Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 110 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations worth booking?
Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations is a 10-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $238 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 110 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (110)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $238 per person
Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1 hour lunch break back in Queenstown and change buses for the afternoon tour. Morning and Afternoon Tour itineraries are interchangeable and can be switched due to availability or weather conditions. You will be visiting the Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley, Glenorchy and Paradise. You will admire LOTR locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, Pillars of the Kings, Ithilien, Isengard, Beorn's House, Lothlorien, Amon Hen and more!
What you get
About this experience
Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1 hour lunch break back in Queenstown and change buses for the afternoon tour. Morning and Afternoon Tour itineraries are interchangeable and can be switched due to availability or weather conditions. You will be visiting the Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley, Glenorchy and Paradise. You will admire LOTR locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, Pillars of the Kings, Ithilien, Isengard, Beorn's House, Lothlorien, Amon Hen and more!
What's included
Included
- Photos with Authentic Props - We have the largest selection of Authentic Replica swords, axes, daggers & Helmets. Along with costumes to dress up.
- 1 % of all proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund preserving our breathtaking landscapes.
- Tea and coffee
- We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets
Not included
- Lunch
- For children under 7 please bring child seat or message us to arrange one at an additional charge
What you'll see and do
Skippers Canyon
We head to the Skippers Canyon Lookout to view New Zealand's "Most Dangerous Road". Not only a spectacular view but also a Lord of the Rings Filming location located further within the Canyon. We stop afterwards at the nearby Coronet Viewpoint to taking in the surrounding views of the Wakatipu Basin and navigate our journeys plan from a birds eye perspective. (These stops are weather permitting)
20 minutes here
Arrowtown
Awarded New Zealand's 'Most Beautiful Small Town' award in 2020 and 2023. We learn about the gold rush history of this rustic yet charming village the seems to appear right out of the 1800's. We explore 2 Lord of the Rings filming locations a short walk from town, followed by morning or afternoon tea in this quaint village.
60 minutes here
Gibbston
Central Otago's Premier Wine Region. Here we visit an epic Lord of the Rings filming location learning stories of the production along with the winegrowing history. Here we also witness dare devils jumping from the world's first commercial bungee jump from the Historic Kawarau Bridge.
15 minutes here
Lake Hayes
We head to this picturesque serene lake, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains right out of Middle Earth. We spend some time here soaking in the serenity and playing with our Authentic Replica Props. Dress up as you favourite LOTR characters and weild lifelike swords, daggers, axes and helmets from your favourite fantasy trilogy!
25 minutes here
We head to the breathtaking Wakatipu Lookout where beneath the towering Remarkables Mountains we have one last look upon this spectacular landscape that inspired the filming of the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. We point out several filming locations and take photo's from the locals best kept secret lookout, towering over the resort town of Queenstown.
10 minutes here
Queenstown
Between our 2 tours we give our guests 1-1.5hrs break in the resort town of Queenstown. We will make fantastic lunch reccommendations (at guests own expense). The break time depends on which order the morning and afternoon tours are undertaken. If the Glenorchy tour is taken first then the break will likely be an 1hr with a shorter finish time at the end of the day, as this tour is slightly longer than the Arrowtown Tour.
90 minutes here
Twelve Mile Delta to Bob's Cove Track
We walk from the beautiful 12 Mile Delta along the Bob's Cove Track to a significant Lord of the Rings filming location set in beautiful native & non native scrub forest by an historical goldrush campsite.
40 minutes here
Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
We travel along what has been described as "One of the most beautiful scenic drives on earth!". Along the Glenorchy Road we stop at the breathtaking Bennetts Bluff Lookout. Spotting some distant Lord of the Rings filming locations, hidden in the mountains. We return on this same scenic drive which allows opportunity to view breathtaking vistas from multiple aspects along the road.
100 minutes here
Glenorchy
Stopping in the small quaint town of Glenorchy. Based at the head of Lake Wakatipu and the foothills of the Southern Alps, the town is known for its historic church, vibrant red boatshed and wharf, and one of the smallest libraries in New Zealand.
20 minutes here
Within the stunning Paradise Valley we encounter 2 Lord of the Rings filming Locations and 1 from the Hobbit series. We gain exclusive access to a high country sheep station where multiple films have been shot, before entering ancient Southern Beech Forest. Either here or Glenorchy itself we will have our morning/afternoon Tea and snacks (please let us know if you have any dietary requirements).
