Hobbiton
Hobbiton Movie Set
The idyllic place where Hobbits live in the movies is actually located in Matamata, Waikato, on New Zealand's North Island. This Hobbiton was created by the film crew over 9 months to recreate the Shire village. It is a real farm and a popular tourist attraction. Whether or not you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings, visitors will be deeply attracted by this picturesque farm. Nowadays, Hobbiton welcomes a large number of tourists from all over the world every day. They can experience the enchanting charm of Middle-earth with the help of a guide and even have a chance to enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
Kawarau Gorge
Kawarau Gorge
After bidding farewell to the Elven Queen Galadriel, the Fellowship of the Ring set off by boat towards Amon Hen. The filming locations for the Anduin River in the movie were spread across various places in New Zealand, and this particular scene was shot in Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown, South Island. Kawarau Gorge is renowned for its rich array of extreme sports, but its magnificent scenery is also not to be missed. However, the giant statues towering on both sides of the river in the movie were added in post-production, and we cannot see them in reality.
Waiau River
Waiau River
Located 13 kilometers from Te Anau on the South Island, the Waiau River is another filming location for the Anduin River. The Waiau River is situated in the southwestern part of the South Island, flowing out of Lake Manapouri and southward into Te Waewae Bay. Scenes filmed at the Waiau River were primarily used in the opening part of the first movie.
Mavora Lakes
Mavora Lakes
At the end of the movie, Pippin and Merry are captured by Uruk-hai, and Frodo decides to go to Mount Doom alone. Although Sam cannot swim, he jumps into the lake to follow Frodo. This scene between Frodo and Sam was filmed at Mavora Lakes, 30 kilometers from Te Anau, which is also the filming location for Lake Nen Hithoel in the movie.
Deer Park Heights Queenstown
Deer Park Heights Queenstown
In the movie, Aragorn, Gimli the Dwarf, and Legolas the Elf Prince tracked Pippin and Merry to the land of the horsemen, Rohan. Many scenes of the Kingdom of Rohan were filmed at Deer Park Heights in Queenstown. The filming location for the capital of Rohan, Edoras, was Mt Sunday in the Canterbury region of the South Island.
Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park
As mentioned earlier, Pippin and Merry encountered the Riders of Rohan after being captured by the Uruk-hai. They were not villains but were there to fight the villains. During the battle between the two armies, Pippin and Merry escaped into Fangorn Forest, which is the home of the Ents. In reality, the Fangorn Forest depicted in the film is Snowdon Forest in Fiordland National Park on the South Island. This World Heritage area (Fiordland National Park) is the largest national park in New Zealand, covering a total area of 12,120 square kilometers. The famous Eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound, is located here. In the film, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas reunite with Gandalf, who has become the White Wizard. This scene was also filmed here (the white robe indicates greater power than the grey robe; the old man leveled up after defeating a monster).
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu
In the movie, Pippin and Merry, with the help of the Ents, head to the lair of the villainous white-robed wizard Saruman in Isengard. On their way, they pass through areas frequented by orc armies. This scene was actually filmed in the Dart River Valley, upstream of Lake Wakatipu.
Paradise Trust
Paradise Trust
In fact, Eisinger is not far from Glenorchy, located in a place called Paradise. Unlike the desolate scenes shown in the movie, the real Paradise has picturesque landscapes and is incredibly beautiful, truly living up to its name. Therefore, Paradise is a must-visit for Lord of the Rings fans. Horseback riding here offers a unique experience.
Aorangi Range, Wellington
Aorangi Range
Gandalf led reinforcements to arrive just in time, temporarily resolving the crisis at Helm's Deep, but the enemy was not yet defeated, and the fate of mankind was still precarious. Aragorn, along with the elf prince Legolas and the dwarf Gimli, traveled through the Dimholt Road to Gondor. On the Dimholt Road, Aragorn and his companions fought with the army of the dead and eventually lifted their curse. Additionally, the army of the dead helped Aragorn block another group of enemies—the Corsairs of Umbar. The filming location for the Dimholt Road is at the Putangirua Pinnacles in the Aorangi Range, Wairarapa District, Wellington, North Island.
Mt Ngauruhoe
Mt Ngauruhoe
As Sauron's army fought against humans, Frodo and Sam finally approached Mount Doom and successfully destroyed the One Ring. Mount Doom is where Sauron forged the One Ring and is the core area of Mordor. The scenes of Mount Doom in the film were shot in Tongariro National Park on New Zealand's North Island, specifically at Mt Ngauruhoe. Mt Ngauruhoe has a conical crater and an elevation of 2291 meters, said to have formed 2500 years ago. Tongariro National Park also has two other volcanoes, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro.
Weta Cave & Workshop
weta cave & workshop
Wellington is not only a filming location for The Lord of the Rings movies but also home to a place of great significance for fans of the series—the Weta Cave & Workshop. This studio is responsible for the makeup and design of characters such as Orcs, Elves, Dwarves, and Hobbits. The various stunning effects presented in the movies are the masterpieces of this studio.
