Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Tour FAQs

1. Is this Lord of the Rings or Hobbit Tour Accessible?

During the tour we usually travel a few metres from the vehicle making this is suitable for people who may have mobility issues. The smaller fold up travel mobility scooters can fit into the van folded up so if you want to use to move around when on site, let us know so we can ensure there is enough room for it to be brought along.

Our vehicle does not have wheelchair accessible but we have two options that may suit a wheelchair user:

We can place the wheelchair user in the seat we feel will give the best opportunity to be part of the tour. Usually this is the front seat in the vehicle where it is easy to open the door when the guide is outside so you can hear and handle replica props.

We can arrange a private tour and travel in your wheelchair modified vehicle, there will need to be some room for the props etc the guide uses on tour. Private tours are charged on an hourly rate (a set price covers up to 9 people).

Let us know what requirements you may have and we will arranged a memorable experience for you.

2. What do I need to take with me?

We are out on location for almost the entire trip so we’d suggest you take snacks and water with you. We do have some snacks and drinks available for purchase in the vehicle.

3. What Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed in Twizel?

The absolutely stunning location for Lord of the Rings in Twizel was used in a number scenes from the Return of the King. These are listed by scene titles as the scene numbers vary depending on whether you are watching the theatrical (short) or extended version of the triology.

• Minas Tirith -Gandalf and Pippen crossing the border of Rohan into Gondor
• The Fall of Osgiliath -Faramir and his rangers fleeing back to the safety of Minas Tirith
• The Sacrific of Faramir -Faramir and soldiers trying to retake Osgiliath
• The Ride of the Rohirrim – Arrival of Rohirrim to aid Gondor, King Theoden’s speech and the charge of the Rohirrim into battle
• The Battle of Pelennor Fields – The battle between Rohirrim and the Armies of Mordor
• The Nazgul and his Prey – The death of King Theoden
• Sheildmadien of Rohan – Eowyn killing the Witch King
• Victory at Minas Tirith – Fighting on Pelennor

Some scenes also have footage from other locations that were filmed later and edited with Twizel footage, in the 2 hour tour we can explain how to spot them!

4. Who runs the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Tours?

The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Tours in Twizel are run by OneRing Tours. We are the only local tour operator to this private location and thousands of people have entered Middle-earth and been entertained here since 2003. This is one of the most highly recommended LOTR Tours in New Zealand.

OneRing Tours is a boutique family run business with an emphasis on tours that are fun and interactive, the aim is for clients to feel that they have had a great time which has added to their holiday experience. Owner Dawn Ghoorah has been a fan of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit since the 1980s, was part of the local filming and is delighted to share her enthusiasm and love for the LOTR and the Hobbit to visitors.

OneRing Tours is a member of the Tourism Industry Association.

5. Is the Lord of the Rings Tour Twizel suitable for small children?

Yes, this is a fun and informative tour suitable for family groups!

Children 5 years and younger are free as many of the technical movie making concepts will not mean anything to them. Most children do like the Lord of the Rings props, dressing up and taking photos, so they enjoy that part of the tour.

Please bring your car seat if your child requires one. Most car seats are easy to move and we can fit them into our van for the tour. Do let us know if you need to do this as we need to fit the car seat before the departure time of the tour, 10 minutes is usually enough time.

You are welcome to bring along water and perhaps some snacks and a toy or two (something small and quiet they can play with in the van if needed).

All parents are asked to ensure their children follow the guides instructions at all times and younger children can handle props with assistance from their parents (i.e. a parent is holding any props like a sword at the same time as the child – safety first!).

Children under 14 are not allowed on the Twilight Tour.

6. When do you operate?

We operate for 9 months of the year, September through to May.

We do NOT operate scheduled tours in our winter months of June, July and August due to the low demand for tours. However, we’d hate you to miss out on the stunning winter scenery so we are able to run private 2 hour tours, on demand, for 4 or more people. Just Contact LOTR Tours and please give us 2 days notice.

7. Cancellation Policy

You must ring our free phone number 0800 213 868 AT LEAST 24 hours before the time of departure to cancel your tour, failure to cancel will result in the full amount being charged to your credit card. If may be possible to rebook you on another tour at a different time or date with no additional fees. This trip will not be cancelled due to weather.