Top 5 Film Locations from The Lord of the Rings in New Zealand

Over the years, and especially in the age of HD, New Zealand has built a bit of a reputation as a filming hotspot. The landscapes are spectacular, and include everything from rolling farmlands to epic volcanic terrain. No wonder why so many big films went like ‘yep, that’s the place for us’.

LOTR and The Hobbit trilogies are probably the most famous examples. Heaps of the film locations from The Lord of the Rings in New Zealand have become their own bucket-list stops. It’s been ages since the films came out, but people still fly in from all over the world to stand where Frodo, Sam and the rest of the Fellowship stood (fair enough... It’s never gonna be out of style).

Jump to:

• TOP 5 LOTR LOCATIONS
• PUTANGIRUA PINNACLES SCENIC RESERVE
• TONGARIRO NATIONAL MARK
• MATAMATA
• FIORLAND NATIONAL PARK & GLENORCHY
• MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
• THINGS WORTHY TO KNOW AND WHERE TO STAY
• TO WRAP IT UP!
• FAQs

There’re actually over 150 filming locations across the country! So unless you’re planning a long trip to see them all, you’re going to need to narrow it down. We’ve picked five of our fave spots to get you started on your very own LOTR and Hobbit movies set adventure in New Zealand. They give you a proper mix of scenery, recognisable views and places that are actually easy to visit for what we reckon is one of the most exciting travel experiences on (Middle) Earth!

Top 5 LOTR Locations

Just in case it didn’t sink in the first time, we’ll say it again: there’s more than 150 LOTR filming locations dotted across New Zealand. That’s a lot to try and squeeze into your trip, unless you’ve somehow got Gandalf working as your travel agent. So here are definitely some of the must-see options.

Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve

Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve was used for the Paths of the Dead, and it really does feel a bit magical (and a little bit creepy, you’ll get the best of both worlds), when you walk through it. The tall, narrow rock formations will stick with you and take you right back to the films.

There’re a few different walks to choose from, but most people plan for around 2 to 3 hours for a return trip. It’s not too tricky to walk it, but some parts of the track can be uneven (so comfy shoes are mandatory).

It’s around a two-hour drive from Wellington, and you could easily combine it with a stop in Martinborough if you fancy breaking up the journey. Sounds good, right?

Tongario National Mark

Tongariro is one of the most recognisable film locations from The Lord of the Rings in New Zealand, doubling as Mordor and Mount Doom. It’s one of those places that feels dramatic from the moment you arrive.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is definitely a highlight. It’s a full-day hike, and usually takes between 6 and 8 hours. It’s often described as one of the best walks in the country. Even if you’re not planning to complete the full crossing, there’s shorter routes that still give you a sense of the landscape.

It’s accessible from Auckland and Wellington, both about a 4 to 5 hour drive. If you’re travelling between the two, it’s a must-stop along the way.

Matamata

Matamata is where you’ll find Hobbiton, which all LOTR fans will know, is the most iconic set from both trilogies. Unlike other locations, this one has been carefully preserved, so you’re not just looking at scenery, you’re walking through an actual film set. And that’s honestly so cool, tbh.

The Hobbit movie set in New Zealand is fully maintained, complete with hobbit holes, gardens and the Green Dragon Inn. You’ll get to enjoy a guided tour, which usually lasts around 2 to 3 hours.

It’s an easy day trip from Auckland or Hamilton, which makes it one of the easier stops to include in your itinerary.

Fiordland National Park & Glenorchy

This part of the South Island is where you’ll spot some of the LOTR trilogy’s most recognisable backdrops, with multiple filming locations spread between Glenorchy and Fiordland.

In Glenorchy, you’ll find the Twelve Mile Delta, which was used as Ithilien Camp, along with Dan’s Paddock, which you might know better as Isengard. Just a bit further out, Mavora Lakes was used as part of the Anduin River, where the Fellowship travels by boat.

In Fiordland, you’ll notice some big changes. The wetlands at Kepler Mire were used for the ‘Dead Marshes’ scenes, creating that misty, spooky setting. Some of the nearby rivers, including parts of the Mangawhero River, were also used for scenes in Ithilien.

