Safaris Queenstown

Duration: 4.25 hours
Timings: 8:00am & 1:30pm
Operates: Year-round, conditions permitting
Walking: Easy 15 minute walk
Options: Standard: Max 6 guests per vehicle
Upgrade: Guaranteed window seat with max of 4 guests
Private: Exclusive vehicle for your group with max 6 guests
Travel in 4WD from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Whakatipu on one of New Zealand's most spectacular scenic drives, surrounded by the Southern Alps, glacial valleys, braided rivers and native beech forest. Visit 12 Mile Delta then enjoy a 15 minute scenic walk.
Journey through Glenorchy and Paradise to discover filming locations associated with Isengard, Fangorn Forest, Ithilien Camp and the Battle of Amon Hen. Travel towards Paradise with views of Mt Earnslaw, and venture into the Forest of Lothlórien.
Dress up in replica cloaks, pose with movie props and let your local guide connect the landscapes to the movies with film imagery, behind-the-scenes stories and filming insights.
The area has also appeared in The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, making this a fantastic experience for movie fans and scenery lovers alike.


Tour Highlights • Visit locations Isengard, Lothlórien, Fangorn Forest, Ithilien Camp and Battle of Amon Hen
• Spectacular journey along Lake Whakatipu to Glenorchy and Paradise
• Native beech forest and dramatic alpine scenery
• 15 minute return nature walk to a filming location
• Step into character with costumes and props
• Locations from The Hobbit, Narnia and X-Men
• Behind-the-scenes filming stories from your local guide
• Morning or afternoon tea included
What's Included Travel in a 6-seater 4WD Land Cruiser or Land Drover, experienced local guide, Lord of the Rings and other movie filming locations, replica costumes and props, short nature walk, morning or afternoon tea.
What to Bring Water, camera or phone, sun protection, comfortable shoes and suitable clothing
Pick up & Drop off The main departure point is Nomad Safaris, 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown, with complimentary pick-up and drop-off also available from selected central Queenstown accommodation.
Looking for a More Personalised Experience? Book this experience as a Private Tour and enjoy exclusive use of the 4WD vehicle and guide, private accommodation pick-up and a more personalised experience for up to 6 guests.
Important Information This tour visits filming locations rather than movie sets. The original sets were removed after filming, but many of the landscapes featured in the trilogy remain instantly recognisable. The tour includes an easy 15 minute return nature walk on a formed trail; guests who prefer not to walk can remain in or near the vehicle. Itineraries may change due to weather, river levels, road or track conditions which may affect river crossings or access to some locations. Please review our Disclosure of Risks and Weather Cancellation Policy before booking.


Discover Queenstown with Nomad Safaris. Explore our full range of adventure tours at www.nomadsafaris.co.nz

Duration: 4 hours
Timings 8:15am & 1:30pm
Operates: Year-round, conditions permitting
Walking: Minimal walking
Options: Standard: Max 6 guests per vehicle
Upgrade : Guaranteed window seat with max of 4 guests
Private: Exclusive vehicle for your group with max 6 guests
Rediscover the magic of Tolkien’s Middle-earth on a small-group 4WD adventure through the spectacular landscapes surrounding Queenstown. View The Remarkables from Queenstown Hill, featured as the Misty Mountains, and look across to Deer Park Heights, used for the Refugees of Rohan and Battle of the Wargs scenes. Continue to Kawarau Gorge, filming location for the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), before travelling towards Arrowtown and Gladden Fields, where the loss of the One Ring was filmed.
Then it’s time to head off-road. Follow a historic gold-mining road alongside the Arrow River, crossing the river as you make your way towards the Ford of Bruinen. Stop for morning or afternoon tea, try your hand at traditional gold panning and learn about the history of the gold mining era. Then journey up Coronet Peak and travel along the famous Skippers Canyon Road towards Lighthouse Rock and take in spectacular panoramic views. Throughout the journey, your local guide brings Middle-earth to life with behind-the-scenes stories, filming insights and tales from the making of the trilogy.
Tour Highlights
• Visit locations Misty Mountains, Pillars of the Kings, Gladden Fields and Ford of Bruinen
• Genuine off-road 4WD adventure and Arrow River crossings
• Traditional gold panning on the Arrow River
• Travel part of the historic Skippers Canyon Road to Lighthouse Rock
• Spectacular panoramic views across the Whakatipu Basin
• Behind-the-scenes filming stories from your local guide
• Morning or afternoon tea included
What’s Included
Travel in a 6-seater 4WD Land Cruiser or Land Drover, experienced local guide, Lord of the Rings filming locations, off-road driving and river crossings, gold panning equipment, morning or afternoon tea.
What to Bring
Water, camera or phone, sun protection, comfortable shoes and suitable clothing
Pick up & Drop off
The main departure point is Nomad Safaris, 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown, with complimentary pick-up and drop-off also available from selected central Queenstown accommodation.
Prefer to Explore Privately with a More Personalised Experience?
Book this experience as a Private Tour and enjoy exclusive use of the 4WD vehicle and guide, private accommodation pick-up and a more personalised experience for up to 6 guests.
Important Information
This tour visits filming locations rather than movie sets. The original sets were removed after filming, but many of the landscapes featured in the trilogy remain instantly recognisable. Minimum walking is required and guests can stay in or near the vehicle at stops if preferred. Itineraries may change due to weather, river levels, road or track conditions which may affect river crossings or access to some locations. Please review our Disclosure of Risks and Weather Cancellation Policy before booking.
Discover Queenstown with Nomad Safaris. Explore our full range of adventure tours at www.nomadsafaris.co.nz

