As a Lord of the Rings fan for two decades, New Zealand has been the ultimate dream destination for me. When I was planning my big trip with my campervan, my mom asked, “so are you going to go on a Lord of the Rings tour while you’re in New Zealand?” And, without missing a beat, I responded: “Mom, my ENTIRE TRIP is a Lord of the Rings tour!” These phenomenal movies were filmed all around New Zealand, and there are a lot of epic filming spots you can visit. Here’s a complete guide to all of the top Lord of the Rings film locations in New Zealand.
Lord of the Rings Film Locations on the South Island
Mount Sunday (Edoras)
Mount Sunday is located in the Ashburton Lakes region, about a two-hour drive from Christchurch. This is an incredible place to visit even if you aren’t a LOTR fan – the mountain scenery here is just spectacular! Mount Sunday was the stand-in for Edoras, the capital of Rohan. It took nine months to construct the city on the hill. The hike is about 4km and will take between 1.5 and 2 hours.
Mount Cook (Lonely Mountain)
The Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit films is the final destination for Bilbo on his trek across Middle Earth. Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand at 3724 meters, was the real-life location in the movies. On a clear day, you can get awesome views of the mountain across Lake Pukaki. But if you have time, I definitely recommend visiting Mount Cook itself and hiking the Hooker Valley Track. The hike is 10km and will take 3 to 4 hours altogether. It’s one of my favorite walks in New Zealand!
Twizel
The small town of Twizel in the Mackenzie Region is a can’t-miss destination for Lord of the Rings fans. Just outside of town is where they filmed the final major battle scene in Return of the King, the Battle of Pelennor Fields, over 32 days. Up to 1700 people were involved on set, including almost the entire town of Twizel who were extras in the film!
You can visit the Peace Ring, an awesome sculpture located on private property with views over the actual fields where the films were shot. The ring turns and rotates, so you can move it to get the best shot! A visit is $10 per person, and check GoogleMaps for the most recent updates. It’s best to call the number listed in advance if it’s listed as closed. This is a really unique spot to visit, and the owner Dean is so hospitable and welcoming. I’ve lived in Twizel for 5 months, so living in the shadow of Pelennor Fields was a truly special experience for me!
Tarras
Tarras is a very small village near Wanaka on the South Island. Areas around the village were used in Fellowship of the Ring, when the Black Riders were chasing Arwen and Frodo as they rode towards the ford – these shots were filmed on private land. It was also where Gwaihir, the eagle, rescued Gandalf at the top of the Orthanc.
Kawarau River (The Argonath)
Near Queenstown and Arrowton, there’s a bend in the Kawarau River that was used as the Anduin River in Fellowship of the Ring. The exact location is on GoogleMaps – it’s a short stretch of unsealed single-track road, winding around the cliffs. There is a lay-by with room for two-ish parking spots further down the road on the way to the winery. While the Argonath (the Pillars of the Kings) were CGI, you can visualize the same river gorge. The water is a stunning bright turquoise blue here! It’s just next to the Kawarau Gorge bungee jump parking.
Arrowtown
This pretty small town close to Queenstown was used as a location in two specific parts. The Arrow River was a stand-in for the Ford of Bruinen, when Arwen crossed the river with Frodo and the Ringwraiths started to follow. Follow these exact GPS coordinates. Nearby Wilcox Green was used as Gladden Fields. This was where Isildur was attacked and lost the One Ring in the Prologue, and where it was found by Déagol (Sméagol/Gollum’s cousin).
Skippers Canyon
Unfortunately, Skippers Canyon is only accessible via a 4WD tour or helicopter – but you can book a tour from Queenstown to visit! This is where the main scene at the Ford of Bruinen was filmed. In Fellowship of the Ring, Arwen utters the epic line: “if you want him, come and claim him.” She then uses her powers to bring a flood to drown the Ringwraiths, and bring Frodo to safety.
