The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies were both filmed throughout New Zealand, making use of the country’s naturally fantastical landscapes. Read on to see my top 7 Lord of the Rings filming locations to visit!
1. Putangirua Pinnacles (Paths of the Dead)
Cape Palliser, New Zealand – North Island
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The awe-inspiring Putangirua Pinnacles were formed by erosion occurring over hundreds of thousands of years. They served as the valley of Harrowdale where the Paths of the Dead are located in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. There are multiple trails that allow visitors to hike into the valley or up to a lookout above the formations. These formations truly make you feel as though you are in an entirely different world. Though it is quite off the beaten track and somewhat far from more touristy areas, it is absolutely worth the journey out to see it.
2. Hobbiton
Matamata, New Zealand – North Island
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Hobbiton – the home of Bilbo Baggins, Frodo Baggins, and many other hobbits – plays a major role in both the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogies. The only way to visit is by taking the official Hobbiton movie set tour, which is well worth it in my opinion. Read about my experience at Hobbiton and everything you need to know before you visit here.
3. Mount Victoria (The Shire)
Wellington, New Zealand – North Island
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Mount Victoria is home to several locations where the hobbits were filmed leaving the shire. It is easy to get to from anywhere in Wellington and is a great place to recreate some scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring. Mount Victoria and its popular Hobbit’s Hideaway trail will make you feel as though you’re immersed in the woods surrounding the Shire. Read about my experience and tips for visiting here.
4. Mount Sunday (Edoras in Rohan)
Ashburton Lakes, New Zealand – South Island
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Mount Sunday played the role of the city of Edoras in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. The hill where Edoras was built is easily accessible via a short hike and without a tour. None of the set remains, but you can clearly see where The Golden Hall once was and can easily spot scenery from the movies. The surrounding mountains make for an unbeatable view. Read more here.
5. Weta Workshop
Wellington, New Zealand – North Island
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Although much of the filming was actually done at studio a couple minutes down the street, Weta Workshop created the majority of the props, scenery, costumes, and special effects for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. Though there is no way to visit the actual facilities where these props are made, the Weta Cave tour has an extensive display of props from many of Peter Jackson’s movies (including LotR and The Hobbit) and other movies the workshop has worked on. Even the gift shop (seen above) is a true marvel, with tons of elaborate, handcrafted miniatures available for purchase. Book your own tour of the Weta Cave here. (I’m not sponsored, I just love this tour.)
6. Mount Ruapehu (Mordor)
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand – North Island
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Mount Ruapehu, which is worth visiting in its own right, is New Zealand’s largest active volcano and the highest point on the North Island. Don’t let its height deter you from visiting these filming locations since you can drive right up to them! Right next to the Whakapapa ski resort, you can find the filming locations for Frodo and Sam entering Mordor (seen above) and for much of the battle in the prologue of The Fellowship of the Ring. You’ll also get an amazing view of Mount Ngauruhoe and Tongariro National Park.
7. Pelennor Fields
Twizel, New Zealand – South Island
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Pelennor Fields is the location outside of Minas Tirith where the largest battle of the War of the Ring took place. Most of the area where this was filmed is on private farmland, so the only way to visit is with a tour, which I would highly recommend for any dedicated LotR fans. The tour guide is extremely knowledgeable about the filming of the movies and how the town was involved. The tour includes comparison photos, reenactments of the Rohirrim’s charge, and other reenactments you can participate in, with costumes and props included.
Which of these would be your top filming location to visit? Did I miss any that you would’ve put on this list? Let me know in the comments!
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