Middle-Earth Filming Location Full Day

Channel your inner Gandalf or Frodo as you explore the natural features of Middle-earth surrounding Wellington. Choose a 4-hour or 8-hour tour of The Lord of the Rings outdoor filming locations, traveling to each North Island site by comfortable coach with your small group. Morning or afternoon tea is provided during each tour.

Half-Day Tour (4 Hours):Enjoy a convenient hotel pickup in the morning or afternoon (depending on option selected). Set off into the countryside and listen to entertaining commentary from your guide — a knowledgeable Middle-earth enthusiast. 

Glimpse the outskirts of the Shire, the River Anduin and the Gardens of Isengard, and view the quarry featured as Helm's Deep in Rohan and Minas Tirith in Gondor. You’ll visit the site of Rivendell, the riverbank where Aragorn washed up after the Warg attack and the spot where Gandalf rode to see Saruman.

End your half-day itinerary with panoramic views from Mt Victoria lookout before hotel drop-off in Wellington.

Full-Day Tour (8 Hours):The morning portion of your full-day tour includes the same Middle-earth sites from the half-day option, including morning tea and lunch at a local restaurant. 

In the afternoon, your guide takes your small group to Fernside Lake — aka, Lothlorien and the Gladden fields. LOTR fans will recognize the lakeside where Deagol and Smeagol fought for the ring. Your guide points out the white bridge featured as Lothlorien Bridge before continuing on to Miramar. Here, appreciate a behind-the-scenes look at the region where director Peter Jackson, along with many of the stars and crew, lived and worked during film production. 

Finish on a high note at Weta Cave, where you can watch an interview with Peter Jackson and a video on the making of the LOTR trilogy. If you’d like, purchase collectibles at the souvenir shop before your tour ends in Wellington.