The breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand served as the perfect backdrop for Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. From rolling hills to towering mountains, the country has become synonymous with Middle-earth. For fans of the series, visiting these iconic locations offers a chance to immerse themselves in the epic world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved story. Here’s a guide to some of the most famous Lord of the Rings filming locations and how to visit them.
1. Hobbiton – Matamata, North Island
Scene: Hobbiton, the peaceful village in the Shire where Frodo and Bilbo Baggins live, is one of the most recognizable locations from the films.
Visit: The Hobbiton set, located in Matamata on New Zealand’s North Island, was constructed specifically for the films and later preserved as a tourist attraction. You can take a guided tour through the Hobbit holes, visit the Green Dragon Inn, and explore the lush fields and gardens. It’s a fully immersive experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into the Shire.
How to get there: Matamata is a two-hour drive from Auckland or Rotorua. There are also plenty of guided tour options that include transportation
2. Mount Sunday – Edoras, South Island
Scene: Mount Sunday in Canterbury was used to portray Edoras, the capital of Rohan. The location features in The Two Towers and The Return of the King as the home of King Théoden.
Visit: Although the set was dismantled after filming, the spectacular views remain. The site is accessible via a short hike, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The sense of isolation and grandeur makes it easy to imagine the Golden Hall perched atop the hill.
How to get there: To visit Edoras, you can drive about two hours from Christchurch or join a specialized tour that brings fans to the exact location
3. Tongariro National Park – Mordor, North Island
Scene: The rugged volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park served as the dark and treacherous lands of Mordor, where Frodo and Sam embark on their perilous journey to destroy the One Ring. Mount Doom, the volcano central to Sauron’s power, is portrayed by Mount Ngauruhoe, one of the park’s active volcanoes.
Visit: Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers hiking opportunities, including the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, where you can walk through the very landscapes that doubled as Mordor. While the trek can be challenging, the otherworldly scenery is worth it.
How to get there: The national park is located about a 4.5-hour drive from Wellington or a 1.5-hour drive from Taupō. Guided hiking tours are available for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
4. Fiordland National Park – Fangorn Forest, South Island
Scene: Fiordland’s ancient forests, with their towering trees and misty atmosphere, were used for scenes in Fangorn Forest. It is where Merry and Pippin meet Treebeard and the Ents.
Visit: Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural reserves, with plenty of hiking trails that take you through lush forests and along the edges of pristine lakes. The trails through the park’s dense vegetation bring the scenes from Fangorn Forest vividly to life.
How to get there: Fiordland is located near the town of Te Anau, about a two-hour drive from Queenstown. It’s advisable to visit the park via guided tour to ensure you explore the best spots
5. Kaitoke Regional Park – Rivendell, North Island
Scene: The beautiful forest setting of Kaitoke Regional Park near Wellington was used to create Rivendell, the home of the Elves and one of the most serene locations in Middle-earth.
Visit: Today, visitors can explore the area where Rivendell was filmed, marked with signs and displays. While the Elven structures were removed after filming, the tranquility of the location remains. It’s a perfect spot for picnicking, hiking, and absorbing the magic of Tolkien’s world.
How to get there: Kaitoke Regional Park is just a 45-minute drive from Wellington, making it an easy day trip
6. Fiordland National Park – The Dead Marshes, South Island
Scene: The eerie, mist-covered Dead Marshes, through which Frodo and Sam are led by Gollum, were filmed in parts of Fiordland National Park.
Visit: Fiordland’s wet, boggy landscapes create the perfect atmosphere for the Dead Marshes. While no formal tours focus on this specific area, exploring the park’s various walking trails offers a glimpse of the bleak but beautiful settings from the films.
How to get there: The national park is accessible from Te Anau or Milford Sound, both popular starting points for hikes and guided tours
7. Deer Park Heights – Refugees of Rohan, South Island
Scene: Deer Park Heights in Queenstown was used to film scenes involving the people of Rohan fleeing to Helm’s Deep. It also appears in the warg attack sequence in The Two Towers.
Visit: Although the park was closed for several years, it reopened to the public, offering self-drive tours through the filming locations. You’ll have the chance to enjoy sweeping views of the lakes and mountains while tracing the path of the Rohirrim.
How to get there: Deer Park Heights is located near Queenstown, just a short drive from the city center. It’s easily accessible by car
8. Kepler Mire – The Dead Marshes, South Island
Scene: Another location used to depict the Dead Marshes was Kepler Mire near Te Anau. This swampy area was perfect for capturing the dreary, foggy marshland where spirits of dead soldiers are seen under the water.
Visit: Kepler Mire is a protected area within Fiordland National Park. While visitors cannot explore the exact filming location without a guide, nearby hiking paths offer similar views
Planning Your Middle-Earth Adventure
Exploring the filming locations of The Lord of the Rings is a dream for many fans. New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes bring Tolkien’s Middle-earth to life, offering both adventure and the chance to revisit iconic scenes from the films. Many of the locations are accessible by car, but several are best experienced through guided tours that provide insight into the movie magic. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or a nature lover, the world of The Lord of the Rings awaits.