Lord of the Rings New Zealand - Locations, Maps and Tours

North Island: The Shire to Mordor

From rolling farmland to volcanic landscapes, the North Island sets the scene for the beginning of your Middle-earth journey.

Waikato & Waitomo | Hobbiton and Hidden Gems 

Step into the world of The Lord of the Rings in Matamata at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where the Shire comes to life in extraordinary detail. Pair this with a visit to Hairy Feet Waitomo, a lesser-known filming location set on private farmland, for a more exclusive and immersive experience.

How we design your journey: We time your Hobbiton visit for the best experience, including an optional set tour, and incorporate guided access to off-the-beaten-track locations like Waitomo. We make accessing these experiences simple and stress-free.

Tongariro National Park | Mordor and Mt Doom

The dramatic volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park became Mordor, with Mt Ngauruhoe cast as the infamous Mt Doom. It is one of the most visually striking regions in the country. 
 
How we design your journey: Whether you want to tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or prefer shorter scenic walks, we can tailor this section to your pace while factoring in weather, timing, and overall travel flow.

Wellington & Wairarapa | Behind the Scenes

Wellington is where Middle-earth was brought to life, from the creative brilliance of Weta Workshop to nearby filming locations like Rivendell and the Paths of the Dead at Putangirua Pinnacles.

How we design your journey: We combine Weta Workshop tours with guided filming location experiences, seamlessly built into your itinerary so you can explore without juggling multiple bookings.

Explore our The Lord of the Rings itineraries and customise your own North Island journey >

Upper South Island: Forests, Rivers and Remote Landscapes

Often overlooked, this region is rich in cinematic scenery and best explored with local insight.

Nelson & Tasman | The One Ring and Wild Locations

Visit the home of the One Ring’s creation in Nelson before heading into the wider Tasman region, where scenes from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring were filmed across rugged mountains and dense forest. 

Nearby, the Pelorus River offers the chance to relive the famous barrel scene, this time by kayak or on foot. 
 
How we design your journey: We help you unlock this region through guided hikes, scenic flights, or unique local experiences, depending on how adventurous you want your journey to be. 

See how this region fits into our Lord of the Rings itineraries, all fully tailored to you >

Central South Island: Rohan and The High Country

This is where Middle-earth opens up, vast, cinematic, and unforgettable.

Christchurch to Mackenzie | Edoras and Epic Landscapes

Journey through the Canterbury High Country to Mt Sunday, known as Edoras, one of the most iconic filming locations in New Zealand. Continue through the Mackenzie Basin, where turquoise lakes and golden plains formed the backdrop for Rohan and Laketown. 
 
How we design your journey: Access to key locations like Edoras is via guided 4WD tours, which we build into a seamless route alongside the region’s most scenic drives and viewpoints.

Central Otago & Wānaka | The Plains of Rohan 

Wide, open landscapes and remote reservoirs like Poolburn capture the spirit of Rohan at its most expansive, while Wānaka offers a more relaxed pace. 
 
How we design your journey: We incorporate off-road and guided experiences where needed, ensuring you reach locations that are otherwise difficult to access. 

See how we bring these iconic Rohan landscapes into a seamless South Island journey >

Queenstown & Fiordland: The Heart of Middle-earth

Home to some of the most recognisable and diverse filming locations in the country.

Queenstown & Glenorchy | Isengard, Lothlórien, and Beyond

This region is a Middle-earth hotspot, with filming locations packed into a relatively small area, from the forests of Lothlórien to the plains of Isengard. 
 
How we design your journey: We recommend dedicated guided tours to maximise how many locations you can experience in a single day, without missing the stories behind them

Fiordland & Southland | Edge of the World

From the remote beauty of Mavora Lakes, featured in the journey to Mordor, to the dramatic scale of Fiordland, this is Middle-earth at its most untouched. 
 
How we design your journey: We build in time for iconic experiences like Milford Sound, alongside carefully planned routes to more remote filming locations.

Customise your own itinerary to include New Zealand’s most iconic Middle-earth landscapes > 

See Middle-earth as One Seamless Journey

While each region offers something unique, it’s how they connect that transforms your trip into something truly unforgettable. Our tailor-made The Lord of the Rings itineraries are designed to link these landscapes together effortlessly, balancing iconic sights with hidden gems, and logistics with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

Feeling inspired? Browse our itineraries for inspiration and start planning your own journey through Middle-earth >