Top South Island Pop Culture

Travel from Queenstown to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Milford Sound on an easy day trip. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic photo stops. At Milford Sound, don’t worry about waiting in lines as tickets are included. Admire views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak from your cruise. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations for added convenience.

Glenorchy sits along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road from Queenstown to the (aptly named) rural settlement of Paradise. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on a half-day trip. Spend time exploring Glenorchy’s shops and café, take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops, and see some of the locations where scenes from famous movies were filmed.

Discover the magic of Middle-earth on this immersive half-day tour from Queenstown to the breathtaking landscapes of Glenorchy and Paradise. Visit iconic filming locations like Ithilien, Isengard, and Lothlórien while enjoying exclusive access to original scripts and production materials that enrich the experience. Handle licensed replica props, capture cinematic photos, and unwind with a beverage in an alpine setting. This tour, led by knowledgeable guides, is perfect for fans seeking an engaging and detailed exploration of the Lord of the Rings universe. - Immerse yourself in Middle Earth with a guided tour from Queenstown - Visit legendary LOTR filming locations in Glenorchy and Paradise - Enjoy small group sizes for a more personalized experience - Capture unique photos with the largest collection of licensed LOTR props

Try to keep your jaw from dragging on the ground as we walk through the inner city hearing the dark yet true crime stories from the 19th century. Dunedin, being a gold rush town, brought characters in from all over to exist together in this isolated city at the bottom of the world. We will briefly touch on why and how Dunedin was settled for context then we will walk the main areas of the inner city seeing such landmarks as the favourite little Fairlie steam engine, the old victorian era, gothic revival prison, the Flemish Renaissance style railway station, Anglican Cathedral, the newly refurbished main street, George Street ending with the utterly depraved story of murder and attempted suicide in the one of many notorious lanes that still exist. See the best of Dunedin while hearing the worst.

Otepoti/Dunedin was settled by Free Church Presbyterians in 1848. They worked hard and went to church on Sunday. The gold rush in 1861 brought with it a completely different population to the one first envisioned - a much more lively and less law abiding one. Your guide, Gregor Campbell has spent years curating true stories of crime and murder from Dunedin's grim past. He tells the tales expertly with poise and dignity as he drives around the seemingly harmless areas of Dunedin that, over a hundred years ago were more sordid and despairing. Relax back in a brand new Toyota Hiace minibus while Gregor brings our city back to life.... if only temporarily.

Visit Edoras of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ fame on this full-day excursion by 4WD vehicle to the peak of New Zealand’s Mt Sunday. Get a look at exclusive photos of Edoras under construction and learn from a knowledgeable LOTR guide about its transformation from tranquil countryside to mythical capital city of the Rohan people. Pose with replica props from the popular trilogy, such as Aragorn’s sword, Gimli’s axe and the flag of Rohan. Includes round-trip hotel transport from Christchurch plus a picnic lunch with sparkling wine.

Like most New Zealand cities, Dunedin has a colonial history filled with exchanges between the Māori people and Western settlers. Discover dark tales of murder and shipwrecks, as well as stories of the influential people who shaped the city’s culture on this half-day small-group tour of several of Dunedin’s most popular tourist spots, including Larnach Castle and gardens.

Explore iconic filming locations from the Lord of the Rings in Glenorchy and Paradise on this half-day tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, visit sites like Ithilien, Isengard, and Beorn’s House, enhancing your journey with authentic props and behind-the-scenes insights. Enjoy a hot or cold beverage while capturing memorable photos with licensed replicas. This intimate tour, lasting 4.5 hours, is perfect for fans of all ages, though some walking on dirt tracks is involved. Discover the magic of Middle Earth while supporting local conservation efforts with a portion of your fee going to the Love Queenstown Community Fund. - 4.5-hour tour showcasing stunning LOTR locations - Knowledgeable guides with expert insights on the films - Includes hot or cold beverages and photo opportunities - Suitable for families, but wear appropriate footwear for walking

Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations, but self-driving through the landscape of snow-capped mountains, towering waterfalls, and emerald greenery can be challenging—and distracting. Eliminate the hassle when you travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown. Pass Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, and enter the hand-carved Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound, where you relax on a scenic nature cruise.

Enjoy an off-road adventure in the wild of New Zealand while visiting filming locations from the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this half-day excursion from Queenstown. Take in beautiful scenery while you see visit key spots used as the Misty Mountains, Minas Tirith, and the Pillars of the Kings, and stop to pan for gold on the Arrow River.

Visit "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations in and around Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD from Queenstown with a guide. This half-day tour includes stunning landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, the landscapes representing the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlórien, Ithilien Camp, and Forest of Amon Hen.

Hit the adventurous activities you’re hoping to tick off and leave the children safely in the care of Kidz Club Queenstown. With the little ones booked into Kidz Club Queenstown, relax in the knowledge they’re having just as much fun as you! Perfect for kids aged four to 13, the club’s fun-filled program includes minigolf, 12-dimension motion rides, a racing simulator, indoor games, and more. With enthusiastic and friendly staff ensuring your kids are kept busy, you’re free to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace.

