Calling all fans of Lord of the Rings ― this one’s for you! It’s widely known that Peter Jackson (writer, director, and producer of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies) turned to the stunning landscapes of his native New Zealand to bring Tolkien’s stories to life on the big screen.
As a result, New Zealand has become somewhat of a living, breathing Middle-earth for lovers of the books and movies alike. From Fangorn Forest to Mount Doom, read on for a list of some of New Zealand’s most iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations and the tours and itineraries that will take you there.
Where Was Lord of the Rings Filmed?
There are over 150 total filming locations for Lord of the Rings across both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. With the Hobbiton set as the largest exception, most of the built sets have been dismantled and the locations left unmarked to preserve the natural landscape as it was pre-filming.
However, many of the locations are still very well-known, and the landscapes often appeared in the films almost exactly as they are in real life ― lending a visit to any of these spots an exciting sense of familiarity for Tolkien fans, and serving as a testament to New Zealand’s truly otherworldly beauty.
Without further ado, here’s seven of the most notable Lord of the Rings filming locations across the country.
1. Matamata ― The Shire & Hobbiton set
Perhaps the most well-known filming location in this list, the landscape surrounding the town of Matamata on New Zealand’s North Island became the Shire region in both the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
The set for the village of Hobbiton remains there permanently, and is one of the region’s top tourist attractions. With lush rolling hills and green fields as far as the eye can see, Matamata is truly the Shire come to life!
2. Tongariro National Park ― Mordor & Mount Doom
In a country chock-full of dramatic scenery, the Tongariro National Park (located in the center of the North Island) still stands out as one of New Zealand’s most stunning locations.
An active volcanic landscape, the park was used to portray the land of Mordor, including Emyn Muil (on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu) and Mount Doom. Mount Ngauruhoe, an almost perfectly conical active volcano, stood in for Mount Doom; the entire landscape is so strikingly desolate that it doesn’t take much imagination to picture it inhabited by orcs and lost hobbits.
You can enjoy the Tongariro region by car (the park is well-developed for tourism), or, for the more adventurous, by foot ― the Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes walkers on a 19 kilometer hike through the park’s most stunning areas, with an optional side trip to summit Mount Ngauruhoe itself.
3. Wellington + Mount Victoria ― River Anduin, Rivendell, & the Hobbiton Woods
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, boasts a number of Lord of the Rings filming locations. Most notably, the forest surrounding Mount Victoria (easily accessible from the city center) was used for filming scenes in the Hobbiton Woods, and the Hutt River was used to portray the River Anduin.
Finally, Kaitoke Regional Park became the beautiful Rivendell, and can be seen easily from the parking lot.
4. Canterbury & Mount Sunday ― Edoras
Located in the Canterbury region of the South Island, Mount Sunday was used as the set for Edoras, the home of the Rohan people.
The set itself is gone, but the location itself still boasts incredible views and is easily accessible with a short walk. Mount Sunday itself is actually more of a small hill, but a short 1.5km walk to the summit offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and nearby Rangitata River.
5. Mackenzie Country & Twizel ― Gondor & Pelennor Fields
Another testament to the beauty and diversity of New Zealand’s landscapes, the region known as Mackenzie Country on the South Island (including the areas surrounding the town of Twizel) portrayed the land of Gondor and the site of the epic Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
The golden, grassy fields appear in the film almost exactly as they are in real life (minus a Witch-King and a few orcs here and there). Famously, many of the extras that portrayed the Riders of Rohan in the Battle of Pelennor Fields were actually women who had answered the original casting call and were dressed in fake beards for the part!
6. Queenstown-Lakes District ― Isengard, Lothlorien Forest, & the River Anduin
One of the most popular tourist destinations on the South Island, Queenstown and the surrounding areas are also full of famous Lord of the Rings filming locations.
Paradise (a town at the top of Lake Wakatipu outside Queenstown) as well as the nearby Mount Earnslaw were used to portray Isengard, and Mount Earnslaw can also be seen in the opening of The Two Towers. As well, the forest on the slopes of Mount Earnslaw near Paradise was used as the set for the beech forest of Lothlorien.
Finally, Kawarau Gorge outside of Queenstown became the River Anduin, and was used to film the scenes where the Fellowship paddles past two large statues on either side of the gorge. The statues, unfortunately, can’t be visited as they were added post-production; however, Kawarau Gorge itself is still stunning and well worth a visit!
7. Fiordland National Park ― Fangorn Forest
Located on the southernmost end of the South Island, Fiordland National Park is most well known for the iconic Milford and Doubtful Sounds, whose glacial fiords, cascading waterfalls, and steep cliffs constitute some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenery.
Also located in the Fiordlands is Snowdon Forest, which was used to portray Fangorn Forest in The Two Towers.
Best Lord of the Rings Tours & Sample Itineraries
Whether you're looking to plan your own road trip or join a tour, there's plenty of options for all types of travelers looking for Middle-earth adventures.
The Ultimate Lord of the Rings Sample Itineraries
Here’s two sample itineraries for both the North and South Island of New Zealand that highlight all the major Lord of the Rings filming locations in this article.
Itinerary length can be shortened or extended depending on your needs and interests, and the two separate North Island and South Island itineraries could even be easily combined either by taking a quick flight from Wellington to Christchurch, or by taking a ferry from Wellington to the South Island and then driving the rest of the way to Christchurch (about 5 hours one way).
North Island Tour (10 Days)
Day 1-2: Fly into Auckland. Spend a couple days exploring the North Island’s biggest city and getting adjusted to the time difference!
