Full Day Lord of the Rings Mavora Lakes Adventure!
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown
Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some of the most breathtaking and sought-after filming locations in Middle Earth.
Your journey heads to the stunning Mavora Lakes in Fiordland National Park, where cinematic magic meets unforgettable moments. Discover which fearless actor famously broke two toes near the edge of Fangorn Forest and relive the dramatic Breaking of the Fellowship as Frodo and Sam take their fateful steps toward Mordor.
During the warmer months with longer daylight (1 November - 31 March) this tour also ventures to Manapouri & Te Anau, where you’ll uncover the haunting beauty of the Anduin River and the Dead Marshes.
You’ll gear up for adventure with the largest collection of authentic, licensed LOTR props, including swords, axes, helmets, & even original scripts!
Duration:
1 Apr - 31 Oct: 7hrs
1 Nov - 31 Mar: 10hrs
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Travel time between locations is included on the total tour duration.
Children under 7 years not permitted. Please book a private tour for Families with Children under 7, or look at our Half Day in Middle Earth Tour.
Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk more than 10mins on uneven ground. There is 1 walk where people unable to step over a stepladder fence may have to wait for up to 20 mins.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Queenstown
We depart from Queenstown and take the beautiful scenic drive via the Devils Staircase along lake Wakatipu to the Southland Region. We continue along the way learning about the history of the area and discuss a nearby location filmed for the Hobbit.
Manapouri
(1 November - 31 March Itinerary only) Our journey takes us to the legendary hall where Lord of the Rings production equipment was stored and where several iconic scenes were filmed. This fascinating location offers a behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making process. We then visit the stunning Fraser’s Beach, a tranquil spot where, on a clear day, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the majestic Southern Alps rising from the heart of Fiordland National Park. The striking contrast of the peaceful beach with the towering peaks creates a breathtaking landscape, making this stop a must-see for fans of both The Lord of the Rings and New Zealand’s natural beauty.
What‘s Included
Photos with Authentic Props - We have the largest selection of Authentic Replica swords, axes, daggers & Helmets. Along with costumes to dress up.
(1 April - 31 October Itinerary only). Please advise any dietary requirements or allergies. 1 November - 31 March itinerary, lunch break in Te Anau at own expense.
1 % of all proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund preserving our breathtaking landscapes.
English Speaking Guide
Limited time offer: receive a FREE Souvenir Trails of Middle Earth LOTR themed Tote Bag per guest.
We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets
Options
Full Day Lord of the Rings Mavora Lakes Adventure!
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience, tons of lore and info, great guide and an all around great day out
Stay59938662889,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely loved everything about the trip. I was brought along because it was a gift and admittedly I don't remember too much from the movies butevery single thing was way above my expectations. Beau was our driver and he talked about both the history of the area and the lore of lord of the rings and tons of behind the scenes info and getting to look over copies of the actual scripts and weta calendar when we were on gravel was a brilliant touch . The stops were nice and nothing felt rushed with tons of info at each one. The script reading on the edge of the lake was absolutely awesome being in the exact spot with the exact scenery. I wasn't expecting the running commentary as Beau was driving but it added so much to the trip as we travelled around. Dressing up with the cloaks and really nice quality weapons was also unexpected with the sheer number of options to look at and play with. Easily and 11/10. Amazing guide, cool spots and great props and I would 100% do it again in a heartbeat. I also had to get my own ring at the end too as a keepsake
IM GOING ON AN ADVENTURE
Climber52167682525,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A big thank you to Beau for such a fantastic day out on an adventure. The knowledge he knows his humour and banter the whole trip made it all such a great trip that everybody should do. The day was great The views spectacular and the other people on trip fun. Beau has the gift of the gab and is certainly very good and entertaining at his job. Recommend this trip whole heartily.
Brilliant LoTR locations inc Mavora Lake!
Global19456172952,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip, well worth the long day. Bo was knowledgeable, helpful and funny. He kept the tour running smoothy, would highly recommend to any LoTR fan!
Excellent full-day tour
andrewgI5117LS,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There are a few LOTR tours you can do from Queenstown, and this is the best one. So if time or funds are limited, then I recommend this one. It has the best scenery and the most recognizable locations. The Queenstown area has spectacular landscapes anyway, and combining it with the the movie locations just enhances the experience. I won't describe in detail the locations, as it is better to discover and enjoy them yourselves. The tour is taken via a comfortable minivan, and a small group (5 of us) so the transport is comfortable. The guide, Beau, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. By the end of the tour you will be planning your next watch of the movies or reading of the books; and possibly checking on New Zealand permanent resident visa rules!
The ultimate LOTR-experience in the Queenstown area!
304nielsg,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This must definately be the ultimate LOTR-experience in the Queenstown area, run by real LOTR-enthusiasts! In addition to being the tour where you get to do the famous head-on-a-spike-selfie, you will visit several other locations such as the Anduin, the Dead Marshes and the Mavora lake. The scenery was stunningly beautiful, and our guide Beau made the experience so awesome, with his endless knowledge about all things LOTR. At the end of the day we got to wield a wide selection of weapons, which was really the icing on the cake. Definately recommend!
Magical day out
Boaz H,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful day out to see LOTR locations! Our guide was very enthusiastic and friendly, I enjoyed this very much! Can definitely recommend it!
So good
227fraserw,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day out seeing some beautiful places and so recognisable from the films, I was in my element. Bo was a great guide, really knew his stuff and a lovely guy to chat to. Would recommend
The locations, props and company were all great as was the knowledge of Beau, our guide.
andrewbC8065DO,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great time on this lord of the rings tour. I'm a big fan of the books and movies and it was a fantastic experience being with like minded people. I'm a local to Queenstown so have been to some of the easier accessible filming locations myself but the mavora lakes tour allowed to go to places I'd not been before and might not have been able to see otherwise. Beau was a great tour guide with lots of anecdotes and behind the scenes facts. He was also did an admirable job of reading some memorable moments from the script. I particularly enjoyed reading the original scripts and playing with the incredibly realistic prop replicas of the weapons! Beau and company were also an encouraging group of people to do some reenactments of the scenes in front of. Mavora lakes is a stunning place anyway and the location of a poignant moment in the fellowship of the Ring. The edge of Fangorn forest was also a highlight. I had a great day out and would thoroughly recommend this tour and tour company.
Great experience!
Walter P,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing journey through Middle Earth! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and we went to some spectacular locations.
Best day of my life
OnAir05606853565,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best days of my life. If you have time I would recommend all the tours from this company (I did them all) and every one is perfect but my favourite one has been the Mavora lakes, baeu the driver was amazing nerding out with me about lord of the rings and other cool stuff and the highlight of the trip was seeing the famous place where Vigo mortenson broke his toe. That and the lakes are 2 very iconic filming locations.
From NZ$299.00
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