New Zealand’s dramatic landscape of golden plains, breathtaking mountain landscapes and enchanting valleys have fascinated viewers and fans in both the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. These trilogies are based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s work of the same name, and all of the films were directed by none other than Sir Peter Jackson. The Lord of the Rings trilogy has won a total of 17 Oscars. While all of the film sets, except Hobbtion, have been dismantled – Lord of the Rings fans are sure to recognize some of the landscapes and film locations!
Discover the world of Frodo, Bilbo, Aragorn, Arwen – We invite you with “Haere Mai” – welcome to New Zealand!
This tour package can be customized to suit your requirements precisely. Please let us know your special requests.
Please look at our other New Zealand self-drive tours and if you can’t find the right tour- no problem! We are happy to offer you the perfect New Zealand holiday.
Get in touch with us! Behind this website are real people who want to share their enthusiasm and expertise for this country. You enjoy New Zealand and your round trip, we take care of the rest.
Key: BB: Bed and Breakfast, DBB Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Rental car insurance: Fully inclusive with variable excess/deductible
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We play fair and we know we play with people who play fair!
Please look at our other New Zealand self-drive tours and if you can’t find the right tour- no problem! We are happy to offer you the perfect New Zealand holiday.
Get in touch with us! Behind this website are real people who want to share their enthusiasm and expertise for this country. Enjoy New Zealand, we take care of the rest.
The following summary lists driving information for each major driving day of your itinerary. Times and distances are based on ideal conditions without stops. Plan to take longer to allow time to explore and enjoy some stops. While in New Zealand we offer 24 hour support.
Auckland with its suburbs has over 1 million inhabitants. It is the largest city in the country and spreads generously over a narrow isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. Over 60 extinct volcanic cones and craters characterize the landscape, while an endless procession of sails in the harbor is typical of the relaxed way of life here. Auckland was the state capital until 1865 and is today the economic center of New Zealand.
Welcome to New Zealand!
After your arrival at Auckland Airport, you will pick up your rental car. You will have the rest of the day to recover from your long flight. In “The Lord of the Rings” and the “Hobbit” trilogy, New Zealand was splendidly showcased and firmly established in the imagination of viewers worldwide as Middle-earth. On your upcoming trip, you will understand why Sir Peter Jackson chose to shoot the films in New Zealand. Let yourself be captivated by this country full of contrasts – we wish you an unforgettable journey into the world of Middle Earth!
Located in King Country, and set an easy two-hour’s drive from New Zealand’s capital, Auckland, Waitomo is one of the country’s most outstanding travel destinations, famed for its exceptional natural environment, exquisite scenery, and unique adventure options. The area is home to legendary limestone caves – the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakari Cave, Aranui Cave, and Gardner’s Gut – which offer a multitude of adventure opportunities. Explore caverns glittering with the presence of countless glowworms, go ‘blackwater’ rafting or tubing in subterranean lakes, or abseil past magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations. Other attractions in the area include the breathtaking Marokopa Falls, the captivating Pureora Timber Trail (a cycle route), and the 17-metre high stone arch that forms part of the pulse-quickening Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk.
Heading south, you leave Auckland, cross the Bombay Hills and enter the Waikato River valley. New Zealand’s longest river runs through one of the most agriculturally productive areas on earth.
On your journey, you will make a stop in Matamata. On a 2-hour guided tour, you will discover the real Middle Earth here and visit the film set of the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” triologies, which might be better known to you as the “Shire”. During your tour you will see the Hobbit Caves, The Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree and many other highlights.
The journey continues to your very special accommodation in Otorohanga. Today you will sleep like a hobbit! A unique experience that will transport you once again into the world of Middle Earth.
The small rural town Ohakune is blessed with magnificent scenery, as well as some of New Zealand’s best skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of nearby Mount Ruapehu. Sporty travellers will be in their element here, with kayaking, hiking and cycling also high on the list of local activities. Ohakune is the kick-off point for trips to Tongariro National Park, the country’s oldest wildlife reserve and a UNESCO Wold Heritage Site, known for its stunning glacial lakes with aquamarine waters, rugged volcanic peaks blanketed with snow, and rich Maori culture. The town also has plenty of great wining, dining, shopping and entertainment options.
