From the mighty peaks of the Southern Alps to lush rolling farmland and ancient forests, Aotearoa – New Zealand brought Middle-earth to life like nowhere else could. For fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, this is not just a filming destination — it’s a real-life fantasy land waiting to be explored. Whether you’re chasing elven realms, Hobbit holes, or battle-scarred plains, this guide will take you to the most magical locations from Peter Jackson’s legendary films.
A Personal Note from Us
We’ve travelled all over Aotearoa and have stood in the exact spots where Frodo, Aragorn, and Gandalf once walked (well, on screen at least). You don’t need to be a die-hard fan to be moved by the scenery — these landscapes are breathtaking whether or not you’ve read the books or watched the movies. But if you have… get ready to geek out with us just a little.
Why Was Aotearoa – New Zealand Chosen as Middle-earth?
Peter Jackson didn’t just want a place to film — he wanted to create a world. Aotearoa’s untouched landscapes, dramatic geological diversity, and moody skies gave the perfect backdrop to Tolkien’s fantasy universe. From volcanic terrain and deep fjords to mystical forests and sprawling plains, this country offered everything needed — all in one place. Add to that a skilled local crew and Jackson’s own homegrown vision, and Middle-earth was born
Table of Contents
- A Personal Note from Us
- Why Was Aotearoa – New Zealand Chosen as Middle-earth?
- North Island Filming Locations
- Hobbiton – Matamata
- Tongariro National Park
- Mt Doom – Mt Ngauruhoe
- Gollum’s Pool – Tawhai Falls
- Whakapapa Ski Field – Mordor
- Meads Wall – Emyn Muil
- Trollshaw Forest – Piopio
- Rivendell – Kaitoke Regional Park
- The Nazgûl Chase – Mount Victoria, Wellington
- Wētā Workshop – Miramar, Wellington
- South Island Filming Locations
- Edoras – Mount Sunday
- Lothlórien & Fangorn Forest – Paradise, Glenorchy
- River Anduin – Kawarau River
- Ford of Bruinen – Arrowtown
- Dimrill Dale – Lake Alta, Queenstown
- Isengard – Paradise, Glenorchy
- Pelennor Fields – Twizel, Mackenzie Country
- Ready to Follow in the Footsteps of the Fellowship?
- Explore the North Island Itinerary
- Journey through the South Island
Popular Film Locations
Following are some of the most memorable and accessible Lord of the Rings filming locations you can visit across both islands of Aotearoa – New Zealand.
📍 North Island Filming Locations
Hobbiton – Matamata, Waikato
Tucked into the rolling green hills of the Waikato region, Hobbiton is the crown jewel of Lord of the Rings tourism. This real-life movie set remains exactly as it appeared in the films — a rare treat for fans. Wander past colourful hobbit holes, explore Bilbo’s home at Bag End, and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
🎬 What You Can Do:
- Join a Guided Walking Tour of the set (compulsory for access)
- Visit the Party Tree, Bagshot Row, and the Mill
- Grab a Hobbit-themed feast or ale at The Green Dragon
🧭 Travel Tip: Tours depart from The Shire’s Rest just outside Matamata. Book early — especially in peak seasons.
Tongariro National Park
- Mt Doom – Mt Ngauruhoe: Rising dramatically from the Central Plateau, this active volcano played the menacing role of Mount Doom. Though climbing Mt Ngauruhoe itself is discouraged, you can hike nearby via the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing for unbeatable views.
- 🎬 What You Can Do:
- Hike the Tongariro Crossing (full day walk) Guided Tours available if you prefer)
- See Mt Doom from the Red Crater lookout
- Soak in views of three volcanic peaks
- 🧭 Travel Tip: Start early and bring layers — this alpine hike is exposed to fast-changing conditions.
- Gollum’s Pool – Tawhai Falls: Just off the road near Whakapapa Village lies Tawhai Falls — the setting for Gollum’s famous fish-catching scene. Known now as Gollum’s Pool, it’s a short, accessible walk through beech forest to a beautiful cascade.
- 🎬 What You Can Do:
- 20-minute return walk through native bush
- Visit the exact spot Gollum crouched by the water
- Perfect photo op with minimal effort
- 🧭 Travel Tip: An easy add-on if you’re staying in the national park — good signage and parking available.
- Whakapapa Ski Field – Mordor: A stark and dramatic landscape of ancient lava flows and craggy terrain, Whakapapa Ski Field on Mt Ruapehu served as part of Mordor in the trilogy’s opening battle scenes. Think black rock, swirling mist, and cinematic scale.
- 🎬 What You Can Do:
- Explore lower walking trails or take the Sky Waka gondola
- Visit in winter for skiing or in summer for hiking
- View filming areas from scenic lookouts
- 🧭 Travel Tip: Weather changes fast — check conditions before driving up the mountain road.
- Meads Wall – Emyn Muil: Located just a short stroll from the Rangatira Chairlift base at Whakapapa, Meads Wall is a striking cliffside used in multiple scenes. It was here that Frodo and Sam first see Mordor and capture Gollum.
- 🎬 What You Can Do:
- Short walk from carpark (about 15 mins)
- Great views across volcanic terrain
- Climb the rocks for a more elevated perspective (if safe to do so)
- 🧭 Travel Tip: Easily combined with a visit to Whakapapa Ski Field. The walk is short but rocky.
Trollshaw Forest – Piopio, Waitomo
Nestled in the King Country near the limestone-rich region of Waitomo, Piopio’s dramatic landscape doubled as Trollshaw Forest in The Hobbit. It’s here Bilbo encounters trolls and begins to find his courage.
🎬 What You Can Do:
- Join a Hairy Feet Scenic Film Location Tour
- Walk through rocky outcrops and native bushland
- See exact filming spots used for Radagast’s scenes
🧭 Travel Tip: This is on private land and can only be accessed by guided tour. Book ahead!
