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
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
Options
Morning Tour
Morning Tour
Afternoon Tour
Afternoon Tour
Reviews
1,345 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Dan is indeed the man.
Christian L,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, and our guide Dan was incredibly knowledgeable about all things LOTR. He pointed out all the must see shooting locations, told us several stories along the way, and made sure everyone felt welcome and included regardless of their LOTR knowledge. Great for a yarn, and bonus points for any LOTR references you throw at him! Highly recommend.
Great tour
Janak R,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour company has access to Loads of the rings shooting locations and they take you there. Also they give free costumes to take picture opportunities
Very enjoyable tour
Yee747,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dan was the guide and driver for this half day tour and I must admit, he was one of the the most friendly and enthusiastic tour guides I have ever encountered! As a solo participent, he made sure to engage with everybody on the tour and helped take photos for me. The tour itself was great, taking us to so many scenic locations and informing us of facts about the particular locations. All in all, a great day out and very worthwhile. Thanks again Dan!
An exceptional morning
rmfa56,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an exceptional tour full of LOTR locations. The tour lasted the whole morning with a stop-off at a lovely lake side hut for hot drinks, snacks and the opportunity to purchase small items of LOTR merchandise. Our guide, Tristan, was obviously a huge fan of the show. This showed in all his knowledge of the films, locations and trivia; but also through his enthusiasm in delivering the tour. His chat in between locations kept us interested and informed and was he never just filling the time - he was constantly interacting with his passengers and explaining the views, what was coming up, who played which part; interspersing it all with wit, enthusiasm and complete dedication to his role. Well done Tristan, we thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
Beautiful and fun.
Louise D,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely gorgeous scenery and the visit to the farm that only this tour has access to was the most beautiful vista of all. Our guide was very knowledgeable about all things Tolkien, as well as tidbits about the area. Small group was an extra plus.
Even better than we hoped!
L1159HOpatriciaj,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the moment we met our guide we were smitten- he was SO into LOTR! Everything about the tour was well-organized and well-planned. On the short driving segments away from Queenstown we had a running interesting commentary, and on the way back we had a sound track from the movies to help up savor the ride. The locations were beautifully scouted and clearly explained. There was an element of whimsy and fun consistent with the films. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Highly recommend this experience!
J7331ZWtimw,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome scenery accompanied by great information about the filming. Our tour guide, Max, did an excellent job. Highly recommend!
Easygoing, fun,...
Jonathan S,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Easygoing, fun, informative, cheerful. We saw Lothlorien, place where Boromir battled Uruk Hai, backdrops for misty mountain and Isengard, oliphant area.
Fabulous afternoon to LOTR film locations along with their secrets
Linda S,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The afternoon tour up to Glenorchy had both the beautiful lake vistas and forest locations for filming. The piecing and preparation for much loved scenes was explained at the location. Solomon understood what each of us wanted and it was never boring. A whole new appreciation of the movie
LOTR half day tour was fun!
CraigCarynL,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Solomon, our guide, was great. Very relaxed and knowledgeable, and a good driver! It was nice being in a small group, so we could ask questions and hear and see the LOTR filming locations (and X-Men and Zelda) without mobs of fellow travelers obstructing the views. Everyone got into the spirit of dressing up, so that was a fun part of the tour.
From NZ$198.86
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Operated by Pure Glenorchy Scenic Lord of the Rings Tours