Lord Rings

Take a journey with us deep into Middle Earth and explore unique Lord of the Rings filming locations from Queenstown to Glenorchy and Mt Aspiring World Heritage N.P. Feel the trilogy come to life as you visit the breathtaking and magical landscape that inspired Peter Jackson’s film locations for The Lord of the Rings movies. We are the only company with EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to the filming locations on Arcadia Station, where scenes from the Hobbit & Wolverine were filmed. Travel in small groups with local guides who have a real passion and knowledge of the area. Take in the diverse landscape of ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier carved valleys. Explore the unique flora and fauna and get up close to the New Zealand animals and birdlife. We are a Local family owned & operated tour company that offer the real experience. Operating since 2005! We are one of the few companies that hold Department of Conservation Concessionaire permits to access Mt Aspiring National park.

We make our way up to the Mount Victoria Lookout to see spectacular views of Wellington’s city by driving up Courtenay Place, past the Embassy Picture Theatre which held two world premieres; The last LOTR instalment The Return of the King (2003), and the first Hobbit movie An Unexpected Journey (2012). Then it is off to Hobbiton Woods where the filming of his epic trilogy began. Home of the Shortcut to Mushrooms scene; Sam & Frodo’s Second Breakfast; the location where the Hobbits hid from the Black Rider (“Get off the Road!”); the Race to the Buckleberry Ferry scene; and King Théoden’s Dunharrow Encampment. Now we are off to the Weta Workshop in Miramar. for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour where you see how props plus weaponry are made and probably maybe meet artists at work. At the Weta Cave see and have photos with Gollum, Lurtz the Uruk-hai, Bilbo’s three Trolls. The tour concludes with a drive around the bays back to the city

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again! Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on all things “Rings”. We’ll take you to the original film locations and put YOU in the scene while narrating humorous and intriguing tales from the time of filming. Join us for your personalised journey through the real Middle Earth. Our scenic Half Day Tour includes visiting Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley and Lake Hayes. You will be able to enjoy Lord Of The Rings locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, The Pillars of the Kings and More! This tour includes Morning or Afternoon Tea and Snacks, Photos with Authentic Props as we have the largest selection of Authentic Licensed replica props! We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets, adding so much more depth to your Middle Earth experience!

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this 9-hour adventure to Edoras (Mount Sunday) from Christchurch. Explore with your guide and soak up breathtaking views from the peak of Edoras. Look over exclusive behind-the-scenes photographs of Edoras under construction. Pose for photographs with movie replicas such as Aragorn’s sword, Gimli’s axe and the flag of Rohan. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch with a glass of New Zealand sparkling wine. See for yourself how this tranquil mountainside was transformed into mysterious Edoras — the capital city of the Rohan people.

⭐ Set off on the Ride to Riches journey, traversing the stunning Twin River trail outside Queenstown, featuring seven bridges and three rivers. ⭐ Choose between our top-of-the-line Giant™ Talon E-bikes and Trek Powerfly 4's, valued at $6,500 – some of the best eBikes available Company pro tip: We strongly recommend eBikes for maximum enjoyment on this trail. 150cm Minimum height requirement for eBike riders. (Pedal bikes are best suited for experienced, seasoned riders only.) ⭐ Enjoy the convenience of our door-to-door service, exclusively for direct bookings. ⭐ Experience a ride on what is widely acclaimed as New Zealand's most exceptional bike trail. ⭐ Tailored for the bold rider: minimal inclines, broad gravel paths, and simple navigation for a 4-hour exhilarating adventure. ⭐ Be guided by our knowledgeable and friendly team, dedicated to making your ride unforgettable.

