If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings (and aren’t we all?), there’s no better place to indulge your Middle-earth dreams than New Zealand. The stunning landscapes of this incredible country became the backdrop to Peter Jackson’s beloved film trilogy, bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic tale to life. Lucky for us, many of those filming locations are open to visitors, allowing you to step straight into the world of hobbits, wizards, and epic battles.

Whether you dream of walking the paths of the Shire or standing at the gates of Mordor, New Zealand offers a magical experience for fans. Here are some of the must-visit Lord of the Rings filming locations to add to your travel bucket list.

1. Hobbiton - The Shire

No Lord of the Rings pilgrimage is complete without a visit to Hobbiton. This enchanting spot is located on a private farm in Matamata and served as the backdrop for the Shire, the idyllic home of Frodo, Sam, and the rest of the hobbits. While the original sets were taken down after filming wrapped, they were rebuilt for The Hobbit trilogy and remain today as a permanent attraction.

Step into Hobbiton, and you’ll feel like you’ve walked right into the films. Wander among the perfectly round hobbit holes, complete with intricate details like tiny chimneys, front doors painted in cheerful hues, and gardens bursting with flowers and vegetables. Visit Bag End, where Bilbo and Frodo lived, and don’t forget to stop by the party tree, the site of Bilbo’s big birthday celebration.

After exploring the village, grab a drink at The Green Dragon Inn, which was carefully recreated to match the film’s cozy aesthetic. Sip on a pint of ginger beer or try their specially brewed ales. Tours typically last a couple of hours, so wear comfortable shoes for walking the rolling terrain.

Book your tickets ahead of time, as this is one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions. Sunrise and sunset tours offer extra magic with fewer crowds and golden light for photos.

2. Mount Sunday - Edoras

Deep in the heart of Canterbury’s high country lies Mount Sunday, the filming location for Edoras, the capital of Rohan. The rugged and remote terrain here was transformed into the home of King Théoden, complete with a massive set that was constructed for filming. While the set was dismantled after filming, the breathtaking landscape remains, and it’s easy to see why it was chosen to evoke the windswept kingdom of Rohan.

Mount Sunday is located in a wide, flat valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, creating a 360-degree panorama of natural beauty. It’s not hard to imagine the Golden Hall of Meduseld standing proudly atop the hill, with banners flapping in the wind.

A short but steep trail takes you to the top of Mount Sunday, where you can soak in the sweeping views just as Éowyn and Aragorn once did. Many visitors come simply to experience the solitude and sense of awe this spot inspires. For die-hard fans, some guided tours offer props and costumes for photo ops, so you can channel your inner Rohirrim warrior.

Pack layers, as the winds can be strong up here. If you visit in spring, you’ll see fields dotted with wildflowers, which add even more beauty to the scene.

3. Tongariro National Park - Mordor

You don’t need to dodge orcs or fight off giant spiders to visit Mordor (whew!). Tongariro National Park on the North Island is where much of the dark and foreboding land of Mordor was filmed. Its volcanic landscapes, barren plateaus, and jagged peaks made it a perfect stand-in for Sauron’s kingdom.

The most iconic feature in Tongariro is Mount Ngauruhoe, which was digitally enhanced to become Mount Doom. The jagged slopes of this stratovolcano are as intimidating in real life as they appear in the films!

Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a bucket-list activity, offering epic views of Mount Ngauruhoe and other filming locations. The 19.4-kilometer trail passes sulfuric crater lakes and geothermal vents, and the otherworldly terrain feels like stepping straight into the movie. While the climb up Mount Doom itself isn’t part of the official trail, adventurous hikers can make the off-trail ascent if they’re up for the challenge—but be warned, it’s steep and not for the faint-hearted.

The crossing takes 6-8 hours, so bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as layers to prepare for abruptly changing mountain weather.

4. Fiordland National Park - Fangorn Forest

Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand’s most dramatic natural areas, served as the filming location for a number of Middle-earth scenes, including the mythical Fangorn Forest. The area’s dense, moss-covered woodlands were the perfect setting for Merry and Pippin’s encounter with Treebeard, the ancient and wise Ent.

Fiordland’s forests are alive with vibrant greens and dappled light filtering through a thick canopy of trees. Walking through these mossy landscapes, it’s not hard to imagine the Ents waking up and moving through the trees.

The Kepler Track and other hiking trails in the area lead through forests that could easily be mistaken for Fangorn. Fiordland also offers opportunities to explore its stunning fiords, towering cliffs, and glacial valleys. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are two must-visit spots for any nature lover.

To maximize your experience, book an overnight adventure in Doubtful Sound, where you’ll feel completely immersed in nature. Hikers should check trail conditions in advance, especially in winter.

5. Putangirua Pinnacles - The Paths of the Dead

The eerie and mystical Putangirua Pinnacles on the North Island served as the haunting Paths of the Dead in The Return of the King. The towering rock formations, sculpted over thousands of years by natural erosion, create an unreal atmosphere that fits the scene where Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli encounter the Army of the Dead.

The pinnacles are tall, narrow columns of rock, surrounded by a barren, almost lunar landscape. Exploring this area feels like entering another realm entirely.

A short walking trail takes you into the heart of the pinnacles, where you can marvel at the natural formations and recreate scenes from the movie. The hike does involve crossing a few rocky creek beds, so sturdy shoes are a good idea.

The pinnacles are best visited in the morning or late afternoon when the low sun casts dramatic shadows across the landscape.

Plan Your Journey to Middle-earth

Visiting The Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand feels like stepping into a storybook. The diverse landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life on screen are all real, meaning you don’t just visit a set, you visit New Zealand’s incredible natural scenery.

To make the most of your adventure, consider renting a car so you can travel at your own pace and explore both the iconic sites and some hidden gems. Many of the locations are accessible year-round, but keep in mind that summer (December to February) offers the best weather for hiking and outdoor exploration.