Product 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.

Experience in person the panoramic wonders that were used to portray Middle Earth in the movies. From mountain ranges to green pastures and bush walks. Discover New Zealand at its best.

We have the largest range of authentic licensed replica props for you to dress up and interact with, including swords, axes, daggers, helmets and much more. We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets, adding so much more depth to your Middle Earth experience!

Product Description

Half Day in Middle Earth

Our scenic Half Day Tour includes visiting:

• Arrowtown
• The Gibbston Valley
• Skippers Canyon Lookout - weather permitting

Lord Of The Rings locations such as:

• The Ford of Bruinen
• Pillars of the Kings
• The Gladden Fields
• And More!

What’s included:  

• Morning/Afternoon Tea
• 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, adding so much more depth to your Middle Earth experience!

Full Day in Middle Earth

Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 45 minute lunch break back in Queenstown. Morning and Afternoon Tour itineraries are interchangeable and can be switched due to availability or weather conditions.

Morning Tour - Visiting:

• Skippers Canyon Lookout, weather permitting
• Arrowtown
• The Gibbston Valley.

LOTR locations such as:

• The Ford of Bruinen
• The Gladden Fields
• Pillars of the Kings
• And more!

Afternoon Tour - Visiting:

• Glenorchy
• Paradise

LOTR locations such as:

• Ithilien
• Isengard and Beorn's House
• Lothlorien and Amon Hen
• And more!

What’s included:  

• Morning and Afternoon Tea
• 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, adding so much more depth to your Middle Earth experience!

Mavora Lakes Middle Earth Full Day Adventure

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. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious adventurer, prepare to be transported into the world of hobbits, elves, and epic quests.

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.

As with all our tours, you’ll gear up for adventure with the largest collection of authentic, licensed LOTR props, including swords, axes, helmets, and even original scripts. Step into the shoes of your favourite characters, and let the spirit of Middle Earth guide you. This is an epic quest you’ll be talking about long after you leave the Shire!

Our scenic tour includes visiting:

- Mavora Lakes Park (Fiordland National Park)
LOTR locations such as:
- Fangorn Forest
- The Silverload River
- Nen Hithoel
- Amon Hen

Summer itinerary (1 November – 31 March):
Itinerary as above plus:

- Lake Manapouri
- Te Anau
LOTR locations:
- The Anduin River
- The Dead Marshes

Contact us for Private Tours!

Departure Times

Half Day in Middle Earth

Departure time: 8:00 and 13:30 Daily

Full Day in Middle Earth

Departure time: 8:00 Daily 

Mavora Lakes Middle Earth Full Day Adventure

Departure time: 9:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays (from 1st of April to 31st of October)

Departure time: 8:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays (from 1st of November to 31st of March)

Duration

Half Day in Middle Earth

4.5hrs

Full Day in Middle Earth

10hrs

Mavora Lakes Middle Earth Full Day Adventure

7.5hrs (from 1st of April to 31st of October)

10hrs (from 1st of November to 31st of March)

What To Bring

• Dress according to the weather
• There is some walking involved in this tour on dirt tracks, please wear suitable shoes.
• Camera

Company Info

The owners of Southern Trails have had over 2 decades of tourism between them. Coming from a background in guiding and many years of Lord of the Rings Touring experiences, their professionalism and passion is surpassed by none.

In fact we call ourselves “NERDS” because of our obsession with everything “Rings”. We will wow you with stories, anecdotes and a wealth of background information of all things Lord of the Rings.

The authentic props we supply are relics from one of the very first Lord of the Rings Tour companies in Queenstown that succumed to the financial struggles of the pandemic, we carry on their legacy with dignity and a strong sense of commitment to provide the best adventures in Middle Earth.