Lord of the Rings Driving Routes, Self-Drive Tour

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Discover New Zealand, Home of Middle-earth, on this self drive tour of New Zealand.

Here's your opportunity to take a closer look at the country behind The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. New Zealand's diverse and sometimes extreme landscapes made it the one place in the world that could bring Tolkien's epic masterpiece to life.

Discover the amazing real-life locations behind the films, and learn about the unique experiences of the cast and crew.

Peter Jackson's epic movie trilogy The Lord of the Rings brought Middle-earth to life by taking us on a cinematic journey beginning with The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001 and concluding with The return of the King in 2003.

Begin your own journey through New Zealand, Home of Middle-earth, here.

View more driving routes:

Other New Zealand Driving or Travel Options

Lord of the Rings One-Way Trips - Driving Routes

Hobbiton - Mordor - River Anduin Itinerary (4 Days)
Start: Auckland
Finish: Wellington
Includes: Auckland, Hamilton, Cambridge, Rotorua, Taupo, Turangi, National Park and Wellington.
Description: An itinerary that will take you from the peacefulness of the Shire to the depths of Mount Doom and beyond!

The Ford of Bruinen - Misty Mountains - Fangorn Forest Itinerary (5 Days)
Start: Mt Cook Village
Finish: Queenstown
Includes: Mt Cook Village, Twizel, Omarama, Queenstown, Wanaka, Glenorchy and Te Anau.
Description: After 5 days following Frodo's footsteps - you'll be ready for a pint of stout in the Prancing Pony!

Lord of the Rings Return Trips - Driving Routes

Edoras Itinerary (2 Days)
Start: Christchurch
Finish: Christchurch
Includes: Christchurch, Ashburton and Methven.
Description: Arm yourselves with binoculars and cameras to capture the breathtaking views of this area that became Edoras.

Chetwood Forest - Dimrill Dale Itinerary (3 Days)
Start: Nelson
Finish: Nelson
Includes: Nelson, Motueka, Marahau and Collingwood.
Description: Get your walking shoes on for this itinerary, it includes film locations on Takaka Hill, Mt Olympus and Mt Owen.