Great wizards are also brave adventurers who travel far and wide. Embark on an epic journey throughout New Zealand to experience otherworldly landscapes and fascinating fiords in the real Middle‑earth.
How can New Zealand not bewitch anyone who visits?
Marvel at the colour of the Southern Lights in New Zealand.
Where steep alpine peaks are reflected in the waters below.
Treat yourself to a scenic helicopter flight, landing high up on a glacier in the Southern Alps.
Let our shining lights guide you across foreign lands.
Dramatic landscapes, lush forests and thundering waterfalls will greet you in Arthur's Pass.
Discover a huge range of high-quality collectibles created by the very same artists who work on the films.
Find out moreWhat would you pack for your wizard-inspired holiday? Get replicas from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies to take with you.
As you approach Rotorua, you may notice a faint scent of sulphur and escaping curls of steam, the first hints of the region's dramatic geothermal character. Witness the earth's power at the famed Pohutu Geyser - the undisputed star of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. The geyser erupts up to 20 times a day to heights of 30 metres at Te Puia.
Visit Te Puia to experience the might of the iconic Pohutu Geyser that erupts up to 20 times a day, spurting hot water up to 30m skyward.
Discover more of Rotorua
Marvel at the huge valleys of ice that form Frans Josef and Fox Glaciers. Here the ice age is still underway. Enjoy an easy walk to the foot of glaciers, along ancient river valleys, or be whisked high above them by helicopter. These scenes will have you reaching for your camera at every turn.
Explore ice caves and canyons on Fox Glacier and Frans Josef Glacier
Imagine riding through the backcountry New Zealand, through tussocked plains, between soaring peaks, alongside sparkling alpine lakes and rivers. Channel the spirit of Shadowfax, the "Lord of all horses", and ride south with the wind in your hair. From Queenstown, travel to Glenorchy and trek the magnificent Paradise Valley, or cruise across Lake Wakatipu and ride through rolling farmland with Walter Peak Horse Treks.
Step back in time on a horse trek through the exceptional landscapes surrounding Glenorchy.
Discover experiences in Queenstown
Brilliantly bright, the night sky here will cast its spell on you. See glittering constellations and shooting stars in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, free from light pollution. Head to Big Sky Stargazing at the foot of Mount Cook or join one of Earth & Sky's tours at Tekapo's Mount John Observatory, and see the stars through powerful telescopes.
Church of the Good Shepherd, Tekapo
With more than 23 peaks over 3000 metres, New Zealand’s Southern Alps is a home of giants. Marvel at these snow-capped peaks that fill the horizon and explore the rugged landscape ice and rock. The Southern Alps starred in both Middle‑earth trilogies; locations include Mt Potts Station (Erewhon), Mount Sunday (Edoras), Treble Cone's Towers Ridge (Misty Mountains) and Twizel (Pelennor Fields).
Late autumn delivers some of Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park's most dramatic scenery.
Ancient rainforest clings to impossibly steep mountains, waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into massive fiords, and the shimmering lakes and granite peaks look the same today as they did thousands of years ago. Fiordland National Park and the Mavora Lakes were the location for Fangorn Forest - take a moment to breath in here and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
This is the Middle‑earth I had always pictured.
With your adventure nearly over, you can afford to slow down and reflect. Take a gentle stroll through the homely village of Hobbiton, past hobbit holes and the Party Tree. Wander across the bridge to the Green Dragon Inn and enjoy a relaxing ale among friends. If you choose an evening visit, you will be treated to a banquet fit for a hobbit.
The Hobbiton™ Movie Set in the lush countryside setting of Matamata is a spectacular sight at sunrise or sunset.
You're at the end of your journey, but not at the end of your quest. Learn more about New Zealand's journey as Middle‑earth here. Or look here to discover more film locations throughout the country.
