Can I Visit Filming Locations from 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit'?

New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes became the cinematic Middle-earth for Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, captivating audiences worldwide. These iconic locations span the length and breadth of New Zealand, allowing fans to experience the magic of Middle-earth and visit filming locations from 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit'.

Let's explore key filming sites, the specific scenes they represent, and the tours available for a closer look.

Hobbiton (Matamata)

Film: The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies Scene: The Shire and Bag End, home to Frodo and Bilbo Baggins.

Hobbiton, located in Matamata on the North Island, remains one of the most recognisable filming locations. The set was rebuilt permanently for The Hobbit trilogy and has since become a top tourist destination. Visitors can stroll among 44 hobbit holes, explore the Party Tree, and enjoy a drink at The Green Dragon Inn.

Hobbiton House

Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland

This award-winning tour by Cheeky Kiwi Travel includes a scenic drive through the Waikato region, guided exploration of the 12-acre movie set, and a complimentary beverage at The Green Dragon Inn. Travellers enjoy surprise stops and local wildlife encounters, creating an unforgettable experience. This tour is often booked out so check your travel calendar - book in advance!

Tongariro National Park (Central Plateau)

Film: The Fellowship of the Ring

Scene: Mordor, including Mount Doom (Mount Ngauruhoe).

Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provided the volcanic landscapes for Mordor. Mount Ngauruhoe served as the menacing Mount Doom, where Frodo and Sam embarked on their perilous journey.

Explore with a guided walk on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to highlight the area’s dual cultural and geological significance, with references to its film history. Book Now!

Queenstown to Glenorchy: Iconic Middle-earth!

Film: The Lord of the Rings trilogy Scenes: Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlórien Forest, The Misty Mountains, and Ithilien.

The journey from Queenstown to Glenorchy takes fans deep into the heart of Middle-earth. The area’s braided rivers, ancient beech forests, and glacier-carved valleys served as the backdrop for many iconic scenes. Visitors can explore Isengard’s gardens, roam through Lothlórien Forest, and marvel at the Misty Mountains.

Queenstown to Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour This 4-4.5-hour tour includes exclusive access to filming locations and a chance to dress up in authentic Weta Workshop costumes for photos. Guests enjoy a picnic and short nature walks while hearing insider stories about the filming process. Book Now!

Mount Sunday (Canterbury)

Film: The Two Towers Scene: Edoras, the capital of Rohan.

Mount Sunday, a remote hill in the Ashburton Lakes region, served as the location for Edoras. The production team built the entire city of Rohan here, though no structures remain today. However, the landscape’s grandeur captures the essence of the scene, with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Lord of the Rings Edoras Guided Day Tour from Christchurch Experience an exciting 4-WD adventure through several small streams and right onto Edoras. Take a short guided walk to stand on the summit of Edoras and enjoy the breathtaking 360º views! Book Now!

Or take a train ride through Arthur's Pass with TranzAlpine! Enjoy breathtaking views of Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, ice-fed Waimakariri River, lush beech forests, and stunning landscapes. Be part of this spectacular scene; explore walking tracks in Arthur's Pass National Park with spectacular mountain views & pristine waterfalls.

Capture mirror images at Lake Pearson & wander through the majestic limestone boulders at Castle Hill.

Fiordland National Park (South Island)

Film: The Fellowship of the Ring

Scene: The opening shots of the Fellowship’s journey and the Anduin River.

The park’s ethereal beauty brought Middle-earth to life, with Milford Sound and the surrounding forests featuring prominently. The dramatic fiords and waterfalls make this a must-visit.

Cruise tours and scenic flights in Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound often incorporate film-related commentary. Book a Milford Sound tour!

Kawarau Gorge (Central Otago)

Film: The Fellowship of the Ring

Scene: The Argonath (Pillars of Kings).

The Kawarau Gorge was digitally enhanced to depict the Argonath. The dramatic cliffs and turquoise river make this site instantly recognizable.

Kepler Mire (Te Anau)

Film: The Two Towers

Scene: The Dead Marshes, where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum navigate eerie waters.

Kepler Mire near Te Anau provided the basis for the haunting Dead Marshes scenes. Though enhanced with CGI, the location retains its ethereal quality.

The Kepler Track - Great Walk! The Kepler Water Taxi runs between the Te Anau lakefront and Brod Bay and transports you directly to the Kepler Track Great Walk where you can experience this scenic location first-hand! From here, you can begin your multi-day hike into Fiordland before returning to Te Anau by foot, water taxi, bus or car. Book Now!

Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour Enjoy a cruise across Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains’ network of natural caves. Explore an underground world of sculptured rock, underground waterfalls, and a silent hidden glowworm grotto. Book Now!

Putangirua Pinnacles (Wairarapa)

Film: The Return of the King Scene: The Paths of the Dead, where Aragorn summons the Army of the Dead.

The eerie rock formations of the Putangirua Pinnacles created the perfect setting for Aragorn’s haunting journey. This unique geological feature is a photographer’s dream.

Lord of the Rings Full Day Tour - Wellington After admiring the view from the top of Mt Victoria head into the "Outer Shire" for your first stop the Hobbit's hideaway!

Then it's onto the Weta Cave in Miramar where you tour the museum, before viewing a short documentary showing the film-making exploits of Peter Jackson and his remarkable team. This is followed up with a fascinating  'Window into the Workshop" exhibition, showing film props and weaponry with the artists themselves describing how the artefacts were created.  What a fantastic way to get the full Lord of the Rings experience - Book Now!

Filming Locations from 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit'

North Island Locations Hobbiton (Matamata) Scene: The Shire and Bag End (Frodo and Bilbo's home). Mangaotaki Rocks (Piopio) Scene: Trollshaws Forest, Staddle Farm, and the Troll Hoard Cave (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey). Tūroa (Tongariro National Park) Scene: Hidden Bay, entrance to the Lonely Mountain (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug). Tongariro National Park (Mount Ngauruhoe) Scene: Mordor and Mount Doom (The Fellowship of the Ring).

South Island Locations Twizel (Canterbury) Scene: The Battle of the Pelennor Fields (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Wargs Chase (The Hobbit). Aoraki / Mount Cook Scene: Aerial backdrops in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Queenstown (Earnslaw Burn and Passburn Track) Scene: Beorn's House, Misty Mountains approach, and Ithilien (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey). Wānaka (Treble Cone) Scene: 'Wild Country' and soaring eagle sequences (The Hobbit trilogy). Nelson Tasman (Golden Bay) Scene: Various sequences in private farmland (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey). Pelorus River (Marlborough) Scene: Barrel escape sequence (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug). Fiordland National Park (Te Anau and Milford Sound) Scene: Eagles fleeing mountains (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) and other epic scenic shots. Lake Pukaki (Canterbury) Scene: Laketown, Warg Chase, and Rivendell approach (The Hobbit trilogy). Putangirua Pinnacles (Wairarapa) Scene: The Paths of the Dead (The Return of the King).