Which Areas of the New Zealand Fiordland Were Used During the Filming of Lord of the Rings?
If you are a true Lord of the Rings fan who wants to make the most of their experience, it doesn’t hurt to know the coordinates for each location. They include:
- The areas South of Rivendell: You can find the areas south of Rivendell at Fiordland National Park by walking. Use the coordinates: 45° 25.358’S 167° 20.800’E
- Anduin River: Anduin River is featured on the opening scene of The Fellowship of the Rings. You can find it using the coordinates: 45° 29.755’S 167° 40.159’E. It is best to access it from Rainbow Road.
- The Dead Marshes: The Dead Marshes can be accessed from Te Anau highway using the following coordinates: 45° 29.567’S 167° 41.897’E
When you visit your chosen area, do remember that the Fiordland is one of the wettest regions on Earth. As such, you are going to need to take a good waterproof jacket with you to get the most out of your day. Make sure yours has deep pockets for your camera, as any true Lord of the Rings fan will want to get pictures of themselves in the areas where Frodo and his contemporaries roamed.
Finding the Simplest Way to Explore Milford Sound and Other Areas
One of the easiest ways to explore Milford Sound and the surrounding areas is to take a day cruise. You have a couple of options for reaching the area. Many companies offer coach travel, flights, and helicopter tours. The one you choose to take will most likely depend on a combination of your budget and the areas you want to see.
Another excellent option for those wanting to visit the area is to drive into it. It is possible to drive to the Fiordland National Park from Queenstown and back over the course of a day. From the moment you reach Te Anau National Park, you begin to take in the scenery that acted as a backdrop for the Lord of the Rings triology. Some of the highlights of the journey include Lake Fergus. While Lake Fergus was not used in the film itself, it bears a stark resemblance to some of the actual shooting locations. As such, it is breathtaking to take in while you are on your way to Milford Sound and other Fiordland areas.
It is unusual for Lord of the Rings fans, or any other tourists, to spend more than a day in the area. Although there are some accommodation options available, they are quite limited, and it is usually a more budget-friendly option to head to the area for a day.
These areas aren’t just suitable for Lord of the Rings fans. If you want to delve into Middle Earth in general, they are going to meet your expectations. Fans of The Hobbit and Game of Thrones will also be delighted with the scenery the Fiordland National Park has to offer. So whether you fancy yourself as Jon Snow, Frodo, or another of your favourite Middle Earth characters, a visit to the Fiordland National Park is well worth your time.
Interested in seeing these amazing sights for yourself? Book a Boutique Day Cruise with us now!