If you’re based in Queenstown, Glenorchy is an easy starting point. It’s about a 45-minute drive along the lake, and the journey itself is worth it just for the views. You can explore heaps of the Glenorchy locations in half a day, especially if you keep things to just a few key spots.

Fiordland takes a bit longer to get to. It can be a four-hour drive from Queenstown to Te Anau. From there, you can access walking routes and viewpoints that lead into some of the filming areas. If you’re planning to visit both Glenorchy and Fiordland, it’s worth setting aside at least 1 to 2 days so you’re not rushing between locations.

There’s a mix of short walks and longer tracks depending on how much time you’ve got. Some spots are easily accessible from the roadside, while others require a bit more effort.

Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park was used as parts of Middle-earth’s wider landscapes, particularly scenes shot as Gondor. Nearby Lake Pukaki also features, with its bright blue water standing in for areas around Gondor, while the surrounding mountains helped create that vast, open backdrop seen throughout the films.

Unlike some locations that focus on one specific scene, this area was used more for its overall look and scale. It’s the kind of place that feels familiar even if you can’t quite place the exact moment from the films.

If you’re travelling from Queenstown, it’s around a three-hour drive to reach Mount Cook National Park. The route takes you past Lake Pukaki, which is worth stopping at on its own before continuing into the park.

You can visit as a day trip, but it can be a full day, so an early start helps. Once you’re there, there’re several walking tracks to choose from, depending on how much time you’ve got. The Hooker Valley Track is one of the most popular options when it comes to film locations in The Lord of the Rings in New Zealand, taking around 2–3 hours return and offering clear views of Aoraki / Mount Cook along the way.

There’re also shorter walks, such as the Tasman Glacier View Track, which are easier to fit in if you’re tight on time. Whether you spend a few hours or most of the day here, it’s one of those locations that really show how Middle-earth was brought to life.

Things worthy to know and where to stay

If you’re planning to visit a few of these locations, having your own car makes a big difference. Hiring a car will give you flexibility, especially when you’re moving between more remote areas. If that’s not an option, there are hop-on, hop-off tours that cover some of the key spots.

To properly explore both the North and South Island, you’ll want around 20 to 25 days for your trip. If you’re focusing on just one island, a week to ten days is usually enough to see the highlights without rushing through things.

The time of year you visit can make a big difference to your experience. Summer (December to February), tends to bring more stable weather, while winter offers a completely different look, especially if you want to see snow-covered landscapes.

If you’re starting in Auckland, staying at the Oaks Auckland Hotel gives you a central base with easy access to both Matamata and Tongariro National Park. The best part is the location makes it soooo easy to plan day trips while still being close to the city.

Travelling with a big group? Auckland Harbour Suites offers 2 bedrooms serviced apartments in New Zealand’s tallest apartment tower (bird’s-eye view guaranteed, yay).

And pssst! Avani Metropolis is the top choice for staying if you’re looking for a 10/10 stay, thanks to its indoor pool, jacuzzi, gym and sauna. Oh, we know. That’s everything you could possibly need to relax yourself after a long day exploring around Mordor landscapes.

If you’re checking out sites from Lord of the Rings in Wellington, the Oaks Wellington Hotel is perfectly placed for accessing nearby filming spots like the Putangirua Pinnacles. It’s also a great base if you want to explore more of the city, including suggestions from our guide to things to do in Wellington.

Down in the South Island, the Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort offers a relaxed lakeside setting that’s close to Glenorchy, Fiordland and Mount Cook. It’s a good option if you’re planning to spend a few days exploring this part of the country.

To wrap it up!

Exploring the film locations Lord of the Rings New Zealand is known for is about more than just ticking off filming spots. It’s a chance to experience some of the country’s most impressive landscapes in a way that feels incredibly familiar, even if you’ve never been before.

From Hobbiton through to the volcanic terrain of Tongariro, each location offers something different. Some are easy day trips, while others take a bit more planning, although they’re all worth it.