Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Take a journey with us deep into Middle Earth and explore unique Lord of the Rings filming locations from Queenstown to Glenorchy and Mt Aspiring World Heritage N.P.
Feel the trilogy come to life as you visit the breathtaking and magical landscape that inspired Peter Jackson’s film locations for The Lord of the Rings movies.
We are the only company with EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to the filming locations on Arcadia Station, where scenes from the Hobbit & Wolverine were filmed.
Travel in small groups with local guides who have a real passion and knowledge of the area. Take in the diverse landscape of ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier carved valleys.
Explore the unique flora and fauna and get up close to the New Zealand animals and birdlife.
We are a Local family owned & operated tour company that offer the real experience. Operating since 2005!
We are one of the few companies that hold Department of Conservation Concessionaire permits to access Mt Aspiring National park.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour is not suitable for children under 5 years of age.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Exclusive access to the Arcadia Station Filming locations in the Paradise valley!
Optional Lord of the Rings costumes/ replica swords
A light morning or afternoon tea , with cake, biscuits and hot tea & coffee
Professional, friendly & local guides
Live Commentary
Umbrellas provided
Coffee and/or Tea
What To Expect
Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
Tour as our guest from Queenstown on one of the Top 10 scenic drives in the world up the Glenorchcy road to visit epic scenery and Lord Of The Rings filming locations.
Bennets Bluff Lookout
The most scenic lookout in New Zealand
Options
Morning Tour
Morning Tour
Afternoon Tour
Afternoon Tour
Reviews
1,164 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great LOTR tour!
Stanley Q,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommended. Dan was a great driver and guide. He shared a wealth of knowledge and insights about the Lord of the Rings characters and film locations. We saw a film location that only his company has access to. A must do tour if you are a LOTR fan.
Great, cozy LOTR tour
thatgirlfromcanada,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a fun LOTR tour! They fit 9 into the van so we could be a true "fellowship". Our guide was really great, made lots of jokes, and had a lot of information. He also took really good pictures, which was a bonus for me as I was travelling solo. At the end, you can also buy merch, like the ring, and a few other necklaces, and such. This was the cheapest place I found to buy knick knacks, but it is cash only. So, come prepared! I would have loved to have done the full day in hindsight, but I didn't like that there was no information on who the second tour company would be so, I chose only for the half day. It was a very fun day though and left room for other things to still be done later in the day!
Amazing trip visiting Lord of the Rings filming locations
Compass08136994694,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour of filming locations. Very knowledgeable guide. Comfortable ride and great to even have props and costumes for some LOTR photo opportunities.
Why this is the best middle earth tour ever
Jessica S,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The whole tour was so insightful and we even got to go to places inside Paradise valley other tour operators cannot go. Our guide Sol even sang some Hobbit songs during the ride, not once did we got bored. Recommend recommend recommend! It is worth every dollar!
LORT trail
966wendyj,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome adventure - Amy was an amazing tour guide… we had a delightful time.. the scenery was beautiful & the drive well paced out…
Top tour to visit LOTR scenic places.
Pioneer41897645746,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great trip, thanks to the excellent guide Amy. She gives good explanations about the different places where LOTR scenes has taken place, but also tell us some nice stories ‘behind the scenes’.
A wonderful experience for experts, enthusiasts and those who have an interest in these beautiful locations.
ADRIAN K,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’m not a L.O.T.R. expert but I liked the films and joined the tour with a compatriot who is a fanatic! A wonderful experience all round and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the film locations brilliantly described by the driver, who backed up his commentary with a colour booklet showing all the original locations, sets and characters. This really brought it all to life.
reliving the lord of the rings!
vluchoa,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00the stories about the filming of the movie made the tour very interesting. scenery was great, even if it rained a bit. but it always rains in NZ! driver/guide was great!
Great visit to LOR filming sites
Eric I,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very engaging and knowledgeable guide. Beautiful vistas throughout the trip. A little hiking on easy trails. We also had great weather.
Wonderful sightseeing tour with great sights!
P3708TKmichaelr,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time on our tour with Amy! The scenes were beautiful, the tour guide was knowledgeable, and the locations were so fun to fantasize about! We even got to dress up in LOTR garb and run around in the woods! Highly recommend to anyone, from the most die-hard fans to those who haven’t seen the movies.
From NZ$198.86
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Operated by Pure Glenorchy Scenic Lord of the Rings Tours