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
1,268 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lord of Rings tour
179viviennea,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amy was a truly professional guide who imparted her knowledge in an accessible and fun way. It was a packed itinerary and we saw so many of the filming locations
A lot of driving but...
Zachary K,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A lot of driving but worth it. Amy was a great guide and we saw beautiful scenery. The swords and costumes at the end were amazing.
It was a comfortable 4...
Sadia C,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was a comfortable 4 hour journey with adequate breaks to watch the scenery. Tour guide was informative and engaging.
A tour and guide to rule them all
samwiseske,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was great, specifically because our guide, Dan, truly embraced the LOTR experience with us and happens to be a great photographer too! Behind some of the scripted facts, he clearly has a passion for LOTR, film and New Zealand as a whole and shares it with us. The props and exclusive scenery add to it all as well. I would and have already recommended this trip to folks I know. Note to Dan’s boss: Please let him take time off to be an extra in the next Middle Earth film 😂
Touring with Tristan, the ultimate guide
Barbara V,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We all want to watch the movies or read the books after touring with Tristan. He made each filming site exciting and provided great insight into the filming and history of the movie and characters.
Immersive
A7885VAdanieleb,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice, you can still see the filming places The guide, Max in our case, very good and passionate, brings with him a photo book to make the idea of the shots
A great journey through middle earth
imarwanm,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Soly took us on an amazing trip through middle earth. We enjoyed every second, the commentaries, the sceneries, the props,... highly recommended.
Absolutely incredible,...
Scott W,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely incredible, Amy was wonderful and very adaptive to terrain changes created by extreme weather the night before our trip. Snacks and beverages were tasty, all the info was well presented, such a lovely experience in Glenorchy, Paradise, and all the LOTR filming spots. Cannot sing enough praise! Well done Amy and cheers!
Could not attend due to health emergency and lost money
Shahira K,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Less than 24 hours before the tour, I was admitted to Queenstown emergency due to a health issue and requested to reschedule. Unfortunately, my request was not accommodated. While I understand policies exist, I believe a medical emergency is a reasonable circumstance where some discretion or goodwill could be considered—especially for a fully paid tour. Overall, the company was not at fault from a policy standpoint, but I also felt there was no effort to go the extra mile in an exceptional situation. Based on this experience, I wanted to share my feedback so future travelers know what to expect.
Our tour guide Tristan had a lot of knowledge regarding LOTR. Beautiful scenery of the places where they were shot.
Kym C,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about everything on this trip with regards to TLOTR. He was very friendly and helpful towards us all.
From NZ$198.86
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Operated by Pure Glenorchy Scenic Lord of the Rings Tours