Full Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 104 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour worth booking?
Full Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour is a 10-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $250 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 104 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (104)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $250 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. M
What you get
- 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
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
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
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 10+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $250 to $408
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 36
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.
How much does Full Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour cost?
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Prices start at $250 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 in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour 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 in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 104 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 in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour?
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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 in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 10. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 10-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Full Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour?
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Around 36 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 in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour 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, Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries. 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.
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