Wander through the real-life backdrops of Edoras, Isengard, Lothlórien, and more on this unforgettable journey.
Best For: Film fans, nature lovers, self-drive explorers
Duration: 7 Days
Start: Ōtautahi – Christchurch
End: Tāhuna – Queenstown
Recommended Vehicle: Car or Campervan
Click here to download this itinerary as a printable PDF
🌄 Day 1: Christchurch → Mount Sunday (Edoras)
What to Do:
- Drive through the Ashburton Lakes region
- Hike to the summit of Mount Sunday — the filming site for Edoras
- Take in sweeping views of the Rangitata River valley
Where to Stay:
- 🚌 Freedom camping: Lake Clearwater (self-contained only)
- 🏕️ Campground: Rakaia Gorge Camping Ground
Local Travel Tip:
- Access is via a gravel road — allow extra time and check weather conditions.
🏞️ Day 2: Mount Sunday → Twizel (Pelennor Fields)
What to Do:
- Visit the vast Mackenzie plains where the epic battle scenes were filmed
- Optional: Join a Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour from Twizel
- Stargaze under the Dark Sky Reserve
Where to Stay:
- 🚌 Freedom camping: Lake Pukaki Reserve
- 🏕️ Campground: Twizel Holiday Park
What to Pack:
- Warm layers — alpine nights can be chilly even in summer.
🌌 Day 3: Twizel → Jet Boating & River Anduin (Kawarau River)
What to Do:
- Take a Jet Boat or Rafting Tour through the Kawarau River (Anduin scenes)
- Visit Arrowtown’s historic village — also the site of the Ford of Bruinen
- Relax by Lake Wakatipu in the afternoon
Where to Stay:
- 🚌 Freedom camping: Arrowtown River Reserve
- 🏕️ Campground: Arrowtown Holiday Park
Local Tip:
- Autumn colours in Arrowtown are absolutely stunning 🍂
🧙♂️ Day 5: Queenstown via Lake Alta (Dimrill Dale)
What to Do:
- Detour to The Remarkables ski field
- Hike to Lake Alta — used as the exit from the Mines of Moria
- Arrive in Queenstown in the afternoon
Where to Stay:
- 🚌 Freedom camping: 12 Mile Delta DOC Campsite (also a filming location!)
- 🏕️ Campground: Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
Must-Try Local Flavours:
- Fergburger or Patagonia Chocolates — your call 🍔🍫
🎿 Day 6: Adventure Day or Film Tour in Queenstown
What to Do:
- Optional: Full-day LOTR Guided Location tour
- Or: Bungy, ziplining, lake cruises, or wine tasting
- Enjoy Queenstown’s bustling vibe
Rest Day Option:
- Soak in the views from the Skyline Gondola or chill lakeside.
🌲 Day 6: Glenorchy & Paradise (Isengard & Lothlórien)
What to Do:
- Scenic drive to Paradise near Glenorchy
- Visit filming sites for Isengard, Lothlórien, and Fangorn Forest
- Walk through native beech forests and reflective river flats
Where to Stay:
- 🚌 Freedom camping: Diamond Lake
- 🏕️ Campground: Glenorchy Holiday Park
Need to Know:
- Roads beyond Glenorchy can be rough — drive with care.
🏔️ Day 7: Return Loop or Extend to Fiordland (Optional)
What to Do:
- Return to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo, or
- Extend your journey to Fiordland National Park
- While not a LOTR filming location, it’s a place Tolkien would’ve dreamed up
- Cruise Piopiotahi – Milford Sound, one of the world’s natural wonders
Where to Stay in Fiordland:
- 🚌 Freedom camping: Cascade Creek (DOC, on Milford Road)
- 🏕️ Campground: Te Anau Kiwi Holiday Park
Why Book Your Campervan with Motorhome Republic?
With dozens of trusted rental brands in one place, Motorhome Republic makes it easy to compare, choose and book the right campervan for your Aotearoa – New Zealand adventure. From budget-friendly options to premium motorhomes, you’ll find something that suits your travel style and trip length.
We love recommending them because their booking process is simple, their customer service is excellent and they work with top suppliers across the country. Whether you’re picking up in Auckland, Christchurch or somewhere in between — it’s a hassle-free way to get on the road faster.
“Booking was easy, support was great and we got the perfect camper for our road trip. It was exactly what we hoped for.”
— Feedback from a Motorhome Republic customer
🌿Looking for more travel inspiration?
- Read about the Best Times to Visit Aotearoa – New Zealand
- Improve your cultural connection by Mastering Māori Pronunciation
- Have a laugh with our fun Kiwi Slang Guide
- Explore 10 Enchanting Landscapes you won’t want to miss
🌍 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.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.
What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, the people, the people