Explore Iconic Lord of the Rings Filming Locations: The Ultimate Full Day Middle Earth Tour from Queenstown
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in a moderate level of physical fitness to handle some walking on dirt and gravel trails.
Overview
Discover the breathtaking filming locations of Lord of the Rings on this full-day guided tour from Queenstown. Traverse iconic landscapes like Skippers Canyon and Glenorchy while soaking in cinematic history and stunning natural beauty.
Full Day in Middle Earth
For ages 10 and Up • 10 Hours Tour • The Ultimate Scenic Lord of the Rings Tour
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 10-hour journey through iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations with expert guides. Explore breathtaking sites like Skippers Canyon and Isengard, enjoy morning and afternoon teas, and capture memories with authentic props. This immersive adventure promises a deep dive into the magic of Middle Earth!
The Ultimate FULL Day of Lord of The Rings Filming Locations!
Duration
10 Hours (includes 1-1.5 hours for you to get lunch in Queenstown)
About
Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds”, aka Tour guides, who have superior knowledge on all things “Rings”.
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 1-1.5 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.
Morning Tour - Visiting:
- Skippers Canyon, weather permitting
- Arrowtown
- The Gibbston Valley.
- LOTR locations such as:
- The Ford of Bruinen
- The Gladden Fields
- Pillars of the Kings
- And more!
Afternoon Tour - Visiting:
- Glenorchy
- Paradise
- LOTR locations such as:
- Ithilien
- Isengard and Beorn's House
- Lothlorien and Amon Hen
- And more!
Includes:
- Morning and Afternoon Tea Plus Snacks
- Photos with Authentic Props - 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!
Important Information:
- Pick Up: Outside the Queenstown Station Information Centre on Camp Street. If you require a different pick up address this may be possible for an additional charge. Please phone us to arrange.
- If you are bringing young children on this trip, please bring something to occupy them, like an iPad, just in case they are not as into the tour as you might be.
- If you have infants or children under 5 please contact us directly to arrange a private tour.
- Unfortunately, our tour does not cater for people in wheelchairs, as our buses do not have a specialised lift.
- There is some walking involved in this tour on dirt tracks and the like, please wear suitable shoes.
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy shoes
The tour includes walking on dirt tracks and uneven surfaces; comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Bring a light jacket
Weather in Otago can change quickly, so layering is key to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Carry a camera
There are countless photo opportunities at filming sites and scenic vistas—don't miss capturing the magic!
Prepare for limited accessibility
Tour buses lack wheelchair lifts, and terrain may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- New Zealand falcon (Kārearea)
- Native tui bird
History
Skippers Canyon was established during the Otago gold rush of the 1860s, shaping much of the area's rugged terrain and heritage.
Conservation
The tour operator donates 1% of proceeds to local conservation efforts, helping protect Queenstown’s landscapes visited on the journey.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Queenstown
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supports safe walking over uneven and dirt paths during the tour.
Weather-resistant layers
Protects against changing weather in the Otago region throughout the day.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Essential for sunny summer days to prevent sunburn during outdoor stops.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone
To capture scenic views and iconic filming locations on the tour.