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New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, which made it the perfect place to film the “Lord of the Rings” movies.
If you’re a fan or just love beautiful scenery, visiting these movie locations is a must.
- Let’s explore some of the most famous filming spots used in the movies!
1. The Shire: Hobbiton in Matamata
Our first stop is the Shire, the peaceful home of the Hobbits.
The set for Hobbiton was built on a sheep farm in Matamata, a small town in New Zealand’s North Island.
The green hills and cute Hobbit holes make it feel like you’re in the movies.
Hobbiton is now a real place you can visit. There are tours where you can walk around the Hobbit holes, see the gardens, and even visit the Green Dragon Inn.
- It’s a magical place that captures the peaceful life of the Shire.
2. Rivendell: Kaitoke Regional Park
Next, we visit Rivendell, the beautiful home of the elves. Kaitoke Regional Park, near Wellington, was used as the filming location.
The park’s lush trees, rivers, and quiet atmosphere made it perfect for Rivendell.
You can walk through the park’s green forests and see some replicas of elven buildings.
- It’s a peaceful spot for a walk or a picnic, and you can imagine the scenes with the Fellowship and Elrond’s council.
3. Mount Doom: Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu
Mount Doom, where the One Ring was destroyed, is one of the most exciting locations in the films.
The filmmakers used Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park to show this famous volcano.
Mount Ngauruhoe has a unique shape and was the main inspiration for Mount Doom.
However, because it is a sacred place for the Māori people, close-up shots were made using Mount Ruapehu.
- You can hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to see the rugged volcanic landscapes, just like in the movies.
4. Edoras: Mount Sunday
The kingdom of Rohan, with its capital Edoras, was filmed at Mount Sunday in the Canterbury region. This small hill, surrounded by wide plains and tall mountains, was the perfect place for the golden hall of Meduseld.
The set was removed after filming, but you can still visit the location.
- A short hike will take you to the top, where you can enjoy the incredible views and imagine the kingdom of Rohan as seen in the films.
5. Fangorn Forest: Fiordland National Park
Fangorn Forest, home to the ancient Ents, was filmed in several locations, including Fiordland National Park. The park’s dense forests were perfect for the scenes with Treebeard and the other Ents.
Fiordland National Park is known for its amazing scenery, including the famous Milford Sound.
- You can walk on the trails, take a boat tour, or even go kayaking to enjoy the beauty of the forest and the fjords.
6. Lothlórien: Paradise in Glenorchy
The magical forest of Lothlórien, home to the elves Galadriel and Celeborn, was filmed in a place called Paradise near Glenorchy.
This area, with its beautiful forests and mountain views, was perfect for showing the mystical feel of Lothlórien.
You can take tours to explore the beech forests and see where these scenes were filmed.
- The tours often share interesting details about the making of the movies, making it a fun experience for fans.
7. The Dead Marshes: Kepler Mire
The creepy Dead Marshes, where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum see ghostly faces in the water, were filmed in wetlands like Kepler Mire near Te Anau. This swampy area, with it’s still waters and misty atmosphere, was perfect for these eerie scenes.
- Kepler Mire is not as easy to visit as other locations, but for those who love adventure, it’s a unique place to explore.
8. The Paths of the Dead: Putangirua Pinnacles
The spooky Paths of the Dead, where Aragorn and his friends seek help from the ghosts, were filmed at the Putangirua Pinnacles in the Wairarapa region.
You can hike through the area to see the strange pinnacles up close.
- The unique landscape adds to the sense of mystery and adventure, making it a memorable visit for any “Lord of the Rings” fan.
9. The Anduin River: Kawarau River and Waiau River
The great river Anduin, where the Fellowship travels by boat, was filmed using the Kawarau River and Waiau River.
The Kawarau River was used for the scenes with the giant statues of the Argonath, while the Waiau River’s calm waters showed the journey down the Anduin.
- Both rivers offer fun activities like jet boating and rafting.
🥇 Tours Related to The Lord of Rings Movie Locations
When it comes to taking a tour or doing an activity related to the Lord of The Rings Movie Locations, Viator is the right platform to go with.
They offer numerous tours during all seasons in New Zealand.
- You can check out some of the most highly rated Lord of The Rings Tours here:
