Half Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again!
Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on all things “Rings”. We’ll take you to the original film locations and put YOU in the scene while narrating humorous and intriguing tales from the time of filming. Join us for your personalised journey through the real Middle Earth.
Our scenic Half Day Tour includes visiting Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley and Lake Hayes.
You will be able to enjoy Lord Of The Rings locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, The Pillars of the Kings and More!
This tour includes Morning or Afternoon Tea and Snacks, Photos with Authentic Props as 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!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel time between locations was included on the total tour duration.
Children 6 years and under require a child seat by NZ law. Please let us know if you have your own or would like to rent one from us (fees apply).
Children under 5 years not permitted. Please book a private tour for Families with Children under 5.
Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk more than 10mins on uneven ground. There is 1 walk where people unable to walk may have to wait for up to 20 mins.
What To Expect
Skippers Canyon
We head to the Skippers Canyon Lookout to view New Zealand's "Most Dangerous Road". Not only a spectacular view but also a Lord of the Rings Filming location located further within the Canyon. We stop afterwards at the nearby Coronet Viewpoint to taking in the surrounding views of the Wakatipu Basin and navigate our journeys plan from a birds eye perspective. (These stops are weather permitting)
Arrowtown
Awarded New Zealand's 'Most Beautiful Small Town' award in 2020 and 2023. We learn about the gold rush history of this rustic yet charming village the seems to appear right out of the 1800's. We explore 2 Lord of the Rings filming locations a short walk from town, followed by morning or afternoon tea in this quaint village.
Options
Child Seat
For children 6 years old or under
Half Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour
What‘s Included
Morning/Afternoon Tea from the local Arrowtown Bakery
1 % of all proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund preserving our breathtaking landscapes.
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
For children under 7 please bring child seat or message us to arrange one at an additional charge
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
323 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience for LOTR fan!
alanlU8688TA,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing day from start to finish!! Guide was Ian and the pick up was punctual, small crowd size so it was easy to chat to everyone. Hopped on the van to various LOTR filming locations and Ian was funny yet informative, with many different fun facts of LOTR production. Scenery was amazing, with at least six different beautiful locations. The best part of the interaction with replicas of the weapons, it was epic!! Overall it was a 10/10 experience and we would highly recommend any LOTR fan to join it and support Southern Trails!!
Excellent tour by Ben
evelyngF7847GI,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour by our host Ben, amazing scenery, friendly, knowledgeable and excellent driver, we had a lot of fun
Awesome tour
Curiosity18307848382,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eby is a very awesome LOTR tour guide!! Had great fun
if you’re a lotr fan then...
Marie C,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00if you’re a lotr fan then you don’t want to miss this tour. Eby was great and kept us all immersed with the views, stories, & pictures.
Awesome Day in Middle Earth
Voyager24635142382,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time on our Middle Earth tour. Eby was our guide, and he took great care of us. He was very personable, knowledgeable, and all around fun to spend time with. The tour was a great balance of beautiful New Zealand scenery and awesome nerdy LOTR behind the scenes insights. We loved getting to see so many filming locations without having to drive far in between.
Lord of the rain !
Tim B,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Benny was on form - lucky to have whole van to ourselves Even though it was raining - we made the best of it. Was thoroughly enjoyable
A trip for everyone
Coastal02984513725,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It is a very good experience for both movie fans and non-fans, as we visited many beautiful areas that I would not have known without this tour.
Eby for Prime Minister
OnAir43653563323,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eby is a card carrying LOTR genius. He also happens to be a great host and genuinely cared about our trip and brought meaningful locations to life. Highly recommend.
Great tour!
L7204ANmatthewc,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eby was phenomenal, tour well explained and incredibly knowledgeable.
LotR film location tour
NorthStar17233928945,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Tour guide Eby was well informed on Lord of the Rings filming locations. Nice tour and drive.
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Operated by Southern Trails - Independent Lord of the Rings Sightseeing Tours