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 → 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 4: 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 5: 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 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 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
🌍 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 Kiwi.com and Aviasales for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Booking.com, Hotellook or TripAdvisor
- 🚐 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
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
🧭 Some booking links can be shy around VPNs! If one doesn’t open, try turning off your VPN or switching to a secure Wi-Fi network.
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