Half Day Arrowtown and Gibbston Lord of the Rings Film Locations

5.0 (361 reviews) 4 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

361 reviews

5.0

Half Day Arrowtown and Gibbston Lord of the Rings Film Locations — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Half Day Arrowtown and Gibbston Lord of the Rings Film Locations, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again!

Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on all things “Rings”. We’ll take you to the original film locations and put YOU in the scene while narrating humorous and intriguing tales from the time of filming. Join us for your personalised journey through the real Middle Earth.

Our scenic Half Day Tour includes visiting Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley and Lake Hayes.

You will be able to enjoy Lord Of The Rings locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, The Pillars of the Kings and More!

This tour includes Morning or Afternoon Tea and Snacks, Photos with Authentic Props as we have the largest selection of Authentic Licensed replica props!

We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets, adding so much more depth to your Middle Earth experience!

Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Historical Tours Small Group Excellent Quality Adventure Tours Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 4 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 11 people
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Southern Trails - Independent Lord of the Rings Sightseeing Tours

Ages: Children (5–14 years) · Adults (15–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: 1 % of all proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund preserving our breathtaking landscapes.
Included: Photos with Authentic Props - We have the largest selection of Authentic Licensed replica props!
Included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea
Included: We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets

Not included

Not included: For children under 7 please bring child seat or message us to arrange one at an additional charge

Itinerary

Skippers Canyon

20 min

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)
Arrowtown

one hour

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.
Gibbston

15 min

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.
Lake Hayes

25 min

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!
Stop 5

10 min

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

In front of the station building on the corner of Camp St and Shotover St. There are wooden benches for waiting right where the buses pull up.

End point

In front of the station building on the corner of Camp St and Shotover St. There are wooden benches for waiting right where the buses pull up.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel time between locations was included on the total tour duration.
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).
Children under 5 years not permitted. Please book a private tour for Families with Children under 5.
Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk more than 10mins on uneven ground. There is 1 walk where people unable to walk may have to wait for up to 20 mins.