Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour from Queenstown (half day)

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

An adventure safari packed with breathtaking scenery, thrilling 4WD action whilst discovering LOTR filming locations. Visit the filming locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), Gladden Fields, the Ford of Bruinen and more. Travel an historic gold mining road, following the Arrow River, stop for an opportunity to try your hand at gold panning. Take in the spectacular panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

min 2 per tour for confirmed departure, min 4 on NZ public holidays

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Gold panning

Transport by 4WD vehicle with your driver/guide

Selected Queenstown Hotel pickup and drop-off

Lunch

What To Expect

Lake Wakatipu

Travelling part way up Queenstown hill you get a birds eye view onto Lake Wakatipu and Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes.

10 minutes•Admission Not Applicable

Kawarau River

Head to the Kawarau Gorge where the filming took place for the Argonath, or Pillars of the Kings.

15 minutes•Admission Not Applicable

Options

Lord of The Rings 4WD tour

Morning Departure: Wakatipu Basin tour. Departs at 8.15am, returns at 12.15pm.

Afternoon Departure

Wakatipu Basin tour. Departs at 1.30pm, returns at 5.30pm

Reviews

4.75

260 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

231

Great day out.
Wendy K,
Apr 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00
A great morning out in some of the beautiful locations used in the films. Nick and Davy were great guides and ver knowledgeable about the film locations and the area's history. Next time I would allow for a whole day.
Great day!
Jennifer H,
Apr 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was a really great little tour! Felt like we got to see unique things and driving through the river was fun.
A brilliant trip to see the most stunning parts of the area, with enough LOTR geekiness even for us!
Sarah B,
Mar 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great adventure with some off roading in the river. Our guide was excellent- a highly professional driver, entertaining anecdotes and lots of facts about the area and the LOTR and Hobbit films. Stunning views, and a successful gold panning experience (my gold flake is probably worth about 10 pence 😄). A great trip for everyone, not just LOTR fans
Nick was a wonderful tour...
Taylor N,
Mar 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Nick was a wonderful tour guide! Very knowledgeable and so so kind! We had a phenomenal time, so fun!
Nomad Safari LOTR 4x4 experience.
Rajaneesh R,
Dec 12, 2024
- Viator
5.00
As Lord of the Rings fans we were thrilled to go on a 4x4 adventure and witness where they filmed the various scenes which surrounds Queenstown. Our tour guide Peter gave an outstanding drive through rocky roads and rivers crossings. Peter provided us with outstanding historical information about Queenstown and Arrowtown from the surrounding geographical history, the first settlers, and the gold mining. Thank you Nomad Safaris and thank you Peter for the experience.