Day 3-4: Head to Matamata from Auckland. The drive is quick ― only about two hours ― so you’ll have plenty of time to get there, explore the town, and enjoy the nearby Hobbiton set as well as the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside that were used to portray the Shire!
Day 5: From Matamata, head south about two hours to Taupo, on the shores of Lake Taupo. Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand, and rests in the caldera of the Taupo Volcano.
The entire region is still very volcanically and geothermally active, and it’s well worth your time to explore some of Taupo’s hot creeks and springs as well as its beautiful lakeshore beaches.
Day 6: Get ready for an early day! From Taupo, drive about an hour south along the lake to the Tongariro National Park ― home of Mount Doom (also known as Mount Ngauruhoe).
For those interested in making the hike, the 19-kilometer Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes, as well as several lakes (including the aptly named bright blue-green Emerald Lakes).
The park offers some of New Zealand’s most striking views, and the beautiful, desolate landscape filled with steep cliffs, dark volcanic rock, and steaming geothermal vents truly embodies the magic of Middle-earth.
After a long day outdoors, head back to Taupo for some rest and recuperation.
Day 7-9: From Taupo, head south to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Spend a few days exploring the bustling seaside city ― the Te Papa Museum, New Zealand’s national museum, is located in Wellington and is a wealth of information about the history and culture of the country.
As well, make sure you take the time to visit Mount Victoria and the Kaitoke Regional Park and enjoy Hobbiton Woods and Rivendell come to life!
Day 10: Fly out of Wellington.
South Island Tour (10 Days)
Day 1-2: Fly into Christchurch, and spend a couple days exploring the South Island’s largest city.
Day 3: From Christchurch, head about two hours west to Mount Sunday ― used as the set for Edoras, the home of the Rohan people.
Though the set is gone, the hike to the top of the mountain is relatively easy (only 1.5 kilometers, or about 30 minutes one way) and offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
For those wishing to camp overnight, the Ashburton District (where Mount Sunday is located) has several campground options; freedom camping is also permitted throughout New Zealand, and is a wonderful option for those equipped with the proper gear. Otherwise, make the quick trip back to Christchurch for another night!
Day 4-5: From Christchurch (or your campsite!), head south about three and a half hours to Twizel. This region, known as Mackenzie Country, was used to portray Gondor and the Pelennor Fields in Lord of the Rings.
Although the exact filming location of Pelennor Fields is on private land, you can book tours in the town of Twizel. Spend a few days here enjoying the beautiful scenery and imagining the epic charge of the Riders of Rohan across the golden grassy fields.
Day 5-7: From Twizel, drive two and a half hours south to Queenstown. Queenstown and the surrounding areas are home to some of the most epic Middle-earth landscapes, and you’ll want to spend several days here taking it all in.
Most notably, make sure you visit Paradise and Mount Earnslaw at the top of Lake Wakatipu as well as Kawarau Gorge for a glimpse of Isengard, Lothlorien, and the River Anduin respectively.
If you have the opportunity, you can also drive to the top of the Crown Range summit near Queenstown for sweeping views of the Cardrona Valley which includes the aforementioned filming locations!
Day 8-9: From Queenstown, head to Te Anau, a town located within the Fiordlands National Park. From here, you can explore Snowdon Forest (otherwise known as Fangorn Forest) as well as the other stunning sights that the Fiordlands have to offer ― for example, the beautiful Milford and Doubtful Sounds.
Day 10: Drive back to Queenstown and fly out.
Best Tours for Lord of the Rings Filming Locations
For those not wishing to plan their own trip, there are plenty of options for pre-planned and group tours that encompass most (if not all) of the most iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations mentioned here.
1. Exploring New Zealand featuring the North and South Islands by Collette
This epic two-island tour takes you all the way from Auckland to Te Anau over a 22-day period, with stops in Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch, Twizel, and Queenstown as well as many more!
For those wishing to get a comprehensive taste of New Zealand in comfort and style, this trip is the way to go ― you’ll get to visit quite a few Lord of the Rings filming locations, learn about the history and culture of the country, and soak in the stunning beauty of the landscapes from north to south.
2. Ultimate North Island Adventure by Active Adventures
For outdoor adventure-oriented travelers and fans of Mordor, this tour is for you.
Starting in Auckland, you’ll hike, kayak, and snorkel your way around some of the North Island’s most beautiful locations ― including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing!
The tour will provide you with all the necessary gear for making the hike, and you’ll even get to recover by soaking in some geothermal hot pools afterwards.
3. New Zealand Adventure by National Geographic Expeditions
This tour will give you a comprehensive experience of the stunning South Island, from Nelson to the Fiordlands National Park.
Notable stops include the Abel Tasman National Park, the Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown and the Southern Lakes District, the Milford Sound in the Fiordlands. The itinerary is active, but accommodations are rated 5-star, meaning you can enjoy the rugged outdoors of New Zealand and sleep in luxury at night!
For those wishing to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the South Island that helped bring Middle-earth to life on the big screen, this is the perfect tour for you.
4. New Zealand Hiking - Southern Alps by REI Adventures
If you’ve always wanted to explore Middle-earth on foot in true Fellowship style, REI Adventures has you covered. Over the course of ten days, you’ll get to discover the remote and stunning Southern Alps up close and personal.
Beginning in Christchurch, this tour takes you to Aoraki/Mount Cook, Twizel and the Tasman Glacier, Queenstown and the Crown Range, and several others.
You’ll be sleeping in backcountry lodges and huts, and spending your days tramping through some of the country’s most stunning scenery ― for the active travelers, this tour is a fantastic taste of the outdoor adventure that New Zealand has to offer.
Ready to explore the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand? Browse tours from 100+ operators »
