About this itinerary
Not all those who wander are lost
%20(1).jpg?width=715&height=477&name=Hobbiton%20MH%20(8)%20(1).jpg)
More than two decades after Sir Peter Jackson chose to film the Lord of the Rings trilogy in New Zealand, the energy surrounding the film franchise locations remain.
We’ve keenly researched this North Island LOTR itinerary, and organised it as an anti-clockwise circumnavigation to enjoy over a few weeks. Start and end your adventure in Auckland (as opposed to the land of orcs).
Our route is just a taster, but covers four areas of the North Island within three regions. Mount Doom, Mordor and Gollum’s Pool are all located in the World Heritage Site of Tongariro National Park — and are easy to drive between.
So come along young hobbit! Your own adventures through magnificent Middle-earth await. And remember, even the smallest person can change the course of the future.
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Highlights
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Mount Doom — Mount Ngāuruhoe, Manawatū-Whanganui
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Mordor — Whakapapa Ski Area, Manawatū-Whanganui
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Gollum’s Pool — Mount Ruapehu, Manawatū-Whanganui
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Osgiliath Wood — Waitārere Forest, Manawatū-Whanganui
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Hobbit’s Hideaway — Mount Victoria, Wellington
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Wētā Workshop — Miramar, Wellington
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The Gardens of Isengard — Harcourt Park, Wellington
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Rivendell — Kaitoke Regional Park, Wellington
-
Dimholt Road — Putangirua Pinnacles, Wellington
-
Mordor — Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waikato
-
Hobbiton — Matamata, Waikato
Day 1 | Mount Doom — Mount Ngāuruhoe
My precious!
The distinctive Mount Doom can be found in Tongariro National Park — the main location of the land of Mordor. This is where The One Ring was forged and is the only place it can be destroyed. Frodo and Sam trekked up the slopes of Mount Ngāuruhoe (Mount Doom) and entered Sammath Naur with the ring in The Return of the King.
At 2,287 metres, Mount Ngāuruhoe’s peak is considered sacred — as is the summit of Mount Ruapehu. The Department of Conservation (DOC) ask visitors to respect these mountains by not hiking up to their summits.
You can, however, get a closeup view of Mount Doom by tackling the first part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It will take you across a dramatic volcanic landscape so you can feel like Sam or Frodo carrying the burden of the Ring of Power.
Featured movies: The Two Towers and the Return of the King
Where: Tongariro National Park, Manawatū-Whanganui
Directions: Take the Volcanic Loop Highway (SH47) to your camping spot, then book a shuttle service to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead through a local i-SITE Visitor Centre
How best to view: Book a shuttle and hike, take a scenic helicopter flight, or view Mount Ngāuruhoe while partaking in high tea at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel
Resources: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
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Will Mount Doom erupt again?
|
Day 2 | Mordor — Whakapapa Ski Area
Then let us be rid of it — once and for all! Come on Mr. Frodo
The Whakapapa Ski Area on Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand’s largest active volcano, was utilised to film a number of scenes, including where:
-
Isildur cuts off Sauron’s finger in the opening scenes of The Fellowship of the Ring
-
The armies of Mordor leave Minas Morgul on the Orc Road
-
Frodo and Sam get lost on their way to the Black Gates of Mordor — and meet Gollum for the first time.
To get the most out of this LOTR location, take a short hike along the rocky Meads Wall Walk which offers amazing views over seriously steep cliffs. You’ll find the trailhead near the Rangatira Express Chairlift.
Afterwards, ride the Sky Waka to New Zealand’s highest restaurant, The Pinnacles, for a buffet meal at 2020m above sea level.