Duration: 4 hours
Timings: 8:15am & 1:30pm
Operates: Year-round, conditions permitting
Walking: Minimal walking
Options: Standard: Max 6 guests per vehicle
Upgrade: Guaranteed window seat with max of 4 guests
Private: Exclusive vehicle for your group with max 6 guests

Rediscover the magic of Tolkien’s Middle-earth on a small-group 4WD adventure through the spectacular landscapes surrounding Queenstown.

View The Remarkables from Queenstown Hill, featured as the Misty Mountains, and look across to Deer Park Heights, used for the Refugees of Rohan and Battle of the Wargs scenes. Continue to Kawarau Gorge, filming location for the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), before travelling towards Arrowtown and Gladden Fields, where the loss of the One Ring was filmed.
Then it's time to head off-road. Follow a historic gold-mining road alongside the Arrow River, crossing the river as you make your way towards the Ford of Bruinen. Stop for morning or afternoon tea, try your hand at traditional gold panning and learn about the history of the gold mining era. Then journey up Coronet Peak and travel along the famous Skippers Canyon Road towards Lighthouse Rock and take in spectacular panoramic views.
Throughout the journey, your local guide brings Middle-earth to life with behind-the-scenes stories, filming insights and tales from the making of the trilogy. Tour Highlights
• Visit locations Misty Mountains, Pillars of the Kings, Gladden Fields and Ford of Bruinen
• Genuine off-road 4WD adventure and Arrow River crossings
• Traditional gold panning on the Arrow River
• Travel part of the historic Skippers Canyon Road to Lighthouse Rock
• Spectacular panoramic views across the Whakatipu Basin
• Behind-the-scenes filming stories from your local guide
• Morning or afternoon tea included What's Included
Travel in a 6-seater 4WD Land Cruiser or Land Rover, experienced local guide, Lord of the Rings filming locations, off-road driving and river crossings, gold panning equipment, morning or afternoon tea. What to Bring
Water, camera or phone, sun protection, comfortable shoes and suitable clothing Pick up & Drop off
The main departure point is Nomad Safaris, 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown, with complimentary pick-up and drop-off also available from selected central Queenstown accommodation. Prefer to Explore Privately with a More Personalised Experience?
Book this experience as a Private Tour and enjoy exclusive use of the 4WD vehicle and guide, private accommodation pick-up and a more personalised experience for up to 6 guests. Important Information
This tour visits filming locations rather than movie sets. The original sets were removed after filming, but many of the landscapes featured in the trilogy remain instantly recognisable. Minimal walking is required and guests can stay in or near the vehicle at stops if preferred. Itineraries may change due to weather, river levels, road or track conditions which may affect river crossings or access to some locations. Please review our Disclosure of Risks and Weather Cancellation Policy before booking.

Duration: 9.5 hours
Timings: 8:00am
Operates: Year-round, conditions permitting
Walking: Easy 15 minute walk
Options: Standard: Max 6 guests per vehicle
Upgrade: Guaranteed window seat with max of 4 guests
Private: Exclusive vehicle for your group with max 6 guests

Travel in 4WD from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Whakatipu on one of New Zealand's most spectacular scenic drives, surrounded by the Southern Alps, glacial valleys, braided rivers and native beech forest. Visit 12 Mile Delta then enjoy a 15 minute scenic walk. Journey through Glenorchy and Paradise to discover filming locations associated with Isengard, Fangorn Forest, Ithilien Camp and the Battle of Amon Hen. Travel towards Paradise with views of Mt Earnslaw, and venture into the Forest of Lothlórien. Stop for morning tea and dress up in replica cloaks, pose with movie props and let your local guide connect the landscapes to the movies with film imagery, behind-the-scenes stories and filming insights.




