Lord of the Rings

Wellington's Kiwi Holiday Park is in the heart of “Lord of The Rings” Country.

In fact staying here is a bit like stepping into Middle Earth.

Set across 82 acres of lush open forest, reminiscent of the landscapes between The Shire and Rivendell, our site immerses you in the timeless New Zealand scenery that so beautifully brought Tolkien’s world to life. Ancient trees, some estimated to be over 800 years old, stand as sentinels, evoking the magical essence of Middle-earth.

The gentle sound of the River Anduin (the Hutt River flowing west of the camp) will lull you to sleep after a day exploring Wellington or visiting nearby Lord of the Rings filming locations. This stretch of the river was featured as the Fellowship’s canoe route after leaving Lothlórien on their journey toward Gondor.
Key Filming Sites Nearby

Harcourt Park: Transformed into the Gardens of Isengard for The Lord of the Rings, Harcourt Park is where Gandalf and Saruman first discussed the discovery of the One Ring. The park's open spaces and distinctive trees made it an ideal filming location.
New Zealand

The Orc Tree: Just 100 meters from our camp lies the site where the Orc ambush scenes were filmed. A piece of the actual tree is proudly displayed at our reception—one of the few authentic relics from the filming not owned by Wingnut Films or Weta Workshop.

Aragorn’s Revival Site: A picturesque 15-minute stroll upstream takes you to the spot where Aragorn was revived by his horse after the Warg attack in The Two Towers.

The Garden of Isengard: Stroll through the serene gardens where Gandalf and Saruman conversed in The Fellowship of the Ring. This iconic location is just 100 meters from reception and remains as breathtaking as it was in the film.

Rivendell (Kaitoke Regional Park): A mere 10-minute drive away, Rivendell offers awe-inspiring forest walks among towering trees and stunning views of “The Anduin.” A highlight of the area is the 30-meter-wide suspension bridge, a quintessential New Zealand experience.
New Zealand

Helm’s Deep: While no set remains, the filming location is only 8 km from the camp.

Enhance Your Experience


Maps and guides are available at reception to help you navigate these iconic locations. We also host occasional Lord of the Rings events—ask us to notify you of the next one!
For the Ultimate Tolkien Fan

Whether you’re seeking to retrace the steps of your favorite characters, photograph breathtaking vistas, or simply relax by the tranquil sounds of the Anduin, our camp offers the perfect base. With Wellington just a 35-minute drive away, you’ll enjoy the best of Middle-earth and the modern world.

Stay where Middle-earth comes to life—we guarantee you’ll love your experience!
Waterworks Road in Upper Hutt offers a peaceful, scenic route that takes you through lush greenery and natural beauty, much like the tranquil setting of Rivendell from The Lord of the Rings. While not directly linked to Rivendell itself, the area evokes a similar sense of serenity, with its tree-lined roads, quiet surroundings, and access to outdoor walks and nature reserves. The road winds its way through a mixture of native bush and open spaces, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature. Nearby, the Hutt River flows gently, adding to the calm atmosphere that mirrors the elvish refuge of Rivendell—an ideal spot for relaxation, reflection, or outdoor activities.