Featured movies: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers
Where: Mount Ruapehu, Manawatū-Whanganui
Directions: Take the Volcanic Loop Highway (SH47) to State Highway 48 and drive past the Chateau Tongariro onto Bruce Road until you reach Whakapapa Ski Area
How to best view: Drive and hike or take a scenic flight
Resources: Meads Wall Walk
|
The Riders of Rohan Most of the men of Rohan were actually women. When extras with horses were needed, the majority of the applicants were women — so there were plenty of fake beards amongst the Rohirrim on set. |
Day 3 | Gollum's Pool — Mount Ruapehu
Our only wish — to catch a fish — so juicy sweet!
Mount Ruapehu sits on the Central Plateau in the middle of the North Island. On the mountain’s slopes near Tūroa Ski Field is Mangawhero Falls — also known as Gollum’s Pool. Directly above the falls is the spot where Gollum tries to catch a fish in The Two Towers.
Park your motorhome in the small gravel car park and face Mangawhero River — where the location will be immediately recognisable. In winter, you may even see stunning icicles formed around the falls.
Mangawhero is one of two waterfalls in the area that depicted the Forbidden Pool in the movie. The other is Tawhai Falls near Whakapapa Village.
Featured movie: The Two Towers
Where: Mount Ruapehu, Manawatū-Whanganui
Directions: From State Highway 49 at Ohakune, take Old Station Road to Ohakune Mountain Road and drive until you reach Mangawhero Falls
How best to view: Hike
Resources: Mangawhero Falls Walk
|
A chilly shoot Gollum’s fish catching scene was filmed in winter and snow had covered the river at the time of shooting. Sir Peter Jackson had to call in some local firefighters to hose down the snow before filming could commence. |
Day 4 | Osgiliath Wood — Waitārere Forest
Certainty of death, small chance of success — what are we waiting for?
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Waitārere Forest near Levin in the Manawatū-Whanganui region was the location that represented the woods near Osgiliath in the Two Towers. This forest was where Gollum beckons Frodo and Sam on towards Mordor after leaving Faramir.
Nestled in the forest just south of Waitārere Beach is the Middle-earth adventure park and nearby fairy garden. This community-built attraction is worth a visit if you’re travelling with kids (both big and small).
Featured movie: The Two Towers
Where: Near Levin, Manawatū-Whanganui
Direction: Take Waitārere Beach Road off State Highway 1, then turn onto Rua Avenue until you reach the forest
How best to view: Walk
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Gimli the giant
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Day 5 | Hobbit's Hideaway — Mount Victoria
Get off the road!
.png?width=750&height=487&name=Screen%20Shot%202022-11-09%20at%2010.22.40%20AM%20(1).png)
Wellington is often described as Wellywood — and it was here up Mount Victoria that Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin hid from the Ringwraiths.
The actual tree in the film was a special effects prop created by Wētā Workshop which had to be removed after filming. However, the familiar looking ground where the hobbits ducked out of sight remains and is a popular spot for a reenactment photo.
Hike up the hill for about half an hour and you’ll see the Hobbit’s Hideaway location signposted. You might also find the tree where Frodo smoked a pipe and where the hobbits found some mushrooms.
After you’ve found all three film spots, continue on to Mount Victoria Lookout for incredible views over the city.
Featured movie: The Fellowship of the Ring
Where: Mount Victoria, Wellington
Directions: Head to the parking area halfway up Alexandra Road, then follow a small location marker into the forest where it's a short walk to the Hideaway.
How best to view: Hike
Resources: Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway
|
Battle of the waves Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn, got a terrible black eye on a day off when his surfboard hit him in the face. Tellingly, many of his reactions from the Mines of Moria scenes are from a side profile. |
Day 6 | Wētā Workshop — Miramar
It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door
A world of creativity and special effects awaits. All LOTR fans will have a trip to Wellington’s Wētā Workshop on their bucketlist. You can book a behind-the-scenes tour to see all of the trilogy’s moviemaking magic — including original costumes, props and armour.
Tours are still highly popular and have limited numbers so be sure to book early. At the end of your tour, explore the Wētā Cave shop where you can purchase some LOTR memorabilia in this miniature museum-like store.