The Remarkables and Lake Alta
This impressive mountain range, towering over Queenstown, is certainly worth a visit in its own right. But LOTR fans will definitely want to make the short hike up to Lake Alta, which was used as a film location for Dimrill Dale. This is where the Fellowship left the Mines of Moria after losing Gandalf to the Balrog. The walk is about 3.8km, and will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Note that access is on a very steep, winding, mountain road, that is unsealed for the last 3km. It’s a $15 per vehicle charge to access the road.
Twelve Mile Delta (Ithilien Lookout)
Twelve Mile Delta, just outside of Queenstown, was used in filming Lord of the Rings. There’s a DOC campsite here, where I stayed several nights! But the real reason for LOTR fans to visit is to see Ithilien Lookout. This is where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum hid in the bushes and looked out over the Haradrim and oliphaunts on their way to Mordor. It’s also where Sam uttered his now-iconic line, “PO-TAY-TOES! Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew.”
Follow the trail from the campsite, and you’ll eventually come to the exact pin location on GoogleMaps. Bonus points if you take a pic crouching down and pretending you’re looking at oliphaunts like me!
Deer Park Heights
This is a farm on the Kelvin Heights peninsula outside Queenstown, which was used for a number of scenes in Rohan. Deer Park Heights film locations include when the refugees fleeing Edoras to Helm’s Deep narrowly escaped the wargs, where Aragorn fell off the cliff with a warg, Legolas’s iconic jump onto Gimli’s horse, and the scene where Eowyn gives Aragorn her unsavory stew. Note that you’re unable to drive to the park (no public access via road), but you can walk up here. This GoogleMaps pin should help.
Poolburn Reservoir
This is one LOTR location I didn’t get to, but hopefully can visit another time! This dam in Central Otago was used as the location of the Westfold village in Rohan which is attacked and burned in Two Towers. Use these exact GPS coordinates. I’m unsure if this is correct, but this exact spot on GoogleMaps is apparently where Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli hid and then spoke to Eomer and his Riders of Rohan. It’s recommended that you have a 4WD to get to Poolburn Dam on Moa Creek Road. Note that roads to the dam are likely closed from early June to late September.
Glenorchy
A number of scenes were filmed in Glenorchy, as it was the location of Isengard. Just outside of the town, you can see Isengard Lookout in the Dart Valley. There’s parking in lay-bys at the Dart River.
Paradise
Head north of Glenorchy on the road to Paradise. The filmmakers chose this area as Lothlorien, the mystical Elvish forest. The exact film locations were on private property, but you can walk into the forest off the road. Note that the road from Glenorchy to Paradise becomes unsealed, and was in poor condition when I visited. It was possible in a 2WD campervan (I was driving about 10km/hr). But it was the worst unsealed road I drove in New Zealand. However, it is a beautiful and peaceful spot to visit.
Mavora Lakes
Mavora Lakes is one of the most impressive Lord of the Rings film locations. There are three main spots to visit here. The first is the Orc Mound, which is where Merry and Pippin escaped from the Uruk-Hai into Fangorn Forest, and where the unforgettable shot of the Uruk-Hai head on a pike was filmed. To access this spot, you can head to the exact pin on GoogleMaps. Hop over the fence (this is suggested in several guidebooks), and walk up the hill. There is a small marker and stick on the top of the hill.
Silverlode & Anduin River Junction, also conveniently on GoogleMaps, is further north than the Orc Mound. This is where the Fellowship left Lothlorien to paddle down the River Anduin. Also, this is where the boat carrying Boromir’s body fell down the waterfall to carry him home to Gondor.
Head to the end of the road and you’ll reach North Mavora Lake. This spot is the stand-in for Nen Hithoel & Down Amon Hen. It’s where the Fellowship breaks apart at the end of the first movie, with Sam and Frodo taking a boat across to the eastern shore. This is the well-known scene where Sam, after Frodo pulls him out of the water, says, “I made a promise Mr. Frodo, a promise. ‘Don’t you leave him Samwise Gamgee.’ And I don’t mean to. I don’t mean to.” You can also find the tree stump that Merry and Pippin hid behind as the Uruk-Hai were approaching, near the end of the vehicle access road at North Mavora Lake. Use these coordinates to find the exact spot.