Descend into the forested slopes of the Outer Shire, where our expert guides will entertain you with stories of how the Lord of the Rings movies were brought to life. Follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits as they began their quest to destroy the One Ring. You will see the "shortcut to mushrooms", "get off the road" and hide from the Black Riders before fleeing to the Buckleberry Ferry. Recreate some of the most famous scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring and make your social media streams go crazy! Then delve into the heart of Wellywood and visit the Weta Workshop, who created all the props, armour, weapons, costumes, miniatures and prosthetics for the Middle-earth movies. Learn the secrets of movie magic on a behind-the-scenes tour by a Weta employee, who will explain the creative process behind bringing these films to life. You'll also have chance to take photos with various characters and weapons, as well as treating yourself to a souvenir or two, if desired.

Enjoy a full day, all-inclusive adventure in Wellington, the home of middle-Earth. Visit some amazing locations from the Lord of the Rings movies, enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the famous Weta Workshop, where the films were created. We are Wellington's original Lord of the Rings tour and have been operating since 2002. Formerly Rover Rings Tours [before Covid], Welly Rings Tours is proud to show you Wellington as Middle-earth. Our fans-turned-guides will share with you fascinating stories of the making of these movies that you likely won't hear anywhere else – mainly because some of our guides were actually there!

First stop, Dry Creek Quarry site of Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith. Then River Anduin where the Fellowship travelled to Amon Hen, Gardens of Isengard -Gandalf met Saruman to discuss the Ring, where Saruman’s Orcs destroy the gardens. Rivendell home of the Elves, adventurous may cross swing bridge. Lunch stop provided, please be flexible as timings vary. (Cost of lunch not included in tour price). Weta Workshop seeing how props, weaponry are made, see artists at work and sets from Thunderbirds. Meet Gollum, Lurtz the Uruk-hai, Bilbo’s Trolls. Hobbiton Woods where trilogy began. Shortcut to Mushrooms scene; Sam & Frodo’s Second Breakfast; Hobbits hiding from the Black Rider (Get off the Road!); Race to the Buckleberry Ferry King Théoden’s Dunharrow Encampment. Mount Victoria Lookout to see views of Wellington. Back in the city Courtenay Place, the Embassy Picture Theatre which held two world premieres; The Return of the King (2003), first Hobbit movie An Unexpected Journey (2012).

If you’re a movie fan or lover of beautiful landscapes, take the opportunity to see film locations from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ films on this Middle-earth tour from Queenstown. You’ll tour the countryside by 4WD and visit the locations where the Fortress of Isengard, Forest of Lothlorien and other famous Peter Jackson scenes were filmed. Discover why New Zealand is the movie directors’ choice for film locations, and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour.

An adventure safari packed with breathtaking scenery, thrilling 4WD action whilst discovering LOTR filming locations. Visit the filming locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), Gladden Fields, the Ford of Bruinen and more. Travel an historic gold mining road, following the Arrow River, stop for an opportunity to try your hand at gold panning. Take in the spectacular panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin.

Enter the magical world of ‘the Shire’ on this small-group movie set tour to Hobbiton from Auckland. See where the The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed and pose for pictures in front of hobbit holes. Visit the party tree, Green Dragon Inn and have your picture taken outside the gate to Bilbo Baggins’ house. Explore inside a Hobbit home on BagShot row! Afterward, enjoy a cider, ale or ginger beer in the Green Dragon Inn followed by sumptuous buffet lunch in the Party Marquee. This is a must-do tour for any The Lord of the Rings movie lovers! Please note: This tour is limited to 13-15 people for the transport to and from Hobbiton but does join a larger group at Hobbiton.

We squeeze loads of Lord of the Rings magic in to this one! Recreate some of the most iconic scenes from the trilogy as we visit the location for the first day of filming. The 90 minute Weta cave experience is included in this tour & we check out some of the World Class movie facilities here in Wellingwood! This tour is great fun for anyone, not just LOTR fans.

PLEASE NOTE: This tour no longer operates in conjunction with cruise ships docking at the port of Tauranga. All other days will operate as normal. A must do for all Lord of the Rings fans! Join us for a magical journey to Middle Earth where you can become part of the wonder that was created called Hobbiton! The Hobbiton Movie set was used for the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' film trilogies and is situated on a family run sheep farm close to the town of Matamata in the Waikato province. It is now a Tolkien tourism destination, offering guided tours of the set.

