Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy along the Glenorchy Road, described as one of the Top 10 scenic drives in the world, on a small group tour focused on Lord of the Rings filming locations and the landscapes that shaped them.

The route includes a stop at what is described as the most scenic lookout in New Zealand, followed by a relaxed nature walk to a filming location across the 12 Mile Canyon foot bridge. In Glenorchy, you will have free time to visit one of New Zealand’s most photographed sheds and walk out over the wharf at the top of Lake Wakatipu, where you may spot trout and salmon in the water, swans feeding, and views across to the Humboldt Ranges.

With Department of Conservation concessionaire permits, this tour also enters Mt Aspiring National Park to access ancient forest and filming locations used in The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, X Men Origins Wolverine, and The Chronicles of Narnia. You will view up the Dart and Routeburn Valleys and stand in the Dart Valley, a landscape Peter Jackson chose for Isengard.

A complimentary picnic is included, with sweet and savoury snacks, tea, coffee, and refreshments. The tour is run by a local family owned company operating since 2005, with guides who know the area well.