This is a scenic part of New Zealand, and somewhere I never would have visited if there hadn’t have been a LOTR connection. I’m so glad I made the trip here, and I wish I’d had more time to do some of the walks in the area! It was raining when I went, but it didn’t matter – I was crying so much from joy anyway. Note that it’s approximately 35-40km on unsealed roads to get to Mavora Lakes. I found the roads to be in excellent condition, well-maintained, and easy for a 2WD campervan.
Snowdon Forest
Snowdon Forest, in Fiordland National Park, was used as a film location for Fangorn Forest. You’ll likely be around the area if you’re visiting Milford Sound! The scene where Gandalf whistles for his horse, Shadowfax, was filmed here, along with the scene where Aragorn followed Merry and Pippin’s trail into the woods.
Anduin River Viewpoint
The Anduin River Viewpoint is the most accessible LOTR film location around Manapouri and Te Anau. There are a few lay-bys, including one very close to the GoogleMaps pin, where you can park and go see the river. You’ll instantly recognize the Waiau River as the Anduin River, where the Fellowship canoe towards the Argonath after leaving Lothlorien.
Kepler Mire
This part of the Kepler Track, a 60km circular Great Walk that takes 3-4 days to complete. You can walk to Kepler Mire, which is where they filmed the Dead Marshes scenes in Two Towers. Alternately, you can drive down Mount York Road, just 2 minutes past the junction with Highway 95, and admire the views over the boggy marshland. I believe this GoogleMaps pin is the most accurate.
Mount Gunn, Franz Josef
Mount Gunn is located on the West Coast of New Zealand, close to Franz Josef. It was used in filming the lighting of the beacons in Return of the King, where Gondor calls for aid (and Rohan will answer!). In the film, there are spectacular aerial mountain shots of a series of fires being lit, to transmit the message across the country. You can see Franz Josef Glacier from a distance on a short walk. But the best way to see Mount Gunn itself is by a scenic helicopter flight. This tour should fly over the Gunn Range on its flight path, but contact the operator in advance if this is important to you.
Takaka Lookout
Takaka Hill, close to Abel Tasman National Park in the northwest part of the South Island, was used as Chetwood Forest in Lord of the Rings. This is where Strider leads the hobbits after their close encounter with the Ringwraiths (and subsequent fast departure) in Bree. It’s a steep mountain pass to drive, but the views up here are out of this world.
Mount Olympus and Mount Owen
These two film locations, near Abel Tasman National Park, are accessible only by a private helicopter tour. Mount Olympus is where the Fellowship hid from the crebain (spies from Saruman) in the Gap of Rohan. Mount Owen was used as Dimrill Dale and Moria, where the Fellowship came out of the Mines of Moria after losing Gandalf.
Jens Hansen the Ringmaker
Jens Hansen the Ringmaker is not a film location in Lord of the Rings. But it’s worth a visit for die-hard LOTR fans as it’s the goldsmith and workshop where the One Ring prop was made. There is a giftshop where you can buy your own replica of the One Ring. It may also be possible to tour the workshop – contact them in advance. Jens Hansen the Ringmaker is located in Nelson.
Lord of the Rings Film Locations on the North Island
Hobbiton Movie Set
The ultimate pilgrimage for Lord of the Rings fans is, without a doubt, the Hobbiton Movie Set. This attraction is located on the Alexander farm in Matamata, on the North Island. Even if you aren’t a fan, this is an unmissable destination in New Zealand. But if you are a LOTR fan, this is heaven on earth. After filming The Hobbit movies, the filmmakers worked together with the landowners to create a permanent attraction for visitors – the Shire come to life, complete with hobbit holes and the Green Dragon pub!
