Paradise served as the enchanted forests of Lothlórien, where the Fellowship sought refuge with the elves. The towering cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge doubled as the Argonath, the Pillars of the Kings, marking the northern border of Gondor. Meanwhile, the Twelve Mile Delta was used as Ithilien, where Frodo and Sam first saw the Oliphaunts. With its diverse and cinematic landscapes, Queenstown is the perfect base for Lord of the Rings fans to explore these iconic locations, whether on guided tours or self-drive adventures.
Mavora Lakes and Te Anau
Mavora Lakes and Te Anau, located in Fiordland, is one of the most recognisable Lord of the Rings filming locations, featuring in multiple scenes across the trilogy. The area’s rugged, untouched beauty provided the setting for Fangorn Forest, where Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli pursued the Uruk-hai and later encountered Gandalf the White. It was also used for Nen Hithoel and the Breaking of the Fellowship, where Frodo and Sam set off on their own journey across the water while Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas bid farewell to Boromir. With its dramatic mountain scenery, tranquil lakes, and dense beech forests, Mavora Lakes perfectly captures the wild and mystical feel of Middle-earth, making it a must-visit for fans of the films.