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.

Hobbiton alt text

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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Hobbiton
Trollshaw

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
Trollshaw
Barrel Rider River

Pelorus River is a stunning location where Bilbo and the 13 Dwarves had to ride down the rapids in their barrels!

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Barrel Rider River

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