Search icon

South Island

Start: Queenstown
Travel Time: 10 hours
Minimum Age: 10

The Full Day in Middle Earth tour combines two half-day Lord of the Rings adventures into one 10-hour journey from Queenstown. Explore filming locations around Skippers Canyon, Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley, Glenorchy and Paradise, including the Ford of Bruinen, Isengard, Lothlórien and Amon Hen. Small-group transport, expert commentary, costumes, replica swords and light refreshments are included. Lunch is at your own expense during a break in Queenstown.

Explore Queenstown and Glenorchy’s Middle-earth Locations

The day begins with the landscapes around Queenstown, where stops may include Skippers Canyon Lookout, historic Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley. Film locations connected with the Ford of Bruinen, the Gladden Fields and the Pillars of the Kings are brought to life through expert commentary and behind-the-scenes stories. The route combines cinematic interest with dramatic river gorges, historic gold-mining country and expansive mountain scenery.

After a lunch break in Queenstown, continue towards Glenorchy and Paradise for a contrasting journey through beech forest, braided river valleys and the foothills of Mount Aspiring National Park. Visit landscapes used for Ithilien, Isengard, Lothlórien and Amon Hen, with costumes and replica swords available for memorable photographs. The order of the two half-day tours may change with weather and availability, but the full-day format provides a broad overview of Middle-earth around Queenstown.

Play

Discover Glenorchy, Paradise, and Iconic Film Locations

In the afternoon, travel to Glenorchy and the spectacular Paradise Valley, where you'll visit even more iconic LOTR sites. Step into the landscapes of Ithilien, Isengard, Beorn’s House, Lothlorien, and Amon Hen—backdrops as dramatic in real life as they are on screen. These world-famous locations are surrounded by ancient forest, glacier-fed rivers, and alpine vistas that feel straight from Tolkien’s pages.

Capture unforgettable photos, try on themed costumes, and dive deeper into behind-the-scenes stories with your guide. Whether you're a lifelong Tolkien fan or simply love New Zealand’s dramatic scenery, this full-day tour delivers an immersive journey into the heart of Middle Earth. It’s the ultimate way to see it all in one day from Queenstown.

Morning Tour:

  • Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting)
  • Arrowtown
  • The Gibbston Valley

LOTR locations, including:

  • The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, Pillars of the Kings… and more!

Afternoon Tour:

  • Glenorchy & the Historic Red Shed
  • Paradise Valley

LOTR locations, including:

  • Ithilien, Isengard and Beorn’s House, Lothlorien, Amon Hen… and more!
  • Small, personalised groups
  • Replica swords and costumes for a fantastic photo shoot in Lothlorien Forest
  • Complimentary morning or afternoon picnic
  • Short nature walk
  • We operate in all weather, year-round, as long as it’s safe. Please dress appropriately for the season.

Booking & Pick-Up Information

  • If you’ve chosen the 'Main Departure Point' for pickup, please arrive on time to avoid disappointment. Refunds aren’t given for late arrivals.
  • A minimum of 3 people is required to confirm a tour. Solo travellers, please contact us to find days when tours are already confirmed.
  • The main departure point is outside the Station Information Centre (wait on the wooden benches along Camp St, just down from Marmolada Café).
  • Adult: 15 years +
  • Children: 5-14 years
  • Minimum Age: 5 years

This tour may not be ideal for all children. If you think your child might get bored or restless on the van, please bring along a book or iPad (with headphones) to keep them entertained and avoid disturbing other guests. Thank you!

  • More than 48 hours before departure: Full refund**.
  • Within 48 hours: No refund

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Sign up to our newsletter for special deals & exciting news.