Hobbiton Village
Hobbiton Movie Set
Yes, this is the filming location for the movies 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit'. Originally, it was a beautiful small village, two hours' drive from Auckland, which was later discovered by the film production company and transformed into the perfect home for the little dwarfs in the movies. Hobbiton has 44 Hobbit holes, open seven days a week, with guides leading a group of tourists to visit the holes every 15 minutes, and finally having a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, recreating classic scenes from the movies.
Milford Sound
Milford Sound
Milford Sound, also known as Piopiotahi in Maori, meaning 'First Native Thrush,' is located in Fiordland National Park in the southwestern part of New Zealand's South Island. It is a glacial landform, formed during the ice age, with a depth difference of up to 265 meters between its deepest point and Mitre Peak. It is a world-renowned natural wonder. Visitors can enjoy the stunning fjord scenery by boat and may also see dolphins, fjord penguins, seals, and other marine life. It is only a four-hour drive from Queenstown to the magnificent Milford Sound, which offers kayaking or cruise tours.
Glenorchy
Glenorchy
Glenorchy is located on the northern shore of Lake Wakatipu and is known as the 'Lord of the Rings Town.' The Lord of the Rings trilogy filmed many of its outdoor scenes here. Locations such as Lothlorien, Amon Hen, Orthanc, and Isengard were all shot here. You can see the northwest slopes of Mount Earnslaw, known in the film as the Misty Mountains, where the Fellowship of the Ring attempted to cross the Redhorn Pass. In Glenorchy village, you can also find Lothlorien—the beech forest leading to Paradise.
Glenorchy is also known as the place with the most 'Middle-earth' atmosphere. Here, you can experience 100% pure New Zealand and enjoy various outdoor activities such as jet boating, horseback riding, and kayaking. Riding through the pristine forests on horseback feels like walking through scenes from the movie.
Lake Te Anau
Lake Te Anau
Te Anau is a tranquil lakeside town, and the nearby Lake Te Anau was chosen as a filming location for the 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy.
The Waiau River between Te Anau and Manapouri is depicted as the Anduin River in the films, where the Fellowship of the Ring paddles south from Lothlórien, and the surrounding towering peaks represent the harsh southern regions of Rivendell. In Te Anau, you can take a jet boat tour on the Anduin River, gaze at the Misty Mountains from a cruise in the Fiordland, or enjoy the scenic beauty along the Kepler Track.
Near Te Anau, there is also a road called Takaro Road, where the Fangorn Forest scenes were filmed. Remote-controlled cameras mounted on high ropes captured the scenes of Aragorn moving through the forest.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is one of the important filming locations for 'The Lord of the Rings'. The famous Mount Doom is modeled after Mount Ngauruhoe in the park. The park contains 15 volcanic craters that have been active in recent times or are currently active. The most famous ones are Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Ruapehu, and Mount Tongariro. In the hearts of the Maori people, this is a sacred and inviolable land.
Twizel
Twizel
Near Twizel in the Mackenzie Basin, Peter Jackson filmed the epic Battle of Pelennor Fields from The Lord of the Rings—where Sauron bred thousands of Orcs to battle Rohan and Gondor on the plains. The vast grasslands here stretch to the foot of the mountains, exactly as described in the books.
Now you can join a 2-hour guided tour to see the filming location of the Pelennor Fields battle from The Lord of the Rings, and even dress up in movie costumes to participate in a fierce battle.