Enjoy lunch and a short break back in Queenstown then head off for your afternoon adventure.
View The Remarkables from Queenstown Hill, featured as the Misty Mountains, and look across to Deer Park Heights. Continue to Kawarau Gorge, filming location for the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), before travelling towards Arrowtown and Gladden Fields, where the loss of the One Ring was filmed. Then it's time to head off-road. Follow a historic gold-mining road alongside the Arrow River, crossing the river as you make your way towards the Ford of Bruinen. Stop for afternoon tea, try your hand at traditional gold panning. Then journey up Coronet Peak and travel along the famous Skippers Canyon Road towards Lighthouse Rock and take in spectacular panoramic views.
For dedicated fans wanting the best possible Middle-earth experience in one day, this is The One. Tour Highlights
• Combines the Queenstown and Glenorchy LOTR tours in one epic day
• Visit locations Isengard, Lothlórien, Fangorn Forest, Misty Mountains, Pillars of the Kings and more
• Spectacular Glenorchy and Paradise scenery
• Dress up with replica costumes and props
• Off-road 4WD adventure and Arrow River crossings
• Traditional gold panning
• Skippers Canyon Road and Lighthouse Rock
• Morning and afternoon tea plus lunch voucher
• Behind-the-scenes filming stories throughout the day What's Included
Travel in a 6-seater 4WD Land Cruiser or Land Drover, experienced local guide, Queenstown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings filming locations, replica props, 15 minute walk, off-road driving and river crossings, gold panning, morning and afternoon tea and a $20 cafe lunch voucher. What to Bring
Water, camera or phone, sun protection, comfortable shoes and suitable clothing Pick up & Drop off
The main departure point is Nomad Safaris, 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown, with complimentary pick-up and drop-off also available from selected central Queenstown accommodation. Looking for a More Personalised Experience?
Book this experience as a Private Tour and enjoy exclusive use of the 4WD vehicle and guide, private accommodation pick-up and a more personalised experience for up to 6 guests. Important Information
This tour visits filming locations rather than movie sets. The original sets were removed after filming, but many of the landscapes featured in the trilogy remain instantly recognisable. The tour includes an easy 15 minute return nature walk on a formed trail; guests who prefer not to walk can remain in or near the vehicle. Itineraries may change due to weather, river levels, road or track conditions which may affect river crossings or access to some locations. Please review our Disclosure of Risks and Weather Cancellation Policy before booking.
Discover Queenstown with Nomad Safaris. Explore our full range of adventure tours at www.nomadsafaris.co.nz

Duration: 9 hours
Timings: 8:30am
Operates: Oct – May daily, conditions permitting
Walking: Approx 90 minute return walk over rugged, unformed terrain
Fitness: Moderate fitness and agility recommended
Options: Standard: Max 6 guests per vehicle
                 Upgrade: Guaranteed window seat with max of 4 guests 
                 Private: Exclusive vehicle for your group with max 6 guests

Follow in the footsteps of 1860s gold miners on an epic full-day 4WD journey from Queenstown to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum then travel to the remote settlement of Macetown. 

Follow the historic miners' wagon trail alongside the Arrow River, crossing the river approx 25 times in each direction as your guide takes you deep into Queenstown's rugged backcountry. 

Explore the remains of this once-bustling goldfield settlement before setting out on a guided 90-minute return walk to the Homeward Bound Battery, an impressive four-storey relic of Macetown's mining past. The rugged walk includes creek crossings and sections of unformed track, adding to the sense of adventure. 

Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by mountain scenery, try your hand at gold panning in the Arrow River. This is a true backcountry expedition combining 4WD adventure, history, hiking and spectacular scenery. 

Tour Highlights 

• Approx 50 Arrow River crossings 

• Remote full-day 4WD backcountry adventure 

• Explore historic Macetown and its gold-mining relics 

• Guided 90-minute return walk to the Homeward Bound Battery 

• Traditional gold panning in the Arrow River 

• Visit the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown 

• Morning and afternoon tea 

• Picnic lunch surrounded by mountain scenery 

• Lord of the Rings filming locations including the Ford of Bruinen area 

What's Included 

Full-day guided 4WD adventure, experienced local guide, around 50 Arrow River crossings, guided walk to the Homeward Bound Battery, gold panning, Lakes District Museum entry and picnic lunch. 

What to Bring 

Sturdy footwear, water, camera or phone, sun protection, waterproof jacket and suitable warm clothing for changing backcountry conditions. Spare pair of shoes for after the walk. 

Pick up & Drop off 

The main departure point is Nomad Safaris, 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown, with complimentary pick-up and drop-off also available from selected central Queenstown accommodation. 

Looking for a More Personalised Experience? 

Book this experience as a Private Tour and enjoy exclusive use of the 4WD vehicle and guide, private accommodation pick-up and a more personalised experience for up to 6 guests.  

Important Information 

Moderate fitness is required. The 90 minute return walk follows rugged, unformed terrain and includes creek crossings and areas affected by washouts. Macetown access is dependent on conditions. Itineraries may change due to weather, river levels, road or track conditions which may affect river crossings or access to some locations. Please review our Disclosure of Risks and Weather Cancellation Policy before booking.