Lord of the Rings Self Drive Tour: Journey Through Middle Earth

Dreaming of stepping into Middle Earth during your New Zealand vacation? A Lord of the Rings self-drive tour in New Zealand lets you explore the stunning landscapes that feel like they are straight out of the films. You can explore Middle Earth locations in New Zealand, from rolling green hills to towering mountains. It is easy to visit the best Lord of the Rings sites in New Zealand. I recommend making sure Hobbiton, Rivendell, and Mount Doom are near the top of your list of things to do during your vacation in New Zealand. Let me share my favorite Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand with you, so you enjoy every moment of your Middle Earth trip. 

Best Self-Drive Route for Lord of the Rings Fans in New Zealand 

There are quite a few routes you can take for a Lord of the Rings self-drive tour. However, the best self-drive route for Lord of the Rings fans in New Zealand is the north to south route. 

As you explore both New Zealand islands, you will get the full Lord of the Rings experience. Plus, you will follow the story’s progression from Shire to Mordor. 

Lord of the Rings Self-Drive Stops Along Both Islands

North Island Stops

• Auckland

• Matamata

• Tongariro National Park

• Wellington

South Island Stops

• Nelson and Takaka

• Twizel (Canterbury)

• Mount Sunday (Canterbury)

• Queenstown and Glenorchy

• Te Anau and Fiordland

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Best Lord of the Rings Sites in New Zealand

• Hobbiton - Matamata

Scenic view of Hobbiton’s thatched cottages and lush green hills at sunset in Matamata, New Zealand

Charming Hobbit hole with a red round door and colorful flowers along a winding path in Hobbiton, Ne

When you leave Auckland for your Lord of the Rings self drive tour, your first stop should be Hobbiton in Matamata. This fully preserved movie set is one of the most famous Middle Earth locations in New Zealand. 

There are forty-four hobbit holes at Hobbiton. You can also see the Green Dragon Inn, and Bag End, which is where Bilbo and Frodo lived. 

The drive time from Auckland to Hobbiton is approximately two hours. Don’t worry, the rolling green hills, and the rest of the countryside, will make the time during your drive fly by. 

I recommend allowing me to book your guided tour of Hobbiton, as I am planning your New Zealand vacation. These tours book quickly, especially during peak season. So, this is something you do not want to leave for the last minute. 

The Evening Banquet Tour will allow you to enjoy a magical dinner at the Green Dragon Inn. A true hobbit feast will be waiting for you when you sit down at your table. 

• Tongariro National Park

Scenic view of an emerald-colored alpine lake surrounded by rugged volcanic terrain in Tongariro Nat

Straight road leading toward Mount Ngauruhoe, a snow-dusted volcanic peak in Tongariro National Park

When you leave Matamata, it will be time to head towards Tongariro National Park. The rugged volcanic terrain within this park was used to portray Mordor, which was the dark land ruled by Sauron. 

Mount Ngauruhoe is an active volcano within Tongariro National Park. Experts digitally altered this volcano to represent Mount Doom. 

I recommend hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This hike is twelve miles long. And it is considered one of the best one-day hikes in New Zealand. 

During your hike, you will see volcanic craters, steaming vents, and lava fields. Trust me when I say you will definitely feel like you have stepped into Mordor during your hike in this part of New Zealand. 

• Wētā Workshop and Rivendell - Wellington and Kaitoke Regional Park

Stone archway surrounded by lush green trees at Kaitoke Regional Park, New Zealand — filming locatio

Clear blue river winding through dense native forest in Kaitoke Regional Park near Wellington, New Z

Over in Wellington, you can see the props, costumes, and special effects used in the Lord of the Rings. All these items are located within Wētā Workshop. Imagine seeing the armor, swords, and orc prosthetics that were used in the movies. 

The nearby Kaitoke Regional Park was transformed into Rivendell for the Lord of the Rings movies. Rivendell is the Elven sanctuary where Frodo recovered from being stabbed by a Morgul blade. 

Make sure you look for the Elvish archway when you arrive at Kaitoke Regional Park. This archway marks the entrance to Rivendell. I recommend swimming in the clear rivers or walking through the forests. Each activity will allow you to feel like you are part of the Elven realm. 

