4WD Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$199
per adult
Pure Glenorchy Scenic Lord of the Rings Tours
Pure Glenorchy Scenic Lord of the Rings Tours
Pure Glenorchy Scenic Lord of the Rings Tours
5
4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursFilm & TV ToursSightseeing ToursPrivate ToursPhotography Tours
7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Full view
About
Local guides will help you to explore the breath-taking landscapes of Middle Earth, Glenorchy and Paradise during this half day Lord of The Rings inspired tour. Visiting film locations from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, you’ll enjoy hearing behind the scenes stories, from decisions made by the director to amusing anecdotes about the actors. You’ll stand before such sites as Isengard, Ithilien, Amon Hen and Lothlórien Forest, Beorns House, where you can play at being a star with our capes and swords, making for fun photos. As you travel along New Zealand’s most scenic highway from Queenstown to Glenorchy you will have the opportunity to stop and photograph incredible vistas as your guide shares insights with you.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
1,241 reviews
Excellent
1,132
Very good
92
Average
11
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Shani Ross
Hastings, New Zealand10 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
What a superb trip and amazing tour guide Joel! He is super friendly, charismatic and very knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and the views are spectacularly beautiful and breathtaking. I would highly recommend to book with Joel because he has VIP entry to very exclusive Lord of the Rings areas where scenes are filmed.
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KiwiTraveller69
Wellington14 contributions
Sept 2020 • Solo
From the moment I contacted Pure Glenorchy I knew I had found a company that recognised how important customer service is, and they went above and beyond, working with me to make this trip work.
Kate was great to deal with and extremely responsive.
Joel has a true passion for what he does, and it showed. Our small group enjoyed a half day that felt like we were travelling with friends.
We stopped at a number of scenic stops which were used in the movies, and information about how scenes were made, sites were reached, and pictures from the movie to show the location and how it was seen on the big screen were in abundance.
The road to Glenorchy and beyond is nothing short of stunning and scenic.
Joel and his bad dad jokes made for a fun time, and some great memories.
I would not hesitate to do another tour with Pure Glenorchy if I go back to Queenstown. If you are looking for a great half day tour, I highly recommend choosing this tour, you will not regret it.
Thanks for helping me make some great memories,
Nicki
Kate was great to deal with and extremely responsive.
Joel has a true passion for what he does, and it showed. Our small group enjoyed a half day that felt like we were travelling with friends.
We stopped at a number of scenic stops which were used in the movies, and information about how scenes were made, sites were reached, and pictures from the movie to show the location and how it was seen on the big screen were in abundance.
The road to Glenorchy and beyond is nothing short of stunning and scenic.
Joel and his bad dad jokes made for a fun time, and some great memories.
I would not hesitate to do another tour with Pure Glenorchy if I go back to Queenstown. If you are looking for a great half day tour, I highly recommend choosing this tour, you will not regret it.
Thanks for helping me make some great memories,
Nicki
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Nicki,
thanks so much for your in depth review of our tour - so glad you had a great time out with Joel - bad dad jokes and all hahaha.
I hope your ballooning was amazing also.
Thanks again for supporting local small biz!
See you when you next return..
Cheers, Kate & Joel
Written 8 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patrick S
22 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Overall great experience and great weather. The guide Tammy took us from Queenstown to mt cook, she did a great job guiding us and giving us tour information, plus had a great choice in music!
Shane also guided us from mt cook to Christchurch in a timely manner, he taught us much about the geology of the region including how the rock flour is what contributes to the blue color of lake tekapo. He also guided us in a timely manner and kept level headed, especially due to issues we had with the vehicle stalling and due to a personal event he had so kudos!
Overall very happy with the tour and both guides. My only comment is would it be possible to extend the tour duration 0.5- 1 hour longer? The walk at mt cook is beautiful and takes 3 hours to walk to and from. We had 3 hours to complete this, so I think building in that 0.5-1 hour into that stop would help allow us to walk at a slightly more leisurely pace. We were able to complete the walk and it was manageable, but we had to walk at a faster pace and only stopped briefly at the viewpoint to take pictures.