Where: Miramar, Wellington
Directions: Drive to the corner of Camperdown Road & Weka Street in Miramar
How best to view: Book a tour
|
W.E.T.A A wētā is a native New Zealand insect that’s essentially a nocturnal flightless cricket. But it’s also an acronym — W.E.T.A stands for Wingnut Entertainment Technical Allusions.
|
Day 7 | The Gardens of Isengard — Harcourt Park
So, the Ring of Power has been found
Only a half hour drive from Wellington is Upper Hutt — where Harcourt Park was transformed into the Gardens of Isengard in the trilogy’s first film. The middle of the park was also used to show orcs chopping down the trees of Isengard to fuel the fires of Saruman’s forges.
The location where Gandalf tells Saruman that the Ring of Power has been found while they walk through the gardens of the fortress of Isengard is easy to spot.
The park itself is a beautiful place to stop for a picnic and a play in the splash pad for the kids.
Featured movie: The Fellowship of the Ring
Where: Harcourt Park, Wellington
Directions: Take State Highway 2 to Akatarawa Road in Upper Hutt
How best to view: Walk
|
A life of writing
J.R.R. Tolkien spent much of his life writing about Middle-earth, including 12 years crafting The Lord of the Rings — all with just two fingers.
|
Day 8 | Rivendell — Regional Park
If I take one more step, I'll be the farthest away from home I've ever been
Don’t miss the enchanting home of the elves on your LOTR adventure. Stop in at Kaitoke Regional Park, about 40 minutes drive northeast of central Wellington. Here you’ll be able to reenact popular scenes like in the courtyard of Rivendell when Elrond and his elven kin bid farewell to the Fellowship.
A replica elven archway created by Wētā Workshop is located an easy stroll away from Pakuratahi Forks car park. After you’ve admired the archway, check out the swing bridge, have a swim in the river or take a short bush walk.
Featured movie: The Fellowship of the Ring
Where: Kaitoke Regional Park, Wellington
Directions: From State Highway 2 take Kaitoke Waterworks Road which becomes Waterworks Road to Pakuratahi Forks car park, then follow the signs to Rivendell
How to best view: Walk
Resources: Kaitoke Regional Park walks
|
The house of Elrond Kaitoke Regional Park was the exact filming location for Rivendell in The Fellowship of the Ring. Digital effects included waterfalls to give it a timeless fantastical quality. |
Day 9 | Dimholt Road — Putangirua Pinnacles
It is the road to the Dimholt — the door under the mountain
The Putangirua Pinnacles, a natural geological formation, provided the perfect backdrop for the Dimholt Road — also known as the Paths to the Dead. It was here that Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas travelled on horseback in search of the Dark Door.
The striking rock formations of the Putangirua Pinnacles create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. You’ll need a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or boots to navigate this challenging terrain. Three routes lead to the Putangirua Pinnacles, two of which pass by the Pinnacles lookout. Filming took place in the upper narrower part of the valley.
Featured movie: The Return of the King
Where: Putangirua Pinnacles, Wellington
Directions: Leave Martinborough on Jellicoe Street which becomes Lake Ferry Road, then take Cape Palliser Road to Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve car park
How to best view: Hike
|
When a blooper isn't a blooper A few bloopers made the final cut — perhaps most noticeably the scene in Fellowship where Gandalf hits his head on a beam in Bilbo's house. |
Day 10 | Mordor — Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Build me an army worthy of Mordor
Not far from Rotorua is a film location for sound effects only. The surreal Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland was used to help create many of the trilogy’s Mount Doom sounds.
Wai-O-Tapu is a spectacular showcase of New Zealand’s most colourful and unique geothermal elements. Here you’ll see geysers, coloured lakes, silica terraces and a steaming waterfall.
The film crew recorded the sound of boiling mud at the bottom of Rua Pumahu crater to depict Mordor, the black volcanic plain in the southeast of Middle-earth. Simply close your eyes and imagine wandering into Sauron’s realm.
Featured movie: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King
Where: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waikato
Directions: From State Highway 5 take Waiotapu Loop Rd to Wai-O-Tapu Welcome Centre
How to best view: Self-guided or guided tour
|
Sir Peter Jackson – Actor Director Sir Peter Jackson has never missed an opportunity to be an extra in his movies. In Fellowship, he played a drunk holding a carrot outside the Inn. In Two Towers, he was a chainmail-clad Rohirrim soldier at Helm's Deep. In Return of the King, he embraced being a pirate aboard one of the black ships.
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Day 11 | Hobbiton — Matamata
We've had one, yes. What about second breakfast?
%20(1)-1.jpg?width=750&height=501&name=Hobbiton%20MH%20(3)%20(1)-1.jpg)
Only one place could be a fitting sign-off to your LOTR motorhome adventure — Hobbiton.
The home of hobbits is one of the few New Zealand LOTR film locations that still has a set on it. Situated on a sheep farm near Matamata, Hobbiton looks like you’d expect — a land of undulating hills and green pastures.
The only way to experience the 44 permanently reconstructed hobbit holes is on a fully guided tour. Enjoy everything you’ve come to love about Hobbiton, such as:
%20(1)-1.jpg?width=750&height=500&name=Hobbiton-Miles%20Holden%20(1)%20(1)-1.jpg)
Featured movie: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King
Where: Matamata, Waikato
Directions: Take State Highway 29 to Puketutu Road, then onto Buckland Road all the way to The Shire’s Rest
How to best view: Only via a guided tour
|
The real Hobbiton Originally constructed out of polystyrene and plywood, Hobbiton needed to be rebuilt for tourism using permanent materials. In 2010, The Hobbit set builders reconstructed The Shire using concrete, wood and bricks – and it remains a real village to this day. |
You planned LOTR North Island adventure is now well advanced.
It's time to get seriously excited. And in the words of Gandalf the Grey — If in doubt, always follow your nose.
Ready for your own Middle-earth adventure?
-
About this itinerary
Not all those who wander are lost
More than two decades after Sir Peter Jackson chose to film the Lord of the Rings trilogy in New Zealand, the energy surrounding the film franchise locations remain.
We’ve keenly researched this North Island LOTR itinerary, and organised it as an anti-clockwise circumnavigation to enjoy over a few weeks. Start and end your adventure in Auckland (as opposed to the land of orcs).
Our route is just a taster, but covers four areas of the North Island within three regions. Mount Doom, Mordor and Gollum’s Pool are all located in the World Heritage Site of Tongariro National Park — and are easy to drive between.
So come along young hobbit! Your own adventures through magnificent Middle-earth await. And remember, even the smallest person can change the course of the future.
Highlights
-
Mount Doom — Mount Ngāuruhoe, Manawatū-Whanganui
-
Mordor — Whakapapa Ski Area, Manawatū-Whanganui
-
Gollum’s Pool — Mount Ruapehu, Manawatū-Whanganui
-
Osgiliath Wood — Waitārere Forest, Manawatū-Whanganui
-
Hobbit’s Hideaway — Mount Victoria, Wellington
-
Wētā Workshop — Miramar, Wellington
-
The Gardens of Isengard — Harcourt Park, Wellington
-
Rivendell — Kaitoke Regional Park, Wellington
-
Dimholt Road — Putangirua Pinnacles, Wellington
-
Mordor — Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waikato
-
Hobbiton — Matamata, Waikato
-
-
Day 1 | Mount Doom — Mount Ngāuruhoe
My precious!
The distinctive Mount Doom can be found in Tongariro National Park — the main location of the land of Mordor. This is where The One Ring was forged and is the only place it can be destroyed. Frodo and Sam trekked up the slopes of Mount Ngāuruhoe (Mount Doom) and entered Sammath Naur with the ring in The Return of the King.At 2,287 metres, Mount Ngāuruhoe’s peak is considered sacred — as is the summit of Mount Ruapehu. The Department of Conservation (DOC) ask visitors to respect these mountains by not hiking up to their summits.
You can, however, get a closeup view of Mount Doom by tackling the first part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It will take you across a dramatic volcanic landscape so you can feel like Sam or Frodo carrying the burden of the Ring of Power.
Featured movies: The Two Towers and the Return of the King
Where: Tongariro National Park, Manawatū-Whanganui
Directions: Take the Volcanic Loop Highway (SH47) to your camping spot, then book a shuttle service to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead through a local i-SITE Visitor Centre
How best to view: Book a shuttle and hike, take a scenic helicopter flight, or view Mount Ngāuruhoe while partaking in high tea at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel
Resources: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Will Mount Doom erupt again?
Mount Ngāuruhoe is a volcanic cone which last erupted in 1975. The volcano is more than 2000 years old so is likely reaching the end of its active days. -
Day 2 | Mordor — Whakapapa Ski Area
Then let us be rid of it — once and for all! Come on Mr. Frodo
The Whakapapa Ski Area on Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand’s largest active volcano, was utilised to film a number of scenes, including where:
-
Isildur cuts off Sauron’s finger in the opening scenes of The Fellowship of the Ring
-
The armies of Mordor leave Minas Morgul on the Orc Road
-
Frodo and Sam get lost on their way to the Black Gates of Mordor — and meet Gollum for the first time.
To get the most out of this LOTR location, take a short hike along the rocky Meads Wall Walk which offers amazing views over seriously steep cliffs. You’ll find the trailhead near the Rangatira Express Chairlift.
Afterwards, ride the Sky Waka to New Zealand’s highest restaurant, The Pinnacles, for a buffet meal at 2020m above sea level.
Featured movies: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two TowersWhere: Mount Ruapehu, Manawatū-Whanganui
Directions: Take the Volcanic Loop Highway (SH47) to State Highway 48 and drive past the Chateau Tongariro onto Bruce Road until you reach Whakapapa Ski Area
How to best view: Drive and hike or take a scenic flight
Resources: Meads Wall Walk
The Riders of Rohan
Most of the men of Rohan were actually women. When extras with horses were needed, the majority of the applicants were women — so there were plenty of fake beards amongst the Rohirrim on set.
-
-
Day 3 | Gollum's Pool — Mount Ruapehu
Our only wish — to catch a fish — so juicy sweet!
Mount Ruapehu sits on the Central Plateau in the middle of the North Island. On the mountain’s slopes near Tūroa Ski Field is Mangawhero Falls — also known as Gollum’s Pool. Directly above the falls is the spot where Gollum tries to catch a fish in The Two Towers.
Park your motorhome in the small gravel car park and face Mangawhero River — where the location will be immediately recognisable. In winter, you may even see stunning icicles formed around the falls.
Mangawhero is one of two waterfalls in the area that depicted the Forbidden Pool in the movie. The other is Tawhai Falls near Whakapapa Village.
Featured movie: The Two TowersWhere: Mount Ruapehu, Manawatū-Whanganui
Directions: From State Highway 49 at Ohakune, take Old Station Road to Ohakune Mountain Road and drive until you reach Mangawhero Falls
How best to view: Hike
Resources: Mangawhero Falls Walk
A chilly shoot
Gollum’s fish catching scene was filmed in winter and snow had covered the river at the time of shooting. Sir Peter Jackson had to call in some local firefighters to hose down the snow before filming could commence.
-
Day 4 | Osgiliath Wood — Waitārere Forest
Certainty of death, small chance of success — what are we waiting for?
Waitārere Forest near Levin in the Manawatū-Whanganui region was the location that represented the woods near Osgiliath in the Two Towers. This forest was where Gollum beckons Frodo and Sam on towards Mordor after leaving Faramir.
Nestled in the forest just south of Waitārere Beach is the Middle-earth adventure park and nearby fairy garden. This community-built attraction is worth a visit if you’re travelling with kids (both big and small).