HAIR RAISER TOURS— Est. 1999, presents Jack the Clicker's Photographic Crime Walk—created by New Zealand's original pioneer in dark tourism—Andrew Smith. Jack the Clicker trained under a police photographer and fingerprint expert, gaining first-hand insight into the techniques and practices of forensic photography. This unique background brings a different perspective to Dunedin's darker history, as you explore the city through the lens of your camera or smartphone. Hear exclusive accounts from those who were there and witnessed it firsthand—from gold rush events and Victorian crime scenes to the forgotten stories of Dunedin's underbelly history. A few Secrets Remain...While a few locations have been listed in our itinerary, they"re certainly not the whole story. We've kept a few secrets under our hat—some places and surprises that you'll only discover when you join Hair Raiser Tours. By Day—Jack the Clicker's Photographic Crime Walk By Night—Curly Jack's Underbelly Crime Walk

Explore the stunning alpine landscapes of New Zealand on a guided hiking tour to Lake Alta, famously featured in the Lord of the Rings films. Trek through the Remarkables Mountains while following in the footsteps of Boromir, played by Sean Bean. Dress in your favourite LOTR attire and capture memorable photos with authentic props, enhancing your Middle Earth experience. With expert guides sharing insider knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories, this tour is perfect for fans of all ages. - Guided hike to Lake Alta, the filming location for LOTR - Dress up and take photos with licensed replica props - Includes transport and access fees - Private tours available for families with young children

Explore the enchanting landscapes of Middle-earth on a private half-day tour from Queenstown. This immersive journey takes you through iconic filming locations of The Lord of the Rings, revealing the breathtaking alpine valleys and remote backcountry that brought the cinematic magic to life. With a private guide, delve into behind-the-scenes stories, capture memorable photos at scenic spots, and enjoy flexible time for short walks amidst stunning backdrops. Perfect for film enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this tour offers a unique blend of film history and natural beauty. This is an independent tour of real New Zealand filming locations and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or licensed by the film studios or rights holders. - 5-hour private tour focused on the trilogy - Visit real landscapes used for Isengard scenes and other filming locations - Visit Glenorchy and Paradise Valley, home to Lord of the Rings filming locations - Flexible time for short walks and exploration

Tucked between the peaks and lakes of Central Otago, Arrowtown and Wānaka offer outdoor adventure and history. Visit both destinations in one day on this private tour from Queenstown and avoid the stress of self-driving on mountain roads. Tour the Gibbston Valley with your guide and stroll through the 19th-century gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown. Admire spectacular views from the Crown Range Road and enjoy free time in Wānaka.

*Lord of the Rings* fans will feel like they're on Middle Earth during this air tour. Fly above beautiful Queenstown, and see the spots filmed for the fictional places of Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien; then land on a glacier alongside the Misty Mountains and get a sense of what it might be like to cross The Redhorn Pass.

The Ultimate Private Tour for "Lord of the Rings" fans or those who want to experience the Southern Alps. Enjoy panoramic views, Alpine lakes and expansive farmland. Travel at your own pace and spend more time in the southern alps. All Scotty B Tours are flexible and can tailor to suit your timings

Go off-roading near Queenstown on a thrilling choose-your-own-adventure 4WD tour. Choose from four tour options to fit your interests: Whakatipu highlights for scenery and optional ‘The Lord of the Rings’ stops; Skippers Canyon to explore long-forgotten trails past former gold rush settlements; a Māori mythology and legends tour; or a scenic Glenorchy and Lake Whakatipu tour.

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Remarkables during a private hiking tour to Lake Alta, a key filming location for the Lord of the Rings. Guided by expert “LOTR Nerds,” this 4.5-hour adventure includes 2 hours of hiking and opportunities to dress up and take memorable photos with authentic film props. Gain insider knowledge about the film's production and historical context while enjoying the breathtaking alpine scenery. This tour is ideal for fans of the films and those looking for a unique outdoor experience. - Private tour accommodating up to 9 passengers - 4.5 hours of exploration, including 2 hours of hiking - Expert guides with in-depth knowledge of the Lord of the Rings - Includes transport, water, and snacks for your journey

Step into Middle-earth on a private full-day tour from Queenstown, exploring landscapes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Travel along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, a stunning village framed by the Southern Alps, known for filming Isengard and Lothlórien. Continue to Paradise Valley with its forests, braided rivers, and snow-capped peaks, spotting locations from LOTR, The Hobbit, and Narnia. Visit Twelve Mile Delta, where Frodo and Sam watched the Oliphaunts, and Arrowtown, a historic gold-rush village that doubled as Rohan. Conclude at Lake Hayes Lookout, with tranquil waters reflecting dramatic mountains. Fully customizable, this private tour blends cinematic magic and breathtaking scenery for movie lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

This immersive experience takes you beyond the screen and into the real-world settings that brought The Lord of the Rings to life. Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy and Paradise, with further exploration of the Gibbston and Arrowtown areas. Your guide will share filming stories, behind-the-scenes insights and the magic that makes these landscapes unforgettable. From dramatic alpine valleys and river settings to remote backcountry terrain, this tour blends film history with breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy the freedom of a private guide, flexible photo stops, short walks and time to take in each location at your own pace. A must-do full-day experience for film lovers, photographers and adventurers alike. - 8-hours private tour focused on the trilogy - Visit real landscapes used for Isengard scenes and other filming locations - Visit Glenorchy and Paradise Valley, home to Lord of the Rings filming locations - Flexible time for short walks and exploration