Lord of the Rings Filming Locations: The BEST New Zealand Day Tours

When you think of New Zealand, you almost automatically think of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Fact. Director Peter Jackson scoured New Zealand to find the most majestic landscapes as his setting for Middle-earth, and boy, did he achieve just that. As New Zealanders ourselves, we know how beautiful our country is. And we know that you want to see that beauty too. We also know that you’re desperate to see the best Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand. And right now we’re going to show you them. So buckle up, here we go!

Edoras (Mount Sunday)

Making its debut in the The Two Towers Edoras is easily one of the best Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand. And the reason? It genuinely looks just like it! The sprawling landscape is bursting with mountains, and is just simply stunning. We found a tour company that takes you to Mt Sunday, where the movie was filmed. The guides tell you more facts about how they filmed in Edoras, there's a picnic included, and you even get to take photos with props while you're at the location (so get your best poses ready!)

Hobbiton (Matamata)

Of course Hobbiton has to be on this list! It's one of the few remaining sets from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and us fans couldn't be more grateful. Alexander Farms in Matatamata, in the North Island of New Zealand was selected as the Shire due to it's lush greenery, rolling hills, and all round beauty. 37 Hobbit holes were built here, as well as the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, and many more recognisable spots from the films. There are lots of different tour options available, including this one, where you can choose whether you want a night time tour and the choice of having a meal - which seems appropriate, given how hobbits are known for their appetites!

Mordor (Tongariro Park)

Tongariro Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. It’s prized possession; the Tongariro Crossing posesses a lake, which surely has to be one of the most vibrant blues to have ever been found in nature? And yet, somehow, this is Mordor, Middle-earth's realm ruled by the evil Sauron.

Tongariro National Park can be quite literally, well, a hike, but one this is absolutely worth it. You might not necessarily come away feeling like you’ve been trapaising through the depths of Mordor, but really though, isn’t that a good thing? What we do know is that you’re going to get some of the very best views of New Zealand. This place is absolutely stunning. You can even take this guided tour to ensure you find the most beautiful spots of all.

Wellington Mount Victoria Park

There are Lord of the Rings locations all around greater Wellington, and given that it’s where director Peter Jackson actually lives, well, it makes sense, doesn't it? Although you might have to take a train or bus to see some of the locations, one of our very favourites is within the central city itself.

Wellington is renowned for its hilly landscape, with the most central hill being known as Mount Victoria. You will have seen this immediately upon entering Wellington; it’s the hill that looks directly over the city - it would be impossible to miss.

This is quite a steep walk, definitely not for the faint of heart, although you can catch a bus to take you up the majority of the hill. It is undoubtedly worth it though, as this is where the Hobbits originally hid from the Ringwraiths in the Fellowship of the Ring. You know that scene where Frodo and his friends perch underneath a ledge while the Nazgûl senses them nearby (although unable to find them?) Well, this is the place. Have a look around and you might be able to do your best hobbit impression! If you're wanting to see Mt Victoria and explore even more of Wellington, then you should check out this guided tour.

Weta workshop

Another Wellington establishment you simply need to visit as a Lord of the Rings fan, is the infamous Weta Workshop. Set up by Peter Jackson and his long-term collaborator, Richard Taylor, Weta Workshop is behind all of the digital and non-ditgal special effects you see on screen. You know the orc costumes? The hobbit feet? The hundreds of full size and scale models of every single structure in the movies? It’s all thanks to Weta Workshop. And yes, you can go and visit yourself! You can see the various weaponry in person, you can see enormous cave troll models outside, and most exciting of all, you literally get a glimpse into what it's like to be a creative at Weta Workshop. Oh, and yes, you can even see the ring - yes, the one ring in person - although, don’t get too close! We hear it can be a powerful little thing...

You can get a discounted rate at Weta Workshop here.

Arwen River scene (Skippers Canyon)

Arguably one of the most iconic moment from the film trio love is when Arwen is standing in the river, facing off against the Ringwraiths. “You want him, come and claim him” was such a powerful moment, and now you can go and recreate it for yourself. The scene is set in Skippers Canyon, just out of Queenstown. You might not find your own Aragorn here, but you will find a 4WD tour that can show you all of the sights in the area. 

Special note: Rivendell

One of the most iconic filming locations in the Lord of the Rings is undoubtedly Rivendell. Between the ethereal glow, the detailed architecture and stunning surroundings, Rivendell is understandably a fan favourite. So now it’s time for the bad news: Rivendell doesn’t exist. And not in a yes-it’s-a-fictional-series-of-course-it-doesn’t-exist. No. It straight up doesn’t exist anymore. Rivendell was built as a set, and like most LotR sets, it was dismantled after use.

If you’re looking to see where Rivendell was actually filmed, you’d be looking at Kaitoke National Park, in Greater Wellington.