
Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 166 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour worth booking?
Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour is a 6-hour experience in Wellington, New Zealand, from $175 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 166 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (166)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $175 per person
First stop, Dry Creek Quarry site of Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith. Then River Anduin where the Fellowship travelled to Amon Hen, Gardens of Isengard -Gandalf met Saruman to discuss the Ring, where Saruman’s Orcs destroy the gardens. Rivendell home of the Elves, adventurous may cross swing bridge. Lunch stop provided, please be flexible as timings vary. (Cost of lunch not included in tour price). Weta Workshop seeing how props, weaponry are made, see artists at work and sets from Thunderbirds. Meet Gollum, Lurtz the Uruk-hai, Bilbo’s Trolls. Hobbiton Woods where trilogy began. Shortcut to Mushrooms scene; Sam & Frodo’s Second Breakfast; Hobbits hiding from the Black Rider (Get off the Road!); Race to the Buckleberry Ferry King Théoden’s Dunharrow Encampment. Mount Victoria Lookout to see views of Wellington. Back in the city Courtenay Place, the Embassy Picture Theatre which held two world premieres; The Return of the King (2003), first Hobbit movie An Unexpected Journey (2012).
What you get
About this experience
First stop, Dry Creek Quarry site of Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith. Then River Anduin where the Fellowship travelled to Amon Hen, Gardens of Isengard -Gandalf met Saruman to discuss the Ring, where Saruman’s Orcs destroy the gardens. Rivendell home of the Elves, adventurous may cross swing bridge. Lunch stop provided, please be flexible as timings vary. (Cost of lunch not included in tour price). Weta Workshop seeing how props, weaponry are made, see artists at work and sets from Thunderbirds. Meet Gollum, Lurtz the Uruk-hai, Bilbo’s Trolls. Hobbiton Woods where trilogy began. Shortcut to Mushrooms scene; Sam & Frodo’s Second Breakfast; Hobbits hiding from the Black Rider (Get off the Road!); Race to the Buckleberry Ferry King Théoden’s Dunharrow Encampment. Mount Victoria Lookout to see views of Wellington. Back in the city Courtenay Place, the Embassy Picture Theatre which held two world premieres; The Return of the King (2003), first Hobbit movie An Unexpected Journey (2012).
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
- Bottled water
- Tea and coffee
- Gratuities
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
First stop is Dry Creek Quarry site of Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith
15 minutes here
Then the River Anduin where the Fellowship travelled to Amon Hen, Gardens of Isengard -Gandalf met Saruman to discuss the Ring, where Saruman’s Orcs destroy the gardens.
15 minutes here
Rivendell home of the Elves. More adventurous may cross swing bridge.
30 minutes here
Tour of Weta workshop seeing how props and weaponry is made as well as sets from Thunderbirds
120 minutes here
Hobbiton Woods where the trilogy began. Shortcut to Mushrooms scene; Sam & Frodo’s Second Breakfast; where Hobbits hid from the Black Rider (“Get off the Road!”); Race to the Buckleberry Ferry scene; King Théoden’s Dunharrow Encampment.
15 minutes here
Mount Victoria
Mount Victoria Lookout to see views of Wellington.
40 minutes here
Back into the city Courtenay Place, the Embassy Picture Theatre which held two world premieres; The Return of the King (2003), first Hobbit movie An Unexpected Journey (2012).
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Wellington
The Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre Bus Stop located outside Tākina at 217 Wakefield Steet is the alternative pick up point if you are not arriving off a Cruise Ship or your Hotel is outside of the CBD pick up zone.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre Bus Stop located outside Tākina at 217 Wakefield Steet is the alternative pick up point if you are not arriving off a Cruise Ship or your Hotel is outside of the CBD pick up zone.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Xplor Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Cruise Ship Passenger bookings should select the following option as their pickup location which is the Wellington Cruise Ship Port: Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Cruise Ship Passenger bookings should add their ship name in special requirements field.
- PICKUP LOCATION MUST BE GIVEN AT TIME OF BOOKING: Default pickup location Wellington iSite Visitor Centre, if you do not know your hotel at time of booking. You can amend your pickup when you know your hotel, if it is located in the CBD pickup area.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 165 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
165 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Not worth the money
Quite expensive considering most of the stops felt rushed and could be completed on your own without a guide holding up pictures. You could buy a weta workshop ticket and stop at the places/parks yourself. We also had an incredibly awkward tour. The tour guide also sat at our table for lunch when we wanted some private one on one lunch. He seemed like he didn't want to be here, also made comments that he was bribed to come out because it was a Sunday. He also cut in front of us to order food which I thought was weird considering he's the guide? I spent the whole time looking at the clock to see when we were going home. We also felt unsafe in the van as he cut off multiple cars and nearly had a T bone accident. I also fact checked some of his knowledge after the tour was incorrect. Including the story about Sean's wife calling up Peter Jackson about the fat suit.
Response from the operator: Thank you for leaving your review Shannon. We are disappointed your tour didn't meet our high expectations. We take all feedback seriously, especially if there is room for us to improve. We will follow up with your guide for his input, as he consistently receives 5 star reviews.
via Viator
Very informative, staff...
Very informative, staff were amazing, very inclusive and catered to all on the tour. Would definitely recommend to everyone and especially those diehard Lord of the Rings fans 👌🏽👌🏽
Response from the operator: Hi Tina Thank you for your review it is greatly appreciated. We had a lot of fun with your family. Once again thank you for your review
via Viator
LOTR Tour
Was a really great time. Our guide was very knowledgeable about LOTR as well as the native wildlife species. They ran the tour even though it was just two of us on it.
Response from the operator: Thanks for leaving your review for us Matthew. Good to hear you enjoyed your experience with us.
via Tripadvisor
Great LOTR experience
Went on the LOTR tour today. It was a lot of fun. We went to several filming locations and saw some beautiful scenery. The Weta workshop was also really cool. Our tour guide, STAN, was really knowledgeable, informative and friendly. It was a great day. I’d definitely recommend.
Response from the operator: Thanks for your great review, and good to know Stan delivered another of his great tours for us. Thanks also for choosing Xplor Tours.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing day! Stan our...
Amazing day! Stan our tour guide was just full of knowledge and stories about the LOTR movies, set and everyone involved! Of course New Zealand itself is such a beautiful place and the WETA workshop is a must see;
Response from the operator: Lovely review for us Lorna, and thanks for taking the time to post it. Stan is a wonderful guide for us, and we are glad you left Wellington with good memories.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $175 to $300
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 58
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Xplor Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.9.
See everything Xplor Tours runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Wellington.
How much does Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour cost?
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Prices start at $175 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Wellington 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 Lord of the Rings Tour take?
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Plan for about 6 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 Wellington is not rushed.
Is Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 166 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Wellington, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full Day 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 Lord of the Rings Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour?
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Around 58 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 Wellington 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 Wellington and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full Day 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 Wellington 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 Wellington?
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On Outty we rank every Wellington experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Overnight Experience Tour on Kapiti Island, Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour from Wellington, Wellington: Wētā Workshop 90-minute Tour. 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 Wellington?
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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 Wellington?
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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 Lord of the Rings Tour?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; GST (Goods and Services Tax); Driver/guide; Live commentary on board; and Transport by air-conditioned minivan. Not included: Bottled water; Tea and coffee; Gratuities; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 40 listed pickup locations in and around Wellington. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour 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 Lord of the Rings Tour?
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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.
Is Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour?
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Across 166 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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