If you have ever dreamed of walking in the footsteps of hobbits, elves, and wizards, only one place on Earth brings Middle-earth truly alive, New Zealand. With its breathtaking mountains, lush forests, and dramatic plains, New Zealand is more than just where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed; it is Middle-earth. This guide shows you the best places across the country to experience the magic for yourself.
Content List
- Hobbiton – Matamata, North Island
- Tongariro National Park – Mordor & Mount Doom
- Wellington – Rivendell and Weta Workshop
- Fiordland & Queenstown – The Land of Epic Battles
- Canterbury – Edoras, Capital of Rohan
- Planning Your Journey Through Middle-earth
Hobbiton – Matamata, North Island
Welcome to the Shire, the heart of hobbit life. The Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata is the most iconic filming location of them all. The rolling green hills and cozy hobbit holes remain perfectly preserved. You can stroll through Bag End, enjoy a pint of ale at The Green Dragon Inn, and take a guided tour filled with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. For instance, consider visiting around sunset for the Evening Banquet Tour that is pure magic.
Tongariro National Park – Mordor & Mount Doom
The dark, volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park were dramatically transformed into Mordor, the home of Sauron and Mount Doom. Specifically, the towering Mount Ngauruhoe served as the infamous volcano where they finally destroyed the One Ring. You should certainly take on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s best one-day hikes. As you trek across lava fields and emerald lakes, you will recognize several scenes from the trilogy.
Wellington – Rivendell and Weta Workshop
You will find several filming spots in and around Wellington. For example, Kaitoke Regional Park doubled as Rivendell, the home of the elves. An Elven arch even marks the site for perfect photo opportunities. While you are in Wellington, moreover, stop by Wētā Workshop. They brought many of the films’ props, costumes, and creatures to life here. Furthermore, their studio tour lets you see real movie magic up close, including swords, armor, and even Gollum himself.
Fiordland & Queenstown – The Land of Epic Battles
If you seek the vast, cinematic beauty of Rohan and Gondor, head south. Filmmakers used the landscapes around Queenstown and Glenorchy for Isengard, Lothlórien, and the Battle of Amon Hen. In Fiordland National Park, towering peaks and misty fjords capture the true grandeur of Middle-earth. Therefore, many guided tours operate from Queenstown, taking you to specific filming sites and providing stills from the movies so you can see exactly where the action took place.
Canterbury – Edoras, Capital of Rohan
In the Ashburton Lakes District near Mount Sunday, you will find the windswept setting of Edoras, the capital of Rohan. Nothing remains of the movie set today, but the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile. You will discover endless golden plains surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Standing atop Mount Sunday, it feels quite easy to imagine the banners of Rohan fluttering in the wind.
Planning Your Journey Through Middle-earth
You can generally find the best time to go between November and April, which is New Zealand’s spring and summer. To travel, rent a car or a campervan; distances between sites are long, and you will want to stop for the views. Finally, for specialized experiences, companies like Red Carpet Tours and Pure Glenorchy focus on Lord of the Rings itineraries.