Rivendell – Kaitoke Regional Park, Wellington
Tucked into lush bush north of Wellington, Kaitoke Regional Park stood in for the elven haven of Rivendell. Gentle rivers, ferns, and towering trees make it easy to imagine elves wandering through.
🎬 What You Can Do:
- Follow the Rivendell walking track
- Take a Tour to Kaitoke
- Snap a photo at the Elven Arch replica
- Swim in the river or enjoy a picnic
🧭 Travel Tip: Well signposted and free to enter. A magical, peaceful stop on any Lower North Island road trip.
The Nazgûl Chase – Mount Victoria, Wellington
The forested trails of Mount Victoria were the setting for one of the trilogy’s most memorable scenes — the Hobbits hiding from the Black Riders.
🎬 What You Can Do:
- Walk the trail to the exact filming location
- Enjoy city views from the summit
- Take a Tour
- Visit nearby Embassy Theatre, where the trilogy premiered
🧭 Travel Tip: Combine this walk with a visit to nearby Wētā Workshop or a guided film tour.
Wētā Workshop – Miramar, Wellington
While not a filming site, Wētā Workshop is where the magic happened — props, armour, weapons, miniatures, and behind-the-scenes craftsmanship.
🎬 What You Can Do:
- Take a guided tour through Wētā Cave and Workshop
- See real props and meet artists
- Shop for LOTR merchandise and memorabilia
🧭 Travel Tip: Book in advance for tours — especially during school holidays or cruise ship days.
South Island Filming Locations
Edoras – Mount Sunday, Canterbury
Remote and surrounded by golden plains, Mount Sunday was transformed into Edoras, capital of Rohan. No set remains, but the views are just as breathtaking.
🎬 What You Can Do:
- Hike to the summit (easy-moderate, 1.5 hrs return)
- Picture the Golden Hall atop the ridge
- Explore the Rangitata River valley
🧭 Travel Tip: Access is via a gravel road past Mt Potts Station — allow time and check road conditions.
Lothlórien & Fangorn Forest – Fiordland & Paradise, Glenorchy
The enchanted forests around Glenorchy were used to bring both Fangorn and Lothlórien to life. Towering native trees and dreamy filtered light made the perfect elven backdrop.
🎬 What You Can Do:
- Take a LOTR location tour from Queenstown or Glenorchy
- Walk the forest trails around Paradise
- Visit nearby filming sites for Isengard too
🧭 Travel Tip: The road to Paradise is unsealed — suitable for cautious driving in good weather.
River Anduin – Kawarau River, Central Otago
Near Queenstown, the Kawarau River featured as the Great River Anduin, where the Fellowship paddles south in The Fellowship of the Ring.
🎬 What You Can Do:
- Go Jet Boating or Rafting on the Kawarau River
- Visit the exact stretch filmed near Roaring Meg
- Explore Gibbston Valley’s nearby wineries
🧭 Travel Tip: Tours are weather dependent — book morning sessions for best light.
The Ford of Bruinen – Arrowtown, Otago
The Arrow River near Arrowtown was the site of Arwen’s thrilling water-horse rescue of Frodo. It’s a serene, easy walk now — but full of movie magic.
🎬 What You Can Do:
- Walk along the Arrow River Trail
- Spot the exact filming bend near the bush bridge
- Visit charming Arrowtown for food and gold-rush history
🧭 Travel Tip: Autumn is especially stunning here — golden leaves line the trail.
Dimrill Dale – Lake Alta, Queenstown
Lake Alta, tucked into The Remarkables mountain range, was used as the exit point from the Mines of Moria. Remote, icy, and dramatic — it’s every bit as epic in real life.
🎬 What You Can Do:
- Hike from The Remarkables carpark (summer only)
- Enjoy sweeping alpine views
- Take photos in the shadow of towering peaks
🧭 Travel Tip: Not suitable in winter without alpine experience. Check conditions
Isengard – Paradise, Glenorchy
The green plains and mountain backdrop of Paradise became the location of Isengard. CGI created the tower of Orthanc, but the dramatic valley remains unchanged.
🎬 What You Can Do:
- Visit on a guided Glenorchy Film Tour
- Take in the scenery that became Saruman’s domain
- Hike short tracks to surrounding viewpoints
🧭 Travel Tip: If going independently, take care on unsealed roads and bring supplies — there’s little in the way of shops past Glenorchy.
Pelennor Fields – Twizel, Mackenzie District
Outside Twizel in the Mackenzie Basin lies the open grassland used for the massive Battle of the Pelennor Fields. It’s vast and remote — ideal for imagining cavalry charges and war cries.
🎬 What You Can Do:
- Take a LOTR 4WD tour from Twizel
- Visit the exact filming spots on private farmland
- Learn how they filmed large-scale battle scenes
🧭 Travel Tip: This area is on private land and only accessible with a tour.
Ready to Follow in the Footsteps of the Fellowship?
Now that you’ve seen where the magic of Middle-earth was brought to life, why not take the next step and visit these locations yourself? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local ready to rediscover your backyard, we’ve created two unforgettable self-drive itineraries to help you explore these iconic filming spots at your own pace.
From the rolling hills of Hobbiton to the dramatic peaks of Edoras and the elven forests of Lothlórien, these routes are designed for both campervans and cars — no orc battles required.
👉 Explore the North Island:
[Lord of the Rings 5-Day North Island Highlights Itinerary]
👉 Journey through the South Island:
[Lord of the Rings 7-Day Scenic Trail Itinerary]
Pack your cloak, charge your camera, and let the adventure begin.
🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei
Pursue that which is precious, and do not be deterred by anything less than a lofty mountain