If you call yourself a Lord of the Rings fan, you’re probably wondering whether Middle-earth is real or just CGI. We’ll let you in on a tiny secret: most of them are real-life locations, and you can find them in New Zealand!
Did you know that you can even visit many Lord of the Rings locations in Queenstown? Imagine Lothlórien, Dimrill Dale, the River Anduin, and Isengard tucked nearby each other—make a day out of touring Lord of the Rings Queenstown locations!
Need help planning your Lord of the Rings Queenstown tour? We’ve got you covered—here are six Queenstown Lord of the Rings locations:
- Lake Wakatipu
- Kawarau River & Kawarau Gorge
- Skippers Canyon
- The Remarkables
- Glenorchy, Paradise, & Twelve Mile Delta
- Mackenzie Country
Keen to visit more Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand? Check this out:
1. Lake Wakatipu
Feel the magical vibe of Lothlorien at Lake Wakatipu. Image credits: @eberhard13.photography on Instagram
First up on our list of Queenstown Lord of the Rings locations is the stunning Lake Wakatipu, which gave life to the Elven realm Lothlórien in the film. Legolas described this ancient forest as “the fairest of all the dwellings of my people”, and Lake Wakatipu rightfully lives to that testament.
2. Kawarau River & Kawarau Gorge
See Anduin River come to life at Kawarau River! Image credits: @fatherdaughteraroundtheworld on Instagram
On the way to Mordor, the Fellowship travels by boat on the River Anduin and passes by two enormous statues called the Argonath, or the Pillars of the Kings. While these stone statues have been digitally altered, the setting is real. You can find the location on the Kawarau Gorge at Kawarau River!
3. Skippers Canyon
Unleash your inner Arwen when you visit Skippers Canyon. Image credits: @fatherdaughteraroundtheworld on Instagram
Remember that powerful scene in the first movie when Arwen summons a flood in the form of water horses to defeat the Black Riders? So do we! That majestic scene was filmed in Skippers Canyon north of Queenstown. Getting here is equally exciting and terrifying since it's one of the most challenging off-road drives in Queenstown.
4. The Remarkables
The climb up The Remarkables is worth it! Image credits: @wellington_girl on Instagram
The Remarkables served as the backdrop for most alpine settings in the Lord of the Rings, like the Misty Mountains and Gondor. However, it's best noted as the Queenstown Lord of the Rings location for the slopes of Dimrill Dale. Brace yourself for a short yet challenging hike up the mountain range to visit Lake Alta, where Aragorn led the Fellowship after the Mines of Moria.
5. Glenorchy, Paradise, & Twelve Mile Delta
Dress up like Hobbits when you visit Glenorchy! Image credits: @chris.parker.ig on Instagram
Most of the Lord of the Rings locations in Queenstown are found in Glenorchy, the nearby Paradise, and Twelve Mile Delta. This postcard-perfect town is equally picturesque as its film counterpart, the iron fortress Isengard. South of Glenorchy is Paradise, aptly named since it also served as a location for the majestic Lothlorien.
The Twelve Mile Delta depicts Ithilien Camp, where Sam and Gollum had a row over potatoes, and where the battle between the men of Harad and Faramir’s rangers took place.
6. Mackenzie Country
Reminisce the Battle of the Pelennor Fields when you go to Twizel. Image credits: @dirkofthrones on Instagram
Also near Queenstown is the Lord of the Rings location for the iconic Battle of the Pelennor Fields! If this epic encounter left you in awe, make sure to head to the town of Twizel in Mackenzie Country, and reenact this thrilling scene!
Excited to visit these Lord of the Rings locations in Queenstown? Save the trouble of planning the whole trip by booking these Lord of the Rings Queenstown tours instead!
1. Queenstown The Lord of the Rings Half Day Tour
Conquer the narrow roads of Skippers Canyon on this tour
See what kind of adventure the Fellowship had to go through on this Queenstown The Lord of the Rings half-day tour! You’ll start your journey from Queenstown Hill once you’re picked up from your accommodation. On this tour, you’ll visit the Kawarau Gorge where Argonath was and Arrowtown to see where the Gladden Fields was filmed. Plus, you’ll experience the thrilling rocky roads of Skippers Canyon!
2. The Lord of the Rings Day Tour from Queenstown
Recreate well-loved scenes using costumes and available props.
Have some time to spare? Join this The Lord of the Rings tour from Queenstown and spend a whole day reenacting your favourite scenes from the well-loved movie franchise. Journey through Middle-earth from Glenorchy to see Lothlorien, Isengard, and Ithilien Camp. Then, you’ll enjoy a light lunch at Queenstown Hill before setting for the rest of the tour. The next half will take you to Kawarau Gorge, Arrowtown, and Skippers Canyon for a scenic view of New Zealand’s landscape.