On the way to Ohakune, stop a little south of Waitomo and join the Hairy Feet Scenic Film Location Tour. On this tour you will see and walk through different film locations from Lord of the Rings.
Continue your journey to Ohakune near Tongariro National Park, which you will surely know as “Mordor”. Here you will stay at Powderhorn Chateau, where the actors of the Lord of the Rings films spent a few weeks. So there is a chance that you will spend the night in the same room as Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood or Peter Jackson. The actors especially enjoyed their time in the two restaurants and the very popular Powderhorn Bar. The Powderhorn Chateau is the perfect starting point for excursions to the filming locations of Mordor and Ithilien.
Use today to visit various filming locations (optional):
-Lord of the Rings: To reach Ithilien you must drive along the Turoa Ski Field road, also known as Ohakune Mountain Road Scenic Drive. Follow the road until you reach Magawhere Falls. At the trailhead, park your rental car and climb down from here to the bed of the Mangawhere River. At this filming location Smeagol (Gollum) hunted and caught a fish (coordinates: 39° 19.161’S 175° 30.158’E). The scene where Frodo and Sam walk across a clearing was filmed a little further upstream (coordinates: 39° 19.217’S 175° 30.315’E).
-Hobbit: To reach the secret entrance to “Lonely Mountain” drive along the Turoa Ski Field road to the end, to the ski area. It was filmed here in the summer of 2011, and the location can only be recognised in the summer months when there is no snow, as used in the film. From car park 3 you have a perfect view of the filming location. Interesting additional info: During filming, a special path scaffolding was created to give actors and crew access to the filming location without damaging the moss and its growth. At 1500 metres, this location is the highest in the film series (coordinates: 39° 30’95.19”S 176° 52’42.63”E).
Located on the south-western tip of North Island on the Cook Strait, Wellington is the constitutional and cultural capital of New Zealand – dubbed ‘the coolest little capital in the world’. With its diverse architecture, world-class museums, cultural attractions and award-winning restaurants, Wellington is a popular destination for both local and international travellers. Due to its location in the ‘Roaring Forties’ the city experiences its fair share of wind and as a result, sailing is a popular activity here – with charters offering the visitors the experience of a relaxed cruise with beautiful views of the city and the surrounding bays.
Along the Kapiti Coast you travel to Wellington. On the way we recommend a stop at “Riverbank Farm Equine” (optional), where you can recognise some of the horses from the trilogies. You will also have the opportunity to meet their trainer Jane Lenaghan. Jane was Liv Tyler’s stunt double for equestrian scenes and also played roles such as Nazgul, Rohan Warrior and Ranger. Farm tours are available by appointment.
You then arrive in Wellington, production home of all the films, home to Sir Peter Jackson, 3 Foot 6, Wingnut Films, Weta Workshop and Weta Digital. Explore the centre on foot and discover interesting and famous sights.
Today you will take a guided tour of the Weta Cave film studios. Lord of the Rings was co-created and created at these studios.
Discover props, costumes and cool stuff.
From The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to Avatar and District 9, learn about the making of props, costumes and creatures created for your favourite films. Interact with the cool stuff from our creative departments, and if you’re lucky, watch an artist at work on our tour stage.
Explore the Wētā Cave shop: A cave of creativity that packs a punch! Be greeted by giant trolls when you arrive and explore our mini-museum.
The sunny little town of Motueka is situated close to the mouth of the Motueka River, on the western shore of Tasman Bay on New Zealand’s South Island. Visitors tend to use the town as a convenient base for exploring the beautiful Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks and visiting the lovely neighbouring beaches. Motueka’s family-friendly green spaces, diverse sporting and recreational opportunities, a clean environment and terrific climate have attracted a large number of people from all over the world, resulting in a cosmopolitan, artistic community. A vibrant main street offers lovely little boutiques, quaint cafes and charming restaurants. Don’t miss a visit to the wonderful Sunday morning farmers’ market and pretty, leafy beer garden where you can sample delicious local craft beers and ciders.
