Pelennor Fields
Twizel was purpose-built in the 1960s to provide a home for workers involved with the Upper Waitaki Power Scheme. Today it is a well-positioned base for mountain climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, horse trekking. .
The town of Twizel was purpose-built in the 1960s to provide a home for workers involved with the Upper Waitaki Power Scheme. Today it is a well-positioned base for mountain climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, horse trekking and hiking.
The peaks and trails of Mount Cook National Park are just up the road. You can fish for salmon and trout in the local rivers, canals and lakes. If you don’t have any luck, call into the salmon farm and buy a fish - fresh or smoked. In summer Twizel’s population more than trebles, as holiday houses and camp grounds fill to capacity.
The filming location is on a private sheep station, of which Red Carpet Tours has exclusive entry.
The remote, vast grasslands, and forests, stunning snowcapped mountains and clear blue, often dramatic skies make Ben Ohau a perfect backdrop for film locations. Close proximity to Twizel township and the main state highway mean locations are accessible with cafes, accomodation and resources close by.
Ben Ohau Station played host to the largest scene in The Return Of The King, The Battle Of Pelennor Fields in Tolkien's epic trilogy THE LORD OF THE RINGS. In the Spring of 2000 and boasting the biggest day of filming with over 1000 cast and crew and over 280 horses on site; Director Peter Jackson staged the huge climactic battle in the War of the Ring where Sauron's Orc armies clashed with the men of Rohan and Gondor. Other scenes filmed on site include The Fall of Osgiliath and The Sacrifice of Faramir, The Ride of The Rohirrim, The Nazgul and his Prey, The Sheildmaiden of Rohan, The Battle Of Pelennor Fields and The Victory of Minus Tirith.
The Lord of The Rings Filming Locations Visited
Our New Zealand The Lord of the Rings tours include many movie locations such as Hobbiton and Trollshaw in The North Island, to Laketown and Edoras in the South Island! All of these beautiful places are instantly recognisable in real life.
In the midst of endless rolling green hills flecked with white sheep is the village of Hobbiton. Be prepared to be transported to the peaceful region of Middle-earth™ where Bilbo Baggins lived and the
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Although the area is better known for the Waitomo Caves and glow worms, the Mangaotaki Valley near Piopio also featured in The Hobbit where it became the location for Staddle Farm and Trollshaw Forest
Trollshaw
Pelorus River is a stunning location where Bilbo and the 13 Dwarves had to ride down the rapids in their barrels!
Learn MoreWhat people have said
Passion has been forged into the Red Carpet tours. Years of relationships with the artists, land owners, and businesses has created an unforgettable experience. The Red Carpet team guide you on a journey that is not just visiting locations, but creating a sense of joy and wonder for New Zealand....
Joshua W
I don’t have enough good things to say about this incredible experience. Our guide Julie is so knowledgeable and fun about everything LOTR AND New Zealand in general! My husband and I went for our belated honeymoon and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. You’re fed like Hobbits...
Taylor & Nick L
One Tour to Rule Them All – Red Carpet Tours is Middle-earth Made Real This was not just a holiday. It was a quest, and our Fellowship—36 true Lord of the Rings fans from around the globe—was led by none other than Julie, our gracious Gandalf. Wise, hilarious, full of...
Matt J
Everything about this tour was amazing! Our tour guide Julie is a true LOTR fan, and made sure everybody was looked after. The locations were well researched and meaningful. Even after the tour ended, Julie has kept in touch as we all went our separate ways and travelled home to various parts of...
Jody R
Red Carpet Tours is a fabulous company - been with them 3 times. I agree with others posted here that it is the BEST way to see New Zealand, especially if you are a "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" fan - and even if you're not! From all the Magnificent New Zealand...
John N
From first contact with the James family, and the Lord of the Rings-Red Carpet Tours, you are in the best of hands. You expect so much on the tour but you receive so much more. I came back from my first tour believing I'd never have a better, truly satisfying experience, and they could...
Barbara S
My second tour through Middle Earth (New Zealand) was just as wonderful as the first, the locations you are taken to are just amazing. Best suited for people with interest in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, you make so many friends throughout your journey that you become your own...
Lisa S
I will start my review by saying it was the best trip I’ve ever had. The Red Carpet Tours can offer you the best about Lord of the Rings in New Zealand. Julie is so knowledgeable and passionate about the movies and that makes our experience unforgettable. I loved listening to her talk...
Isabele P
This is the best and ONLY way for a LOtR/Hobbit fan to experience New Zealand. Julie and her team are fantastic, knowledgeable people who, you can tell, put so much time and effort into making sure your experience with them is an amazing one! You will not regret choosing them as your guides...
Stephanie B
"Exceptional! Marvellous! Outstanding! Just a few of the words I could use to describe how fabulous the Red Carpet Tours winter Lord of the Rings tour was. The organisation from beginning to end couldn’t be faulted. Hotels were carefully selected for location and quality. The days...
Judith S