Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations in Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand

Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Outty Ranking 52 5.0 · 2 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $1,339
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

52/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations worth booking?

Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations is a 7-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $1,339 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
52 / 100
Rating
5/5 (2)
Duration
7 hours
From
$1,339 per person

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some of the most breathtaking and sought-after filming locations in Middle Earth. Our journey heads to Te Anau, where you’ll uncover the haunting beauty of the Anduin River and the Dead Marshes. From there, venture to the stunning Mavora Lakes, where cinematic magic meets unforgettable moments. Discover which fearless actor famously broke two toes near the edge of Fangorn Forest and relive the dramatic Breaking of the Fellowship as Frodo and Sam take their fateful steps toward Mordor. You’ll gear up for adventure with the largest collection of authentic, licensed LOTR props, including swords, axes, helmets, and even original scripts. Step into the shoes of your favorite characters, and let the spirit of Middle Earth guide you. This is an epic quest you’ll be talking about long after you leave the Shire!

What you get

    About this experience

    Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some of the most breathtaking and sought-after filming locations in Middle Earth. Our journey heads to Te Anau, where you’ll uncover the haunting beauty of the Anduin River and the Dead Marshes. From there, venture to the stunning Mavora Lakes, where cinematic magic meets unforgettable moments. Discover which fearless actor famously broke two toes near the edge of Fangorn Forest and relive the dramatic Breaking of the Fellowship as Frodo and Sam take their fateful steps toward Mordor. You’ll gear up for adventure with the largest collection of authentic, licensed LOTR props, including swords, axes, helmets, and even original scripts. Step into the shoes of your favorite characters, and let the spirit of Middle Earth guide you. This is an epic quest you’ll be talking about long after you leave the Shire!

    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.
    • Limited time offer: receive a FREE Souvenir Southern Trails LOTR themed Tote Bag per guest.
    • Speaking Guide in English, Italian, Portuguese
    • Lunch
    • We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets

    Not included

    • For children under 7 please bring child seat or message us to arrange one at an additional charge
    • Optional Scenic LOTR Helicopter flight back to Queenstown with Alpine landing- Summer Itinerary only

    What you'll see and do

    1. Queenstown

      We depart from Queenstown and take the beautiful scenic drive via the Devils Staircase along lake Wakatipu to the Southland Region. We continue along the way learning about the history of the area and discuss a nearby location filmed for the Hobbit.

    2. Manapouri

      (1 November - 31 March Itinerary only) Our journey takes us to the legendary hall where Lord of the Rings production equipment was stored and where several iconic scenes were filmed. This fascinating location offers a behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making process. We then visit the stunning Fraser’s Beach, a tranquil spot where, on a clear day, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the majestic Southern Alps rising from the heart of Fiordland National Park. The striking contrast of the peaceful beach with the towering peaks creates a breathtaking landscape, making this stop a must-see for fans of both The Lord of the Rings and New Zealand’s natural beauty.

      20 minutes here

    3. Kepler Track

      (1 November - 31 March Itinerary only) Nestled close to the iconic Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park, two stunning Lord of the Rings filming locations are waiting to be explored. First is the serene Anduin River, where the flowing waters of Middle-earth’s great river were captured. Not far from here, the Dead Marshes offer a haunting landscape, immortalized in the films for their eerie and atmospheric beauty. These breathtaking sites, surrounded by Fiordland’s rugged terrain, give visitors a chance to experience the real-world magic of these famous filming locations. Perfect for both Lord of the Rings fans and nature enthusiasts, this part of Fiordland holds a deep connection to both cinematic history and New Zealand’s natural splendor.

      40 minutes here

    4. Te Anau

      (1 November - 31 March Itinerary only) We make a stop at Te Anau, the vibrant tourism hub of the Southland Region and the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Nestled along the shores of New Zealand's second-largest lake, and the largest by water volume, offering a tranquil setting with breathtaking views. During our lunch break, you’ll have the chance to soak in the serene beauty of the lake, while the majestic Southern Alps loom in the distance, creating a perfect backdrop for relaxation. This peaceful pause allows us to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes that make Fiordland and the surrounding areas so unique.

