LORD OF THE COINS | A Hobbit's Guide to New Zealand

All the most important destinations in The Hobbit Trilogy

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Bilbo Baggins is a comfort-loving, commonsense hobbit who gets swept on an adventure to help a rag-tag bunch of 13 dwarves recover their stolen treasure and take back their ancestral home from the dragon, Smaug.

This itinerary follows his journey there and back again: from his snug little hobbit hole; through all the destinations that grew his courage, inner cunning, and sense of adventure; before returning to the joyful pleasantness of a simple, peaceful life.

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Second stop: Trollshaw Forest (Mangaotaki Rocks and Piopio, Waitomo)

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Trollshaws Forest was brought to life on Mangaotaki Valley farm, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and prehistoric forest. It’s here that Gandalf hands Bilbo his sword, Sting, which saves Bilbo on more than one occasion.

Take a guided tour with Hairy Feet Waitomo, who will talk you through all the intricate details of the many scenes shot here (from orc battles to the Wargs and more). There’s also an opportunity to take photos with some props!

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Hairy Feet Waitomo is just a short drive from the famous Waitomo Caves, so make sure to see the otherworldly glow worm caves too! You can also stay in the small village of Piopio – make sure to try locally-made berry ice-cream at the Piopio orchard!

Film: All three Hobbit films (and some LOTR films)
Where: Piopio, Waitomo district of the North Island.
Address: Tour Office, 1411 Mangaotaki Road, Piopio 3971, New Zealand
When: October to May, when berries are in season.
How much: Tours cost $70NZD for adults, and $40NZD for children (0-14 years).

First stop: Chetwood Forest, Dimrill Dale, Weatherhills (Nelson Tasman).

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Nelson Tasman, known as NZ’s sunniest region, is the backdrop to many scenes – in both The Hobbit trilogy and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Nelson is also the home of the jeweller, Jens Hansen Gold and Silversmith, who created 40 replicas of the famed One Ring for the LOTR films.

It’s the setting for Chetwood Forests (Canaan Downs on Takaka Hill) where the hobbits flee from the Black Riders in LOTR; where the fellowship escape the Mines of Moria (Mount Owen) in LOTR; and the place of the destroyed farmhouse in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

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While Weatherhills (in real life, Kaihoka Station) is based on private land, you can visit it on horseback with Cape Farewell Horse Treks to a soaring clifftop that overlooks dramatic coastal views over Golden Bay.

Films: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
Where: Nelson Tasman, South Island. 102 Wharariki Road, Golden Bay, New Zealand.
When: Summer to do the gorgeous hikes!
How much: Cape Farewell Horse Trek experiences range between $110.00 - $250.00 NZD. If you visit the jeweller, you can also view the original rings as well as acquire your own precious replica.

Third stop: Lake-town and Lonely Mountain (Braemar Station, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mt Cook).

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Surrounded by staggering mountains with snow-capped pinnacles, Lake Pukaki’s glacial waters became the setting of Lake-town; the final resting place of the dragon Smaug. With breathtaking aquamarine hues and rugged scenery, this area became the backdrop for many of scenes in both the Hobbit as well as Lord of the Rings movies, and it’s easy to see why.

Lake Pukaki is the perfect spot to lose yourself in majestic scenery and adventure outdoors, with several glacier hikes in the area. For the most hobbity-views of all, check out the view from Braemar Station – this is the where they filmed the epic scenic shots for the Warg Chase and approach to Rivendell.

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Lake Pukaki becomes a tapestry of colour in the summer, flowering with vibrant purple lupins. It’s also located in the Dark Sky Reserve, making it perfect for stargazing.

Films: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey & Desolation of Smaug
Where: Lake Pukaki, Makenzie/Cantebury District, South Island.
When: November to January, when lupins are flowering. Alternatively, go skiing in winter!
How much: Make sure to hire a car and drive down some of the most spectacular roads in the world. This can cost upwards of $30NZD per day.

