Lord of the Rings filming locations
Where was The Lord of the Rings filmed?
The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies were filmed exclusively in New Zealand. The selected locations offer natural wonders so beautiful that visitors feel as if they are in a different world. Perfect for bringing J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional universe of Middle-earth to life.
What are the exact Lord of the Rings locations?
There are about a dozen Lord of the Rings locations across New Zealand's North and South Islands, from Matamata in the north to Fiordland National Park in the south. New Zealand is a safe country that is easy to explore on your own, but you could also choose to join a guided Lord of the Rings tour. Below you will find the places every LOTR fan should add to their bucket list.
Fiordland National Park
Untouched nature visited by Frodo and Sam
Parts of The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed in Fiordland National Park, located in the southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island. Fiordland was chosen as the filming location because it is a remote and rugged area that is relatively untouched by humans. The area is made up of dense rainforest, deep valleys, and tall mountains.
Parts of Lord of the Rings that were filmed in Fiordland National Park include the Misty Mountains, the Elven Forest, and the Ford of Bruinen. Specific scenes filmed in Fiordland National Park include when Frodo and Sam are crossing the Dead Marshes and Misty Mountains. The Marshes were filmed at Lake Mach, a deep lake surrounded by steep mountains and lush rainforest. The lake is also known for its clear blue-green water, which provided the perfect visual setting for this scene.