Step Inside Middle Earth on the Kaewa Private Lord of the Rings Tour
Experience the magic of Tolkien’s world with the Kaewa Private Lord of the Rings Tour, a full-day adventure through Wellington’s cinematic landscapes. From the serene setting of Rivendell to the dramatic terrain of the Fords of Isen, every stop reveals the artistry behind the legendary films. Panoramic views and iconic filming locations create the perfect blend of nature, culture, and storytelling.
Walk the paths of Gandalf, Frodo, and Aragorn as you explore battle sites and memorable movie moments. Visit the world-renowned Weta Workshop for a behind-the-scenes look at cinematic creativity in action. With seaside dining, mountain views, and unforgettable settings, this journey offers fans and travellers alike an immersive escape into Middle Earth..
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Guided tour of Weta Workshop with fun green screen photo ops
Visit 7 film locations – Rivendell, Fords of Isen, Isengard Gardens, River Anduin, Helms Deep, Buckleberry Ferry, and Dunharrow
Scenic drive up Mt Victoria Lookout
See the Embassy Theatre – host of LOTR world premieres
Drive past the Roxy Theatre in Miramar, co-owned by Weta legends
Spot Sir Peter Jackson’s Stone Street Studios
Enjoy lunch at seaside favourite Scorch-O-Rama or Chocolate Fish Café
Scenic drive around the picturesque Eastern Bays
All entry fees and refreshments included
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration: 7 hours (9:30am departure)
Pick Up & Drop Off: Flexible within Wellington
AGE INFORMATION
Adults: 18 years +
Children: 5-17 years
Infants: 0-4 years
For Children under 7 years old, a child safety seat must be used and provided by the customer.
CANCELLATION & REFUND
More than 48 hours before departure: Full refund**
Between 24 - 48 hours: 75% refund**
Within 24 hours: 25% refund**
Note: **Refunds exclude credit card or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.
Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
Itinerary
Immerse yourself in the magical world of Middle Earth with a private full-day tour exploring the breathtaking landscapes and iconic filming locations around Wellington. This unforgettable experience takes you deep into the heart of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, from the serene elven village of Rivendell to the dramatic Fords of Isen and the haunting paths where Frodo and his friends evaded the Nazgûl.
Begin your day with a visit to Rivendell, wandering through the enchanting spot where Arwen and her kin lived amidst lush greenery. From there, travel to the Fords of Isen and the Gardens of Isengard, where you’ll follow in the footsteps of Gandalf the Grey and Saruman the White. Explore the towering Orc Tree and visit the location of Helm’s Deep, where epic battles were imagined. A stop at the River Anduin offers yet another chance to relive the iconic scenes of the trilogy.
The adventure continues with a climb to Mt Victoria, where you’ll see locations from the “Shortcut to Mushrooms” and “Get Off the Road” scenes. Imagine yourself hiding from the Nazgûl or racing to the Buckleberry Ferry in this evocative landscape. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Wellington’s city and harbour before heading into the picturesque Eastern Bays for a scenic drive.
At midday, pause for a relaxing lunch at a seaside café, either the quirky Scorch-O-Rama or the charming Chocolate Fish Cafe. Refreshed and recharged, the tour continues with a behind-the-scenes guided experience at the world-renowned Weta Workshop. Discover the artistry behind Middle Earth with a tour that includes fascinating green-screen photo opportunities and exclusive insights into the filmmaking process.
As the day unfolds, drive past Wellington’s cinematic landmarks, including the Embassy Theatre, which hosted the world premiere of The Return of the King, and the Roxy Theatre, co-owned by Weta Workshop co-founder Tania Rodger and other notable Wellington creatives. Finally, pass by Sir Peter Jackson’s Stone Street Studios, where much of the magic of The Lord of the Rings came to life.
With scenic views, legendary locations, and an inside look at the creative process, this full-day tour is the ultimate Middle Earth experience. All entry fees and refreshments are included, ensuring a seamless and magical journey into the world of Tolkien’s imagination. (Itinerary subject to change)