Te Anau: Natural Landmarks & Lord of the Rings Location Tour

Exploring the picturesque region of Te Anau offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cinematic allure. This comprehensive tour whisks visitors through a captivating landscape, where they’ll encounter rare native birds, traverse iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Southern Lakes district. From the awe-inspiring Dead Marshes to the enchanting Mavora Lakes, this small-group adventure promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of the area’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• This 5-hour small-group tour from Te Anau explores natural landmarks and iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations, priced from $119.67 per person.
• Highlights include visiting the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to observe rare birds, traversing the Dead Marshes, and crossing the scenic cable bridge over the Waiau River.
• Discover the serene shores of Lake Manapouri and learn about the Manapouri hydro dam, as well as reenact memorable movie scenes at the Mavora Lakes.
• The tour includes pickup in an 11-seater minibus, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance and a ‘reserve now & pay later’ option.
• The tour is unsuitable for those with mobility impairments, and weather-appropriate clothing is required, with minimum participant numbers applying.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Te Anau Natural Landmarks & Lord of the Rings Location Tour is a 5-hour small-group activity priced from $119.67 per person.

The tour includes pickup in an 11-seater minibus with Cheeky Kiwi Travel branding. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s a ‘reserve now & pay later’ option available.

The tour explores a variety of natural landmarks and filming locations from the Lord of the Rings movies, such as the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, the Dead Marshes, and the famous Mavora Lakes.

With an emphasis on small groups, passionate guides, and unique experiences, this tour offers an engaging and enjoyable way to discover the stunning landscapes of Te Anau.

Itinerary Highlights

Guided tours take visitors to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, where they can observe rare birds like Takahe and Kaka. From there, the tour proceeds to the Dead Marshes, a viewpoint of the Lord of the Rings filming location where Frodo and Sam waded through mud.

Destination	Highlights
Rainbow Reach	Visitors cross a cable bridge over the Waiau River, known as the River Anduin in the Lord of the Rings films, and explore the Kepler Track.
Lake Manapouri	Travelers discover the shores of this famous New Zealand lake and learn about the Manapouri hydro dam.
Mavora Lakes	The tour visits iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations, including Orc battle sites and Fangorn Forest.

Rare Bird Encounters

Visitors exploring the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary get up close with some of New Zealand’s rarest avian species, including the distinctive Takahe and Kaka parrots.

The Takahe, once thought to be extinct, is a striking blue-and-green bird with a large, hooked beak. Guides share the fascinating story of how conservation efforts have helped restore this unique flightless bird.

Equally captivating are the cheeky Kaka parrots, known for their mischievous behavior and vibrant plumage. Guests have the chance to observe these intelligent birds up close as they forage and interact.

The guided tour offers a rare glimpse into the diverse and fragile ecosystem of the Te Anau region, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for New Zealand’s precious wildlife.

Iconic LOTR Locations

Beyond the rare bird encounters, the tour takes guests to iconic filming locations from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, allowing them to enjoy the stunning landscapes that served as backdrops for these beloved fantasy films.

Visitors will explore the Dead Marshes, where Frodo and Sam waded through the mud, and venture to the Rainbow Reach, home to the famous cable bridge over the Waiau River, which stood in for the River Anduin.

The highlight of the tour is the Mavora Lakes, where guests can walk in the footsteps of Aragorn and Legolas, visiting Orc battle sites and the legendary Fangorn Forest.

With opportunities to recreate movie scenes, this tour offers a truly magical LOTR experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Scenic Cable Bridge

A stunning cable bridge spanning the Waiau River, known as the Rainbow Reach, offers visitors a chance to enjoy the cinematic landscapes that inspired The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Trekking across this iconic bridge, guests can gaze upon the same vistas that served as the backdrop for the River Anduin in the beloved fantasy films.

Beyond the bridge, the Kepler Track beckons, allowing adventurers to further explore the untamed wilderness that captivated both Tolkien and his cinematic counterparts.

This scenic crossing not only provides a unique photo opportunity but also a glimpse into the natural wonders that have enchanted fans and filmmakers alike.

Manapouri’s Natural Beauty

Manapouri’s serene shores beckon visitors to explore its captivating natural beauty, offering a window into New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes. Tucked away amidst the Southern Alps, this famous lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain backdrops.

During the tour, travelers will have the chance to learn about the Manapouri hydro dam, a testament to the region’s engineering marvels. As they stroll along the lake’s edge, they’ll be immersed in the tranquility of this unspoiled natural wonder, taking in the sights and sounds that have inspired generations of visitors.

Whether admiring the reflections on the glassy surface or marveling at the rugged peaks surrounding the lake, Manapouri’s natural allure is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Recreating Movie Moments

Visitors frequently have the opportunity to recreate memorable scenes from the Lord of the Rings trilogy at the Mavora Lakes, one of the tour’s highlight destinations.

With stunning landscapes that mimic Middle-earth, the Mavora Lakes provide the perfect backdrop for reenacting famous movie moments. Travelers can pose with prop weapons and costumes, transporting themselves into the iconic fantasy world.

The guides encourage participants to get creative, whether it’s portraying Aragorn leading his army or Frodo and Sam traversing the rugged terrain. This immersive experience allows visitors to truly feel like they’ve stepped into the pages of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved books.

It’s a unique chance to connect with the magic of the films in a tangible way.

Important Tour Details

The tour’s moderate walking requirements make it unsuitable for those with mobility impairments. Participants must wear weather-appropriate clothing as the tour operates in all conditions. Minimum participant numbers apply, and the tour may be subject to cancellation if not met. Plus, children 7 and under must use a provided child safety car seat with 24 hours’ notice.

Bottled water and snacks are included, and gratuities are covered.

The small group size and passionate guides emphasize unique experiences, allowing travelers to recreate movie scenes with provided props at the Mavora Lakes filming locations. The tour offers an engaging and enjoyable way to explore Te Anau’s natural landmarks and the iconic Lord of the Rings filming sites.

Recap

This tour offers a chance to take in the natural wonders of Te Anau and the iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations.

From observing rare birds to exploring scenic landmarks, the experience promises breathtaking views and the opportunity to recreate memorable movie moments.

Whether a fan of the films or simply seeking a connection with nature, this tour is a must for those visiting the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: