Where in New Zealand was Lord of the Rings filmed? 106 locations!

Step into real-life Middle-earth right here in New Zealand! If you’re wondering where in New Zealand was Lord of the Rings… well, there’s no simple answer.

LOTR was filmed ALL OVER New Zealand – North Island, South Island and everywhere in between. Have a look below for the details.

In fact, there are over 150 filming locations across New Zealand. I’ve listed 106 LOTR filming locations, see below.

I was lucky enough to spend several weeks exploring New Zealand and admiring breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand.

The coolest thing we did was stay in a hobbit home.

“Fly, you fools!” – Gandalf, Lake Manapouri: Used for the South of Rivendell scenes in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

For fans of “The Lord of the Rings,” this is the ultimate guide to discovering the real-life filming locations that brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic world to vivid life on the silver screen. From the lush forests of Rivendell to the towering peaks of Mount Doom, New Zealand’s diverse terrain provided the perfect backdrop for Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a curious traveler seeking to explore the magic of Middle-earth, let us be your guide to unlocking the secrets of these legendary landscapes. Welcome to the journey of a lifetime.

Table of Contents

Quick Mini Guide To LOTR in New Zealand

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Lord of the Rings in New Zealand.

North Island popular LOTR sites:

South Island popular LOTR sites:

Isengard lookout near Glenorchy
Milford Sound Fiordland National Park

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Lake Pukaki viewing point: Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook

Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel blogs for attractions nearby on your South Island itinerary or North Island road trip.

LOTR movie — Hobbit home you can stay in, in Waitomo

Where in New Zealand was Lord of the Rings filmed?

If you’re wondering where in New Zealand was Lord of the Rings filmed near…. There were literally over 150 filming locations for Lord of the Rings in New Zealand… there’s so much to do and see, it’s almost impossible to see them all!

Of course, The Lord of the Rings set in New Zealand and it’s not hard to see why, the landscape is pretty spectacular.

Before we start… have you ever wanted to stay in a Hobbit Home?

Stay in a Hobbit Home in New Zealand

We stayed here at Woodlyn Park Motel, I highly recommend it! It was so much fun, and of course, I was watching LOTR in the hobbit home. This is one of my favourite Lord of Rings New Zealand locations.

Glow worm caves - Ruakuri Bushwalk Waitomo North Island — Glow worm caves – Ruakuri Bushwalk Waitomo North Island

Main / Most recognised LOTR filming locations

I’f you’re still wondering Where in New Zealand was Lord of the Rings filmed? then don’t worry…

There are some very famous spots and some lesser well known ones. If you’re also wondering where was the Hobbit filmed… these locations include the Hobbit too!

1. Matamata: Hobbiton

I feel like everyone knows this! This is the most famous of Lord of the Rings tourist attractions New Zealand. The Unexpected Journey begins right here on North Island.

Matamata is located in the Waikato region of New Zealand & is home to the iconic Hobbiton movie set. Hobbit homes are everything!

The stunning rolling hills are the backdrop for the Shire scenes in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” film trilogies.

The attention to detail was mind-blowing.

It had thse quaint little gardens outside each hobbit home to the intricate carvings on the doors, every inch of Hobbiton was like something out of a story book (I guess it literally is) .

And let’s not forget about the party tree – that massive oak towering over the hill, just begging for a hobbit feast underneath its branches.

Check out the lovely hobbit holes, lush green hills, and the iconic Party Tree. It’s like stepping into the magical world of Middle-earth.

Have a look at my North Island Itinerary for details on the hobbit homes and how we stayed in a hobbit home!

Where in New Zealand was Lord of the Rings filmed? Entrance to the Bag End in Hobbiton

2. Tongariro National Park: Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom)

Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provided the dramatic landscapes for various scenes in the movies. Mount Ngauruhoe, known as Mount Doom in the films, is an active stratovolcano that served as the fiery backdrop for the climactic scenes of Frodo and Sam’s journey to destroy the One Ring.

The rugged terrain and volcanic peaks of the park create a sense of awe and danger, perfectly capturing the journey.

Hiking the Tongariro crossing is actually sick. It’s pretty cool to hike with Mount Doom in the background. Lots of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy films had shots from Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe aka Mount Doom!

Tongariro Crossing - Lord of the Rings filming locations

Tongariro - Mount Doom. Where in New Zealand was Lord of the Rings filmed?

3. Wellington: Weta Workshop

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is home to Weta Workshop, the special effects and prop company behind “The Lord of the Rings” films and a bunch of other movies like Marvel… and any special effect movie you can think of!

If there’s anything you do in New Zealand, you should visit the Weta Workshop in Wellington on a tour. Probably most famous for Lord of the Rings, it’s actually known for working on a tonne of Hollywood movies.

It’s an incredible working exhibition, which showcases some of the most intricate costumes, props, special effects, and artefacts for blockbuster movies.

I am not particularly a movie buff and I was in awe the entire time we did the tour. This was the best of all The Lord of the Rings New Zealand locations.

You can ONLY visit the Weta cave by booking a tour because there are plenty of confidential and copyright areas of the Weta Workshop.

Weta Workshop tours

Weta workshop tour - 1 day in Wellington — Weta workshop tour Wellington

4. Fiordland National Park: Fiordland

Fiordland National Park, located in the southwest corner of the South Island, provided the stunning backdrop for scenes depicting Middle-earth’s rugged and majestic landscapes. The park’s fiords, waterfalls, and towering mountains, such as Mitre Peak in Milford Sound, showcased the grandeur of Tolkien’s world.

Scenes filmed at Fiordland National Park:

Setting for the Eagles’ flight scene.
Used for the scenes involving the Dead Marshes.
Various locations including Fiordland National Park, used for the scenes of Fangorn Forest.

Waterfall milford sound — Milford Sound reflection

5. Wellington: Mount Victoria

Mount Victoria, a prominent hill overlooking Wellington, served as one of the New Zealand filming locations for various scenes in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

One of my favourite places in Lord of the Rings. The forested slopes and winding trails of Mount Victoria provided the perfect setting for scenes such as the Hobbits’ journey through the forests of the Shire and the confrontation with the Nazgûl. Visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.

These are just a few of the many stunning locations across New Zealand that brought Middle-earth to life on the big screen. Each location offers a unique glimpse into the fantastical world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination, making New Zealand a must-visit destination for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” movies.

6. Glenorchy: Isengard Lookout

Glenorchy, a picturesque town near Queenstown on the South Island, is home to the Isengard Lookout. It’s one of the iconic Lord of the Rings Places in Middle-Earth.

This scenic spot has banging views of the surrounding mountains and the Dart River, making it an ideal filming location for scenes set in Isengard. Fans of “The Lord of the Rings” can stand at the very spot where Saruman’s tower once stood and imagine the power and intrigue that unfolded in this iconic setting.

There’s also lots of spots here at Mount Aspiring National Park that were filming locations for LOTR & Middle Earth.

Glenorchy Wharf New Zealand — Glenorchy red timber cabin

7. Tongariro National Park: Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s Pool)

Tawhai Falls, located within Tongariro National Park on the North Island, served as the filming location for Gollum’s Pool in “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

This serene waterfall and its surrounding rock formations provided the perfect backdrop for the scene where Gollum catches fish and has a conversation with his alter ego, Smeagol. Visitors can hike to the falls and immerse themselves in this epic spot.

If you’re visiting Tongariro, make sure you check out my full guide – the walks to Tawhai falls are super easy, it’s only about a 5-10 minute walk.

Where the couple are sitting is where the scene was filmed.

8. Wellington: Kaitoke Regional Park (Rivendell)

Kaitoke Regional Park, located near Wellington on the North Island, served as the filming location for Rivendell, the Elven sanctuary in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. The park’s lush forests, tranquil streams, and elegant bridges perfectly captured the ethereal beauty of Rivendell. Visitors can explore the park’s walking tracks and immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of this iconic Elven realm.

9. Nelson: Pelorus River (Barrel scene)

Pelorus River, near the town of Nelson on the South Island, was used as the filming location for the barrel scene in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” This picturesque river provided the thrilling setting for Bilbo and the Dwarves’ escape in barrels from the Elvenking’s halls. Visitors can enjoy kayaking or rafting adventures on the river and relive the excitement of this memorable scene.

These additional locations, Kaitoke Regional Park in Wellington and Pelorus River near Nelson, further showcase the diverse landscapes of New Zealand that served as the backdrop for Middle-earth. Each location contributed to the immersive and magical world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic tales, making New Zealand a truly special destination for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” films.

10. Canterbury: Edoras (Mount Sunday)

Mount Sunday, located in the Canterbury region of the South Island, served as the filming location for Edoras, the capital of Rohan, in “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.” This iconic hilltop provided the sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding plains, which were digitally enhanced to create the majestic city of Edoras. Visitors can hike to the top of Mount Sunday and admire the breathtaking vistas that once formed the backdrop for Rohan’s capital.

11. Wellington: Harcourt Park (Gardens of Isengard)

Harcourt Park, situated in Wellington on the North Island, was used as the filming location for the Gardens of Isengard in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. The park’s manicured gardens and towering trees provided the lush backdrop for scenes depicting Saruman’s stronghold. Visitors can explore the park’s tranquil pathways and enjoy the serene beauty that once portrayed the sinister allure of Isengard.

These additional locations, Mount Sunday in Canterbury and Harcourt Park in Wellington, further enrich the tapestry of New Zealand’s landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life on the big screen. Each location offers a glimpse into the fantastical world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination, making New Zealand an unforgettable destination for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” films.

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves North Island New Zealand — Ruakuri Glow Worm Caves – filming location for LOTR

Here are 106 filming locations for LOTR!

106 filming locations for Lord of the Rings

Here’s the full list of Lord of the Rings filming locations! This is the Ultimate NZ Lord of the Rings list. How many of these scenes do you recognise?

Tongariro Crossing New Zealand North Island — Te Anau

Jens Hansens Goldsmiths, the Ringmaker Store and Workshop: The place where The One Ring was created, offering tours and replica rings.
Takaka Hill: Filming site for Chetwood Forest.
Pelorus River: Used for the barrel escape scene in The Desolation of Smaug.
Mount Olympus: Filming location for the South of Rivendell, accessible only by air.
Mount Owen & Kahurangi National Park: Filming site of Dimrill Dale and Moria.
Salisbury Falls: Meeting place of Tauriel and Legolas in The Desolation of Smaug.
Lake Pukaki & Mount Cook: Used for Lake Town in The Two Towers and The Return of the King.
Twizel: Site of the epic Battle of the Pelennor Fields in The Return of the King.
Mount Sunday: Filming site for Edoras, the capital of Rohan.
Lake Tekapo: Backdrop for Gondor, featured in The Two Towers and The Return of the King.
Mount Gunn: Background for the lighting of the beacons scene in The Return of the King.
Lake Wakatipu: Used for scenes in Lothlorien.
Deer Park Heights: Used for many Rohan scenes, now closed to driving but accessible by foot.
The Remarkables: Used for various Misty Mountains and Isildur’s fall scenes.
Kawarau River: Used for scenes involving the River Anduin.
Glenorchy: Site of Isengard, Lothlorien, Ithilien Camp, and Amon Hen.
Paradise, Glenorchy: Used for Lothlorien forest and Isengard scenes.
Skippers Canyon: Site of the Ford of Bruinen scene.
Closeburn, Glenorchy: Site of Amon Hen.
Twelve Mile Delta, Glenorchy: Site of several scenes, including the Gladden Fields.
Earnslaw Burn: Location of the Misty Mountain Paths.
Lake Wanaka: Used for various scenes including the Black Riders searching for Frodo.
Poolburn Reservoir, Ida Valley: Used for the Rohirrim village in The Two Towers.
Arrow River, Arrowtown: Used for scenes involving the Ford of Bruinen.
Fiordland National Park: Setting for the Eagles’ flight scene.
Lake Manapouri: Used for the South of Rivendell scenes. “Fly, you fools!” – Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Waiau River between Te Anau and Manapouri: Used for scenes along the River Anduin.
Kepler Mire, Te Anau: Used for the Dead Marshes scenes.
Mavora Lakes Park: Used for Nen Hithoel and other scenes.
Mount Monday, Hakatere Conservation Park: Site of Helm’s Deep.
Putangirua Pinnacles: Used for the Paths of the Dead.
Kaitoke Regional Park: Site of Rivendell.
Harcourt Park, Upper Hutt: Location of the Gardens of Isengard.
Hutt River (Great River Anduin): Used for various scenes including the approach to Lothlorien.
Dry Creek Quarry, Wellington: Site of Minas Tirith.
Fernside Lodge, Featherston: Used for exterior shots of the Houses of Healing in Minas Tirith.
Mount Victoria, Wellington: Site of the ‘Hobbits hiding from the Nazgul’ scene.
Harwoods Hole, Takaka Hill: Used for the entrance to the Paths of the Dead.
Te Henga (Bethells Beach): Used for the scenes where Frodo and Sam journey to the Black Gate.
Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park: Site of the Battle of the Black Gate.
Rangitikei River: Used for various scenes, including the River Anduin.
Tongariro National Park: Used for various scenes including Mordor, Emyn Muil, and the slopes of Mount Doom.
Tukino Skifield, Mount Ruapehu: Used for scenes on the slopes of Mount Doom.
Whakapapa Ski Field, Mount Ruapehu: Used for scenes of Mordor and the Emyn Muil.
Mangawhero Falls, Mount Ruapehu: Used for the slopes of Mount Doom.
Mount Ngauruhoe: Used for the exterior of Mount Doom.
Tawhai Falls, Tongariro National Park: Used for scenes where Gollum catches fish.
Wellington: Various locations including the Weta Workshop, where many props and effects were created.
Paradise Road, Wellington: Used for the road to Paradise in the opening scenes of The Fellowship of the Ring.
Queen Elizabeth Park, Kapiti Coast: Site of the orc funeral pyre scene.
Miramar, Wellington: Location of the Weta Cave, a tourist attraction showcasing props and costumes from the films.
Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park: Used for the opening scene in The Fellowship of the Ring, depicting the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.
Tawhai Falls, Tongariro National Park: Used for Gollum’s pool.
Matamata: Site of Hobbiton.
Huka Falls, Taupo: Used for the River Anduin.
Rotorua: Various locations including the Redwoods Forest, used for scenes in Ithilien.
Manawatu-Wanganui: Various locations including the Rangitikei River, used for the River Anduin.
Otaki Gorge: Used for the Battle of the Fords of Isen.
Putaruru Timber Museum: Used for the exterior of Hobbiton Mill.
Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua: Used for the scenery of Ithilien.
Henley Lake, Masterton: Used for the river in the ambush of Faramir.
Mangaotaki Valley, near Piopio: Used for scenes with the Orc funeral procession.
Mangaotaki Rocks, near Piopio: Used for the slopes of Mount Doom.
Ohakune: Used for the construction of the Hobbiton Woods set.
Mount Taranaki: Used as a stand-in for Mount Fuji in a panoramic shot of Mordor & Mount Doom.
Queenstown: Various locations including Deer Park Heights, used for the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
Canterbury: Various locations including the Canterbury Plains, used for the Pelennor Fields.
Upper Hutt: Various locations including Harcourt Park, used for the Gardens of Isengard.
Fiordland National Park: Used for the scenes involving the Dead Marshes.
Blue Mountains, near Wellington: Used for the Paths of the Dead.
Mount Crawford, Wellington: Used for the location of the Black Gate of Mordor.
Whakapapa Ski Field, Mount Ruapehu: Used for Mordor’s Plateau of Gorgoroth.
Lake Alta, The Remarkables: Used for the Dimrill Dale.
Pinnacles, Coromandel Peninsula: Used for the scenes of the Paths of the Dead.
Queen Charlotte Sound: Used for the Pelennor Fields.
Cook Strait: Used for the scenes of the Grey Havens.
Rangipo Desert: Used for the Emyn Muil.
Weta Cave, Wellington: Visitor centre showcasing the work of Weta Workshop for LOTR.
Kaituna River: Used for the Anduin River.
South Island: Various locations including Fiordland National Park, used for the scenes of Fangorn Forest.
Mavora Lakes: Used for Nen Hithoel.
Clutha River: Used for the River Anduin.
Dunedin: Various locations including the Mount Cargill, used for the scenes of Weathertop.
Arthurs Pass National Park: Used for the location of the Misty Mountains.
Mount Gunn: Used for the location of the beacon sequence.
Minaret Station, Wanaka: Used for the setting of Rivendell.
Kawarau Gorge: Used for the Argonath, Pillars of the Kings.
Wakatipu Basin: Used for the Ithilien Camp.
Te Anau: Used for the location of the River Anduin.
Kepler Mire: Used for the Dead Marshes.
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve: Used for the barrel escape scene in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Flock Hill, Canterbury: Used for the location of the Dimrill Dale.
Canterbury Plains: Used for the scenes of the Battle of Pelennor Fields.
Whareroa Farm, Queen Elizabeth Park: Used for the gardens of Isengard.
Putangirua Pinnacles: Used for the Paths of the Dead.
Kawarau River: Used for scenes involving the River Anduin.
Flock Hill, Canterbury: Used for the location of the Dimrill Dale.
Haruru Falls, Northland: Used for the River Anduin.
Skippers Canyon: Used for the Ford of Bruinen scene.
Twizel: Site of the epic Battle of the Pelennor Fields in The Return of the King.
Mount Sunday: Filming site for Edoras, the capital of Rohan.
Ohakune: Used for the construction of the Hobbiton Woods set.
Mount Taranaki: Used as a stand-in for Mount Fuji in a panoramic shot of Mordor and Mount Doom.
Dunedin: Various locations including the Mount Cargill, used for the scenes of Weathertop.
Arthurs Pass National Park: Used for the location of the Misty Mountains.
Pikirakatahi / Mount Earnslaw: Caradhras filming location misty mountain, the Redhorn Gate. The scene where the fellowship are hiking the snowy mountains.

Taranaki Falls - Tongariro crossing hike in New Zealand — Taranaki Falls – Tongariro crossing hike in New Zealand

Mount Taranaki — Taranaki Falls – Tongariro crossing hike in New Zealand

Thats it! I hope it fulfils all your LOTR hopes and dreams!

Are you visiting New Zealand? Have a look at some of my other New Zealand travel blogs for attractions nearby on your South Island itinerary or North Island road trip.

North Island

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Adriana! I’m constantly searching for the best places to travel to so you don’t have to! Think hidden gems but all over the world.

That means I’m constantly on the road and exploring new places to visit and I have a love for photography, so it made sense to write travel guides on all the places I visit.

I was born in Australia and spent my childhood in New Zealand, Poland, Dubai and England growing up and I decided to take my love of travel to the next level! Read more about me here and see my articles here.

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Where in New Zealand was Lord of the Rings filmed? 106 locations!