Whether you’re a die-hard Tolkien fan, or simply curious to explore some scenery so stunning it inspired a whole fantasy world, a road trip to Middle-earth is perfect for anyone. Discover New Zealand/Aotearoa’s mountain ranges and grassy plains through the eyes of a Hobbit on this journey through The Lord of the Rings.
Filmed across more than 150 locations across the country, in your Hertz rental car you can relive the epic journey of the film series by visiting some of the picture-perfect spots from the big screen. Made up of The Lord of the Rings scenery that is even more magical in real life, choose your own Hobbit adventure on this epic road trip and embark on a mission of rolling hills and precious rings.
North Island Adventure: Journey to The Shire
There’s no better place to begin a The Lord of the Rings road trip on the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui than at the home of the Hobbits. The Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, just forty minutes’ drive east of Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, is like stepping through space and time and right into The Shire. This Hobbit village is the real movie set preserved from the filming of The Hobbit Trilogy, nestled into the hills of the Waikato town. There are a range of options to choose your own adventure at The Shire, from the classic Hobbiton Movie Set tour of the area to an Evening Banquet tour that is fit for a Hobbit. 
North Island Adventure: From The Forbidden Pool to the Hobbiton Woods
Journey further through the North Island on your Middle-earth journey and discover some of the sweeping mountainscapes and rugged rivers that inspired the fantasy land in the films. Two and a half hours’ drive south of The Hobbiton Movie Set, you’ll happen upon the majestic Tongariro National Park. Being the location of the forbidden pool from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, you can re-enact the moment where Frodo and Faramir capture Gollum by Tawhai Falls. A short drive from Whakapapa Village—which makes for an ideal homebase to explore this region—the serene falls make for not just an iconic movie location, but also a great spot to relax by the water. If you want to discover more hidden gems from the film franchise on the North Island, head down to Wellington/Te Whanganui a Tara on the island’s southern tip. While a bit further away at just under a four hour drive from Whakapapa Village, the city of Wellington is home to a collection of locations from The Lord of the Rings. From Wellington’s CBD, you can walk to the luscious Mount Victoria and discover the Hobbiton Woods where the Hobbits hid from the black riders. Wellington’s Kaitoke Regional Park is another popular location from the movies that depicts the famed location of Rivendell. 
South Island Adventure: Discover the Home of the One Ring
The Middle-earth adventures don’t stop there. New Zealand’s South Island/Te Waipounamu is also home to an abundance of locations straight from the film series. Begin your South Island Hobbit adventure with the home of the One Ring at Nelson Tasman. Jens Hansen is the goldsmith who crafted the 40 different rings used throughout the film series, and the location of the goldsmith is not only situated in a sensational location that is great for exploring with hikes and scenic drives, but there’s also the chance to see one of the original rings on display. If you want your own slice of the film to take home with you from your travels through Middle-earth, you can purchase a replica of the ring in 9ct and 18ct gold.
South Island Adventure: Venture Through Chetwood Forest
An hour and a half northwest from Jens Hansen, you can venture further into Middle-earth and through Chetwood Forest at Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve. Imagine you’re a Hobbit trying to escape the Black Riders, and while you’re doing so make sure to look around and take in this postcard-like landscape. Continue on your ultimate adventure with a visit to Mount Owen, just under three hours’ drive south of Canaan Downs. Here you’ll discover the rugged backcountry where the Fellowship escaped the Mines of Moria. Take this location to the next level with a helicopter tour with Helicopters Nelson to discover the region from high above. This is the most exciting way to observe the dramatic mountain ranges and soaring hills that have cemented the iconic imagery of the films in the minds of many.
From the Forbidden Pool to the Chetwood Forest, no matter where you find yourself in New Zealand, you can discover the stunning locations from The Lord of the Rings in your Hertz rental car.
