Full Day Lord of the Rings Mavora Lakes Adventure!

5.0
(19 reviews)

7 to 10 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown

Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some of the most breathtaking and sought-after filming locations in Middle Earth.

Your journey heads to the stunning Mavora Lakes in Fiordland National Park, where cinematic magic meets unforgettable moments. Discover which fearless actor famously broke two toes near the edge of Fangorn Forest and relive the dramatic Breaking of the Fellowship as Frodo and Sam take their fateful steps toward Mordor.

During the warmer months with longer daylight (1 November - 31 March) this tour also ventures to Manapouri & Te Anau, where you’ll uncover the haunting beauty of the Anduin River and the Dead Marshes.

You’ll gear up for adventure with the largest collection of authentic, licensed LOTR props, including swords, axes, helmets, & even original scripts!

Duration:
1 Apr - 31 Oct: 7hrs
1 Nov - 31 Mar: 10hrs

What's Included

Photos with Authentic Props - We have the largest selection of Authentic Replica swords, axes, daggers & Helmets. Along with costumes to dress up.
(1 April - 31 October Itinerary only). Please advise any dietary requirements or allergies. 1 November - 31 March itinerary, lunch break in Te Anau at own expense.
1 % of all proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund preserving our breathtaking landscapes.
English Speaking Guide
Limited time offer: receive a FREE Souvenir Trails of Middle Earth LOTR themed Tote Bag per guest.
We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Near the Corner of Camp and Shotover Street, the Station Building (AJ Hackett, Shotover Jet). There are some wooden benches to wait next to where the tour buses stop on the Camp St side.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 to 10 hours (approximately)
  • Queenstown (Pass by)

    We depart from Queenstown and take the beautiful scenic drive via the Devils Staircase along lake Wakatipu to the Southland Region. We continue along the way learning about the history of the area and discuss a nearby location filmed for the Hobbit.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    (1 November - 31 March Itinerary only) Our journey takes us to the legendary hall where Lord of the Rings production equipment was stored and where several iconic scenes were filmed. This fascinating location offers a behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making process. We then visit the stunning Fraser’s Beach, a tranquil spot where, on a clear day, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the majestic Southern Alps rising from the heart of Fiordland National Park. The striking contrast of the peaceful beach with the towering peaks creates a breathtaking landscape, making this stop a must-see for fans of both The Lord of the Rings and New Zealand’s natural beauty.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    (1 November - 31 March Itinerary only) Nestled close to the iconic Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park, two stunning Lord of the Rings filming locations are waiting to be explored. First is the serene Anduin River, where the flowing waters of Middle-earth’s great river were captured. Not far from here, the Dead Marshes offer a haunting landscape, immortalized in the films for their eerie and atmospheric beauty. These breathtaking sites, surrounded by Fiordland’s rugged terrain, give visitors a chance to experience the real-world magic of these famous filming locations. Perfect for both Lord of the Rings fans and nature enthusiasts, this part of Fiordland holds a deep connection to both cinematic history and New Zealand’s natural splendor.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Te Anau

    (1 November - 31 March Itinerary only) We make a stop at Te Anau, the vibrant tourism hub of the Southland Region and the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Nestled along the shores of New Zealand's second-largest lake, and the largest by water volume, offering a tranquil setting with breathtaking views. During our lunch break, you’ll have the chance to soak in the serene beauty of the lake, while the majestic Southern Alps loom in the distance, creating a perfect backdrop for relaxation. This peaceful pause allows us to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes that make Fiordland and the surrounding areas so unique.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    The highlight of this adventure takes us to the breathtaking Mavora Lakes Park, a truly magical location. Before entering, we visit a Lord of the Rings filming spot where one of the main actors broke two toes trying to perfect a scene. Entering the park, we begin at South Mavora Lake, here we cross a stunning swing bridge where the Fellowship departs Lothlórien on their Elven boats along the Silverload River. Our journey continues to North Mavora Lake, where Frodo and Sam embark on their solitary journey to Mordor during the Breaking of the Fellowship at Nen Hithoel. In the enchanting Beech Forest nearby, we visit the location of a dramatic Uruk-hai attack. To cap off this unforgettable experience, we have the chance to recreate these iconic scenes with our impressive collection of Licensed Replica props, including limited-edition swords, daggers, axes, and helmets designed by Weta Workshop. This immersive experience brings the magic of Middle-earth to life in an unforgettable way.

    1 hour 15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Queenstown (Pass by)

    We return to Queenstown once again via the Devils Staircase. If the weather is clear we can stop for a photo at the lookout and discuss some Lord of the Rings scenic locations filmed in the distance

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Travel time between locations is included on the total tour duration.
  • Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk more than 10mins on uneven ground. There is 1 walk where people unable to step over a stepladder fence may have to wait for up to 20 mins.
Supplied by Trails of Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Sightseeing Tours

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Historical Tours
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Adventure Tours
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 19 19 reviews
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