Half Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour
At a glance
Half Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour is a 4h 30m small-group experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, operated by Southern Trails - Independent Lord of the Rings Sightseeing Tours. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 354 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $114.03 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Morning/Afternoon Tea from the local Arrowtown Bakery, 1 % of all proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund preserving our breathtaking landscapes., Photos with Authentic Props - We have the largest selection of Authentic Licensed replica props!.
Highlights
- Rated 5.0/5 by 354 travellers
- Small group of up to 11 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 5 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 4h 30m
- Group
- Small group, up to 11 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Travellers
- 1–8 per booking · adult required
- Ages
- Child 5–14 · Adult 15–100
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Options & availability
-
Half Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour
from $109.10
- Days:
- Every day
- Start times:
- 08:00, 13:30
-
Child Seat
from $109.10
For children 6 years old or under
- Days:
- Every day
- Start times:
- 08:00, 13:30
Times and prices come from the operator’s live schedule and are confirmed when you book.
Overview
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!
What's included
What's included
- Morning/Afternoon Tea from the local Arrowtown Bakery
- 1 % of all proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund preserving our breathtaking landscapes.
- Photos with Authentic Props - We have the largest selection of Authentic Licensed replica props!
- We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets
Not included
- For children under 7 please bring child seat or message us to arrange one at an additional charge
Itinerary
-
Stop 1 · 20m
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) -
Stop 2 · 1h
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.
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Stop 3 · 15m
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.
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Stop 4 · 25m
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!
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Stop 5 · 10m
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
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.
Traveller ratings
5.0
357 reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor
- 5 ★ 351
- 4 ★ 6
- 3 ★ 0
- 2 ★ 0
- 1 ★ 0
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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Half Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour take?
The experience lasts about 4h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $114.03 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Morning/Afternoon Tea from the local Arrowtown Bakery; 1 % of all proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund preserving our breathtaking landscapes.; Photos with Authentic Props - We have the largest selection of Authentic Licensed replica props!; We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets.
Where does it start?
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.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 354 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Queenstown.
