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
Half Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour
Child Seat
For children 6 years old or under
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
330 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lord of the Rings tour fun
Global60143772299,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant. So much fun! We went as a family group and had a great experience
Beautiful views and trivia fest
lektorbjorklund,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect for Lord of the Rings enthusiasts: half day trip so you can fit in other activities, hitting several locations from the movies, with a guide who knows absolutely everything about the movies and books. Our guide, Benji, was a fount of information and very friendly (and so helpful with taking pictures for solo travellers!).
An amazing experience for an LOTR fan
JCGagni,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As an LOTR fan, this tour was such a great experience. Not only were the locations stunning but having an entertaining and knowledgeable guide in Eby elevated the experience. Even my 8 year old who’s not a fan of LOTR thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Especially the part where we all got to take photos and videos in our LOTR costumes with the LOTR props.
Great day
catherinef758,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day!! Eby was a wonderful guide and we got some great photo and videos! Thank you and we will see you again when we return
Great LOTR experience for avid or not-avid fans
Kyle M,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 23 year old son and I joined for the tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was in Queenstown in early 2025, and I actually attended with the same company then too. I joined again for a second time, knowing that my son - an avid Lord of the Rings fan - would likely enjoy it too. There were other alternatives that we could have used, but we both agreed that this itinerary sounded like a better fit for us. We would classify ourselves as big fans of the movies, and we have both read some of the Tolkien books. So, not novice, nor bleeding edge. However the tour is geared for people at any level of interest. I have now toured with both Ian and Shane from Southern Trails, and I can honestly say that you are in excellent hands with either guide. They offer the same itinerary and both share fun stories and anecdotes along the way. The stops to see the sights from the movies were all very memorable, and the staging done to recreate the specific scenes from the movie further supported the presentation. We actually also visited Hobbiton on the trip, and I think both of us actually enjoyed this excursion more. I highly recommend this tour.
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.
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Operated by Southern Trails - Independent Lord of the Rings Sightseeing Tours