Fifth stop: Flight of the Eagles (Fiordland National Parks).

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“The Eagles are coming.” A symbol of hope, the proud and noble-hearted Eagles came to the aid of Bilbo and company when all seemed lost in the Battle of Five Armies.

See the epic sweeping grasslands of Te Anau Downs, where they filmed the chase scenes, and journey through the wildlands where Thorin lead the dwarves at Mararoa Saddle.

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This stunning area is, of course, home to the striking fiords so synonymous with New Zealand. Take a boat cruise through Milford Sound and see thundering waterfalls and wild creatures. Or, like the Eagles, take flight with a helicopter tour to fully immerse yourself in the majesty of this spectacular landscape.

Film: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Where: Fiordland National Park, South Island.
When: Summer to do the gorgeous hikes!
How much: Heli tours range from $250NZD up to $13,500+NZD depending on the package, with most operators offering packaged tours around Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound between the $1000-$2000NZD mark.

And that concludes your journey as Bilbo Baggins!

All that’s left to do is, of course, to go back again.

“There are no safe paths in this part of the world. Remember you are over the Edge of the Wild now, and in for all sorts of fun wherever you go.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit.

First stop: Wētā Workshop for Movie Magic (Wellington).

We’ll skip Hobbiton here because we’ve already covered it, but of course visiting the Shire will be a vital part of your Frodo journey – it’d make the most sense (travel-wise) to leave it as the last bit of your North Island journey, or, it could be the first stop if you want to be more true to the narrative!

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Affectionally known as Wellywood, Wētā Workshop is where all the movie magic of Middle-earth was brought to life. The mini museum at Wētā Cave and tours at Wētā Workshop are must-dos on your Lord of the Rings pilgrimage; a magical place to immerse yourself in the imagination of Sir Peter Jackson and his crew, and experience all the creativity that goes into our favourite films.

FUN FACT

Wētā Workshop is a five-time Academy Award Winner, and more than 150,000 travellers visit each year.

Films: All LOTR Films and Hobbit Films.
Where: Wellington, North Island.
Address: Wētā Workshop - 21 Camperdown Rd, Wellington, Wellington, 6022, New Zealand. Wētā Cave - 1 Weka Street, Miramar, Wellington.
When: Year-round.
How much: Tours around Wētā Workshop cost $49NZD. Entry to Wētā Cave and mini museum is free. But don’t forget, you’ll probably want to take some money to buy some props, merch and collectibles too!

Third stop: Paths of the Dead (Putangirua Pinnacles).

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While Frodo might have been AWOL (busy journeying through Shelob’s lair), Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn followed the Paths of the Dead through the White Mountain, where the ghosts of the Oathbreakers lingered.

This eery scene was filmed in the Putangirua Pinnacles, where you can follow in their footsteps through the haunting white spires.

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The seven kilometre hike from Aorangi Forest Park takes about 2-4 hours and suitable for beginners, and there’s also a walk to some gorgeous views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke. Make sure to bring sturdy shoes too – you might not be walking on skulls, but the Path of the Dead can still be rocky under (hairy hobbit) foot.

Film: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Where: Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve, North Island.
When: Spring/summer season is ideal for hiking.
How much: Hiking is free, but you’ll need a hire car to get there.

Last stop: Mount Doom (Tongariro National Park).

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The wild volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park set the scene for the nightmarish realm of Mordor, with Mt Doom depicted by the perfectly circular cone of Mount Ngauruhoe.

Like Frodo, you can embark on an arduous journey to Mount Doom by hiking Tongariro Alpine Crossing – one of New Zealand’s Nine Great Walks (and NZ’s first UNESCO World Heritage site). Tongariro is home to particularly challenging treks, and on your quest you’ll journey past several volcanos and the Emerald Lakes.

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Mount Ngauruhoe, and specifically its peak, is sacred to the local Maori hapū, Ngāti Hikairo Ki Tongariro. Make sure to be respectful when travelling in the area.

