The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – Filming Locations
Adventure, Fantasy, Action · Directed by Peter Jackson · Starring Elijah Wood, Miranda Otto
As armies mass for a final battle that will decide the fate of the world--and powerful, ancient forces of Light and Dark compete to determine the outcome--one member of the Fellowship of the Ring is revealed as the noble heir to the throne of the Kings of Men. Yet, the sole hope for triumph over evil lies with a brave hobbit, Frodo, who, accompanied by his loyal friend Sam and the hideous, wretched Gollum, ventures deep into the very dark heart of Mordor on his seemingly impossible quest to destroy the Ring of Power.
Where was The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King filmed?
- Wellington, New Zealand, Wellington – Mordor landscapes and Mount Doom approach scenes. The quarry was extensively used for the desolate volcanic landscapes leading to Mount Doom in the final battles.
- Matamata, New Zealand, Matamata – Frodo and Sam's departure, Shire scenes at the end. The permanent Shire set was used for the closing scenes showing the hobbits' return home and the Grey Havens departure.
- Twizel, New Zealand, Twizel – Gondor's Minas Tirith approach and Rohan capital Edoras. The mountain was digitally enhanced to represent the fortress city of Edoras and surrounding Rohan landscapes.
- Glenorchy, New Zealand, Glenorchy – Emyn Muil hills and southern Gondor landscapes. The stunning New Zealand landscape provided the background for the journey through treacherous mountain terrain.
- Wellington, New Zealand, Wellington – Minas Tirith exterior shots and Gondor city scenes. Studio facilities and city locations were used for constructing and filming the grand city of Gondor exterior sequences.
- Kawarau River, New Zealand, Queenstown – River crossing and landscape scenes. The dramatic river gorge provided natural scenery for various journey and landscape sequences throughout the film.