ARTICLE
Top Filming Locations in New Zealand as seen in the 'Lord of the Rings' Films!
By InCinemas / 09 Dec 2021 (Thursday)
New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes have captivated movie fans around the world as it became the unbilled star of the hugely successful The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
Did you know that the popular film franchinse used over 150 locations around the country? Fan of the franchise or not, you are bound to be taken by the beautiful landscapes New Zealand has to offer and while most of the sets may be a distant dream now, some of these stunning locations are still worth visiting.
Here's a list of some of the top locations that will transport you deep into the heart of Middle-earth:
Hamilton – Waikato | Hobbiton Movie Set
In the heart of the Hamilton-Waikato region, you can explore the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided walking tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. This privately-owned family farm was spotted by Sir Peter Jackson in 1998 during an aerial search for filming locations for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Mature pine trees in front of a picturesque lake with surrounding landscape untouched by 20th century clutter, perfectly resembled the Shire as described by author J.R.R. Tolkien. It became the famous setting for Hobbiton and was rebuilt in 2011 for The Hobbit trilogy to remain a permanent tourist attraction. There are 44 Hobbit-holes on site that have been rebuilt exactly as they appeared on film!
Wellington | Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin, Rivendell, Osgiliath Wood, Paths of the Dead
The most accessible filming location in Wellington is Mount Victoria, which is within walking distance of the central city. The forested areas of the mountain were used to depict Hobbiton Woods, where the hobbits hid from the black riders and was where the very first footage for the Fellowship of the Ring was filmed in 1999.
Wellington’s Miramar suburb is also home to Wētā Workshop - the masterminds behind the concept design, armour, weapons, creatures, miniatures and special makeup effects for the Lord of The Rings trilogy. Witness their artistry, processes and props that bring the imaginary worlds to life on one of their Workshop Tours.
Ruapehu | Mordor, Mount Doom, and Gollum’s Pool
The desolate, volcanic atmosphere of Tongariro National Park and Mount Ruapehu provided the perfect environment for orc-ridden Mordor and Mount Doom (Mount Ngauruhoe), where “It all began with the forging of the Great Ring,” in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Visitors have been known to trek to the summit of Mt Ngauruhoe on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to imagine the fiery peaks of Mt Doom.
See the craters, glistening lakes, mountain springs and volcanic rock as you trek throughout the National Park covering more filming locations as you go.
Nelson-Tasman | Dimrill Dale, Exit from the Mines of Moria, and the creator of The One Ring
The stunning natural landscapes of the Nelson Tasman region are popular with Lord of the Rings fans and capture their hearts in the same way they captured Sir Peter Jackson's!
Kahurangi National Park is home to Mount Olympus and Mount Owen, aka Dimrill Dale. Mount Olympus and its Boulder Lake feature in the scene where The Fellowship hides from Saruman’s black crows. It was here, as the nine rested and cooked a meal, that the crebain crows of Saruman, searching for news of the One Ring, spied the travellers below. Mount Owen is the place where the fellowship escaped the Mines of Moria in the Fellowship of the Ring.
A helicopter ride is the best way to experience these terrains in all their glory. With a stunning landscape of glaciated marble karst with picturesque views over Tasman and Golden Bay, Mount Owen is a magical location that not many people will get to experience in their lifetime.
Beyond the scenery, in Nelson that you can also visit the artisanal talent of Jens Hansen The Ringmaker. Jens designed and created more than 40 beautifully handcrafted pieces for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, including the renowned 'One Ring'.
West Coast | Ered Nimrais, Lighting of the beacons
The Lighting of the beacons that run along The White Mountains (Ered Nimrais) from Gondor to Rohan was filmed at Mount Gunn, near Franz Josef Glacier. The best way to view this location is via a scenic flight or even skydive. Another option is to view the mountain range from the Franz Josef Glacier access track.
Canterbury | Edoras
Canterbury, with its vast plains and stunning mountains was an obvious choice for The Lord of the Rings location scouts. The first place you will come across is Edoras, the capital city for the people of Rohan. Perhaps one of the most recognisable of all film locations, Mount Sunday is a sheer-sided hill set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Although nothing remains of the set, you can take a walk up to the site which is well worth it for the stunning views. Nearby, Mount Potts Station offers accommodation and a restaurant.
Mackenzie Country | Pelennor Fields
Near Twizel in the Mackenzie Country, Peter Jackson filmed the epic battle of the Pelennor Fields, where thousands of orcs bred by Sauron clashed with the men of Gondor and Rohan. The grassy fields that stretch to the foothills of the mountains look exactly as described in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Queenstown | Lothlorien, Parth Galen, Ithilien Camp, the Ford of Bruinen
Queenstown's diverse scenery and easy access made it a popular choice for many Lord of the Rings filming locations. Skippers Canyon became the Ford of Buinen where Arwen summoned a magical flood to defeat Nazgul. In nearby Glenorchy you’ll get to see the north-western slopes of Mount Earnslaw – the mountain featured in the opening sequence of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. On the other side, Cardrona Valley (near Wanaka) will give travellers a glimpse of the River Anduin and the Pillars of Argonath, while Mount Aspiring National Park is the place that brought us the scene in which Gandalf rides to Isengard in Nan Curunír.
Which location will you visit first?