New Zealand is a filmmaker’s dream. From snow-capped peaks and windswept valleys to lush rainforests and rugged coastlines, the scenery is second to none. It’s no surprise that the country has become the backdrop for some of the world’s biggest blockbusters. In this blog post, we’ll take you through iconic film locations you can visit on your next road trip. Whether you’re a movie buff or just chasing epic landscapes, touring these locations by campervan is like stepping onto the big screen.
1. Fiordland & Milford Sound – The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit
Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most famous movie locations, featured as Fangorn Forest and the River Anduin in The Lord of the Rings. Milford Sound’s towering cliffs and misty waters create a landscape that feels straight out of Middle-earth. You can explore it for yourself — DOC campsites nearby make it easy for campervanners to access popular walking tracks and boat tours early in the day.
2. Mount Sunday – Edoras in The Lord of the Rings
Located in the remote Ashburton Lakes region, Mount Sunday was transformed into Edoras, the capital of Rohan. Although the film set is no longer there, the surrounding landscape is as cinematic as ever. A 4WD-accessible road and a short walking track lead to the top of the hill with sweeping alpine views. Stay overnight at a nearby campground and wake up with Middle-earth on your doorstep.
3. Matamata – Hobbiton
The lush rolling hills of Matamata became the Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. The Hobbiton movie set has been preserved as a permanent attraction, complete with hobbit holes, gardens, and the iconic Green Dragon Inn. It’s an easy drive from Auckland and makes for a perfect campervan detour.
4. Mount Taranaki – The Last Samurai
Mount Taranaki stood in for Japan’s Mount Fuji in Tom Cruise’s The Last Samurai. Its near-perfect cone shape and surrounding forest create an ideal setting for hiking, photography, and film history. Campervan travellers can explore the area via the scenic Surf Highway 45 and stay at one of the nearby holiday parks.
5. Kawarau Gorge & Skippers Canyon – X-Men Origins: Wolverine
These dramatic landscapes near Queenstown were featured in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. With winding roads and towering cliffs, it’s not hard to see why filmmakers chose this wild location. If you’re based in the South, you can easily access the gorge via motorhome rental services and enjoy nearby freedom camping.
6. Cathedral Cove – The Chronicles of Narnia
This Coromandel beauty served as the gateway to Narnia in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The beach, framed by a natural rock arch and turquoise waters, is accessible via a short hike or kayak trip. It’s a popular stop for campervanners touring the North Island.
7. Paradise (Glenorchy) – The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings
Yes, it’s literally called Paradise, and it’s not hard to see why. Just a short drive from Queenstown, Glenorchy and its surrounding valleys were featured in several scenes from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The area is dotted with DOC campsites and campervan-friendly campgrounds, perfect for spending a night under the stars.
Plan Your Movie Magic Campervan Journey
Exploring New Zealand film locations by campervan offers freedom and flexibility to linger longer at your favourite spots, capture photos, and truly take in the cinematic magic. From Hobbit holes to ancient battlefields, you can create your own movie moments wherever the road takes you.
At Kia Ora Campers, we make it easy to live out your movie-inspired road trip. Our fully equipped campervans are ideal for chasing waterfalls, mountain passes, and film-famous landmarks across New Zealand. Book your campervan today and start exploring New Zealand’s most famous film locations!