Featured movie: The Two TowersWhere: Near Levin, Manawatū-Whanganui
Direction: Take Waitārere Beach Road off State Highway 1, then turn onto Rua Avenue until you reach the forest
How best to view: Walk
Gimli the giant
John Rhys-Davies, the actor who portrays Gimli the dwarf in the LOTR trilogy, is actually the tallest member of the Fellowship at 6 ‘1”..png?width=592&height=332&name=Screen%20Shot%202022-11-09%20at%2010.29.19%20AM%20(1).png)
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Day 5 | Hobbit's Hideaway — Mount Victoria
Get off the road!
Wellington is often described as Wellywood — and it was here up Mount Victoria that Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin hid from the Ringwraiths.
The actual tree in the film was a special effects prop created by Wētā Workshop which had to be removed after filming. However, the familiar looking ground where the hobbits ducked out of sight remains and is a popular spot for a reenactment photo.
Hike up the hill for about half an hour and you’ll see the Hobbit’s Hideaway location signposted. You might also find the tree where Frodo smoked a pipe and where the hobbits found some mushrooms.
After you’ve found all three film spots, continue on to Mount Victoria Lookout for incredible views over the city.
Featured movie: The Fellowship of the RingWhere: Mount Victoria, Wellington
Directions: Head to the parking area halfway up Alexandra Road, then follow a small location marker into the forest where it's a short walk to the Hideaway.
How best to view: Hike
Resources: Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway
Battle of the waves
Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn, got a terrible black eye on a day off when his surfboard hit him in the face. Tellingly, many of his reactions from the Mines of Moria scenes are from a side profile.
-
Day 6 | Wētā Workshop — Miramar
It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door
A world of creativity and special effects awaits. All LOTR fans will have a trip to Wellington’s Wētā Workshop on their bucketlist. You can book a behind-the-scenes tour to see all of the trilogy’s moviemaking magic — including original costumes, props and armour.Tours are still highly popular and have limited numbers so be sure to book early. At the end of your tour, explore the Wētā Cave shop where you can purchase some LOTR memorabilia in this miniature museum-like store.
Where: Miramar, WellingtonDirections: Drive to the corner of Camperdown Road & Weka Street in Miramar
How best to view: Book a tour
W.E.T.A
A wētā is a native New Zealand insect that’s essentially a nocturnal flightless cricket. But it’s also an acronym — W.E.T.A stands for Wingnut Entertainment Technical Allusions.
-
Day 7 | The Gardens of Isengard — Harcourt Park
So, the Ring of Power has been found
Only a half hour drive from Wellington is Upper Hutt — where Harcourt Park was transformed into the Gardens of Isengard in the trilogy’s first film. The middle of the park was also used to show orcs chopping down the trees of Isengard to fuel the fires of Saruman’s forges.
The location where Gandalf tells Saruman that the Ring of Power has been found while they walk through the gardens of the fortress of Isengard is easy to spot.
The park itself is a beautiful place to stop for a picnic and a play in the splash pad for the kids.
Featured movie: The Fellowship of the RingWhere: Harcourt Park, Wellington
Directions: Take State Highway 2 to Akatarawa Road in Upper Hutt
How best to view: Walk
A life of writing
J.R.R. Tolkien spent much of his life writing about Middle-earth, including 12 years crafting The Lord of the Rings — all with just two fingers.
-
Day 8 | Rivendell — Regional Park
If I take one more step, I'll be the farthest away from home I've ever been
Don’t miss the enchanting home of the elves on your LOTR adventure. Stop in at Kaitoke Regional Park, about 40 minutes drive northeast of central Wellington. Here you’ll be able to reenact popular scenes like in the courtyard of Rivendell when Elrond and his elven kin bid farewell to the Fellowship.
A replica elven archway created by Wētā Workshop is located an easy stroll away from Pakuratahi Forks car park. After you’ve admired the archway, check out the swing bridge, have a swim in the river or take a short bush walk.
