In the spectacular Rangitata river valley in New Zealand’s Southern Alps lies Mt Sunday. With its sheer sides, it was the perfect backdrop for Edoras, the Middle-earth kingdom of Rohan from JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

Joining a Lord of the Rings tour from Christchurch, you will be able to witness how this unspoilt and remote location on Mt Potts High Country Station was transformed into this magical kingdom for the filming of the movie.

What are the best Lord of the Rings tours from Christchurch?

On a Lord of the Rings tour from Christchurch you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the scenery that brought the works of Tolkien to life. Whether over land or by air, you will be able to enjoy the dramatic landscapes of this region of New Zealand.

Lord of the Rings – Journey to Edoras from Christchurch

This full day tour by 4-wheel drive vehicle takes you to the summit of Mt Sunday.

You will meet at the entrance of the Canterbury Museum and head out of the city. Enroute, you will stop at Lake Clearwater for a photo opportunity before continuing on the Mt Sunday.

Your knowledgeable guide will tell you about the transformation of this site into Edoras, the mythical capital city of the Rohan people. You will see exclusive photographs of Edoras under construction and hear about how it was erected and then disassembled after only three weeks of filming.

This tour includes a picnic lunch at Mt Potts Lodge before returning to Christchurch.

Private full-day tour from Christchurch to Lord of the Rings Country

Departing from Lyttleton Port, this private tour travels west towards the Southern Alps that forms part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.

This private tour travels into Lord of the Rings country where you can pose with some replica props and learn about other fil sites in the area.

You will visit the Devil’s Punch Bowl falls and Arthur’s Pass, the midway point between the West and East coasts and see the many viaducts, bridges, and redirected waterfalls in the region.

As an added bonus, this tour will include a comprehensive tour of downtown Christchurch, the Garden City and see how the city has been rebuilt into one of the safest and most modern in the world.

Scenic day tour including Lord of the Rings from Christchurch

This scenic tour includes a visit to the Erewho Station, a genuine high country working sheep and cattle station.

After a collection from your hotel, depart for Erewho Station, taking in sights such as Lake Clearwater, Mt Potts and Mt Hutt before passing the site of Middle-earth’s Edoras.

You have the option to be transported back in time on a wagon pulled by Clydesdale horses where you can enjoy the rivers, pastures and forests that surround the mountain scenery.

This tour uses a luxury coach and includes a highly knowledgeable guide, lunch, morning and afternoon tea and an optional wagon ride.

Helicopter tour from Christchurch to Mt Sunday (Edoras)

Departing from Christchurch, you will enjoy a helicopter flight to the New Zealand mountain ranges, the backdrop to the Lord of the Rings films.

After a checking in for your flight, you will receive a safety briefing by your pilot. With live commentary from the pilot, you will fly over the fertile Canterbury Plains and head to the Southern Alps and their glacial lakes.

Weather permitting you may touch down on Liebig Dome to view Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak before flying over the Tasman Glacier.

You will see the filming location at Mount Sunday of Edoras and pass by the Mackenzie District, the filming site of the epic battle on Pelennor fields before returning to Christchurch.

How much do Lord of the Rings tours from Christchurch cost?

A full-day Lord of the Rings tour starts from NZ$300 per person (US$180). A slightly shorter tour on a private basis will cost NZ$200 (US$120) per person for up to eight people, based on a minimum of two confirmed participants.

Scenic day tours in a 4-wheel drive vehicle that includes the Lord of the Rings sites cost NZ$320 per person (US$190) and a helicopter Lord of the Rings tour from Christchurch costs NZ$2,710 per person (US$1,650) with a minimum of two passengers required to confirm.

What is included in a Lord of the Rings tour from Christchurch?

Your Lord of the Rings day excursion from Christchurch includes your transport by coach, 4-wheel drive vehicle or by helicopter.

Road tours include lunch and some tours include other snacks and drinks. You will have the benefit of an expert guide. Many tours include the opportunity to pose with replica props from the Lord of the Rings films.

Helicopter tours include all landing and facility fees and taxes.

Where do Lord of the Rings tours from Christchurch start?

You will be collected from your hotel or asked to meet at a central meeting point in Christchurch for the start of your Lord of the Rings tour. If you have opted for a helicopter tour, you will either be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport or asked to meet your pilot or guide at the airport for the start of your tour.

How long do Lord of the Rings tours from Christchurch last?

A full day small group Lord of the Rings tour from Christchurch lasts around 9 hours including travelling time and a lunch stop. A private tour for up to eight people takes 7 hours.

If you opt for a helicopter Lord of the Rings tour, this will take approximately 3 hours.

When is the best time for a Lord of the Rings tour from Christchurch?

The weather on New Zealand’s South Island can be unpredictable. Winter is the rainy season and temperatures can get cold. Therefore, the best time for a Lord of the Rings tour is during the summer months from November to April.

Helicopter tours require good weather to operate. If the weather is poor, you will be offered a different date or a refund on your booking.

Are children allowed on a Lord of the Rings tour from Christchurch?

Children are permitted on Lord of the Rings tours. However, the tours are not recommended for children under 4-years-old due to the length of the tour and the walking required. Infants are to be carried on the lap during a helicopter tour.

Is it safe to take a Lord of the Rings tour from Christchurch?

The Lord of the Rings tour from Christchurch is safe, but it is recommended that you have moderate fitness to enjoy the walking on the tour. You are asked to bring any essential medication you require with you on a helicopter tour.

Travel tips

Dress for all seasons as the weather can be unpredictable.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Advise your dietary requirements in advance.
Let the tour operator know if you have any mobility issues.
Remember your camera.
Carry a few snacks and bottled water for the journey.

Lord of the Rings Tours from Christchurch