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New Zealand Bucket Lists

Lord of the Rings – Bucket List

Lord of the Rings – Bucket List

HobbitonIncredible but true: The Lord of the Rings is one of the reasons to visit New Zealand for a whopping 15% of the tourist coming in the country.

Fuel the nerd within you with more than 150 locations scattered around the country, each one more stunning than the last. Even without actively searching, you will no doubt see some filming locations. In fact, the countryside feels like The Shire or the Pelennor Fields.

Hobbiton

Hobbiton

Matamata (North Island)
NZ$75 – NZ$110

Immerse yourself in the luscious green grass hills of the most famous village in the Tolkien universe. You’ll quickly realise that The Shire is incredibly detailed and full of stories, which your guide share during your 2.5h tour. Finish the tour at The Green Dragon tavern over an ice-cold beer.

Weta studios and cave

Wellington (North Island)
NZ$0 – NZ$25

Behind every blockbuster hides a myriad of businesses working hard to put a project together. One of the core parts of the The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies’ success was the work done by the Weta Studio. Enjoy a free visit to the Weta Cave or access the Weta Workshop to play with many props for a very reasonable fee.

The Lord of the Rings tour in the Wellington area

Wellington (North Island)
NZ$0 – NZ$120

The Wellington area was the set for many Lord of the Rings filming locations. The Gardens of Isengard, Rivendell and the Path of Death were actually shot in the Wellington area. There are many LOTR tour option in the area so make sure to browse around and compare the inclusions or, with research, do it yourself.

The One Ring jewellers in Nelson

Nelson (South Island)
Free

Since the Lord of the Rings movie came out, Jens Hansen has never ran out of work. The jeweller was selected as the creator of the One Ring maker for all Peter Jackson’s movies. You are unlikely to be able to afford a replica from his shop but browsing and dreaming is free.

Drive to Edoras

Mt. Sunday (South Island)
Free

The tussock lands of Mt Sunday in the heart of Canterbury are home to the rustic city of Edoras. Although the city is not real – it was all CGI – visiting the Middle Earth location and picturing the city sitting on the top of the mount isa fan’s must do.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro National Park (North Island)
NZ$35

The huge volcano hides many secrets. For one, it is the location of Mordor, so is a must-see for any Lord of the Rings fan. It also hides a beautiful lake at the top, Emerald Lake, that begs to be photographed. The one-day hike is one way only, so although the hike is free, you will have to book a shuttle back to your car or hostel.

Heli hike to Misty mountains

Wanaka (South Island)
NZ$500 – NZ$600

Located in the Wanaka area where many Lord of the Rings scenes were shot, the Misty Mountains are best visited by the air. The 4.5h tour will take you through three LOTR locations in stunning scenery, on which you will have an eagle eye view.

Kayak on Pelorus River

Marlborough Sounds (South Island)
NZ$70 – NZ$110

The river was the set for one of the most exhilarating scenes in The Hobbit trilogy: the barrel scene. Unlike the scene where the dwarfs are rushing down the river in barrels, the river is actually slow and well suited for kayaking, even for beginners.