Mavora Lakes from Te Anau Tour Lord of the Rings Film Locations
Explore the enchanting landscapes of Middle Earth on this half-day adventure from Te Anau. Travel through the stunning Fiordland National Park, visiting iconic filming locations from the Lord of the Rings, including the Dead Marshes and Mavora Lakes. With expert guides passionate about the lore of the films, you'll gain insights into the making of the series while enjoying photo opportunities with authentic props. This tour is perfect for both dedicated fans and curious travelers seeking a unique adventure. - Duration: 5.5 hours, departing at 11:00am - Visit legendary LOTR locations like Fangorn Forest, Nen Hithoel and the Anduin River - Includes photos with the largest collection of licensed LOTR props - Medium fitness level required; suitable for adventurous spirits
Your experience
Stop 1
After departing, we make a stop at the Alpine Cafe' to grab the packed lunch that we will have at the Mavora Lakes.
Stop 2
Nestled close to the iconic Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park, two stunning Lord of the Rings filming locations are waiting to be explored. First is the serene Anduin River, where the flowing waters of Middle-earth’s great river were captured. Not far from here, the Dead Marshes offer a haunting landscape, immortalized in the films for their eerie and atmospheric beauty. These breathtaking sites, surrounded by Fiordland’s rugged terrain, give visitors a chance to experience the real-world magic of these famous filming locations. Perfect for both Lord of the Rings fans and nature enthusiasts, this part of Fiordland holds a deep connection to both cinematic history and New Zealand’s natural splendor.
Stop 3
Your journey takes us to the legendary hall where Lord of the Rings production equipment was stored and where several iconic scenes were filmed. This fascinating location offers a behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making process. We then visit the stunning Fraser’s Beach, a tranquil spot where, on a clear day, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the majestic Southern Alps rising from the heart of Fiordland National Park. The striking contrast of the peaceful beach with the towering peaks creates a breathtaking landscape, making this stop a must-see for fans of both The Lord of the Rings and New Zealand’s natural beauty.
Stop 4
The highlight of this adventure takes us to the breathtaking Mavora Lakes Park, a truly magical location. Your journey continues to North Mavora Lake, where Frodo and Sam embark on their solitary journey to Mordor during the Breaking of the Fellowship at Nen Hithoel. In the enchanting Beech Forest nearby, we visit the location of a dramatic Uruk-hai attack. To cap off this unforgettable experience, we have the chance to recreate these iconic scenes with the impressive collection of Licensed Replica props, including limited-edition swords, daggers, axes, and helmets designed by Weta Workshop. This immersive experience brings the magic of Middle-earth to life in an unforgettable way. We will also have time to eat lunch there, Leaving the park, we cross a stunning swing bridge where the Fellowship departs Lothlórien on their Elven boats along the Silverload River. Afterwards, we visit a Lord of the Rings filming spot where one of the main actors broke two toes trying to perfect a scene.
Stop 5
We return to Te Anau and conclude the tour where it started
What’s included
- Photos with Authentic Props - We have the largest selection of Authentic Replica swords, axes, daggers & Helmets. Along with costumes to dress up.
- English Speaking Guide
- 1 percent of all proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund preserving our landscapes.
- Limited time offer: receive a FREE Souvenir Trails of Middle Earth LOTR merchandise per guest.
- We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets
Not included
- For children under 7 please bring child seat or message us to arrange one at an additional charge
Meeting and pickup
Near the Corner of Camp and Shotover Street, the Station Building (AJ Hackett, Shotover Jet). There are some wooden benches to wait next to where the tour buses stop on the Camp St side.
Before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children under 7 years not permitted. Please book a private tour for Families with Children under 7, or look at our Half Day in Middle Earth Tour.
- Travel time between locations is included on the total tour duration.
- Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk more than 10mins on uneven ground. There is 1 walk where people unable to step over a stepladder fence may have to wait for up to 20 mins.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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