As a huge Lord of the Rings fan, I asked the travel agency organising our honeymoon to include at least a couple of themed activities. One, of course, was visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set in the North Island; the second was exploring the mountain that served as the main filming location for the city of Edoras in the South Island. We were incredibly lucky with the weather: a stunningly beautiful day, bright sunshine despite spring having only just begun and the temperature still being mild. Our guide, Natasha, was exceptional – kind, friendly, and above all absolutely badass. She told us every detail about the set and the story behind those days spent framing the film’s cast against the backdrop of the capital of the Kingdom of Rohan. And then came the climb to the top of the mountain. It’s accessible to everyone, though not without its challenges – but every effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view of what Sir Peter Jackson believed to be Tolkien’s true vision of Rohan. Lunch at a nearby station, along with numerous video testimonies and images showing the blueprints of Meduseld, made the experience truly unique and unforgettable. Thank you, Natasha – and thank you Andy, Sally, Jane, David, and all the companions with whom we shared this little adventure.
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Reviews
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Riccardo Retez ★★★★★
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Jamie Colliver ★☆☆☆☆
(NEVER AGAIN) Should be named The Most Hassle Tours. Had the worst tour ever to Edoras with our Guide Peter, the weather was terrible so was already disappointed, but tried to make the best of it. Our guide did not bother to bring his images up showing the filming locations and could care less about the site. He said we had until 2.30pm to hike up to the top and get back again. Once we got to the top he stayed up the top for 5 mins, i said to him we would take photos for about 15 mins and need go slowly descend down due to the rain/mud. When we got back about 30 mins no more and on time he then preceded to give us a sarcastic clap with most of the tour group, complaining we took so long and said we never told him we would be up there. We then had to sit through a painfully akward lunch with him. Not only was the view of Edoras rushed and terrible, this was hands down after visting 40 countrys the worst day tour experince I've ever had, being a giant Lord of the Rings fan this soured my time in NZ. I advise any LOTR fan avoid this company, I would recommend driving there yourself or hiring a private driver.
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Paul S ★★★★★
I only had limited time in Christchurch. Our scheduled day trip to Mt. Sunday (Edoras filming location) was canceled due to extreme weather conditions. Our driver, Cheryl, volunteered to take us the following day even though they hadn't planned to do a tour then. Our tour was amazing! Cheryl is a great and knowledgeable guide and the scenery is stunning. It was an incredible trip and I'm so thankful they worked to make it happen for us. I highly recommend this tour whether you're a fan of the Lord of the Rings or not! Thank you for an awesome trip!
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Jamilah Karah ★★★★★
Wow wow wow! As both a LOTR and scenery fan this trip was an absolute treat. Our guide Cheryl was humorous and insightful while telling us behind-the-scenes stories and was knowledgeable enough to answer any question thrown at her. The views were gorgeous, and it was so cool standing where Edoras was once built. I would recommend this journey 100 times out of 100.
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Paul Flachskampf ★★★★★
Great tour to Edoras. Maria was a great guide. Absolutely stunning views and a lot of fun.
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Chloe Mackenzie ★★★★★
My husband and I LOVED the Mount Sunday tour. We're big Lord of the Rings fans so seeing where Edoras was built and filmed was magical. Yet even aside from that, Mount Sunday is undoubtedly an incredible place to visit. The hike up was tough but not too long, and we were allowed to carry a replica sword and axe from LOTR which made it more fun. The view from the top is absolutely stunning. A really incredible place. Our guide Natasha was wonderful - she gave us heaps of interesting info about the area, the filming of LOTR and building of the sets, and some great stories about friends of hers who were extras on the films. She was also a wonderful photographer, going the extra mile to get good angles of us holding the flag of Rohan at the top of Mount Sunday! This was one of our favourite places we visited in NZ. Highly recommend whether you are a LOTR fan or not (but if you are, you really have to go - it's no wonder this was a favourite location of so many of the actors!) Thanks again Natasha!
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Beth Jenkins ★★★★★
Had an amazing tour today with Natasha who was helpful, insightful, and enthusiastic. The lunch provided was excellent, it was lovely eating with such beautiful views. The walk itself up to the top is not too strenuous, but a jacket and sun cream is essential. I would recommend doing this if you are a LOTR fan, or even just a fan of gorgeous views!
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Hassle-free Tours is located at Prestons Road, Marshland, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
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