The tour guides here are phenomenal; even a massive nerd like learned new fun facts about the films! The guided tour brings you through the recreated village of Hobbiton, past 44 different hobbit holes (including Bilbo’s home, Bag End), and a quick visit inside a furnished hobbit hole. You’ll also visit the Green Dragon for a pint, which is included in your ticket. You need to book your tickets in advance – Hobbiton tours can be booked out weeks or even months in advance. There is an option that includes transport from Matamata, or even transport from Auckland.
This is a magical experience and the number one place to visit in New Zealand for Lord of the Rings fans.
Weta Workshop, Wellington
Weta Workshop isn’t a film location, but the company was responsible for a vast array of props and costumes in the movies. Take a tour of the Weta Workshop and you can see some of the most famous props in real life, including weapons like Sting, Sauron’s armor, and the Witch-King of Angmar’s mace. You also learn about the prosthetics that Weta created for the various characters and creatures in the movies.
The tour gives a general overview of the workshop’s history, and includes information and props from other films Weta has done. While I found the tour interesting and engaging, I would recommend going for a tour only if you are a big LOTR fan, or a huge film buff. The tour lasts 1.5 hours and costs $55. They are often fully booked, so this is something you should book in advance.
If you can’t make it for a tour, you can still visit the Weta Cave. The three large trolls and a hobbit door make a perfect photo opportunity for fans, and you can check out a huge range of LOTR souvenirs, collectibles, and memorabilia in the gift shop.
Hobbit’s Hideaway, Mount Victoria
Located in a forest in Wellington, you’ll find an iconic LOTR film location. See the spot where Frodo said, “GET OFF THE ROAD!” to Sam, Merry, and Pippin. You can also visit the place where the four hobbits crouched in the roots of a large tree to hide from the Ringwraiths. The tree itself was a prop created for the film, but you can still see the part of the path where the hobbits hid. The exact location is pinned on GoogleMaps and signposted as “Hobbit’s Hideaway” as you walk the trails into the forest.
Not far away is the tree where Frodo sits, in one scene reading a book and in another smoking his pipe, in a large tree. From the Hobbit’s Hideaway, follow a small path down into the woods – it’s fairly overgrown and not as well-made as the trail for the Hobbit’s Hideaway. You’ll recognize the tree as it’s a fairly unique shape! GoogleMaps has the exact location as Frodo’s Reading Tree.
Harcourt Park, Upper Hutt
This pretty parkland was used as a stand-in for the Gardens of Isengard in Lord of the Rings. It’s where Gandalf and Saruman walked in Fellowship of the Ring, when Gandalf went to Saruman for help (not knowing his true colors) after discovering the One Ring. Harcourt Park was also a film location in Two Towers, when large trees were cut down in Isengard to provide firewood for the furnaces.
Hutt River
The Hutt River was another stand-in for the River Anduin, between Moonshine and Totara Park. The boats were launched from Poet’s Park. You can also visit the spot where Aragorn washed up on the riverbank, following his fall off the cliff during the warg attack, in Two Towers. There is a public access to this point in the river from Gemstone Drive.
Kaitoke Regional Park
Continuing through Upper Hutt, you’ll come to Kaitoke Regional Park. This is where some of the Rivendell scenes were filmed. You can imagine you’re walking through the pretty Elvish settlement as you take a short walk around the park. You’ll also see the gateway where the newly formed Fellowship departed Rivendell on their mission to Mordor. Note that there is an obviously Elvish arch here, but it was a recent addition and not used in films themselves.
Dry Creek Quarry
This is a quarry outside of Wellington, which was transformed into an epic film location for the Battle of Helm’s Deep in Two Towers. Film crews took over the area to shoot the intense scene over 120 days – mainly at night and in bad weather. Scenes from Minas Tirith were also filmed here. Unfortunately, there’s nothing of the real-life Hornburg that you can see today. The site isn’t open to the public, but it’s an impressive spot. It’s located at the bottom of Haywards Hill – pin the location on GoogleMaps to check it out.
