‘The Rings Of Power’ Was Filmed At These Places In New Zealand — LOTR Fans, Plan Your Next Trip Around These Spectacular Locations

You don’t have to be a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan to be blown away by the gorgeous landscapes that form the backdrop of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Set thousands of years before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings films, the latest Amazon eight-parter was shot on location in New Zealand. Yes, just like its screen predecessors.

Behind the scenes of The Rings of Power (Photo: Ben Rothstein)

It’s not difficult to see why New Zealand has been the LOTR producers’ favourite backdrop for Middle Earth. Stunning landscapes, majestic mountains and untouched beauty across the North and South Islands easily transport you into an epic fantasy.

Travellers and LOTR fans who want to turn that screen fantasy into reality are in luck. Herewith, a guide to The Rings of Power’s filming locations in New Zealand to visit on your next epic road trip. 

The Rings of Power was filmed in various parts of New Zealand (Photo: Ben Rothstein)

South Island

#1: Mount Cook National Park

Hooker Hut with views of Aoraki Mount Cook (Photo: New Zealand Mountain Safety Council)

This picturesque national park is where NZ’s tallest peaks and longest glaciers can be found, so naturally, it was selected as a filming location. Specifically, the majestic Minarets and the Tasman glacier were featured in The Rings of Power.

Where to go: Be sure to make a pit stop at the stunning Minaret Station, or go on a relatively easy hike on the Hooker Valley Track at Mt Cook.

#2: Queenstown region

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, and this filming spot here takes it to the next level. The Wye Creek Ice Wall, regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest alpine playgrounds, makes an appearance in The Rings of Power. Visitors can head here for ice climbing adventures with guides and companies that organise trips to the Wye Creek Ice Wall, located 40 minutes from Queenstown in The Remarkables mountain ranges.

Where to go: If ice climbing isn’t your thing, fret not. Queenstown has plenty of other activities that’ll thrill adrenaline junkies. Go bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge, hop on an exhilarating Shotover jet boat ride, or take things slow at Gibbston Valley Winery.

Jack's Point, located at the foot of The Remarkables (Photo: Camilla Rutherford)

#3: Fiordland National Park

The stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains found in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s biggest national park, also make an appearance in The Rings of Power. Zero in on the spectacular Bowen Falls, Sutherland Falls, Lake Quill, Mt Tautoko and Mount Kidd.

Where to go: Mt Kidd, Milford Sound, Manapouri Lake, all scenic showstoppers that will make for an unforgettable trip.

North Island

#1: Muriwai beach and Piha beach

West coast of Auckland (Photo: Tourism New Zealand)

Want to visit the black sand beaches that you see on The Rings of Power? Then add the famous beaches of West Auckland to your itinerary.

Where to go: Travellers can learn surfing at Piha beach, visit the gannet colony at Muriwai beach or hike the Waitakere Ranges.

#2: Hauraki Gulf, Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula

Over a million hectares of sparkling blue waters and emerald islands make up NZ’s first national marine park. Immensely picturesque, it's no wonder Hauraki Gulf’s dramatic cliffs and beaches were featured in many scenes of The Rings of Power.

Where to go: Looking to immerse yourself in nature? Go hiking on Rangitoto Island, wine-tasting on Waiheke Island, dolphin-spotting off Auckland Harbour or chill at the beach at Cathedral Cove.

Sunrise at Cathedral Cove (Photo: Rach Stewart)