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North Island

Start: Wellington 9:30am
Finish: Wellington ~4:30pm
Location: Wellington
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 7 hours

Experience the ultimate day of Middle-earth highlights on a private Lord of the Rings tour through Wellington and the Hutt Valley. Visit iconic filming locations including Rivendell, the Gardens of Isengard, River Anduin, Helm’s Deep and Hobbit’s Hideaway, then discover the artistry behind the films with a guided Wētā Workshop experience. Private transport, a local guide and lunch are all included.

Family dressed in Lord of the Rings cloaks at the Rivendell archway in Kaitoke Regional Park

Discover Wellington’s Middle-earth Highlights & Film Locations

Follow in the footsteps of the Fellowship as you journey from Wellington into the Hutt Valley, where forests, rivers and dramatic landscapes were transformed into some of Middle-earth’s memorable locations. Trace the River Anduin, visit the locations associated with Helm’s Deep and the Gardens of Isengard, then continue to Kaitoke Regional Park. Surrounded by native forest, this beautiful setting became Rivendell, the Elven refuge featured throughout The Lord of the Rings.

Brisbane family posing beside Lord of the Rings signpost at Rivendell in Kaitoke Regional Park

Continue your Middle-earth adventure at Wētā Cave and Wētā Workshop, where you’ll discover the extraordinary craftsmanship and creativity behind the films. After an included seaside lunch, take in panoramic views from Mt Victoria before venturing into the forest locations used for the Outer Shire and Hobbit’s Hideaway. Combining famous filming locations, behind-the-scenes movie magic and some of Wellington’s best scenery, this private full-day tour is a memorable way to experience the region’s Lord of the Rings highlights.

Tour Highlights

  • Private full-day Lord of the Rings tour
  • Hutt Valley filming locations
  • Rivendell and the Legolas Tree
  • Gardens of Isengard and River Anduin
  • Wētā Cave displays and shop
  • Guided Wētā Workshop experience
  • Mt Victoria and Hobbit’s Hideaway
  • Seaside café lunch included
  • Private Wellington transport
  • Local driver-guide
  • Wētā Workshop entrance fees
  • Lunch at a seaside café
  • Filming-location commentary
  • Wellington pick-up and return
  • Adult: 15 years +
  • Children: 5-14 years
  • Cancel 2 days or more before travel: Full refund**
  • Cancel within 48 hours: 50% 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.

Frequently asked questions

Choose the full-day tour to explore filming locations across Wellington and the Hutt Valley, including Rivendell, Isengard and River Anduin sites. Travellers with less time may prefer the approximately 3.5-hour Private Wellington Lord of the Rings Half-Day Tour, which concentrates on Mt Victoria, Wētā Workshop and nearby locations.

The seven-hour private tour includes Wellington pick-up and return, private transport, a local driver-guide, filming-location commentary, Wētā Workshop admission and lunch at a seaside café. If you prefer a broader introduction to the capital rather than a film-focused itinerary, consider the Private Wellington Full-Day City and Coast Tour.

Yes. The tour includes admission to a guided Wētā Workshop experience, where you can learn how props, weapons, miniatures and models are created for film productions. You will also visit Wētā Cave to view displays and browse the shop. Discover more film, cultural and scenic attractions when planning your stay in Wellington.

The itinerary includes locations associated with the River Anduin, Helm’s Deep, the Gardens of Isengard, Rivendell, the Legolas Tree, the Outer Shire and Hobbit’s Hideaway. Your local guide explains how Wellington and Hutt Valley landscapes became Middle-earth. Compare this experience with other Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton tours around New Zealand.

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