Putangirua Pinnacles
Peter Jackson used the Putangirua Pinnacles in Braindead, but LOTR fans will recognize the location from Return of the King as the Paths of the Dead. This is the Dimholt Road, which Aragorn takes to bravely hold the Dead Army to their oath and bring them into the battle against evil. The walk here is approximately 5km and will take between 1.5 and 3 hours. Note that the track is currently closed due to a landslide. Some hikers report that it’s still possible to do the walk, although obviously at your own risk.
Queen Elizabeth Park (Paraparaumu)
This park was used briefly as a film location in Return of the King. It was used for filming scenes of the Nazgul and oliphaunts in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, including the scene where Pippin searches for Merry around the dead oliphaunt. It’s a 40-minute drive from Wellington.
Waitarere Forest
Waitarere Forest is a quiet spot near the coast north of Wellington. It was used as Osgiliath Wood at the end of Two Towers, where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum walked after leaving Faramir in the besieged Osgiliath. The forest was also the location of the Path to the Grey Havens, where Arwen has a dream of her child running through the forest. I’m not sure where exactly the forest is, as there’s no location for it on GoogleMaps. Head towards Waitarere Beach.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Mount Ngauruhoe)
Visit the landscapes of Mordor as you hike the top day hike in New Zealand: Tongariro Alpine Crossing. You can gaze up at the slopes of Mount Doom and traverse volcanic terrain as you skirt the base of Mount Ngauruhoe. This mountain was used as Mount Doom in Mordor throughout the Lord of the Rings films. The mountain peak is sacred for local Maori people, and there are no marked trails or paths up to the summit. It’s not possible to hike to the peak anyway, with the parking restrictions and required shuttle services in place at Tongariro Crossing. Note that this is a challenging, full-day alpine hike. It’s approximately 23km and will take between 6.5 and 9 hours to complete.
Tawhai Falls
This pretty waterfall in Tongariro National Park is also known as Gollum’s Pool. It was used as the Forbidden Pool in Two Towers, where Gollum jumps into the pool to catch a fish, and Faramir and his rangers nearly shoot Gollum. The waterfall is a short 20-minute return walk. Note that the car park here is fairly small, but there’s another one across the road.
Mangawhero Falls
Mangawhero Falls is another waterfall used as Gollum’s Pool in Two Towers, next to forest that was perfect as a stand-in for Ithilien. It’s located a short drive from Ohakune, on the Ohakune Mountain Road up to the ski fields on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. There’s an easy five-minute walk to the viewpoint over the falls, which are 28 meters high! There is a designated small car park for the waterfall.
Tukino Ski Field and Rangipo Desert
This is one Lord of the Rings film location I didn’t visit, as apparently you need a 4WD to get there. The vast space on the eastern slopes of Mount Ruapehu was used as the lookout over the Black Gate, when Frodo, Sam, and Gollum tried to find a way into Mordor. Various shots of orc armies were also filmed here. Rangipo Desert was where they filmed the storming of Black Gate and Aragorn’s emotional speech (“for Frodo,”) in Return of the King. I would love more information on these locations if you’ve personally visited!
Whakapapa Ski Field
Whakapapa Ski Field is another destination LOTR fans will want to visit in Tongariro National Park. Scenes from the Prologue in Fellowship of the Ring were filmed here – including the dramatic scene where Isildur cuts off Sauron’s finger. It was also featured in Return of the King, when the Witch-King of Angmar’s orc army leaves Minas Morgul. Up, up, up the stairs we go!
Meads Wall is another Lord of the Rings film location in Whakapapa. It’s where Sam and Frodo become lost in the craggy, trail-less terrain of Emyn Muil and meet Gollum in Two Towers. It’s a 20-minute walk and starts from the base of the Rangatira Chairlift. Parking is available at the car park at the top of Bruce Road. There are great views over to Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom) from here!
