New Zealand is known for a lot of things. Beautiful scenery, indigenous Maori culture, and wine – but for LOTR fans, there’s one thing on their minds: New Zealand is Middle Earth. The home of director Peter Jackson, all the LOTR, and Hobbit movies were filmed here.

All of the beautiful scenery in the movie can be found during your trip to New Zealand. Picnic near Mordor, kayak down the Pillars of the Kings, and hike to the Army of the Dead. There are so many things to do for LOTR backpackers here!

Don’t miss these spots on your New Zealand trip.

1. Tongariro National Park: Mordor

Want to visit real-life Sauron? You can almost do so. Tongariro National Park is where Mordor, Hidden Bay, and Lonely Mountain scenes were filmed in LOTR and the Hobbit. Most spectacularly is Mount Ngauruhoe, otherwise known as Mount Doom. Although it’s not quite as scary looking as in the movie, it is an active volcano that you can hike up to. Also, check out Mount Ruapehu. Some Mount Doom scenes were filmed on this mountain. It also happens to be New Zealand's largest active volcano.

Photo by: rachstewartnz

2. Tawhai Falls: Gollum’s Pools

13 metres of water cascade into a peaceful pool below in Tongariro National Park. It feels almost tropical here, even though it’s surrounded by snowcapped alpine mountains. This is where Faramir and his men aimed their bows at Gollum. Gollum sat on the pool, the waterfall behind him and sang and bashed his fish across the rock. Later on, Frodo comes upon Gollum eating a raw fish by the falls. The location is now nicknamed Gollum’s pools.

Photo by: josbuurmans

3. Kaitoke Regional Park: Rivendell

Peaceful greenery and calm waters make you almost feel like the elves are there in real life. Kairtoke Regional Park was the filming location of Rivendell. You’ll find river pools, deep gorges, ancient trees, and fanciful waterfalls. It's a beautiful spot to camp, bike, or horseback ride.

Photo by: juliya_dia 

4. Mvaora Lakes Park: Anduin River

Located in Southland, you’ll find a few LOTR locations here. North Mavora Lakeshores are where the Fellowship get off the Anduin River. The neighbouring forest is where Merry and Pippin hid and were ultimately captured by the Uruk-hai. There is a lot of forest in these parts, though, so make sure to note the coordinates: 45 16.024’S 168 10.500’E

Photo by: sylvainmante

5. Kawarau Gorge: Pillars of the Kings

Running from the wine community of Gibbston to Nevis Bluff, this fast-paced gorge is featured in the Fellowship of the Ring. It’s difficult to forget the towering Pillars of the Kings that the Fellowship paddles past. Although these were added after filming, you can still trace the Fellowship’s steps. The location is just past the Kawarau suspension bridge. Book a tour but notes that there might be some white water rafting or kayaking on the way there.

Photo by: gregorystravelgram

6. Twizel: Gondor

Towering mountains and surrounding meadows make Twizel an outdoorsy person’s paradise. It also happens to be the location of Gondor. You can camp, fish, hike, and rock claim in this area. Twizel is remote, but you can also book tours and enjoy the culture and activities in town.

Photo by: watzijzegt

7. Putangirua Pinnacles: Army of the Undead

The large pillars called hoodoos are the location of Dimholt Road in Return of the King. Eroded and majestic, you can almost see the Army of Dead confronting Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli. You can hike and camp nearby. Don’t forget to check out the views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke from above.

Photo by: scotthowes

8. Takaka Hill: Black Riders

Takaka Hill is a beautiful scenic drive through South Island's rolling hills and giant boulders. You’ll be able to gaze down below at the surrounding landscapes and ocean beyond. The most exciting aspect of this journey for LOTR fans is seeing where Strider – aka Aragorn – helped the hobbits run away from the Black Riders.

Photo by: the_flahute

9. Weta Cave & Workshop: BTS

Although not quite as scenic as the other locations on this list, Weta Cave is where the props were made for LOTR. You’ll be able to enter Weta Cave for free to explore the weaponry used on the set. You also can book a guided tour.

Photo by: tim_miller

10. Rotorua: Hobbiton

We weren’t going to finish this list without a visit to Hobbiton. The region is beautiful. Gently rolling hills, grazing sheep, and sparkling green meadows help you understand why Jackson chose this location for Hobbiton. Also, visiting Bag End, other hobbit holes, and enjoying a pint at the Green Dragon Inn are must-dos for the LOTR backpacker.

Photo by: shaun_jeffers

What did we miss? Let us know your favourite LOTR spots in New Zealand down below!