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Have you ever wondered where The Lord of the Rings was filmed—was it all real locations or just CGI? Join Mytour and uncover the magic behind the scenes!
If you consider yourself a true fan of Lord of the Rings, you’ve probably questioned whether Middle-earth is real or purely CGI. Here’s a little secret: most of those breathtaking landscapes are real-world locations, and you can find them in New Zealand!
You can actually visit several Lord of the Rings filming sites in an area known as Queenstown! The best part? Iconic sets like Lothlórien, Dimrill Dale, the Anduin River, and Isengard are all located close to each other—perfect for a day-long Middle-earth adventure!
6 Must-Visit Locations from The Lord of the Rings
If you need help planning your Lord of the Rings-inspired Queenstown journey, we’ve got you covered with a list of 6 unmissable spots:
- Lake Wakatipu
- Kawarau River & Kawarau Gorge
- Skippers Canyon
- The Remarkables
- Glenorchy, Paradise & Twelve Mile Delta
- Mackenzie Region
1. Lake Wakatipu
First on the list of Lord of the Rings filming locations is the stunning Lake Wakatipu, which brought the magical realm of Lothlórien to life. Legolas once described this ancient forest as “the fairest of all the lands of my people,” and Lake Wakatipu truly lives up to that praise.
2. Kawarau River & Kawarau Gorge
On their journey to Mordor, the Fellowship of the Ring rowed down the Anduin River and passed the towering statues known as Argonath, or the Pillars of the Kings. While the statues themselves were CGI, the surrounding landscape is entirely real. You can find this breathtaking location at Kawarau Gorge, where the Kawarau River winds majestically!
3. Skippers Canyon
Remember that epic scene in the first movie where Arwen summons a massive wave of water horses to sweep away the Black Riders? Absolutely unforgettable! That scene was filmed in Skippers Canyon, located north of Queenstown. But wait, the excitement doesn’t stop there! To reach this spot, you’ll need to brave a heart-pounding off-road drive, known for being both challenging and thrilling. It’s the ultimate test of courage!
4. The Remarkables
The Remarkables served as the backdrop for most of the mountainous scenes in Lord of the Rings, from the Misty Mountains to Gondor. This makes it a must-visit filming location! Be prepared, though, as you’ll need to tackle a short but challenging hike to reach Lake Alta, where Aragorn led the Fellowship after escaping Moria. The view is so breathtaking, you might forget how exhausted you are from the climb!
5. Glenorchy, Paradise & Twelve Mile Delta
Most of the Lord of the Rings filming locations near Queenstown are concentrated in Glenorchy, the nearby Paradise, and Twelve Mile Delta. Glenorchy, with its postcard-perfect beauty, rivals its on-screen counterpart—the fortress of Isengard. Just south of Glenorchy lies Paradise, a name that truly fits, as it was also the filming site for the majestic Lothlórien forest.
Twelve Mile Delta is where the Ithilien Camp was recreated, featuring the heated argument between Sam and Gollum over... potatoes, as well as the battle between the Haradrim and Faramir’s rangers.
6. Mackenzie Region
Near Queenstown lies the filming location for the legendary Battle of Pelennor Fields in Lord of the Rings! If this epic scene gave you goosebumps, head straight to Twizel in the Mackenzie region. This is where the iconic battle was brought to life. Step into the shoes of your favorite characters, stand in the middle of the field, raise your hand, and shout "For Gondor!" to fully embrace the Middle-earth warrior vibe!
Day Tour to Lord of the Rings Filming Locations from Queenstown
By now, #teamMytour must be excited and ready to visit the Lord of the Rings filming locations in Queenstown, right? Don’t worry about planning the entire trip—just book a Lord of the Rings tour in Queenstown and enjoy a ready-made itinerary!
1. Half-Day Lord of the Rings Tour in Queenstown
Embark on the same adventurous journey as the Fellowship of the Ring with a half-day Lord of the Rings tour in Queenstown! The trip begins at Queenstown Hill after a convenient hotel pickup. During the tour, you’ll visit Kawarau Gorge, home to the iconic Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), and stop by Arrowtown to see the filming location for the Gladden Fields battle scene. Plus, you’ll experience the thrill of driving along the rugged roads of Skippers Canyon!
2. Full-Day Lord of the Rings Tour from Queenstown
Got a little extra time? Join a full-day Lord of the Rings tour from Queenstown to relive some of the most iconic scenes from the beloved trilogy. You’ll journey through Middle-earth, starting from Glenorchy to marvel at Lothlórien, Isengard, and the Ithilien Camp. After an adventurous morning, enjoy a relaxing lunch at Queenstown Hill before continuing to explore Kawarau Gorge, Arrowtown, and Skippers Canyon, where you can immerse yourself in New Zealand’s breathtaking and rugged landscapes.
Still eager to explore more Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand? There are plenty of tours tailored for LOTR fans (peak nerdiness, right?). For added convenience, Mytour recommends using the Mytour Pass New Zealand. With just one pass, you can enjoy unlimited access to exciting experiences and destinations across NZ! Check out the details in the link below.
Ready to plan your next adventure? Explore more related blogs from Mytour: 15 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Sydney, Australia, 9 Stunning Beaches in Cairns That Will Steal Your Heart, 10 Tourist Attractions in Vatican City - The World’s Smallest Country, 16 Famous Tourist Spots in Germany for Independent Travelers, New Zealand Visa Application Guide - Perfectly Updated, Australia Self-Guided Travel Tips - Fresh Updates for 2024.
Check out the surreal and stunning filming locations from The Lord of the Rings now!
