Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies were filmed almost entirely in New Zealand, using over 150 locations across both islands. The landscape was so perfect for Tolkien's world that the country now officially markets itself as "Home of Middle-earth." Some locations are preserved film sets you can walk through, others are wild landscapes you can simply stand in and recognise. Here's where to find them.
The Must-Visit Locations
Hobbiton Movie Set — Matamata, Waikato
The only permanent film set from the trilogy. The Hobbit village was rebuilt in 2011 for The Hobbit films using permanent materials instead of temporary ones, and it's been open to visitors ever since. You walk through 44 hobbit holes, across the Party Tree field, and finish with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. The detail is extraordinary — the gardens are maintained year-round by a dedicated gardener. About 2 hours south of Auckland, 45 minutes from Rotorua. See our full Hobbiton review for prices, tips and booking advice.
Tongariro National Park (Mordor) — Central North Island
The volcanic landscapes of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu stood in for Mordor, the desolate land where Frodo carried the Ring. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing walks you right through these landscapes — the Red Crater, Emerald Lakes and barren lava fields are unmistakably Mordor. Mt Ngauruhoe is Mt Doom itself, though DOC asks that people don't climb it out of respect for its cultural significance to local iwi.
Paradise & Glenorchy — near Queenstown
The area around Glenorchy and the aptly named Paradise (yes, that's the real name of the place) was used extensively for Isengard, Lothlórien, Amon Hen and the Beorn scenes. The beech forests and braided rivers here are hauntingly beautiful. You can drive to Paradise from Glenorchy on a gravel road (about 20 minutes), or take a guided LOTR tour from Queenstown. Dart River jet boat and kayak trips also take you through filming locations.
Kaitoke Regional Park (Rivendell) — Upper Hutt, Wellington
The lush native bush and river setting of Kaitoke Regional Park was used for Rivendell, the elven refuge. There's a Rivendell sign and archway at the filming location, about a 45-minute drive north of Wellington. Free entry. The walk to the filming site takes about 15 minutes from the car park. It's a beautiful spot regardless of whether you're a fan.
Mt Sunday (Edoras) — Canterbury
The isolated hilltop where the Rohan capital of Edoras was built sits in the Rangitata Valley, about 2 hours inland from Christchurch. The set is gone, but the hill and its dramatic mountain backdrop are instantly recognisable. You can walk to the top (about 45 minutes). Access is via gravel road — 4WD recommended after rain. Several guided tours run from Christchurch.
Other Notable Locations
- Putangirua Pinnacles (Dimholt Road / Paths of the Dead) — dramatic eroded rock formations in the Wairarapa, about 1 hour from Wellington. Free walk to the pinnacles.
- Mt Victoria, Wellington (Hobbiton Woods) — the forest where the hobbits hid from the Ringwraith in Fellowship. Easy walk from central Wellington.
- Pelennor Fields (Twizel) — the vast Mackenzie Country plains near Mt Cook stood in for the battle scenes.
- Nelson Lakes (Dimrill Dale) — Lake Rotoiti near Nelson was used for the exit from Moria.
- Mavora Lakes (Nen Hithoel / Fangorn Forest) — remote lakes between Queenstown and Te Anau. Unsealed road access.
- Remarkables (Dimrill Dale approach) — the jagged mountain range visible from Queenstown.
