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South Island

Start: Queenstown Station Information Centre
Location: Queenstown
Duration: 4.5
Minimum Age: 5

The Half Day Arrowtown and Gibbston Lord of the Rings Film Locations tour is a 4.5-hour guided experience from Queenstown, visiting Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley, Skippers Canyon Lookout when weather permits, and filming locations including the Ford of Bruinen, Pillars of the Kings and Gladden Fields. Tours depart daily at 8:00am and 1:30pm from central Queenstown and include a hot or cold beverage plus photo opportunities with authentic licensed replica props. It suits film fans, families with older children and travellers wanting a shorter Middle-earth experience.

A Journey into Middle Earth on a LOTR-Themed Half-Day Tour

Join our passionate LOTR โ€œnerdโ€ guides for an unforgettable half-day journey through iconic film locations. Wander through the dramatic Skippers Canyon (weather permitting), historic Arrowtown, and the picturesque Gibbston Valleyโ€”all while learning behind-the-scenes stories from the guides who know these landscapes like the back of their hand.

The tour also visits famous movie sites such as the Ford of Bruinen, Gladden Fields, and the Pillars of the Kings. Along the way, enjoy morning or afternoon tea with snacks as you immerse yourself further into Middle Earth lore with props, authentic script pages, and production call sheetsโ€”adding rich layers of geeky delight and discovery.

What are the highlights of this Lord of the Rings tour?

  • Visit the Ford of Bruinen, Pillars of the Kings and Gladden Fields
  • Explore Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley
  • Stop at Skippers Canyon Lookout when weather allows
  • Pose for photos with a large collection of licensed replica props
  • Hear detailed filming stories and behind-the-scenes insights from knowledgeable guides
  • Hot or cold beverage
  • Photos with authentic propsโ€”we have the largest collection of licensed replica props!
  • Copies of original scripts and production call sheets to add more depth to your Middle Earth experience.
  • Pick-Up: Outside the Queenstown Station Information Centre on Camp Street. If you need a different pick-up point, this might be possible for an extra fee. Please call us to arrange.
  • Accessibility: Unfortunately, our tour isn't suitable for wheelchair users, as our buses donโ€™t have a lift.
  • Walking: There will be some walking on dirt tracks, so please wear comfortable shoes.
  • Adult: 15 years +
  • Children: 3-14 years

Children: If you're bringing young children, please bring something to keep them entertained, like an iPad, in case they lose interest in the tour.
Infants & Young Children: For children under 3 years, please contact us to arrange a private tour. If you're booking for children aged 3-5, New Zealand law requires you to bring a child seat or rent one from us.

  • More than 48 hours before departure: Full refund.**
  • Within 48 hours of departure: 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.

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