Small Group, Twelve Mile Delta First

From Queenstown: Lord Of The Rings Tour to Glenorchy

★ 4.9 518 reviews

from $116.42 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Marmolada Cafe, Camp Street, Queenstown
Cancellation: Cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
On board: Morning or afternoon tea included
Run by: Pure Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Tours

Overview

This half-day tour from Queenstown spends four hours and 30 minutes on the road to Glenorchy and back, visiting Lord of the Rings filming locations along Lake Wakatipu and inside Mount Aspiring National Park. The drive is part of the draw. Glenorchy Road follows the edge of the lake, and the operator's own description puts it among the top ten drives in the world. Snowcapped mountains appear around most corners.

The first proper stop is 12 Mile Delta, where a short nature walk crosses the canyon footbridge over clear water where trout and salmon can often be spotted. From there the route carries on past Bennetts Bluff to the historic Glenorchy wharf with its famous red shed, before heading deeper into the World Heritage national park, described on the booking page as home of Lothlórien Forest. Here travellers can dress in costume as a favourite character and pose with replica swords from the trilogy. The booking page says the tour heads up the Dart Valley through "Paradise" to Isengard, set in a glacier-carved valley. A guide shares behind-the-scenes stories on the drive back, and a light morning or afternoon tea with hot drinks, cakes and biscuits is included.

It suits film fans who want locations without a long hike. Little walking is involved, and travellers can stay in the vehicle at any stop.

Paradise valley beech forest and a gravel road leading toward snowy mountains near Glenorchy.

What's Included

Included

Tour guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
National Park fees
Light morning or afternoon tea
Dress up with Lord of the Rings costumes and replica steel swords

Itinerary

Meet in QueenstownThe tour meets at 43 Camp Street, Queenstown. Hotel pickup and drop-off is offered if that option is selected at booking.
Drive Glenorchy RoadWithin minutes of leaving Queenstown the route joins the lake-hugging Glenorchy Road, described on the operator's page as one of the top ten drives in the world.
12 Mile DeltaA short nature walk crosses the 12 Mile canyon footbridge, with trout and salmon visible in the water below and a film location to explore.
Bennetts Bluff and Glenorchy villageA brief stop for views at Bennetts Bluff, then time at the historic wharf and the famous red shed.
Costume photos in the national parkInside Mount Aspiring National Park, the stretch the live booking page names as home of Lothlórien Forest, travellers get to dress in Lord of the Rings costumes and pose with replica steel swords.
Dart Valley and ParadiseThe booking page describes the route as heading up the Dart Valley through "Paradise" to Isengard, with time to take in the glacier-carved scenery.
Return to QueenstownThe guide shares filming stories and behind-the-scenes secrets on the drive back to Queenstown.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help travellers get the most from the day, drawn from the operator and from what past guests have said.

Where this tour sits among 5 tours in Lord Of The Rings Scenic Tours listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Morning Tea Picnic, Optional Costumes$105.28
Mercedes Van, Wi-Fi and Maori Stories$107.24
Small Group, Twelve Mile Delta First (this tour)$116.42
Isengard Finish, Tea and Costumes$124.26
10-Hour Full Day, Lunch Not Included$231.50

What to bring. Comfortable shoes, a camera, water and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The tour runs in all conditions, so layers are a safe bet.
Pace and walking. The tour does not involve a lot of walking, and anyone who prefers can stay in the vehicle at any stop. Travellers who want to stretch their legs can join the short nature walk at 12 Mile Delta.
Costume photos. Replica steel swords and costumes are provided for photo opportunities in the forest. Bring a camera or a charged phone for it.
Food and drink. A light morning or afternoon tea is included, with hot tea and coffee, cakes and biscuits. Food and drinks cannot be consumed in the vehicle.
Group feel. The tour is designed as a small-group experience with a local guide. Reviewers frequently praise the guides as knowledgeable and passionate, and say they take time to answer questions.
Pack light. Large bags, luggage, prams and strollers are not permitted on board. Travelers should leave those items at their accommodation.

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. The tour needs a minimum of two participants to run; if the operator cancels for not meeting that minimum, travellers receive a full refund. Children under five cannot join, and the activity is not suitable for strollers or large luggage. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so travellers should dress for whatever the day brings. A few reviewers also mention that roomier vehicles and better rear-seat views would improve comfort on the drive.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

A local guide, national park fees, a light morning or afternoon tea with hot drinks, cakes and biscuits, and use of Lord of the Rings costumes with replica steel swords are all included. The full refund policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off is included if that option is selected. Otherwise the meeting point is 43 Camp Street, Queenstown, and travellers should confirm their choice on the booking page.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

The meeting point is 43 Camp Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand. Travellers who selected the pickup option should check the booking page for their collection details.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children?

Children under five are not permitted. There is no strenuous walking involved, and travellers may remain in the vehicle at any stop if they prefer.

What Should I Bring?

Comfortable shoes, a camera, water and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing for the forecast matters.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes, cancellation up to 24 hours in advance receives a full refund. If the operator cancels because the minimum of two participants is not met, travellers also receive a full refund.