Featured movie: The Fellowship of the RingWhere: Kaitoke Regional Park, Wellington
Directions: From State Highway 2 take Kaitoke Waterworks Road which becomes Waterworks Road to Pakuratahi Forks car park, then follow the signs to Rivendell
How to best view: Walk
Resources: Kaitoke Regional Park walks
The house of Elrond
Kaitoke Regional Park was the exact filming location for Rivendell in The Fellowship of the Ring. Digital effects included waterfalls to give it a timeless fantastical quality.
-
Day 9 | Dimholt Road — Putangirua Pinnacles
It is the road to the Dimholt — the door under the mountain
The Putangirua Pinnacles, a natural geological formation, provided the perfect backdrop for the Dimholt Road — also known as the Paths to the Dead. It was here that Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas travelled on horseback in search of the Dark Door.
The striking rock formations of the Putangirua Pinnacles create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. You’ll need a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or boots to navigate this challenging terrain. Three routes lead to the Putangirua Pinnacles, two of which pass by the Pinnacles lookout. Filming took place in the upper narrower part of the valley.
Featured movie: The Return of the KingWhere: Putangirua Pinnacles, Wellington
Directions: Leave Martinborough on Jellicoe Street which becomes Lake Ferry Road, then take Cape Palliser Road to Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve car park
How to best view: Hike
When a blooper isn't a blooper
A few bloopers made the final cut — perhaps most noticeably the scene in Fellowship where Gandalf hits his head on a beam in Bilbo's house.
-
Day 10 | Mordor — Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Build me an army worthy of Mordor
Not far from Rotorua is a film location for sound effects only. The surreal Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland was used to help create many of the trilogy’s Mount Doom sounds.
Wai-O-Tapu is a spectacular showcase of New Zealand’s most colourful and unique geothermal elements. Here you’ll see geysers, coloured lakes, silica terraces and a steaming waterfall.
The film crew recorded the sound of boiling mud at the bottom of Rua Pumahu crater to depict Mordor, the black volcanic plain in the southeast of Middle-earth. Simply close your eyes and imagine wandering into Sauron’s realm.
Featured movie: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the KingWhere: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waikato
Directions: From State Highway 5 take Waiotapu Loop Rd to Wai-O-Tapu Welcome Centre
How to best view: Self-guided or guided tour
Sir Peter Jackson – Actor
Director Sir Peter Jackson has never missed an opportunity to be an extra in his movies. In Fellowship, he played a drunk holding a carrot outside the Inn. In Two Towers, he was a chainmail-clad Rohirrim soldier at Helm's Deep. In Return of the King, he embraced being a pirate aboard one of the black ships.
-
Day 11 | Hobbiton — Matamata
We've had one, yes. What about second breakfast?
Only one place could be a fitting sign-off to your LOTR motorhome adventure — Hobbiton.
The home of hobbits is one of the few New Zealand LOTR film locations that still has a set on it. Situated on a sheep farm near Matamata, Hobbiton looks like you’d expect — a land of undulating hills and green pastures.
The only way to experience the 44 permanently reconstructed hobbit holes is on a fully guided tour. Enjoy everything you’ve come to love about Hobbiton, such as:
Featured movie: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the KingWhere: Matamata, Waikato
Directions: Take State Highway 29 to Puketutu Road, then onto Buckland Road all the way to The Shire’s Rest
How to best view: Only via a guided tour
The real Hobbiton
Originally constructed out of polystyrene and plywood, Hobbiton needed to be rebuilt for tourism using permanent materials. In 2010, The Hobbit set builders reconstructed The Shire using concrete, wood and bricks – and it remains a real village to this day.
You planned LOTR North Island adventure is now well advanced.
It's time to get seriously excited. And in the words of Gandalf the Grey — If in doubt, always follow your nose.
Ready for your own Middle-earth adventure?
