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Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour - Glenorchy (half day)

Offered by Nomad Safaris

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$306.67 per person

4.6 (247 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

4 hours 15 minutes (approx.) Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Small-group 4WD tour from Queenstown to Dart River, Paradise and 12 Mile Delta, visiting Lord of the Rings filming locations including Isengard.

Tour Overview

Travel by 4WD from Queenstown into the surrounding countryside on a small group tour focused on locations used in The Lord of the Rings films. This trip combines film history with time on the road through the landscapes chosen for major Peter Jackson scenes, with your guide sharing informative facts as you go.

Along the way, you will stop at various viewpoints for photos and commentary that helps place the filming locations in context. Following the Dart River, the tour reaches the filming location for Isengard, where views of Mt Earnslaw form part of the setting. Continuing to Paradise, you will visit the location used for the Forest of Lothlorien, one of the best known landscapes featured in the films.

On the return journey to Queenstown, there is a stop at 12 Mile Delta, used as the Ithilien Camp, described in the films as the no-man’s land between Gondor and Mordor. Throughout the tour, the focus stays on the connection between these real places and their on-screen roles.

This is a good choice for movie fans and for travellers interested in seeing how Queenstown’s backcountry was used as Middle-earth, with the added benefit of a guide and a smaller group size.

What's Included

  • Driver/guide
  • Transport by 4WD vehicle
  • Selected Queenstown Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Light refreshments (including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cake and cookies)

Not Included:

  • Gratuities

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Glenorchy-Queenstown Road

    Stopping at various viewpoints so you can take photos, your driver will provide informative and interesting facts during the drive, giving you a better sense of connection with the surroundings.

    45 minutes

  2. 2

    Paradise

    Follow the Dart River to the spectacular filming location for Isengard. This location offers stunning views of Mt Earnslaw. Heading to Paradise discover the location for the Forrest of Lothlorien.

    1 hour

  3. 3

    12 Mile Delta

    On your way back to Queenstown, stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the Ithilien Camp -- the no-man's land between Gondor and Mordor.

    20 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

37 Shotover Street

37 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

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Pick up is from Info & Track, 37 Shotover Street. We may be able to offer pick up from your accomodation in central Queenstown, however please contact us on 034426699 to confirm.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Important Information

• Minimum numbers apply (min 2 per tour for confirmed departure, min 4 on NZ public holidays). There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund • Pickup from central Queenstown accommodations is included. Surround suburbs (Kelvin Heights, Frankton, Arthur's Point, Fernhill and others) by arrangement. Please contact to reconfirm pick up arrangement and time. Please also be aware, pick up may be in the form of a shuttle bus.

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Pickup from all central Queenstown accommodations. Hilton pickup on request
  • Minimum numbers apply (min 2 per tour for confirmed departure, min 4 on NZ public holidays). There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • Please Note: Pickup from central Queenstown accommodations is included. Surround suburbs (Kelvin Heights, Frankton, Arthur's Point, Fernhill and others) by arrangement. Please contact to reconfirm pick up arrangement and time.

Cancellation Policy

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