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Full Day Lord of the Rings Mavora Lakes Adventure!

Offered by Trails of Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Sightseeing Tours

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$279.00 per person

5.0 (40 reviews)

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Lord of the Rings tour from Queenstown to Mavora Lakes Park via Lake Wakatipu, with filming sites in Fiordland National Park and seasonal Te Anau stops.

Tour Overview

Travel from Queenstown into the Southland Region on a Lord of the Rings tour that follows the Devils Staircase along Lake Wakatipu before returning the same way. Along the drive, your guide shares local history and points out a nearby area used for Hobbit filming.

The main destination is Mavora Lakes Park in Fiordland National Park. Before entering the park, you visit a filming spot linked to the scene where one of the main actors broke two toes. At South Mavora Lake, cross the swing bridge used for the Fellowship’s departure from Lothlórien on the Silverload River. The tour then continues to North Mavora Lake, where Frodo and Sam begin their journey to Mordor at Nen Hithoel. In the nearby Beech Forest, you’ll also visit the site of the Uruk-hai attack. Licensed replica props by Weta Workshop, including swords, daggers, axes and helmets, are available for recreating scenes on location.

From 1 November to 31 March, the itinerary extends to Te Anau and Manapouri. Stops include the hall where Lord of the Rings production equipment was stored, Fraser’s Beach, and filming locations for the Anduin River and the Dead Marshes near the Kepler Track. This seasonal version runs for 10 hours, while departures from 1 April to 31 October run for 7 hours.

What's Included

  • Photos with Authentic Props - We have the largest selection of Authentic Replica swords, axes, daggers & Helmets. Along with costumes to dress up.
  • (1 April - 31 October Itinerary only). Please advise any dietary requirements or allergies. 1 November - 31 March itinerary, lunch break in Te Anau at own expense.
  • 1 % of all proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund preserving our breathtaking landscapes.
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Limited time offer: receive a FREE Souvenir Trails of Middle Earth LOTR themed Tote Bag per guest.
  • We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Queenstown

    We depart from Queenstown and take the beautiful scenic drive via the Devils Staircase along lake Wakatipu to the Southland Region. We continue along the way learning about the history of the area and discuss a nearby location filmed for the Hobbit.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    Manapouri

    (1 November - 31 March Itinerary only) Our journey takes us to the legendary hall where Lord of the Rings production equipment was stored and where several iconic scenes were filmed. This fascinating location offers a behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making process. We then visit the stunning Fraser’s Beach, a tranquil spot where, on a clear day, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the majestic Southern Alps rising from the heart of Fiordland National Park. The striking contrast of the peaceful beach with the towering peaks creates a breathtaking landscape, making this stop a must-see for fans of both The Lord of the Rings and New Zealand’s natural beauty.

    20 minutes

  3. 3

    Kepler Track

    (1 November - 31 March Itinerary only) Nestled close to the iconic Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park, two stunning Lord of the Rings filming locations are waiting to be explored. First is the serene Anduin River, where the flowing waters of Middle-earth’s great river were captured. Not far from here, the Dead Marshes offer a haunting landscape, immortalized in the films for their eerie and atmospheric beauty. These breathtaking sites, surrounded by Fiordland’s rugged terrain, give visitors a chance to experience the real-world magic of these famous filming locations. Perfect for both Lord of the Rings fans and nature enthusiasts, this part of Fiordland holds a deep connection to both cinematic history and New Zealand’s natural splendor.

    40 minutes

  4. 4

    Te Anau

    (1 November - 31 March Itinerary only) We make a stop at Te Anau, the vibrant tourism hub of the Southland Region and the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Nestled along the shores of New Zealand's second-largest lake, and the largest by water volume, offering a tranquil setting with breathtaking views. During our lunch break, you’ll have the chance to soak in the serene beauty of the lake, while the majestic Southern Alps loom in the distance, creating a perfect backdrop for relaxation. This peaceful pause allows us to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes that make Fiordland and the surrounding areas so unique.

    40 minutes

  5. 5

    Mavora Lakes Park

    The highlight of this adventure takes us to the breathtaking Mavora Lakes Park, a truly magical location. Before entering, we visit a Lord of the Rings filming spot where one of the main actors broke two toes trying to perfect a scene. Entering the park, we begin at South Mavora Lake, here we cross a stunning swing bridge where the Fellowship departs Lothlórien on their Elven boats along the Silverload River. Our journey continues to North Mavora Lake, where Frodo and Sam embark on their solitary journey to Mordor during the Breaking of the Fellowship at Nen Hithoel. In the enchanting Beech Forest nearby, we visit the location of a dramatic Uruk-hai attack. To cap off this unforgettable experience, we have the chance to recreate these iconic scenes with our impressive collection of Licensed Replica props, including limited-edition swords, daggers, axes, and helmets designed by Weta Workshop. This immersive experience brings the magic of Middle-earth to life in an unforgettable way.

    1 hour 15 minutes

  6. 6

    Queenstown

    We return to Queenstown once again via the Devils Staircase. If the weather is clear we can stop for a photo at the lookout and discuss some Lord of the Rings scenic locations filmed in the distance

    Pass by without stopping

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

43 Camp Street

43 Camp Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

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Near the Corner of Camp and Shotover Street, the Station Building (AJ Hackett, Shotover Jet). There are some wooden benches to wait next to where the tour buses stop on the Camp St side.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Travel time between locations is included on the total tour duration.
  • Children under 7 years not permitted. Please book a private tour for Families with Children under 7, or look at our Half Day in Middle Earth Tour.
  • Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk more than 10mins on uneven ground. There is 1 walk where people unable to step over a stepladder fence may have to wait for up to 20 mins.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.