Mount Sunday was one of my first destinations on my big New Zealand road trip earlier this year. And it was also one of my favorite places from the entire trip! This epic hill in the Ashburton Lakes region was the stand-in for Edoras, the capital of Rohan, in the Lord of the Rings movies. As a huge LOTR fan, getting to see Edoras in real life was an absolute bucket-list experience for me. Here’s what you need to know about hiking Mount Sunday in New Zealand!
Overview: Mount Sunday Hike
Distance: 3.9km (2.43 miles)
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Elevation: 94 meters (309 ft)
Where is Mount Sunday (Edoras)?
Mount Sunday is located in the Ashburton Lakes region on the South Island of New Zealand, close to Lake Clearwater. The nearest town is Ashburton, which is about a 1.5-hour drive away. Much of the filming of the Lord of the Rings movies was done around and on the mountain itself. Film crews took over the area to construct the city of Edoras over nine months – after shooting all the required scenes, the town was quickly dismantled, and nothing now remains.
How to Get to Mount Sunday (Edoras)
Mount Sunday is located approximately 15km down an unsealed road from Lake Clearwater. Lake Clearwater itself is approximately 11km from the nearest sealed road, so be prepared for a longer drive with varying road conditions. I actually hitchhiked from Lake Clearwater to Mount Sunday, as I didn’t think I was allowed to drive my rental campervan on the road. But overall, the road was in good condition, and the driver was able to drive around 50km/hr. There is no public transportation in this area, and commercial tour groups are prohibited from accessing the site. So, to get here, you’ll need your own set of wheels (or to hitchhike).
Hiking to Mount Sunday (Edoras)
Mount Sunday is located on private property, and the landowner kindly permits individual visitors to access the land. This permission does not apply to commercial tour groups – there are large signs stating this at the access point. There is a car park and drop toilets at the start of the hike.
The route up Mount Sunday is easy to follow. A wide gravel track leads hikers through the landscape towards the base of the mountain, including across a swing bridge spanning a pretty creek/river. Eventually, you’ll come to the very base of the hill. From here, it’s a steep climb up to the summit plateau.
There’s a trig point marking the true summit of Mount Sunday. There are a few Lord of the Rings quotes and stickers on the marker.
The views here are absolutely phenomenal. It took my breath away! The landscapes were the same as in the movies, and it felt like something out of a dream – snow-capped mountains and glacial rivers running through the valley. Even if you aren’t a Lord of the Rings fan, this is a beautiful hike to do and somewhere you must visit in New Zealand.
Where to Stay Around Mount Sunday (Edoras)
Mount Sunday is in a remote location in the Ashburton Lakes area. There aren’t any options for overnight accommodation at the site itself. The closest and most convenient place to stay is around Lake Clearwater. If you’re in a self-contained vehicle, you can stay at Lake Camp campsite for free.
If you’re camping but not self-contained, your best budget-friendly option will be the Lake Clearwater campsite. It costs $10 per person, per night, paid in cash on arrival – sites are on a first come, first served basis. The facilities may have been a bit rustic, but I was happy to have a shower and water for washing dishes. The campsite area goes right down to the lakeshore.
Mount Potts Lodge is a popular choice for accommodation, with a beautiful and remote location. This is a rustic lodge with comfortable rooms and studios – there’s a range of options. Unpowered campsites here start from $35 per night; powered campsites (self-contained) start from $50 per night.
There are a few holiday homes/rental properties in Lake Clearwater, most of which are geared for larger groups.
- Airbnb: Lake Clearwater (a cozy family bach which can sleep up to 12 across 3 bedrooms)
- Holiday Houses: Lake Clearwater (a few options for bachs in Lake Clearwater)
The easiest city for visiting Mount Sunday is Ashburton, which has more accommodation options. As the walk isn’t too long, it’s definitely possible to do this hike as a daytrip from Ashburton!
- Ramblers Rest Ashburton – cozy backpacker hostel close to all the amenities
- Coronation Park Holiday Park – offering a range of accommodation, from cabins to apartments
- Taylors Motel – clean and comfy units, ranging from studios to deluxe two-bedroom apartments
- Thistle Cottage – a charming two-bedroom cottage, with a pretty garden and all the amenities you need
Planning Your Trip to Mount Sunday (Edoras)
The nearest major airport to Mount Sunday is Christchurch airport, about 2 hours away. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. As there’s no public transportation here, you’ll need your own vehicle to get to Mount Sunday. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Hiking Mount Sunday was one of the highlights of my trip in New Zealand. For a Lord of the Rings fan like myself, visiting Edoras and seeing the place with my own eyes was incredible! But this is one destination you should visit even if you aren’t a fan – the mountain scenery is just spectacular. I hope this post helps planning a visit to Mount Sunday!
Have you hiked to Mount Sunday (Edoras) before? What was your experience like?
You might also like my posts:
How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand for 6 Weeks? (2024 Budget)
Moving to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa: How to Start Your Life (2024 Guide)
The Best Day Hikes Around Queenstown, New Zealand
All of my New Zealand posts!
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