Lord of Rings Tour around Queenstown Lakes by 4WD (full day)

This full day tour explores filming locations across the Queenstown Lakes region, combining well known scenes with a broad look at the area’s varied landscapes. In the morning, travel along the Queenstown to Glenorchy Road and continue to the Head of Lake Wakatipu and the Paradise Forests, where the setting shifts from lakeside scenery to dense forest.

Following the Dart River, you’ll visit the filming location for Isengard, with views of Mt Earnslaw, then continue to Paradise to see the location used for the Forest of Lothlorien. There is also a stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the Ithilien Camp location, with time for a light lunch. Along the way, authentic props are available if you want to dress up for photos, or you can simply take in the surroundings.

After returning to Queenstown for lunch at a local café, using the included $20 voucher, the afternoon focuses on sites around the Queenstown area. This part of the tour includes more filming locations, off road travel with river crossings in the Arrow, gold panning, and a journey down a historic mining road. There is also a stop at Lighthouse Rock and a panoramic viewpoint before hotel drop off.