Half Day, Arrowtown And Gibbston Only

Half Day Arrowtown and Gibbston Lord of the Rings Film Locations

★ 5.0 366 reviews

from $118.59 per person

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Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Camp Street, Queenstown
Cancellation: Cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
Run by: Southern Trails - Independent Lord of the Rings Sightseeing Tours

Overview

This half day tour from Queenstown packs five stops into four hours and 30 minutes, pairing Lord of the Rings filming locations with scenic stops around the region. Southern Trails, a dedicated LOTR sightseeing operator, runs it with a maximum of 11 travellers and a guide who travels with replica props and copies of original scripts and production call sheets. Stops include Skippers Canyon, Arrowtown, Gibbston, Lake Hayes and a Lake Wakatipu viewpoint, with free admission at each one.

The tour starts at 43 Camp Street in central Queenstown, in front of the station building on the corner of Camp and Shotover Streets, where wooden benches sit beside the bus pull-up. From there the group moves between locations by van, with travel time already counted inside the stated duration. The longest stop is Arrowtown at an hour, while Gibbston gets a shorter 15 minute pause.

It suits both committed fans and people who have only half watched the films. Reviewers repeatedly say guides pitched stories at every level of knowledge, and that companions who did not care about Middle-earth still enjoyed the landscapes. Coffee or tea is included, and 1% of proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund, which works on preserving local landscapes.

$118.59from, per person

4 hours 30 minutesduration

5.0across 366 guest reviews

11guests at most

What's Included

Included

Photos with authentic licensed replica props
Coffee and/or Tea

Itinerary

Meet at 43 Camp StreetMeet in front of the station building on the corner of Camp St and Shotover St in Queenstown. Wooden benches mark the waiting spot where the buses pull up.
Skippers CanyonA 20 minute stop.
ArrowtownThe longest stop of the day at 1 hour.
GibbstonA 15 minute stop.
Lake HayesA 25 minute stop.
Lake Wakatipu ViewpointA 10 minute photo stop.
Return to 43 Camp StreetThe tour ends back at the same meeting point on Camp Street.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of the tour, especially around walking, children and what to carry.

Autumn poplars and a gravel road near Arrowtown in the Wakatipu Basin.

Walking ability. The tour is not recommended for travellers who cannot walk more than 10 minutes on uneven ground. There is one walk where anyone unable to join may have to wait for up to 20 minutes.
Props and photos. The operator brings what they describe as the largest selection of authentic licensed replica props, plus scripts and call sheets. Reviewers mention handling swords and seeing props and photos at the exact locations as a fun part of the day.
Group feel. The cap is 11 travellers, and reviews describe guides adapting the commentary to the group's level of fandom. Several travellers noted that non-fans in their party were kept entertained too.
Children. Children under 5 are not permitted on this tour, and families with younger children are directed to a private tour instead. Children aged 6 and under need a child seat by NZ law, either your own or a rented one at an extra charge.
Food and drink. Coffee and tea are included. Message the operator through the booking page if you have questions about other food or drink.
Weather and pace. The stops are short by design, with the longest at one hour, so expect to get in and out of the van often. Reviewers say the time flies, which is worth knowing if you like lingering at each spot.

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Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. A minimum number of travellers is required, and if it is not met the operator will offer a different date, a different experience, or a full refund, so a last minute cancellation for that reason is possible. Children under 5 cannot join. Child seats carry an additional charge if you do not bring your own.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Meet?

At 43 Camp Street, Queenstown, in front of the station building on the corner of Camp St and Shotover St. Wooden benches mark the waiting spot where the buses pull up. The tour also ends at this same point.

What Is Included In The Price?

Coffee and tea, photos with a large selection of authentic licensed replica props, and a look at copies of the original scripts and production call sheets. One percent of proceeds go to the Love Queenstown Community Fund.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children?

Children under 5 are not permitted, and the operator suggests a private tour for families with children that young. Children aged 6 and under require a child seat under NZ law, which you can bring or rent from the operator for an additional charge. Children under 7 otherwise fall under the operator's seat or booster guidance.

How Much Walking Is Involved?

The tour is not recommended for anyone who cannot walk more than 10 minutes on uneven ground. There is one walk where people unable to take part may have to wait for up to 20 minutes while the rest of the group goes on.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. Cancellations or changes inside that 24 hour window are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels because the minimum traveller number is not met, you get a different date or experience, or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Bring your own child seat for young children, or message the operator in advance to arrange one at an extra charge. Confirmation is sent at the time of booking. Check the booking page for any updates on other items to bring.