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 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
What‘s Included
Exclusive access to the Arcadia Station Filming locations in the Paradise valley!
Optional Lord of the Rings costumes/ replica swords
Professional, friendly & local guides
Live Commentary
Umbrellas provided
Coffee and/or Tea
A light morning or afternoon tea , with cake, biscuits and hot tea & coffee
Options
Afternoon Tour
Afternoon Tour
Morning Tour
Morning Tour
Reviews
1,410 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great half day tour for LOTR fans to explore locations and learn new stuff!
Jaq555,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fab, fun experience with lots of nuggets of information that brought the tour to life. The guide, Amy, was extremely knowledgeable and worked hard to ensure everyone was included. Sharing images of scenes from the LOTR films in various locations helped to give context and excitement about where we were. The group worked well even though I was on my own - I think the shared enthusiasm for the subject helped! I'd definitely recommend this tour for LOTR fans, not least because it allows access to areas that other tours don't have.
Very enjoyable and worthwhile tour
Emma F,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great tour with lots of filming locations and interesting facts along the way! Our tour guide Tristan was great, very engaging and friendly! We had plenty of breaks and snacks at one stop which was much appreciated. Would recommend this trip if you’re in Queenstown
Great Tour. Super Knowledgeable Guide
kenaQ9218SN,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour was fun and very informative. Guide was very knowledgeable, polite, enthusiastic and accommodating. While we have not read or watched LOR, the history of the making of the LOR movies and other movies and seeing the locations was extremely interesting.
Stunning views and replica swords and costumes
Rachel M,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stunning views of scenes from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. We also got to play around with replica swords. This was very fun!
Hands down the best tour
courtom,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We attended this tour on 16th May 2026 for my birthday. The tour was amazing. Dan the tour guide was so knowledgeable on all of the Lord of the Rings topics. The swords 🗡️ were awesome. Dan was able to provide fantastic information on the scenery. He was kind, warm and very passionate. The morning tea provided was awesome, especially when it was cold. Dietary considerations were also included. The small tour group made for awesome conversations with others. Dan you’re an absolute gem of a tour guide. Thank you for an awesome tour and keep up the great work 👏. Dan thank you for making my birthday awesome. Highly recommend tour.
Hands down best tour !
courtom,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We attend the tour on 16th May 2026 for my birthday! Dan the tour guide was absolutely brilliant. He was knowledgeable and passionate about the Lord of the Rings. He was able to provide great information of the scenery and answer any questions. The morning tea was lovely, especially when it was cold. The small tour group allowed us to connect with others in the group. Keep up the great work Dan as you’re an absolute gem of a tour guide. Thank you for making my birthday awesome. 👏
Great experience
Bruce C,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Unexpectedly informative and enjoyable. I was surprised at the number of scenes shot in the area, & the guide was extremely knowledgeable & a great communicator. We were taken to a bunch of places without wasting time but without feeling rushed. It was also a great opportunity to see the area between Queenstown & Glenorchy. I would recommend this to anyone with even a minor interest in the Lord Of The Rings.
Glenorchy and LOTR
Trail20879132221,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing day! Our guide Dan felt more like a friend than a guide. He knew everything about LOTR and took us to so many beautiful film locations where we re-enacted scenes and put on costumes. Isengard was epic. We felt very welcome and I would recommend this tour to everyone.
Will definitely be doing this again the next time I’m in Queenstown.
lJensenl,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing time on this tour. The group was sized just right for a nice intimate experience, but not too large that you feel like a number. Our tour guide was exceptional and very knowledgeable, both about the lord of the rings as well as the areas we visited in general. The scenery was absolutely stunning. This tour is definitely geared towards people who have at least seen and like the lord of the rings, however the sights are absolutely amazing regardless.
Good afternoon
spencecrop,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was expensive but the scenery was beautiful. If you are a die hard fan you will recognize the scenery from the films. Daniel was an excellent guide and very knowledgeable and friendly.
From NZ$198.86
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Operated by Pure Glenorchy Scenic Lord of the Rings Tours