Discover the New Zealand places that play other places in many film worlds

New Zealand’s landscapes are so diverse and dramatic that they’ve played starring roles in some of the world’s most famous films. It’s not just Hobbiton that brings movie fans here (although wandering through the Shire is a highlight for many). From snow-capped peaks to wild beaches, you’ll find filming locations all across the country that you can actually step into.

Here are a few New Zealand film locations you might want to add to your travel plans.

Hobbiton – Matamata

We’ll start with the obvious. The lush farmland near Matamata became the Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, and Hobbiton. It is now one of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions. A guided tour takes you past hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and the Party Tree. It’s a colourful and cheerful spot that feels like you’ve walked straight into Middle-earth.

Karekare Beach – Auckland’s West Coast

Jane Campion’s The Piano put this wild black sand beach on the map. Remote and dramatic, Karekare is less crowded than nearby Piha, with towering cliffs and pounding surf. The opening scenes of the film, with Holly Hunter’s character arriving on the beach, were filmed here. If you love raw, untamed coastlines, it’s well worth the trip.

Cathedral Cove – Coromandel

If you’ve seen The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, you’ll recognise Cathedral Cove. The white sand beach and natural archway appear when the Pevensie children return to Narnia. You can reach the cove on foot (about a 30-40 minute walk each way), or by boat or kayak. It’s just as magical in real life as it looked on screen.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Central North Island

This famous hike passes through landscapes used to portray Mordor in the Tolkein universe, as created by Peter Jackson. Mount Ngauruhoe doubled as Mount Doom, while the rugged volcanic terrain created a natural backdrop for Frodo and Sam’s journey. Even if you’re not on a mission to destroy the One Ring, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park is a spectacular full-day walk and one of the best in New Zealand.

Mount Sunday – Canterbury

If you’ve ever wanted to stand in the kingdom of Rohan, Mount Sunday is where you’ll find it. This isolated hill in the Canterbury high country was transformed into Edoras in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Today there are no buildings left, but the sweeping 360-degree views across braided rivers and jagged peaks more than make up for it. And the hill might be isolated but its not too far of the path of one of New Zealand’s hidden scenic drives.

Paradise – Glenorchy

Yes, it’s really called Paradise. This patch of wilderness near Glenorchy in the Southern Lakes has appeared in The Lord of the Rings (as Lothlórien), The Hobbit, and even The Chronicles of Narnia. Towering beech forests, river valleys and snow-capped mountains make it a natural film set. The drive out from Queenstown is stunning on its own, and a walk through the forests feels otherworldly.

Fiordland National Park – Southland

Fiordland’s sheer cliffs and misty waterways were featured in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, including scenes of the Fellowship paddling down the Anduin River. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are some of the most recognisable backdrops, and exploring them by boat is an unforgettable way to experience their scale.

Other Spots to Look Out For

• Putangirua Pinnacles, Wairarapa – eerie rock formations used in The Return of the King when Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli visit the Paths of the Dead.
• Twizel, Mackenzie Country – the Pelennor Fields battle scenes were filmed on the plains around here.
• Wellington – home to Weta Workshop, where much of the behind-the-scenes magic for LOTR, Avatar, and many other films took place.
• National Parks & conservation areas – the vast hectares of our conservation estate as managed by our Department of Conservation are peppered with places you’ll recognise from films.

Visiting Film Locations in New Zealand

What makes these places special is that they aren’t just sets — they’re real landscapes you can explore. While some (like Hobbiton) are carefully preserved, many are wild and unchanged. So, you’ll experience them much as the filmmakers did.

Whether you’re chasing the magic of Middle-earth, following in Narnia’s footsteps, or standing on the same beach as The Piano, these film locations add another layer to any New Zealand journey. And, who knows, you might just feel like you’ve stepped into your own movie.

Talk to our tour specialists about making New Zealand film locations part of your NZ tour experience.