In the morning, you board the Interislander ferry to the South Island, including your rental car. You will reach the small harbour town of Picton via the Cook Waterway and the famous Marlborough Sounds. From here you will first drive to Havelock, primary producer of green shell mussels. A short drive from Havelock to Pelorus Bridge then takes you along the Pelorus River via the picturesque town of Canvastown. There is a large car park in front of the bridge, from here you start an exploration tour. This is where the filming took place of the scene where the 13 dwarves and Bilbo were washed ashore after their previous capture by the Elf King Thranduil and subsequent escape in barrels through the Forest River.
You can visit two of the filming locations here: Walk onto Pelorus Bridge and look downstream, with beautiful views of the surrounding trees and clear water. Then walk along the path next to the bridge on your left. This is where the orcs desperately tried to stop the dwarves on their wild barrel ride. (Coordinates: 41° 17’56.39”S 173° 34’29.81”E).
Interesting info: The shooting came to a rather rapid end due to the arrival of the police. This was because the police were about to issue a severe weather warning. Peter Jackson said he had never seen a film crew pack up so quickly.
Your journey continues to Nelson, the sunniest city in New Zealand. In Nelson you have the opportunity to visit “Jens Hansen Gold and Silversmith” (Trafalgar Square). Among the jeweller’s designs is that of the “One Ring”. Jens created 40 rings for the shoot, one of which is on display in the shop. Sadly, Jens died in 1999 before he could see his masterpiece on the screen, but his son Thorkild continues the family tradition. On request, Thorkild makes copies of the “One Ring” in 9 and 18 ct gold.
We recommend spending the free day in Motueka in the Abel Tasman National Park.
There you have different options. Take the taxi boat into the National Park and walk parts of it or experience the National Park from the water by joining a kayak tour.
(all activities optional)
The tiny township of Punakaiki on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is primarily used by visitors as a base for exploring the nearby Paparoa National Park. The park is best known for its dramatic blowholes and the distinctive Pancake Rocks. These picturesque limestone formations look curiously like stony stacks of pancakes which funnel blasts of water up to 15 m into the air as the waves crash into the caverns below the rocks. Visitors can explore the sub-tropical rainforests, horse ride along the spectacular coastline, paddle a canoe down the tranquil Pororari River, or climb the remarkable limestone formations for which this area is known. The town itself offers some delightful cafes and restaurants and is home to a small community of quirky local craftspeople including jewellers, carvers, painters and potters. This little town is the perfect place to take some time out between excursions into one of the West Coast’s most beautiful and untouched wilderness areas.
You continue to Punakaiki on the west coast of the South Island. Here you can visit a filming location of “Hobbit – The Battle of the Five Armies”. This is close to the famous “Pancake Rocks”, which you can visit on a 15-minute walk (best at high tide). The Paparoa Cliffs were used in the scene where the dwarves escaped from the Elf King Thranduil in barrels. Although the scenes in the water were filmed at Pelorus Bridge and Salisbury Falls, the Paparoa Cliffs were used as a contrast in the background. The cliffs can be seen from several vantage points.
The quaint west coast town of Franz Josef has a few hundred permanent residents, but numbers swell during the holidays to around 2000 visitors per day. This is glacier country, and Franz Josef glacier (after which the town is named) and Fox Glacier, some 23km further south, are the main attractions. The town offers myriad options for cosy accommodation, especially after the snow and ice activities on offer – combine a helicopter tour with a guided walk on the glacial terrain to view ice caves, and spectacular crevisses and pinnacles. Helicopter tours over the two glaciers are also available, with a stop off at the head of either glacier so you can experience the frozen landscape up close.
The journey continues along the west coast to the Southern Alps, which might be better known to you as the Misty Mountains. As a natural weather barrier, the high mountain ridge is responsible for one of the most extreme precipitation regimes in the country. Above the snowline, large masses of ice accumulate to form fast-flowing valley glaciers. The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, about 12 km long, slide down to a height of 300 m above sea level – unique in temperate latitudes.
Wanaka is a town located on the southern bank of Lake Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand. This resort is known for being a prime access-point to the unique Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park – featuring rich birdlife, enormous mountains and many astounding glaciers – and which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Area of Te Wahipounamu. However, besides being near the famous park, Wanaka also offers an abundance of outdoor activities. When it’s warm, enjoy water sports like kayaking and canoeing on Lake Wanaka, as well as hiking, rock climbing and 4×4 routes; while, in winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding on the white peaks of Snow Farm, Treble Cone or Cardonia (all within a 40-minute drive from Wanaka), and extreme sports enthusiasts even have the opportunity to heli-ski.