      40 minutes here

    5. Mavora Lakes Park

      The highlight of this adventure takes us to the breathtaking Mavora Lakes Park, a truly magical location. Before entering, we visit a Lord of the Rings filming spot where one of the main actors broke two toes trying to perfect a scene. Entering the park, we begin at South Mavora Lake, here we cross a stunning swing bridge where the Fellowship departs Lothlórien on their Elven boats along the Silverload River. Our journey continues to North Mavora Lake, where Frodo and Sam embark on their solitary journey to Mordor during the Breaking of the Fellowship at Nen Hithoel. In the enchanting Beech Forest nearby, we visit the location of a dramatic Uruk-hai attack. To cap off this unforgettable experience, we have the chance to recreate these iconic scenes with our impressive collection of Licensed Replica props, including limited-edition swords, daggers, axes, and helmets designed by Weta Workshop. This immersive experience brings the magic of Middle-earth to life in an unforgettable way.

      90 minutes here

    6. Queenstown

      We return to Queenstown once again via the Devils Staircase. If the weather is clear we can stop for a photo at the lookout and discuss some Lord of the Rings scenic locations filmed in the distance

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Queenstown

    Near 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 on the Camp St side.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    Near 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 on the Camp St side.

    Options you can book

    • Private Full Day Lord of the Rings Mavora Lakes Adventure!

      Pickup included

    • 09:00

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, en, it
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Southern Trails - Independent Lord of the Rings Sightseeing Tours

    Know before you go

    • 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.
    • Maximum of 8 people on tour
    • Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk more than 10mins on uneven ground. There is 1 walk where people unable to step over a stepladder fence may have to wait for up to 20 mins.
    • Children 6 years and under require a child seat by NZ law. Please let us know if you have your own or would like to rent one from us (fees apply).

    Photos

    Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations in Queenstown, photo 2Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations in Queenstown, photo 3Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations in Queenstown, photo 4Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations in Queenstown, photo 5Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations in Queenstown, photo 6

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    uptravellerswiss · February 2025

    Amazing tour to Te Anau & Mavora Lakes

    It was an awesome tour and Shane was an awesome guide, the locations and props from the films were amazing. Everything was well organized and nicely done. Thank you our friend Shane.

    Response from the operator: Thank you, my friend. It was a pleasure showing you the wonders of Te Anau and Mavora Lakes. I’m glad you enjoyed the journey, after all, not all those who wander are lost! Safe travels, and may your next adventure be just as magical.

    via Tripadvisor

    663buddhikah · January 2025

    Excellent Tour with Professional Guide

    Wow....That was a amazing tour that we had. Shane was an amazing guide with handling things in professional way. From the initial contact to organising the tour was perfect. Highly recommend the Private full day lord of the Rings Te Anau & Mavora Lakes Tour. Those locations were amazing. Thank you, guys for organising this wonderful tour.Cheers.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute pleasure showing you the beauty of Te Anau and Mavora Lakes. Those locations hold such a special magic, and I’m thrilled you enjoyed the journey as much as I enjoyed guiding it. Cheers to you for making the adventure such a memorable one!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $1,339 to $2,300
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    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 runs

    Why this scores 52

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)15
    Booking momentum (14% weight)11
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.

    How much does Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations cost?

    +

    Prices start at $1,339 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 Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations take?

    +

    Plan for about 7 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 Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations?

    +

    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 Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations?

    +

    Around 1 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?

    +

    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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations?

    +

    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; Limited time offer: receive a FREE Souvenir Southern Trails LOTR themed Tote Bag per guest; Speaking Guide in English, Italian, Portuguese; and Lunch. Not included: For children under 7 please bring child seat or message us to arrange one at an additional; and Optional Scenic LOTR Helicopter flight back to Queenstown with Alpine landing- Summer Itin. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 71 listed pickup locations in and around Queenstown. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Portuguese, English and Italian. 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 Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations?

    +

    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 Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 booking options are available for Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Full Day Lord of the Rings Mavora Lakes Adventure!, 09:00. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations.

    Pick your date