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Queenstown
On 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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
On 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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Southern Trails - Independent Lord of the Rings Sightseeing Tours
Know before you go
- 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 10 years not permitted. Please book a private tour for Families with Children under 10, or look at our Half Day Tour or Mavora Lakes Adventure Tour options.
- Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk more than 20mins on uneven ground. There is 1 walk where people unable to walk may have to wait for up to 20 mins.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 110 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
110 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great guide. Great tour.
Great guide. Perfectly sized group. You got to see many locations, and they weren't too far apart. Everything was explained well. You weren't rushed from location to location.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much! We’re really glad you enjoyed the relaxed pace, small group and variety of filming locations. We love giving everyone time to soak up the scenery and stories along the way. Thanks for joining our Fellowship!
via Tripadvisor
Morning in Middle Earth
This was such a lovely day! Morning was with guide Ian who was very knowledgeable about interesting facts all things LOTR and showing us all these cool filming locations was really amazing!! Loved the tour and highly recommend it to anyone who loves LOTR and nature. I really appreciated the story behind the Southern Trails business and it’s great to know that the people behind are folks who are really passionate about LOTR and NZ beauty. Good job guys, thanks so much for this great experience ☺️
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a lovely review! We’re really glad you enjoyed exploring the filming locations with Ian and hearing some of the stories behind the movies. It also means a lot that you appreciated our own Southern Trails story. We’re lucky to share our passion for Middle earth and the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand with fellow fans! Ian will really appreciate your kind words. Thanks again for joining us and for recommending our tour!
via Tripadvisor
Spots from lord of the rings
Our guide was Eby. We had a fantastic day it was a great experience and he showed us all of the nice spots and also explained what they did there. It was an amazing experience with him I would do it again and we had a lovely time.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much! We’re really glad you had such a fantastic day exploring Middle earth with Eby. He’ll really appreciate your kind words. It’s great to hear you enjoyed both the beautiful locations and the stories behind the scenes. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Best day of our trip so far
The experience was just perfect. The two guides were very passionate and they give us the max for enjoying the day. Many thanks to them (especially Ian who braves the cold of the morning to share his little stories)
Response from the operator: Thank you so much! We’re really glad you had such a great day exploring Middle earth with us. We’ll make sure Ian hears your kind words, braving a chilly Queenstown morning is all part of the adventure! Thanks again for joining our Fellowship, hope to see you back someday!
via Tripadvisor
Eby and The Fellowship
We had an absolutely fantastic experience on the Southern Trails Lord of the Rings Tour! It was easily one of the highlights of our time in New Zealand. Our guide, Eby, was wonderful — friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and genuinely fun to spend the day with. His knowledge of both the Lord of the Rings films and the incredible landscapes we visited made the experience so much more memorable. He did a great job bringing the filming locations to life, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and details while still giving us plenty of time to take everything in, explore, and get photos. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and getting to stand in places we recognized from the films was surreal. Even beyond being LOTR fans, we loved simply getting out into some of the most beautiful landscapes around Queenstown and Glenorchy. The half day felt relaxed, personal, and never rushed. Eby really made the experience special, and you could tell he genuinely cared about making sure everyone had a great time. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan visiting Queenstown, we can’t recommend Southern Trails enough. And if you get Eby as your guide, you’re in excellent hands. Thank you for such an unforgettable day in Middle-earth! Ps: tour was booked through PureGlenorchy who operated the first half of the tour, and Southern Trails did the second half.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful review! We’re really glad you enjoyed your day exploring Middle earth. Eby will certainly appreciate your kind words, especially about his stories and bringing the filming locations to life. It sounds like the Fellowship had a pretty great adventure through some of our favourite landscapes! Thanks again for joining us, and for recommending Southern Trails to other LOTR fans visiting Queenstown. We hope the memories stay with you all the way back to the Shire!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $238 to $408
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 39
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Southern Trails - Independent Lord of the Rings Sightseeing Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.5.
See everything Southern Trails - Independent Lord of the Rings Sightseeing Tours runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.
How much does Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations cost?
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Prices start at $238 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Queenstown usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Queenstown is not rushed.
Is Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 110 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Queenstown, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations?
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Around 39 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Queenstown can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Queenstown and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Queenstown within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Queenstown?
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On Outty we rank every Queenstown experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Queenstown?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations?
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Included: Photos with Authentic Props - We have the largest selection of Authentic Replica swords, a; 1 % of all proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund preserving our breathtaking l; Tea and coffee; and We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets. Not included: Lunch; and For children under 7 please bring child seat or message us to arrange one at an additional. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations?
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On 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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Queenstown. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations?
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Across 110 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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