You will continue to Wanaka. Here you can visit the “Puzzling World”, which gives you an insight into how different perspectives were filmed in the trilogy.
For the adventurous, Wanaka is also the place to go skydiving with the same provider as Orlando Bloom. If you look from the city shore to the Alps at the end of the lake, you will see the backdrop of the scene where Gandalf flew to Rohan on the eagle (Gwaihir) after his rescue from Orthanc.
You will have the opportunity to visit other filming locations today (optional):
-The filming location is on the road Glendhu Bay & Treble Cone Ski Field. After about 15km you will pass Glendhu Bay on your right. Continue towards Treble Cone and before you would turn into the ski field you will reach the filming location. On the big brown mountain to your right, a ruin was digitally inserted for the film at the scene where the companions walk south (coordinates: 44° 39.2.13’S 168° 58.342’E).
-The top of Treble Cone ski area can be seen in the film “Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey”.
-Not far after the turnoff to the ski area, the trail continues along a gravel road. Here the landscape becomes even more impressive and beautiful. With glacier-fed Matukituki to your right and snow-capped peaks to your left, you are at another filming location of “Hobbit – The Battle of the Five Armies”. The Dwarf Company was filmed in the valleys as they left the Misty Mountains on their way to the Bleak Forest (coordinates: 44°30’41.23”S 168°44’47.81”E).
Te Anau is situated in the southern region of New Zealand’s South Island, on the eastern bank of Lake Te Anau (the largest lake on South Island). The town is the perfect gateway to the unique and awe-inspiring geographical attractions of Milford Sound (boasting rich marine life and spectacular views), and the Fiordland National Park (offering the excellent Kepler, Routeburn, and Milford hiking and biking trails among astonishing landscapes). However, beautiful Te Anau has plenty to offer in its own right. Active travellers can enjoy water sports on the lake, such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and trout fishing, while gentle boat cruises provide a more leisurely option. Make sure to visit the incredible Te Anau Caves to see other-worldly displays of glowworms and an impressive underground waterfall, and visit the beautiful native birds at the Punanga Manu o Te Anau aviary.
Your drive takes you to Te Anau, the gateway to the Fjordland National Park. The perfect way to get to know the unspoilt landscape and surroundings is to take a boat trip on Doubtful Sound (optional). This takes you to Lake Manapouri in Fjordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest and by far most developed national park. As the precipitation is amongst the highest of the world, a very special vegetation has developed. Declared a World Heritage Site, this rainforest area with its numerous fjords attracts many naturalists and individual nature lovers. Doubtful Sound is a real insider tip, as it is not directly accessible by car like Milford Sound. First you cross Lake Manapouri. Then, via the Wilmot Pass, you will reach Deep Cove and Doubtful Sound by bus. In this seclusion you undertake a boat expedition into New Zealand’s animal kingdom. Bottlenose dolphins are often encountered. Numerous seals can be seen on isolated rock formations. As you walk along Lake Manapouri, look up to the high mountain peaks on your right, near Freeman Burn. Up there in the alpine peaks are the Norwest Lakes, locations used when the Fellowship left Rivendell for the south.
You can continue to explore the area on your own today, or alternatively take a scenic flight to more filming locations (optional).
On the Lord of the Rings Helijet Adventure tour you will see 3 filming locations. First, a jet boat ride across the Waiau River awaits you. Then you will board a helicopter and experience a 40-minute scenic flight over the Kepler Mire, where Frodo and Sam wandered through the Dead Marshes. You will also fly over Lake Manapouri to the Norwest Lakes. Enjoy the view of the lakes before making the return journey to Te Anau.
Queenstown is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and has stunning views of the surrounding alpine peaks. Considered by many as one of the world’s adventure capitals, it offers visitors a wide selection of adrenaline-boosting activities to choose from, such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, zip lining, skiing and skydiving. Queenstown also has a lively bar and restaurant scene, and for those who prefer the quieter things in life there are vineyards, golf courses, spas and wellness centres.
