Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour: See Famous Film Locations in Queenstown’s Beautiful Landscapes
4.5
187 Ratings
Queenstown
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown and explore the iconic film locations from 'The Lord of the Rings' films. Join this small-group tour and discover the enchanting Middle-earth settings that brought Peter Jackson's vision to life.
Duration: 4 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

After pickup from your Queenstown hotel, enjoy a scenic drive by 4WD to Glenorchy, passing instantly recognizable locations from The Lord of the Rings films like Ithilien Camp, Isengard, Forest of Amon Hen and Lothlorien.

Stopping at various viewpoints so you can take photos, your driver will provide informative and interesting facts during the drive, giving you a better sense of connection with the surroundings.

Then continue to the rural region of Paradise, approximately 12 miles (20 km) northwest of Glenorchy. Here you’ll discover the location of the Forest of Lothlorien and find a picturesque village at the head of Lake Wakatipu known as the ‘Gateway to Paradise’.

On your way back to Queenstown, stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the Ithilien Camp – the no-man’s land between Gondor and Mordor.

Along the way, enjoy some light refreshments and see filming locations from other movies like X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian!

Points of Interest

  • 37 Shotover Street
What's Included
  • Driver/guide
  • Transport by 4WD vehicle
  • Selected Queenstown Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Light refreshments (including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cake and cookies)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

If cinema and breathtaking panoramas captivate you, seize the chance to explore the film sites of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ on this Middle-earth journey from Queenstown. Navigate the rural terrain in a 4WD, visiting the spots where the Fortress of Isengard, Forest of Lothlorien, and other iconic Peter Jackson scenes were captured on film. Find out why New Zealand is a favored destination for film directors, and benefit from a more personal experience with your guide on this intimate group tour.

  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Pickup from all central Queenstown accommodations. Hilton pickup on request
  • Minimum numbers apply (min 2 per tour for confirmed departure, min 4 on NZ public holidays). There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • Please Note: Pickup from central Queenstown accommodations is included. Surround suburbs (Kelvin Heights, Frankton, Arthur’s Point, Fernhill and others) by arrangement. Please contact to reconfirm pick up arrangement and time.
Location
37 Shotover Street
Shotover Street
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(187 Ratings)
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232abbyf
Apr 20, 2024
Thanks Ella and Joe!!!! - Ella and Joe were absolutely wonderful!!!!! They kept us laughing and were lovely tour guides. We learned so much about LOTR and Queenstown in general from them. Thank you both!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharonrs6861ox
Apr 16, 2024
Great LOTR experience - Tour guide/driver (Cam) was fantastic and so knowledgable. We were lucky enough to be in the new GRIMAS Land Cruiser. Loved seeing the scenes appear in front of us - we've since gone back and watched the movies and they mean so much more after having been there.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Echingc2023
Mar 23, 2024
Great Tour - Had great time with the tour, enjoyed it. The staff are very good, have good interaction with the guest. Thanks Adrian, Soap, Nico and David.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeanine_w
Mar 19, 2024
Great LOTR Tour - Great mixture of stops to experience where scenes were shot from Ithilien at 12 mile delta, to Lothlorien at Paradise/ Glenorchy. Both guides were very informative and enthusiastic. A great tour for any LOTR fan.
Review provided by Viator
Richard_c
Mar 13, 2024
Remarkable - Peter, the guide was informative, engaging and very knowledgeable. Made the four plus hours just fly by. Highly recommend this trip
Review provided by Viator
Melinda_l
Mar 3, 2024
You don't need to be a superfan to enjoy this LOTR tour - Four of us joined an American couple on our 4WD LOTR tour exploring the stunning landscapes (and film locations) between Queenstown, Glenorchy, Paradise and beyond. Thankfully the American couple knew their stuff and could provide the color we could not as we we only novice fans of the Peter Jackson films. They helped us "see" the films come alive through the landscapes. Our driver Cam was wonderful - an adept 4WD driver, as knowledgeable of the films as our American tutors, and had a lovely wit and manner. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Sheree_c
Jan 7, 2024
My Middle Earth Vacation - Kyle was so knowledgeable and made the day a lot of fun. It blew by! Wasn't ready for it to end. Went to several great locations and loved having the book with movie scenes to be able to picture it and reference it! The highlight for us (on the afternoon tour) was bringing out the weapons and cloaks and playing around in the area that was similar to in the movie where Merry and Pippin were captured in the first movie.
Review provided by Viator
Aimee_carroll
Dec 31, 2023
Amazing LOTR adventure! - We booked the 2-hour helicopter/2-hour safari tour on New Year’s Eve and we cannot give it a high enough rating! Our tour guide Jano was amazing. He showed a book with scenes from LOTR, Narnia, X-Men Wolverine - pointing out where scenes were filmed. Definitely passionate an out his job 👍 He accompanied us on the helicopter tour with our pilot Taupo who also did a fantastic job bringing us to difficult-to-reach film locations. We got to wear LOTR capes and wield swords. We even had time to pan for gold. We highly recommend this trip for serious LOTR fans!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mollie
Dec 28, 2023
Lots of fun! - It was alot of fun. Guide was fun and friendly and had good knowledge. Coffee break was fun with swords and biscuits. Scenery is amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sophie7777777
Dec 18, 2023
Stunning views and a wonderful experience - We had a great time on this tour. The guide (Justine) was professional and fun person who told us a lot of new and interesting stories about Lord of the Rings, about Queenstown and New Zealand. We had good laughs and saw absolutely stunning views and visited interesting locations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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