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4 hours 30 minutes
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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!
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Child Seat
310 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
mike t,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We couldn’t have asked for a better tour and guide! Shane is the best! He has a thorough knowledge of LOR and is able to get everyone involved!
carolsK6156LN,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Best weather-cancellation pivot ever. We swapped our skydive for a last-minute tour and could not have been happier. Guide Eby was perfectly matched for die-hard Tolkien fans — passionate, knowledgeable, and made every location come alive. Highly recommend.
Jerry B,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
Ben is very knowledgeable about all aspects of Lord of the Rings. His "quiz" questions while driving between locations sparked lively discussions.
SaskiaT254,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
My husband and I really enjoyed this tour, even though I myself am not a huge LOTR fan. The story telling from tourguide Eby was great, as well as the beautiful sightings.
Escape260302,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing!!! Eby was a fabulous guide an we had an awesome time. So many gorgeous views and a ton of behind the scenes information that we loved hearing about. Very very knowledgeable





edenm664,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
came to see queenstown over the long weekend, my partner and i are avid lotr fans so thought this would be fun and indeed it was. cool info given out along with legit prop replicas and screenplay. tour guide eby seemed very passionate, as did our little tour group of around 12. cool info about film locations and fun facts on cast and crew, overall great experience would love to look into more tours like this.



Marius R,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was the only operator we could get tickets with that day, but eBay made the tour very engaging and enjoyable for all ages. He even included our daughter in holding the fact sheets, which just made all of our days. The LOTR trivia was great, and we would've loved either more as we're enthusiasts about LOTR. Scenery/stops were amazing as well and the roleplay, initially we thought it would be cringe, turned out a lot of fun.









Jet26750272302,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great morning with all the keen Lord of the Rings people.




Yo1745,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Never watch a film or read the books but tagged along my partner who is a fan, however, I genuinely enjoyed the tour. Our guide Ian is really knowlegeable, not only about LOTR but also about the areas, the cultures and film production. I had no clues what they were talking about but Ian managed to hook me into his story telling without the need of understanding the context. Would strongly recommend those who never read/watch LOTR like me to try out this tour!
MeuyFou C,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
Awesome. Yes. Definitely do the tour. Ian was a NERD. Very knowledgeable about all things Middle Earth.
Operated by Southern Trails - Lord of the Rings Sightseeing Tours