About this experience
From your hotel, you will be taken to downtown Queenstown for your morning or afternoon tour onboard a 4WD vehicle. This scenic Lord of the Rings off-road adventure happens around the Wakatipu Basin, where several filming sites can be found. These include the Remarkables, Deer Park Heights, and Kawarau Gorge. You will also pass by a gold mining road to the Arrow River before crossing onto the Ford of Bruinen. Lastly, get panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin from the entrance of Skippers Canyon.
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
08:30 or 13:30The group assembles at the Queenstown departure point before heading out in the 4WD.
The Remarkables — the Misty Mountains
The mountain range that stood in for the Misty Mountains is seen up close on the off-road track.
Deer Park Heights — Battle of the Wargs
This rugged hillside location was used for the Warg attack sequence in The Two Towers.
Kawarau Gorge — Argonath and Ford of Bruinen
The gorge's dramatic river canyon provided the setting for two of the trilogy's most memorable scenes.
Arrowtown — Gladden Fields
Morning or afternoon tea included hereA gold-mining road leads to the Arrow River, where Isildur's fateful loss of the One Ring was filmed.
Skippers Canyon entrance
The tour concludes with panoramic views across the Wakatipu Basin from the canyon's dramatic threshold.
Hotel drop-off
By 12:30 or 17:30Return transfer to your hotel marks the end of the tour.
Meeting point
37 Shotover Street, Queenstown
- 1Your guide will collect you from your hotel lobby at 08:15 (morning tour) or 13:15 (afternoon tour). Make your way to the lobby at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup. The group then convenes at 37 Shotover Street before departing. Allow a 30-minute buffer for traffic or road delays.
Know before you go
Good to know
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Cancellation policy.Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before your tour's start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print my ticket?
No — a mobile e-voucher is accepted. Keep it accessible on your phone for the guide to check at pickup.
Where exactly does the tour start?
Your guide picks you up from your hotel lobby, then the group departs from 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown. You do not need to make your own way to the departure point.
Can I bring my children?
Children aged four and above are welcome, provided they are at least 100 cm tall (120 cm in poor weather). Children three years old and under may join free of charge but must share a seat with a parent or guardian and pay any applicable admission fees. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In cases of extreme weather the tour may be cancelled or the itinerary adjusted for safety. If your tour is cancelled due to weather, please contact the customer service number on your e-voucher.
Will the stops always be in the same order?
The itinerary is planned as listed, but the order of stops may vary due to road conditions or other unforeseen circumstances on the day.
Is there a morning and an afternoon option?
Yes — pickup is at 08:15 for the morning tour (returning by 12:30) or 13:15 for the afternoon tour (returning by 17:30). Select your preferred time when booking.