Welcome to Tāhuna Queenstown. The four-season town sitting on the edge of the mighty Lake Whakatipu. With a name fit for a Queen, it boasts an incredible mountain landscape, thrilling adventure activities, a rich gold mining history, and world-famous wines. See more and join this half-day tour that shows you around Queenstown like a local. Visit iconic scenic viewpoints, see Lord of the Rings filming locations, walk the quaint streets of Arrowtown, watch the fearless Bungy jump, taste Pinot in Gibbston, and take a cruise on the lake – all in an easy half-day adventure. The 4.5-hour Best of Queenstown Tour departs the Station Building, central Queenstown at 8:30 am, arriving back to Queenstown Bay at 1:00 pm.

One tour to rule them all…… You'll get to check out the filming locations of our magical Lord of the Rings trilogy & you also get to wander around our beautiful city. All hosted by our expert guides! Including but not limited to the Outer Shire, Helm’s Deep, Minas Tirith, Isengard & Rivendell. We'll recreate some iconic scenes & enjoy some stunning scenery whilst we go! Your tour includes the 90 minute Weta cave experience where you'll be taken behind the scenes of Weta Workshop.

See the land where The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. After a complimentary hotel pickup, you will arrive and meet your helicopter pilot. You will fly along the Shotover River, over the mountain range from the opening scene of The Two Towers on the way to landing on a glacier alongside the Misty Mountains and get a sense of what it might be like to cross The Redhorn Pass. You will head across to Glenorchy via the Dart Valley and Mt Earnslaw to see the natural features you may better recognize as Isengard, Amon Hen and Lothlorien. This 70 min excursion will conclude with a drive back to your hotel in Queenstown. 

This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Fiordland National Park – far from the crowds found elsewhere. Fiordland Jet is is the only scenic commercial operator on these waterways, which means guests can enjoy an authentic kiwi experience in a small, personalized group tour. As a locally owned and operated business, we are taking tourism back to what it use to be – personal – and invite you to explore our beautiful home as one of the family. No rushing. No lines. Just wide open spaces and jaw dropping scenery. This is not the typical jet boat 'ride' – this is a journey – time to explore and learn about this amazing area and its rich history all while having heaps of FUN!

Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1 hour lunch break back in Queenstown and change buses for the afternoon tour. Morning and Afternoon Tour itineraries are interchangeable and can be switched due to availability or weather conditions. You will be visiting the Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley, Glenorchy and Paradise. You will admire LOTR locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, Pillars of the Kings, Ithilien, Isengard, Beorn's House, Lothlorien, Amon Hen and more!

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some of the most breathtaking and sought-after filming locations in Middle Earth. Your journey heads to the stunning Mavora Lakes in Fiordland National Park, where cinematic magic meets unforgettable moments. Discover which fearless actor famously broke two toes near the edge of Fangorn Forest and relive the dramatic Breaking of the Fellowship as Frodo and Sam take their fateful steps toward Mordor. During the warmer months with longer daylight (1 November – 31 March) this tour also ventures to Manapouri & Te Anau, where you’ll uncover the haunting beauty of the Anduin River and the Dead Marshes. You’ll gear up for adventure with the largest collection of authentic, licensed LOTR props, including swords, axes, helmets, & even original scripts! Duration: 1 Apr – 31 Oct: 7hrs 1 Nov – 31 Mar: 10hrs

                      Lord of The Rings Movie Set Tour Join us for this amazing 7 Hour Tour visiting The Lord of the Rings movie set incl a 2.5 hour guided tour on the actual set, walk through beautiful NZ native forest at McClaren's Fall park, plus visit a local Kiwifruit orchard, be mesmerised by the iconic green countryside of middle New Zealand Please note ; This tour has a minimum of 5 people