LORD OF THE RINGS
WELCOME TO MIDDLE EARTH NEW ZEALAND
WELCOME TO MIDDLE EARTH
Ever since the first The Lord of the Rings movie was released in 2001, New Zealand has been known as the 'Home of Middle-earth'. New Zealand born Peter Jackson filmed the entire six films in various locations around New Zealand.
New Zealand’s dramatic scenery - golden plains, towering mountains and enchanting valleys - plays the mythical world of Middle-earth on the big screen in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogy.
More than 150 locations throughout the country were used to film The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogy. Many activities and attractions offer the chance to see the film locations for yourself. The rolling hills of Matamata became Hobbiton, while the volcanic region of Mt Ruapehu transformed into the fiery Mt. Doom where Sauron forged The Ring, and Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, was the setting for numerous scenes including the Eregion Hills, and the Pillars of Argonath.
Discover the movie magic when you visit many of the stunning movie locations from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
Hobbiton – Matamata
The quaint and peaceful shire from the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit can be seen near Matamata on the North Island. Take a tour through the set during the day or spoil yourself with a unique evening banquet in the village!

Mount Doom – Mt Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park
There’s no better place to combine a spectacular day’s hiking with some Lord of the Rings location spotting. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and see the rugged peak of Mount Doom (Mt Ngauruhoe) towering over the surrounding barren landscape.

Rivendell – Kaotoke Regional Park, Wellington
Head to Kaitoke Regional Park near Wellington and explore the beautiful forest that was transformed into the magical Elven realm of Rivendell.

Weta Cave – Wellington
A large portion of the set and props creation, costuming and computer-generated magic happened right here at Weta Cave and Weta Digital. Join a tour and learn about the processes that created much of Middle Earth and its quirky characters.

Dimholt Road – Putangirua Pinnacles, Wellington
Head out to the Putangirua Pinnacles on Cape Palliser to see where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli meet the Army of the Dead. You’ll find the unique landscape just as striking as it was in the Lord of the Rings!

Edoras – Mount Sunday, Canterbury
It doesn’t take much imagination to conjure up an image of the city of Rohan rising from the top of Mount Sunday. Take a walk up the hill and look out over the stunning views that the citizens of Rohan were privy to.

Gondor – Twizel
Visit Gondor and relive the Battle of the Pelennor Fields as you wander through the grassy plains of Twizel and the Mackenzie country. Join an LOTR tour and you can even dress-up and try your hand at a battle re-enactment!

Anduin River – Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown
Head along the Kawarau River and imagine the Gates of Arnonath towering over the gorge. While you can’t see the famous statues themselves (these were added in post-production) the spectacular river maintains a majestic feel befitting the Pillars of Kings.

Isengard – Paradise, Glenorchy
With a name like Paradise, it’s no wonder that this location was a no-brainer for use in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Head out to Glenorchy (past Queenstown) and discover this hidden gem where Gandalf rode to meet Saruman at Isengard.

NEW ZEALAND CONSERVATION PARKS LORD OF THE RINGS LOCATIONS
Take a tour of the New Zealand,s stunningly beautiful conservation areas that provided locations for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. GPS co-ordinates are provided so you can visit many of these locations yourself while holidaying in New Zealand.
Click Here to Visit Department of Conservation Locations

PURE NEW ZEALAND LORD OF THE RINGS FILMING LOCATIONS
The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed entirely in New Zealand. Filming locations spanned more than 150 locations in both the North and the South Islands. From the towering mountains and dreamy Hobbiton™ in the Shire, New Zealand's otherworldly landscapes brought the movies to life.
Click Here for Pure New Zealand Locations Website

THE HOBITT FILM LOCATIONS
 The Hobbit filming locations are generally amongst New Zealand’s epic and diverse landscapes so are a joy to visit whether you like little fur-footed men or not. Even if you are not on the look out for Hobbit filming locations, you’ll probably find that everywhere you turn looks like Middle-earth.
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Travel to New Zealand. You will find a diverse range of scenery and conditions from sub-tropical to a little colder down south in the winter time. New Zealand can be enjoyed at a pace to suit every age group. Grab a cheap flight to New Zealand for a game of golf, Buy a map, hire a rental car, have an adventure and fill your lungs with the smog free air New Zealand has to offer. Accommodation from backpackers, bed and breakfast to luxury hotel.