Lord of the Rings Road Trips
Our Lord of the Rings road trips are 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.
One-Way Lord of the Rings Road Trips
Hobbiton - Mordor - River Anduin Itinerary (4 Days)
An easy drive south of Auckland will take you to the verdant Waikato, home to Hobbiton and The Shire. Continuing on your Lord of the Rings road trip will take you 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.
Be sure to take some time out to enjoy all that Taupo has to offer before heading to Wellington, which was the production base for the Lord of the Rings films.
The Ford of Bruinen - Misty Mountains - Fangorn Forest Itinerary (5 Days)
What better introduction to the stunning Queenstown and Fiordland areas than the dramatic Lindis Pass. Keep your camera at hand, especially for shots of those 'Misty Mountains'!
In historic Queenstown and Arrowtown you can get really close to the hobbits' journey – float on a raft down the same river as Frodo, bungy jump into it or wade into the Ford of Bruinen. You could also take a drive out to the beautiful beech trees of Fangorn Forest, near Te Anau, situated on Takaro Road.
Lord of the Rings Return Road Trips
Edoras Itinerary (2 Days)
The central alpine region in Canterbury contains New Zealand's largest peaks and glaciers, with correspondingly stunning scenery. No wonder then, that Canterbury yielded ideal locations for alpine fortresses and fierce Middle-earth battle scenes!
Luckily for the traveller, Canterbury also offers a wealth of opportunity to recharge the batteries, enjoy the good life and get to know the locals – you'll be guaranteed an easier journey than the members of the Fellowship!
Chetwood Forest - Dimrill Dale Itinerary (3 Days)
With three National Parks, a fascinating arts and crafts community and renowned high sunshine hours, you'll be sure to have loads of fun exploring around Nelson and Motueka. Bring your walking shoes for this road trip, as it includes film locations on Takaka Hill, Mt Olympus and Mt Owen.
Many of the props used in the epic trilogy were also made around Nelson, so have some fun trying on rings for size or drinking stout just like that served in The Prancing Pony!
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