Shane also guided us from mt cook to Christchurch in a timely manner, he taught us much about the geology of the region including how the rock flour is what contributes to the blue color of lake tekapo. He also guided us in a timely manner and kept level headed, especially due to issues we had with the vehicle stalling and due to a personal event he had so kudos!
Overall very happy with the tour and both guides. My only comment is would it be possible to extend the tour duration 0.5- 1 hour longer? The walk at mt cook is beautiful and takes 3 hours to walk to and from. We had 3 hours to complete this, so I think building in that 0.5-1 hour into that stop would help allow us to walk at a slightly more leisurely pace. We were able to complete the walk and it was manageable, but we had to walk at a faster pace and only stopped briefly at the viewpoint to take pictures.
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BoulderRes
Boulder, CO13 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Our tour guide Vicky really brought this tour to life because she was able to explain some behind the scenes info about the movie making. Even if we weren't crazy fans of the books and the movies (we are) this would still be great just for the beautiful scenery and interesting descriptions of the mountains, trees, and lakes. The costume and sword picture-taking session in the woods of "Lothlorian" was more fun than I expected it to be. Vicky was able to hold our interest the whole time with stories and descriptions of how the movie used the beautiful geology of New Zealand to create Middle Earth. This company also had access to some private land for the tour which makes it quite unique. I would highly recommend this tour company.
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
acmeplant
Santa Fe, NM111 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Our guide Amanda was amazing, could not have been better. We’re not LOTR junkies but enjoyed the movies and now we want to watch them all again. The landscapes were breathtaking and Amanda’s narration was detailed and animated. We didn’t think we’d want to put on the costumes at the end but it was such a great tour that we really got into the spirit and took some great photos in character. I highly recommend this tour.
Written 9 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert T
Oegstgeest, The Netherlands1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Family
What an amazing experience to combine both the amazing Lord of the Rings film locations and the beautiful nature of the region. The most special moments were those where our fantastic guide Amanda would take us to a location and let us guess where in the movies it was. I will not spoiler anything but the tour includes many cool locations that any LOTR can will definitely recognise. Besides, the tour can really be a trip for the whole family since there is something for every age group. And whether you’re a LOTR fan or just someone who would like to enjoy the beautiful scenery on this tour (with access to private lands so normally you wouldn’t be able to get here), I would definitely recommend the scenic Lord of the Rings tour by Pure Glenorchy!!
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
world traveler
Auckland Central, New Zealand7 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
From the moment we boarded this tour I was impressed!!! Within minutes we had left Queesntown and our guide Vicky’s commentary was on amazing discussing all thing related to the filming of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings. I’m a huge fan and thought I knew everything about these movies but I was wrong these guys know their stuff and even when I came home and googles the information they were spot on. The filming locations we visited in this 4hr tour were some of the most beautiful spots I’d visited in the South Island. This company has exclusive access to Arcadia Station in the Paradise valley were you get to stand at the exact locations they built the set for Beorns house from the Hobbit and Isengard from the Lotr plus many other movies, this was by far my favourite filming location we visited on the tour. When you are at this private property you actually get to see all the other lotr tours parked about 2kms away only wishing they were at this spot, you definitely feel privileged to be in this tour. This tour is amazing value on all aspects and I feel is the best tour to choose if you are into learning about Middle Earth, nature, history and the filmmaking that has taken place in the area. 10/10 Pure Glenorchy.!!!!
Written 23 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisette
Phuket, Thailand2 contributions
Feb 2023
We did the tour on a very pleasant day - weatherwise, so it made it much more enjoyable. The tour guide was fantastic. He had a lot of humor and kept the group very engaged. He was punctual and got us back to town at the time he said he would. His passion made the tour all the more exciting. Having the booklet that he had, made it easy to envision what he was talking about the whole time.
Tip: watch the movies beforehand and pay close attention to them before the tour! It will be a nice memory refresher for when he shows you and talks about certain scenes/characters of the movies.
Tip: watch the movies beforehand and pay close attention to them before the tour! It will be a nice memory refresher for when he shows you and talks about certain scenes/characters of the movies.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rory
4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
Great day rain or shine (mine was in the rain which made no difference to the tour), with Joel who is a great tour guide, friendly, funny and makes everyone feel comfortable.
