About this experience
From your hotel, you will be taken to the northern end of Lake Wakatipu for your morning or afternoon tour onboard a 4WD vehicle. This scenic Lord of the Rings off-road adventure happens around Glenorchy, where several filming sites can be found. Follow the Dart River to the filming location for Isengard, offering stunning views of Mount Earnslaw. You will also visit Paradise village to discover the Forest of Lothlorien before stopping at 12 Mile Delta exploring the site of the Ithilien Camp.
Why you'll love it
What's included
What's included
Not included
What to expect
Hotel pickup
08:15 or 13:15Your guide collects you from your hotel lobby — be ready at least 15 minutes before your chosen departure time.
Departure point — 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown
08:30 or 13:30The group assembles here before heading north along Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy.
Dart Valley — the fortress of Isengard
Follow the Dart River into the valley used as Isengard, with Mount Earnslaw rising dramatically behind it.
Paradise village — Forest of Lothlórien
Wander through the beech forest at Paradise, the real-world stand-in for the fairest realm of the Elves.
12 Mile Delta — Ithilien Camp
The final filming stop brings you to the lakeside delta that served as the Ithilien Camp in the trilogy.
Return hotel drop-off
12:30 or 17:30The Jeep returns you to your accommodation in Queenstown.
Meeting point
37 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
- 1Your pickup is from your hotel lobby. Be in the lobby at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time (08:15 for the morning tour, 13:15 for the afternoon). The vehicle will proceed to 37 Shotover Street before departing for Glenorchy. Allow a 30-minute buffer for traffic or road delays.
Good to know
Know before you go
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print my ticket, or is a mobile voucher accepted?
A mobile voucher is accepted — simply have your confirmation ready on your phone at pickup.
Where exactly does the tour start — at my hotel or at Shotover Street?
The tour includes hotel pickup, so your guide will collect you from your hotel lobby. The vehicle then stops briefly at 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown before heading to Glenorchy.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day?
In cases of extreme weather, the operator may cancel the tour or adjust the itinerary for safety. If your tour is cancelled, you will be notified and can rebook or seek a refund. Note that children under 120 cm are not permitted during poor weather conditions.
Can children join the tour?
Yes. Children aged 3 and under travel free but must share a seat with a parent or guardian. Children under 100 cm (or 120 cm in poor weather) are not permitted on the tour. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
How long is the tour in total?
Based on the departure and return times, the tour runs for approximately four hours — either 08:15 to 12:30 or 13:15 to 17:30, including hotel pickup and drop-off.
What should I do if my pickup is late?
Allow a 30-minute buffer, as traffic or road conditions can occasionally delay hotel pickups. If you have concerns, contact the customer service hotline printed on your e-voucher.