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
Afternoon Tour
Afternoon Tour
Morning Tour
Morning Tour
Reviews
1,292 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding Lord of the Rings Tour
Robert M,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was very good. Caleb was incredible with details and knew all the facts. The scenery was stunning.
So worth it
Christine C,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the highlight of my trip to Queenstown! Even if you don’t know much about LOTR, it is an amazing scenic route. Dan was so knowledgeable and friendly and was a great tour guide. (P.S. if Dan found my Polaroid pictures in the van, tell him I said he can keep them, my gift to him for the lovely tour) - Aryah
A great half day tour
Scarboroughmark,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very good half day tour. Our guide had a handy photo guide to match movie scenes with the locations. He also had a lot of interesting background info on the locations as well as LOTR. The swords and costumes were also fun. Even my wife, who isn't a LOTR fan, enjoyed it as the locations are a little off the beaten track.
Max was an excellent tour...
Tracey E,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Max was an excellent tour guide! Very knowledgeable about the area and the movies. Wish the weather had been better, but that comes with the NZ territory!
Lord of the Rings Tour
T3437MJlisah,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great tour - Max was our guide, he was fantastic - so knowledgeable and friendly. We learned about the area, its history. Lord of the Rings - and the many other movies filmed in the region. If you hadnt previously watched the films - I guarantee after this tour you will be inspired to watch them as soon as you return home.
Thoroughly enjoyable experience
Duplicarius,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent , well organised and impressively informative tour. Even my wife who is not an LORT fan really enjoyed the experience. Thanks!
What a fun experience!...
Sarah K,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a fun experience! Our guide Tristen was a super fan and knew a lot fun facts about the filming of the movie. The weather was perfect started out a bit sketchy, so he adjusted our timing and it worked out great! This tour was not just for LOTR fans, but worth the trip for sure!
Our guide was very...
Yen W,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable and we had a great time. The scenery and special access was exceptional. It was great to see pictures of the actual scenes from the movie from where we stood as well.
Reliving LOTR Scenes in Glenorchy
TVR52,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00While the South Island is not always the first thing that comes to mind for LOTR aficionados (Hobbiton is in North Island after all), we thoroughly enjoyed our tour in the Glenorchy area where a lot of the filming was done (and indeed will be done later this year for one of the sequel films). Our guide Tristan was a die hard LOTR buff and a tome of information about all things Tolkein, which added immensely to our knowledge and enjoyment of the sights saw and experienced. A thoroughly well spent half-day and could have stayed for more!
Brilliant
C2107SKmichellea,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour with Amy. Lots of information and great to see so many interesting locations. Would definitely recommend. Thank you.
From NZ$198.86
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Operated by Pure Glenorchy Scenic Lord of the Rings Tours