Discovering Lord of The Rings Film Locations in New Zealand

Mikhil Rialch

Last updated: Sep 24, 2019

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“Once upon a time, in a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit…”

J.R.R. Tolkien’s introduction to Lord of the Rings lies immortal in literary history. Readers and movie-watchers alike took the remarkable journey with Frodo and his friends on their perilous mission to destroy the Ring in the fiery chasm of Mount Doom.

new zealand movie location — Out in the distance lies Mordor... | Image Source: Tourism New Zealand

New Zealand’s tourism industry has a lot to thank the movies for. Most of Lord of the Rings film locations are set in the country. The splendid locales are a major talking point of the film series. We thought it would be a good idea to acquaint you with the real-life Lord of the Rings film locations. So here goes…

Wellington

The capital city of New Zealand has a number of Lord of the Rings film locations to its credit. From Mt. Victoria, which was used to portray the Hobbiton Woods, to the Kaitoke Regional Park, which became the setting for Rivendell, there’s much to explore here. Quite a few tours also organize a visit to the Weta Caves, where you can participate in a movie workshop that showcases creations used in the movie series. Definitely a must-visit , if you’re a fan of the movies.

Must-See Spots: Mt. Victoria, Kaitoke Regional Park, Waitarere Forest, Wairarapa

LOTR Locations: Hobbiton Woods, Osgiliath, Rivendell, Paths of the Dead

Rotorua

Rotorua has long been a popular tourist destination owing to its geothermal forces—including geysers and mud pools. In recent times, it has witnessed an upsurge of popularity due to one nearby location – Matamata. Remember those quaint little hobbit holes, with the circular wooden doors in the village of Hobbiton? Set in Matamata, the village has been preserved for tourists to live the hobbit life – even if for a few hours!

Must-See Spots: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Matamata

LOTR Locations: Hobbiton

Queenstown

Perhaps some of the most magical locations of both The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings were set in Queenstown.

You could start off with a visit to Lake Wakatipu, setting of the Elven forest realm of Lothlorien. Or, hike up the mountain range – aptly named The Remarkables – to reminisce the various scenes from the films. Glenorchy is another popular location, featuring Isengard and the Ithilien Camp. Lastly, visit the Skipper’s Canyon to place yourself at the spot where Arwen the Elf confronts the Nazgul at the Ford of Bruinen.

Must-See Spots: Lake Wakatipu, Remarkables, Glenorchy, Fiordland, Skipper’s Canyon

LOTR Locations: Lothlorien, Isengard, Ford of Bruinen

New Zealand’s visa process is quite smooth, relatively speaking. You can find out more about it here.

So build yourself a customized holiday package and transport yourself to Middle Earth and watch reality turn into high fantasy. Aside from the Hobbit tours, you can also experience cultural, culinary and other leisure activities that New Zealand has to offer.

It really doesn’t get better than this.

Book Your Flight to Auckland, New Zealand Now!

Mikhil Rialch

History lover. Wasp hater. World-conqueror-in-waiting.

Comments

Ana | on 12 August 2018

The Lord of the Rings is an epic high fantasy novel written by English author and scholar J. R. R. Tolkien. The story began as a sequel to Tolkien’s 1937 fantasy novel. The Hobbit, but eventually developed into a much Read More lord of the rings series