Queenstown Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - half day

4.8 (332 reviews) 4 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

332 reviews

4.8

Wakatipu Basin Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour Lookout — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Wakatipu Basin Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour River Crossing — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Rediscover the magic of Tolkien’s Middle-earth on a small-group 4WD adventure through Queenstown’s spectacular landscapes.

View The Remarkables from Queenstown Hill, featured as the Misty Mountains, and see Deer Park Heights, used for the Refugees of Rohan and Battle of the Wargs scenes. Visit Kawarau Gorge, location of the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), then travel to Arrowtown and Gladden Fields, where the loss of the One Ring was filmed.

Then it's time to head off-road. Follow a historic gold-mining road alongside the Arrow River, crossing towards the Ford of Bruinen. Stop for morning or afternoon tea, try your hand at traditional gold panning and discover gold-mining history. Then journey up Coronet Peak and travel along the famous Skippers Canyon Road towards Lighthouse Rock and take in spectacular panoramic views.

Throughout the journey, your local guide brings Middle-earth to life with behind-the-scenes stories, filming insights and tales from the making of the trilogy.

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At a glance

Duration: 4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 6 people
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: Nomad Safaris

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Gold panning
Included: Pickup from selected central Queenstown accommodations
Included: Transport by 6 seater 4WD vehicle with your guide
Included: Snacks: Light refreshments (including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cake and cookies)

Itinerary

Lake Wakatipu

10 min

Travelling part way up Queenstown hill you get a birds eye view onto Lake Wakatipu and Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes.
Kawarau River

15 min

Head to the Kawarau Gorge where the filming took place for the Argonath, or Pillars of the Kings.
Arrow River

one hour

Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River you will cross the river many times to get to the Ford of Bruinen. At this point you can indulge in morning or afternoon tea and try your hand at a spot of gold panning.
Stop 4

30 min

Travel to the entrance of Skippers Canyon where you will be offered spectacular panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin and into Skippers Canyon.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Pick up is from Info & Track, 37 Shotover Street. We may be able to offer pick up from your accomodation in central Queenstown, however please contact us on 034426699 to confirm.

End point

Pick up is from Info & Track, 37 Shotover Street. We may be able to offer pick up from your accomodation in central Queenstown, however please contact us on 034426699 to confirm.

Using your ticket

Minimum numbers apply (min 2 per tour for confirmed departure, min 4 on NZ public holidays). There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Pickup from central Queenstown accommodations is included. Surround suburbs (Kelvin Heights, Frankton, Arthur's Point, Fernhill and others) by arrangement. Please contact to reconfirm pickup arrangement and time.

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

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in most weather conditions; tours may be altered or cancelled if conditions are unsafe.
Bring water, camera or phone, sun protection, comfortable shoes and suitable clothing. Dress for changeable mountain weather.
A minimum of 2 passengers is required to confirm departure. On NZ statutory holidays, a minimum of 4 passengers applies. If minimum numbers are not met, an alternative departure or a full refund will be offered.