Film: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Where: Mt Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park, Ruapehu District, Manawatu-Whanganui Region, New Zealand
When: Spring and Autumn are the most temperate seasons, but still expect temperamental weather on the mountain.
How much: You will either need to hire a car, shuttle there (about $35NZD return fare), plus accommodation if you choose to do the multi-day Tongariro Northern Circuit. You can join various guided expeditions over multiple days, or a less demanding half-day LOTR guided walk for $175NZD. 

Second stop: Dead Marshes, Fangorn Forest, and River Anduin (Te Anau, Fiordland National Park).

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From the Dead Marshes (Kepler Mire), where Frodo falls into the ghostly waters and is saved by Gollum; to Fangorn Forest (Takaro Road), where Merry and Pippin meet the Ents; to the Anduin River (Waiau River), where the fellowship bids farewell to the elves of Lothlorien and paddled onwards on their journey; the majesty and beauty of Fiordland National Park sets the ethereal scene.

To relive the Hobbit’s journey, hike the multi-day Milford Track through misty mountains, primordial rainforests, glacier-carved valleys and thundering waterfalls. There are also day-walks for hobbits seeking a milder expedition!

TRAVEL TIP

New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Site! Make sure to visit the famous Milford Sound (and surrounding sounds too!).

Film: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
Where: Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand
When: Only hike this trek through October until April. From May to late October it’s more dangerous with ice, snow and short daylight hours and should only be undertaken with alpine, river crossing and navigation skills.
How much: The hike is free, you’ll just need a car and supplies! In the area are also some helicopter tours and boat tours if you want some more adventures.

Last stop: Pelennor Fields (Twizel).

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The Battle of Pelennor Fields is the crescendo of the Lord of the Rings series – the largest battle in the series where the Orcs attempted to siege Gondor. When all seemed lost, the Rohirrim arrived on horseback and swept through the Orc army. On the cusp of the Orc’s defeat, the Men of the East arrived with their legion of Oliphaunts and joined alliances with the Orc army. In the final hour, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas arrived with the Undead Warriors, and Eowyn defeats the Witch King, with the famous line, “I am no man.” (Or, if you’re a fan of the books, “But no living man am I”).

Technically, Frodo isn’t in this scene, nor in the previous location Edoras. But these scenes were so pivotal to the series that they had to be included in this LOTR itinerary. The battle, as well as the Wargs chase, was filmed in a remote, privately-owned field in Twizel (you can arrange a tour in the town of Twizel).

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Twizel is also home to a charming little alpine town surrounded by vivid-blue lakes, lavender fields, and snowy mountains. Stay in Twizel and visit the nearby Lake Pukaki and Mount Aoraki (also known as Mt Cook) as part of Bilbo Baggins’s journey too!

Films: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Where: Twizel, Mackenzie Country, New Zealand
When: Year-round! There are some groups offering LOTR Twizel Tours, however none are currently operating. Keep your eyes peeled!.
How much: However much it costs your for a hire car and accommodation, and if you’re lucky enough to time it right, a tour!

And that concludes your journey as Frodo Baggins.

From here, it’s another journey yet to the eternal peace of the Undying Lands… but that’s a trip for another time.

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” Bilbo to Frodo, Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien.

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And that’s a wrap on the two adventures led by Bilbo and Frodo Baggins!
For your own hobbit’s journey through New Zealand, you’ll want to take a blend of cash and card in New Zealand Dollars ($NZD).

CASH

You’ll want to take cash with you, especially if travelling to rural areas where the wifi might be spotty. Cash is accepted pretty much everywhere, and is good to have on hand just-in-case.

CARD

New Zealand is one of the most card-friendly countries in the world. It’s pretty similar to Australia, and you’ll find it easy travelling with a prepaid travel card (like our Travel Money Oz Currency Pass)!

However, surprisingly, tap-and-go isn’t really used there – in fact, fees are passed on to the customer. So remember to always insert your card when paying.
Learn more about budgeting for your New Zealand adventures in our Destination Currency Guide.