Lord of the Rings Tour

Discover the mesmerizing landscape of Middle-earth with our Lord of the Rings tour departing from Wellington, where you will visit iconic filming sites nestled in breathtaking natural settings!

Tour Overview

At the time of booking, you have the option to select between two distinct tour programs. After meeting at your chosen location, we will embark on an exhilarating journey to explore the filming sites of The Lord of the Rings. Each tour includes entrance to Weta Workshop along with a guided studio tour. Below, you can find the specifics of each tour option:

Half-Day Tour (4 Hours)

As we depart from Wellington, our first stop will be Mount Victoria. En route, we will pass the Embassy Picture Theatre, renowned for hosting the world premieres of Return of the King (2003) and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012).

Upon reaching our destination, we will visit the Mount Victoria lookout, where stunning vistas await. Next, we will explore Hobbiton Woods, where we will delve into the filmmaking process and share captivating stories from the creation of The Lord of the Rings. This area is notable for unforgettable scenes, including the infamous "second breakfast", the Hobbits' escape from the Black Rider, and the exhilarating rush to Buckleberry Ferry.

Next, our journey takes us to the Miramar Peninsula, the heart of Wellywood's film industry. Here, we will visit the acclaimed Weta Workshop, learning about the cinematic magic that occurs behind the scenes. You will have some leisure time at the Weta Cave for souvenirs and can capture a photo alongside Gollum or Bilbo's trolls. Our guide will assist you in striking the perfect pose to unleash your inner hobbit!

To conclude our excursion, we will visit the bay area that served as part of the backdrop for Rivendell before returning to your selected meeting point.

Available times: Daily at 8:30 am, 1 pm, and 1:30 pm.

Full-Day Tour (8 hours)

Choosing the full-day option allows for a similar itinerary, with additional stops and enriching insights into each film location.

After the lookout visit, our adventure continues to the Miramar Peninsula and the famous Weta Workshop. Here you will partake in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, guided by a Weta artist sharing behind-the-scenes secrets and illustrating how props, costumes, and creatures were crafted.

We will proceed to the Hutt River's banks, known as the River Anduin, where the Fellowship set forth on their quest to Amon Hen. This is also where Faramir experienced his haunting premonition of Boromir's demise, and where Aragorn's horse saved him from the tumultuous river following a fierce battle. Relive these iconic moments!

Following that, we will indulge in a delightful hobbit-inspired lunch at a nearby café, offering traditional fare and a drink. After our meal, we will visit the Kaitoke Regional Park, an ancient temperate forest that portrayed the stunning Rivendell. Here, you will discover how this location became Elrond's sanctuary and reenact memorable scenes.

Our final destination for the day will be the Gardens of Isengard located in Harcourt Park, where Gandalf faced betrayal from Saruman and where the beloved hobbits, Merry & Pippin, were taken to Isengard! On our return to Wellington, we will pass the Dry Creek Quarry, the cinematic site for Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith.

Available times: Daily at 8:30 am.