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The theatrical release of J.R.R. Tolkien’s incredibly in-depth fantasy trilogy has drawn audiences to the big Kiwi for years, and rightfully so. There’s nothing quite like experiencing an area where movie magic truly came to life.

Of course, we can’t recommend stopping at every filming location, as you’d be hitting 150 locations across both of New Zealand’s islands, but what we can do is recommend some of the most famous or filmically important ones (and yes, filmically is a real word).

Hobbiton

Situated on over 1000 acres of farmland, just outside of Matamama, is the Shire itself. Spend a day paroozing the grounds, either via a movie set, evening banquet, or second breakfast tour. Most tours will run you between $200-$300, but last for at least 3 hours. And be honest, wouldn’t you pay much more to live like a Hobbit for an afternoon? 

Glenorchy

This South Island town is located a little under an hour away from Queenstown, and acted as a major filming location for Isengard, Lothórien Forest, and Ithilien. You can take a half-day or full-day scenic tour across the region, which often also includes facts about the area’s flora and fauna, and the beautiful backdrop of two national parks.

Wellington

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Wellington is the capital of this isolated country, and it is located on the north island’s southernmost point. Popular filming locations within the city limits were Mount Victoria, the Hutt River, and Kaitoke Regional Park, which turned into Hobbiton Woods, the River Anduin, and Rivendell, respectively.

Putangirua Pinnacles

This scenic reserve is located in the south-central area of the North Island, in Aorangi Forest Park. Known to be the result of mass erosion that took place over thousands of years, this location served as the Valley of Harrowdale. Be careful, though, as the way is shut. It was made by those who are dead, and the dead keep it. 

Tongariro National Park

Known as New Zealand’s oldest national park, this area is more well-known to fans as Mordor. Mount Ngaruhoe, a 2000-year-old mountain peak, served as Mount Doom in the films, and you too can climb up its spectacular ash-made cliffs. It is required at the top to reenact Sam and Frodo’s famous final scene, though, so make sure that you have your monologue prepared. 

Mount Sunday

Located in the Canterbury region of the South Island, this area was chosen as the backdrop to Edoras in the trilogy, better known as the capital of Rohan. While the town no longer exists, being completely torn down after filming was completed, you can use your imagination of where everything was situated when you reach its summit. 

Another, and possibly more insane option, is to travel the nearly 2,800 km (1,780 miles) on a self-guided journey across New Zealand, doing your best to replicate Frodo’s travels from Bag-End to Mount Doom. You can take the 3,000 km Te Araroa trail, which runs from Cape Regina to Bluff, and takes around half a year to complete.