On the drive from Te Anau to Queenstown we recommend a stopover on the Takaro road. You leave Te Anau on the main road to Queenstown, after a few kilometres turn left onto the Kakapo road. After about another 6 km, the dirt road will take you through a clearing with an access road on the left. Park your rental car in the small turning area. You are now in Fangorn Forest. Filming locations are on both sides of the road. There are filming locations around Queenstown that you can explore over the next few days.
Today you are in for another real treat for all Lord of the Rings fans! You will take part in the Pure Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour. On this tour you will go deep into the heart of Middle-earth and see the filming locations of Isengard, the Battle of Amon Hen, Lothlorien Forest, the Misty Mountains and Ithilien Camp. The professional guides know all the filming locations down to the smallest detail and let you share stories and secrets of the filming. On the tour you will receive a delicious picnic and many possibilities for breathtaking pictures.
Pure Glenorchy Overland Tours, Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour x2
The cast and crew fell in love with Queenstown and the surroundings right away. Much time was spent at the Rattlesnake Bar and The Cow Restaurant, among others. If you want to experience some of the filming locations again in a different way, we recommend a horseback ride with Dart Stables (optional).
Twizel is set in the highlands of the Mackenzie district, amidst a magnificent setting of turquoise glacial lakes, sienna plains, and rugged snow-capped mountains. Thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element here, with the region’s natural assets lending themselves to a wide array of adventure activities including trekking, mountain biking, and helicopter rides, to horse riding, canoeing, fly fishing, and SUPping. The town offers a fantastic ongoing market and enticing shops, cafes, and restaurants. Twizel is also the gateway to excursions through the popular Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, known for its spectacular scenery and multitude of hiking trails, and the wider UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, renowned for the beauty of its star-studded skies. Make sure to play a game of mini-golf at the Twizel-themed miniature golf course, which features holes named after local farms.
Continue your journey to Twizel. Here you will find the fields of Pelennor, where the biggest war scene of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was set. As the filming location is on private land, it is only accessible with a booked tour (optional). Your guide may be a Rohirrim or Gondorian warrior, or even an Orc. The tour is offered by Onering Tours.
Despite the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, Christchurch was placed second on The New York Times’ list of 52 ‘Places to Go’ in 2014. This speaks volumes of the spirit of this city and its people, whose collective creativity has seen a number of restorative art projects developed on the empty lots and buildings the disasters left behind. The city also offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot-air ballooning and whale and dolphin watching. Or stroll around the Botanic Gardens.
On the way to Christchurch, we recommend a stop at Lake Pukaki. On the east side of the lake is a filming location of the Hobbit trilogy. This is where the epic pursuit of the dwarves by orcs took place as they desperately searched for the secret entrance to Rivendell. Afterwards continue to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island.
Today you will join the full-day Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour. Enter a world of natural beauty with clear lakes, sparkling blue rivers and fresh mountain air. You will be picked up at your accommodation and start your 4WD adventure through several small streams to Edoras. On a short guided tour you climb to the top and enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree panorama. You will see photos of the formation of Edoras, accessible only for this tour. Furthermore, you will see the Misty Mountains and the area that was the backdrop for “Helm’s Ridge”. You can also hold Aragorn’s and King Theoden’s swords, as well as Gimli’s axe and the flag of Rohan. You will be served a delicious picnic on your tour.
Your New Zealand tour ends today. Drive to Christchurch Airport and return your rental car. From here you start your onward journey or journey home. We wish you a pleasant flight!
Goodbye – or Namárie in the language of the elves!
Please take a look at our other New Zealand self-drive tours and if you can’t find the right tour- no problem! We are happy to advise you individually to offer you the perfect New Zealand holiday. That’s why we are winner of the “Bespoke Tour Operator of the year” LTG-Award – New Zealand 2018, 2019″.
Get in touch with us! Behind this website are real people who want to share their enthusiasm and expertise for this country. You enjoy New Zealand and your round trip, we take care of the rest.
Get in touch for your New Zealand holidays. That’s what we are here for. Behind this website are real people who are at your disposal with expertise and passion for this extraordinary country place in the world. We know where to go as we live here – and we are looking forward to sharing our hidden gems with you.
