SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 4 h 30 min
- Group size
- Up to 11 people
- Guide
- cmn, English
- Ages
- 5 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the Glenorchy road with a guide who knows which slope was which. The listing gives about 4.5 hours, departures at 7:50am and 1:25pm from outside Marmolada Cafe on Camp Street, and six stops: Bennets Bluff, the Twelve Mile Delta track, Glenorchy wharf, a stretch towards Mount Aspiring and the Isengard lookout. Costumes, replica swords, umbrellas and a light morning or afternoon tea are included, along with national park fees.
It's the Our pick on our Lord of the Rings tour comparison, mainly because nothing else comes close on reviews: about 1,500 averaging around 4.9, more than four times any other tour we list there. Two catches. It leaves on time and won't refund late arrivals, and it isn't suitable for children under 5. No independent traveller we found filmed this exact tour with commentary, so the day's shape comes from the listing.
Good for
- Fans who want the Glenorchy side with props for the photos
- Anyone who'd rather not drive the lake road and stop at every lookout
Think twice if
- You're often late; there's no refund for missing the departure
- You're travelling with children under 5
Written by Southern Lakes Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked November 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
Awarded Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Top 10
of outdoor experiences Australasia and Top 1% of Experiences
worldwide for 2026.
Dress up as your favourite character & Feel the trilogy come to life as you visit the breathtaking and magical landscape that inspired Peter Jackson’s film locations from The Lord of the Rings movies.
Ithilien, Isengard, Lothlórien Forest, Amon Hen!
Travel in small groups with epic guides who have a real passion and knowledge of the area. Take in the diverse landscape of ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier carved valleys.
We are a Local family owned company that offer the real experience. Operating since 2005!
We are one of the few companies that hold Department of Conservation Concessionaire permits to access Mt Aspiring National park.
From the listing by Pure Glenorchy Scenic Lord of the Rings Tours on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- Tour as our guest from Queenstown on one of the Top 10 scenic drives in the world up the Glenorchcy road to visit epic scenery and Lord Of The Rings filming locations. About 40 min.
- The most scenic lookout in New Zealand About 10 min.
- Very relaxed nature walk to a LOTR filming location over 12 mile canyon foot bridge. About 15 min.
- Take some free time to visit one of the most photographed sheds in New Zealand and walk out over the Wharf at the top of lake Wakatipu to spot Trout and Salmon swimming, Swans feeding and the amazing scenery across to the Humboldt ranges Enjoy our complementary picnic with assortment of sweet and savory snacks along with Tea Coffee and refreshments. About 30 min.
- We are a Department of Conservation Concessionaire holder and our permits allow our Tours enter and stop in Mt Aspiring National Park to access this ancient forest and visit the actual filming locations from Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, Xmen Origins Wolverene, Chronicles of Narnie and more. View up the Dart and Routeburn Valleys. About 45 min.
- Stand in the Dart Valley and look at the stunning landscape that opened up thousands of years ago!!!20 years ago Peter Jackson choose this location for Isengard in the epic saga The Lord of the Rings. About 20 min.
What's included
- Professional, friendly & local guides
- Please message us at time of booking for a booster seat for kids between 5 & 7. No kids under 5 permitted.
- Live Commentary
- Umbrellas provided
- National Park fees included
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Dress up as your favourite character, LOTR costumes/ replica swords
- A light morning or afternoon tea , with cake, biscuits and hot tea & coffee
Meeting point
7:50am & 1:25pm DEPARTING TIME: ARRIVE ON TIME THANK YOU -
Tour has to depart on time. We do not issue refunds for no shows or late comers.
Please wait outside Marmolada Cafe, 43 Camp Street, Queenstown.
Where it ends
7:50am & 1:25pm DEPARTING TIME: ARRIVE ON TIME THANK YOU -
Tour has to depart on time. We do not issue refunds for no shows or late comers.
Please wait outside Marmolada Cafe, 43 Camp Street, Queenstown.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour is not suitable for children under 5 years of age.
- If you have mobility issues, such as requiring use of walking frame or stick, please contact us.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our things to do in queenstown page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
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