From the sunny hills of The Shire to the firey pits of Mount Doom, the stunning landscapes of New Zealand are home to some of the most iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations. Want to learn more about the movie magic? Make like Bilbo Baggins and get ready to go on an adventure as we explore these must-visit sites.
Matamata
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What has big hairy feet, eats seven square meals a day and lives in the lush countryside? A hobbit, of course! And while visitors may not be able to admire Gandalf’s stunning firework display, they can embark on an adventure of their own at Matamata’s Hobbiton Village. For an inside look at the set, vacationers will want to be sure to book a tour with Hobbiton Tours, a company that gives fans the ultimate Shire experience as they explore Hobbit Holes, frolic the 12-acre set and catch a glimpse of the world-famous Green Dragon Inn. And when all that excitement makes them hungry, travelers can feast like Bilbo, Gandalf and their crew of dwarves with an evening banquet tour fit for a king.
Wellington
They’re taking the hobbits to Isengard! And Rivendell, and Osgiliath Wood, the River Anduin and the Paths of the Dead … Long story short, Mount Victoria’s Wellington is kind of a big deal when it comes to filming locations in the LOTR universe. Lucky for movie fans, Wellington is also one of the most easily accessible LOTR filming locations in New Zealand as it’s within walking distance of the city center.
Those who visit Wellington’s Kaitoke Regional Park will find a sign marking the exact spot Frodo recovered from the knife attack in Rivendell or they can drive up the west coast to Queen Elizabeth Park where scenes with the Nazgul were filmed in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
Also in Wellington is Weta Workshop, a design and effects facility that played a key role in The Hobbit Trilogy. Here, travelers can tour the Weta Cave where they’ll pose for photos with life-sized sculptures, admire prop replicas and view prints and apparel designed by Weta artists.
Putangirua Pinnacles
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One look and there's no doubt Putangirua Pinnacles acted as the scene where Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli first encountered the menacing Army of the Undead. While terrifying on film, I’m happy to report the iconic Putangirua Pinnacles are much less devious in real life and are available to tour just outside of the town of Wairarapa.
Mount Ngauruhoe
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Travelers won't want to miss their chance to explore the fiery depths of Mount Doom, AKA Mount Ngauruhoe, a must-see attraction for Tolkienites. Located in Tongariro National park, Mount Ngauruhoe is accessible by foot and is often praised as New Zealand’s best one-day hike.
The trek is extremely popular among LOTR fans, many of whom are eager to snap photos and reenact the destruction of the One Ring to Rule Them All. It should be noted that sections of the path vary in difficulty, and, while the journey to the base of Mount Ngauruhoe isn’t too intense, those who climb to the top may find it somewhat treacherous with steep inclines and slippery surfaces. The hike up takes around two hours to complete.
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