Find a driving route for your Lord of the Rings holiday: New Zealand self drive routes, Lord of the Rings driving routes, North Island driving routes, South Island driving routes. Hobbiton, Mordor, River Anduin, Edoras, Chetwood Forest, Dimrill Dale, The Ford of Bruinen, Misty Mountains, Fangorn Forest.

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Hobbiton - Mordor - River Anduin Itinerary

Start Auckland / Finish Wellington
Recommended Length: 4 Days
Distance: 738 km (461 miles)

View more Lord of the Rings driving routes.

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Route Summary

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

  Travel time Km (Miles)
Day 1
Auckland to Rotorua		 3 hrs 237 148
Day 2
Rotorua to Taupo		 1 hr 81 51
Day 3
Taupo to National Park		 1.5 hrs 98 61
Day 4
Turangi to Wellington		 4 hrs 322 201
Totals for Driving Route 9.5 hrs 738 461

Hobbiton, Mordor and River Anduin

Hobbiton, Mordor and River Anduin

An easy drive south of Auckland will take you to the verdant Waikato, home to Hobbiton and The Shire.

Then carry on to the central North Island's Volcanic Plateau for a dramatic contrast—you'll soon see why these mystical landscapes were so easily transformed into Mordor, Emyn Muil and Mount Doom.

Take some time out to enjoy all that nearby Lake Taupo has to offer.

Then drive on to Wellington, production base for The Lord of the Rings movies and Director Peter Jackson's hometown.

Many memorable scenes from the movies were filmed in and around Wellington city—practically in Jackson's backyard!

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