Visit Middle Earth and see New Zealand through Frodo's eyes!

Immerse yourself in the magical world of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit! Visit these beautiful locations across New Zealand where the famous movies were filmed.

1. Hobbiton – Matamata

   The quaint and peaceful shire from the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit can be seen near Matamata on the North Island. Take a tour through the set during the day or spoil yourself with a unique evening banquet in the village!

2. Rivendell – Kaotoke Regional Park, Wellington

   Head to Kaitoke Regional Park near Wellington and explore the beautiful forest that was transformed into the magical Elven realm of Rivendell.

3. Weta Cave – Wellington

   A large portion of the set and props creation, costuming and computer-generated magic happened right here at Weta Cave and Weta Digital. Join a tour and learn about the processes that created much of Middle Earth and its quirky characters.

4. Dimholt Road – Putangirua Pinnacles, Wellington

   Head out to the Putangirua Pinnacles on Cape Palliser to see where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli meet the Army of the Dead. You’ll find the unique landscape just as striking as it was in the Lord of the Rings!

5. Edoras – Mount Sunday, Canterbury

   It doesn’t take much imagination to conjure up an image of the city of Rohan rising from the top of Mount Sunday. Take a walk up the hill and look out over the stunning views that the citizens of Rohan were privy to.

6. Anduin River – Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown

   Head along the Kawarau River and imagine the Gates of Arnonath towering over the gorge. While you can’t see the famous statues themselves (these were added in post-production) the spectacular river maintains a majestic feel befitting the Pillars of Kings.

7. Isengard – Paradise, Glenorchy

   With a name like Paradise, it’s no wonder that this location was a no-brainer for use in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Head out to Glenorchy (past Queenstown) and discover this hidden gem where Gandalf rode to meet Saruman at Isengard.

8. Gondor – Twizel

   Visit Gondor and relive the Battle of the Pelennor Fields as you wander through the grassy plains of Twizel and the Mackenzie country. Join an LOTR tour and you can even dress-up and try your hand at a battle re-enactment!

9. Mount Doom – Mt Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park

   There’s no better place to combine a spectacular day’s hiking with some Lord of the Rings location spotting. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and see the rugged peak of Mount Doom (Mt Ngauruhoe) towering over the surrounding barren landscape.

Check out our popular LOTR tour - and ask us at Discover New Zealand for any custom made itineraries!