The Ultimate Lord of the Rings Film Location Itinerary Route
Want to visit all of the LOTR spots in New Zealand? Unless you’ve got a serious amount of time and money, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to see all of the spots listed in this post. But if you’re wanting to tick off most of them, here’s a rough tour route to help you plan your trip.
Begin your Lord of the Rings adventure in Christchurch. Head out of the city to Ashburton Lakes and Mount Sunday, before heading south to Mount Cook, Twizel, Tarras, and the Kawarau River. From here, head to Queenstown and use the city as a base for LOTR adventures in the area. See Deer Park Heights, the Remarkables, and Lake Alta. Take day trips to visit Glenorchy and Paradise (be sure to visit Twelve Mile Delta on the way!), Arrowtown, and Poolburn Reservoir. If you’re a super fan, be sure to book a 4WD tour to Skipper’s Canyon!
Head out of Queenstown to Mavora Lakes to visit the film locations here, before moving onto Manapouri and the Kepler Track. If you’re visiting Milford Sound, you’ll be going through the area and it’s easy to detour. From there, back track to Queenstown and drive up the West Coast of New Zealand to Franz Josef for a helicopter tour of Mount Gunn. Then go north to Abel Tasman National Park and Nelson. Take the ferry to the North Island.
Once in Wellington, give yourself plenty of time to see the Lord of the Rings film locations in the area. Besides the spots in Wellington itself (like the Hobbit’s Hideaway), visit Dry Creek Quarry, Kaitoke Regional Park, and Putangirua Pinnacles before heading north up the coast to see Queen Elizabeth Park in Paraparaumu and Waitarere Forest.
Next up: see all the film locations around Tongariro National Park and Mount Ruapehu. Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing for superb views of Mount Doom, see Tawhai Falls and Mangawhero Falls, and visit Tukino Ski Field, Rangipo Desert, and Whakapapa Ski Field.
Finally, finish your Lord of the Rings adventure at the most special location of them all: the Hobbiton Movie Set. After an epic journey traversing the country to follow in the footsteps of the filmmakers, visit the Shire in all its glory and soak up the last moments of your trip. You’ll have truly earned that pint for the brave and true at the Green Dragon!
How to Visit the Lord of the Rings Film Locations in New Zealand
You will absolutely need a vehicle to access the majority of the locations in this post. A few locations require a 4WD, and you should check your rental contract if driving on unsealed roads for a long distance. This includes the road to Mavora Lakes. The spectacular mountaintops, such as Mount Olympus, Mount Owen, and Mount Gunn, are accessible only via a helicopter tour. While cities like Wellington and Queenstown are easy to get to by public transport, you’d struggle to visit film locations outside the cities themselves without a vehicle. If you want to visit Tongariro National Park, you can get there by bus or train and stay in National Park Village to hike the crossing. But you wouldn’t be able to visit the many other locations without a vehicle. If you’re wanting to visit LOTR film locations in New Zealand, plan on renting a vehicle.
Check out various Lord of the Rings tours around New Zealand below!
Finally visiting so many Lord of the Rings film locations in New Zealand was a dream come true for me. My travels in New Zealand have been incredible, but walking in the footsteps of my favorite characters, in my favorite movies, has made my experiences even better. I completely understand why Peter Jackson and the film directors chose these beautiful parts of New Zealand as film locations. Some destinations do really feel like they could be on another planet! I feel so grateful that I’ve gotten to experience so many of them.
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan and organizing a trip to New Zealand, I hope this extensive, comprehensive guide has helped you plan your trip. Please get in touch (use the comments below!) if you’ve been to any of these film locations and my information needs updating! Happy travels around New Zealand.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” – Gandalf
Have you been to any of these Lord of the Rings film locations? Which one would you want to visit first?
You might also like my posts:
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All of my New Zealand posts!
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