Top Queenstown Pop Culture

Fans of the Lord of the Rings movies won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to various filming locations in the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to private Arcadia Station and will also visit the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Be amazed by the natural beauty while reliving your favorite movie scenes. Don an LOTR costume and sword too, if you like.

Soar through the forest on the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline, 1,500 feet (450 meters) above Queenstown. Choose from three different courses, one with a thrilling 68-foot (21-meter) drop. Or, tone down the adrenaline a notch on a longer course, perfect for families with kids. Expert guides supervise your launch so all you have to do is take in the panoramic mountain and lake views.

Board your choice of the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, or the modern Spirit of Queenstown for an evening cruise on scenic Lake Wakatipu. Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’re treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. Enjoy local meats, salads, vegetables, and desserts—nobody will go hungry. After dinner, see farm demonstrations or purchase a drink and simply relax in the bar.

Glenorchy sits at the northern tip of Lake Whakatipu, along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road that runs from Queenstown to the (aptly-named) rural farm of Paradise further north. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar, sometimes dangerous country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on a half-day trip. Spend time exploring Glenorchy’s waterfront, and take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops.

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.

Take a break and escape into nature on this tour of Milford Sound in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Relax as you visit one of New Zealand’s notable Fjords, taking in the waterfalls at Mirror Lake and the fresh glacier water at Monkey Walk. Then, take to the water itself with a boat cruise on Milford Sound. Perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the South Island’s landscape.

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.

A Segway tour of Queenstown covers a lot of ground, providing you with an overview of the town even if you're short on time. Choose from a 1- or 2-hour tour depending on your needs, and pass by sights including Lake Wakatipu. Stop at several scenic lookouts along the way. Unlike car tours, you won't be stuck in traffic, and you see more than you would on foot.

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.

*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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.