There are several tour companies in New Zealand that specialize in Lord of the Rings tours, which can simplify your planning. However, if you prefer to explore independently, be sure to include the following iconic locations in your itinerary: In the North Island, you can start with the capital, Wellington, home to the Weta Workshop, the creative studio behind the trilogy’s special effects. Nearby, you can visit the Wellington region's scenic locales like Mount Victoria, which served as the setting for the Shire, and the Hutt River, which was transformed into Rivendell. Further north, near Matamata, you'll find the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can explore the enchanting hobbit holes, including Bilbo Baggins' house, and even enjoy a pint at the Green Dragon Inn. On the South Island, the Nelson Tasman region hosts the beautiful Kahurangi National Park, which served as the location for the entrance to Moria. Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, is surrounded by stunning LOTR filming locations, including the Remarkables Mountain Range, the backdrop for several epic battle scenes, and Glenorchy, where the forests of Lothlorien and Isengard were filmed. Not far from Queenstown is Fiordland National Park, whose dramatic landscapes were used to portray Fangorn Forest and the Dead Marshes.