The time absolutely flew by as we stopped off for pics along the way as well as a tea, snack and chat break. Had a chance to dress up for photos too which was good fun.
Found out a lot about LOTR and other things that were filmed around there as well as some information about local land and just generally had a good laugh with Joel the whole way.
Highly recommended.
The time absolutely flew by as we stopped off for pics along the way as well as a tea, snack and chat break. Had a chance to dress up for photos too which was good fun.
Found out a lot about LOTR and other things that were filmed around there as well as some information about local land and just generally had a good laugh with Joel the whole way.
Highly recommended.
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daveontoast
5 contributions
Jun 2022
Joel was a fantastic tour guide, navigating us through the sometimes snowy paths to show us spectacular scenary as well as key points in the LOTR movies.
It was a heap of fun, we had a great bunch of people and some mega-fans which just made the experience more enjoyable and memorable.
We look forward to visiting again soon, but will watched the movies with renewed joy knowing we stood in some of the very same places as the Fellowship!
It was a heap of fun, we had a great bunch of people and some mega-fans which just made the experience more enjoyable and memorable.
We look forward to visiting again soon, but will watched the movies with renewed joy knowing we stood in some of the very same places as the Fellowship!
Written 20 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hi, can you tell me which LOTR movies are based in the Glenorchy tour? I want to see the films before going on your tour!
Written 4 March 2019
All of them - the 3 were filmed at the same time while the crew was in the area. Not sure how they kept it all straight, but clearly they did!
Written 13 March 2019
Hi There
How can i book a tour online? Currently, i am overseas
Regards
Written 13 May 2018
Hi, Yes you can book online. Please visit our website and go to our booking page.
Thanks, Mark
Written 14 May 2018
timelessspell
Kassel, Germany
Hello :)
I would like to know how many stops there are during the tour and which locations/scenes can be seen exactly?
Thanks,
Teresa
Written 2 August 2017
Hi Teresa, Thanks for your message. There are 7 stops throughout the tour. We visit 5 main LOTR locations, these are Isengard, Lothlorien Forest, Ithilien (Where Sam and Frodo see the Oliphants), Amon Hen and Fangorn Forest. We look across the lake and talk about 3 others, these are The Misty Mountains, Dunharrow and parts of Rohan (Where the Rohirrim refugees flee Edoras. Hope this helps. Thanks again and kind regards, Mark.
Written 2 August 2017
Hello we plan to book a trip on 27th. 4 adults and one toddler of 8 months. we are bringing a car seat for him. Will the ride be safe advisable for him? Will we all fit in one car? Also we plan to stay in a AIR bnb near town. Can we get picked up and dropped at our place?
Written 21 September 2016
Hi,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Yes, the ride will be safe for your 8 month old. We take all ages on the tour. You would all be in one vehicle.
Yes, we pick up and drop off at all central accommodation.
Thanks again and kind regards,
Mark Holmes
Pure Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Tours
Written 21 September 2016
Hello! Just booked the 8am tour :) Was wondering how many hours the tour is/ time we get back? as we plan to go hiking in the afternoon. Thank you!
Written 14 August 2016
Hi, Thanks for your question. We leave at 8 am or 1 :45pm and tour is around 4 1/4 hours so you arrive back around 12:15pm or 6pm.
Written 22 August 2016
Coming in September - would like to book family of 4 - can you tell me costs?
Thanks
Written 23 March 2016
Hi, Thank you for your question. Yes the cost is $170 per adult and $90 for children (0-14yrs). Thanks again Trina
Written 10 April 2016
What does this tour cost and does it operate all year round?
Written 8 March 2016
Hi,
Yes we operate all year round and the cost is $170 per adult.
Thanks
Written 8 March 2016
Please let Tania know we will expect that when we come back we would like to see her dressed like a hobbit ! lol . Would add something magical to the tour hehe.
Written 16 March 2015
Thanks Lou, I passed this onto Tania and it made her laugh :-)
Written 26 March 2015
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