• Pelennor Fields - Twizel and Canterbury

Wide view of Twizel’s rolling farmlands in Canterbury, New Zealand

Golden plains and distant mountains in Twizel’s Mackenzie Basin

The farmlands of Twizel are located within the Mackenzie Basin. This area was turned into the legendary Pelennor Fields in The Return of the King. 

The large open countryside was perfect for the biggest battle scenes in the film. 

You can explore the battlefield on your own. However, there are no markings. So, it isn’t easy to determine which sections were the exact filming locations. 

Thankfully, local tour operators offer guided tours of the specific filming locations. I recommend allowing me to add one of those tours to your Lord of the Rings self drive itinerary. This will ensure you don’t miss out on any of the best Lord of the Rings sites in New Zealand. 

• Edoras - Mount Sunday and Canterbury

Mount Sunday rising from a golden plain in Canterbury, New Zealand

A suspension bridge crossing a clear river at Mount Sunday, with sweeping views of the Canterbury

If you have watched the Lord of the Rings films, you know that Edoras was the capital of Rohan. The location of Edoras was actually Mount Sunday. 

There aren’t any movie sets remaining on Mount Sunday. However, the isolated hill, and surrounding mountains, will still allow you to feel like you are on the movie set. 

The round trip hike to Mount Sunday takes approximately one hour. The hike is worth it to see the gorgeous panoramic views of the valley. 

• Ithilien and Amon Hen  - Queenstown and Glenorchy

Rolling green meadow in Paradise near Glenorchy, New Zealand, framed by snow-capped peaks, filming

“Calm waters of Mavora Lakes with rugged mountains in the distance, New Zealand, location used for

The area called Paradise, near Glenorchy, was transformed into Ithilien. This magical area is where Frodo and Sam saw Oliphaunts for the first time. 

Mavora Lakes, which is near Te Anau, was used for Amon Hen. 

One of the most scenic drives in New Zealand is the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. So, keep your camera ready for other destinations not on the Lord of the Rings self drive tour, as you are driving along. 

I recommend taking a guided tour of both these Lord of the Rings sites. This will ensure you don’t miss any of the exact filming locations. 

• Fangorn Forest - Te Anau and Fiordland National Park

Winding river flowing through a lush green valley beneath towering mountains in Fiordland National P

Golden sunset over tranquil waters in Fiordland National Park, with dramatic peaks and native plants

One of the best Lord of the Rings sites you will see on your self-driving tour is Fangorn Forest. This dense forest is actually Fiordland National Park. An ancient, mystical feel is created by the moss-covered trees. 

The Kepler Track is one of the Great Walks in New Zealand. I recommend walking along this path to experience Fangorn Forest on your own. 

• The River Anduin - Fiordland and Kawarau Gorge

Close-up of the Kawarau Gorge in New Zealand, with turquoise water rushing through rugged rock forma

Peaceful river flowing through Fiordland National Park, surrounded by golden grasslands and snow-cap

A couple rivers in New Zealand were used to represent the River Anduin in the Lord of the Rings. Kawarau Gorge was used for the Pillars of the Kings. And Waiau River, which is near Te Anau, was used to represent the tranquil Anduin in The Fellowship of the Ring. 

There are a couple different ways to explore the Kawarau Gorge. You can choose to take a jet boat ride along the river. Or go white water rafting for a more thrilling experience during your vacation in New Zealand. 

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How to Plan a Lord of the Rings Self Drive Tour in New Zealand

It is simple to plan a Lord of the Rings self drive tour in New Zealand. However, if you truly want to experience the best sites on the Lord of the Rings self driving tour, it is better to work with an experienced travel advisor like myself. I will make sure you have reservations in advance for guided tours and specialty activities. 

After all, a Lord of the Rings self drive tour in New Zealand is more than just a trip. It’s a journey into Middle Earth itself. Each stop on your journey will allow you to immerse yourself into the magic of Tolkien’s world. Whether you’re hiking across volcanic landscapes, exploring elven forests, or standing where epic battles were filmed, you’ll experience everything that made these films legendary. 

Plus, with the freedom of your Lord of the Rings self drive itinerary, you will truly be able to soak in the best filming locations in New Zealand. Let’s chat today, so I can start planning your unforgettable adventure in the land of hobbits, wizards, and kings.