Hutt River
River Anduin and Rohan River
Flowing about 30 km from its origin in the Southern Tararua Ranges, the Hutt River meanders through forests, farmlands, and urban areas before eventually meeting the sea at Petone. The river's formation owes much to activity along the Wellington Fault over the past 2 million years, which fractured and weakened the underlying bedrock, giving rise to the associated floodplain. Once a significant transportation route for both Maori and European settlers, the river was accompanied by a footpath tracing its course for kilometers, extending over the Rimutaka Hill into the Wairarapa region. Original vegetation still graces the riverbanks in many spots, and its natural splendor provided an excellent backdrop for filming the River Anduin, conveniently close to the Wellington studios.
Principal filming took place along the river stretch between Moonshine and Totara Park, with additional smaller scenes shot at Kaitoke up north. Accessing the river can be achieved from SH2. After crossing Moonshine Bridge while heading north, be on the lookout for an access road on your left, shortly past Poet's Park. This area witnessed multiple launches of the small Elven boats into the river, capturing numerous close shots of the travelers from this very locale.
Another enjoyable way to explore the river is by walking the Hutt River Trail, commencing in Petone to the south and concluding 24 km later in Upper Hutt. Beginning at Moonshine Bridge, an access point invites a leisurely stroll along the riverbank to Totara Park.
The segment where Aragorn was cast ashore following his encounter with the Wargs in Rohan was filmed on a separate part of the Hutt River. To reach this spot, make a left off the main highway (SH2) around 2 km north of Upper Hutt onto Topaz Street. At the ensuing roundabout, take a right onto Gemstone Drive, and a short distance down on the right, public access awaits through a small driveway to the river.
Principal filming took place along the river stretch between Moonshine and Totara Park, with additional smaller scenes shot at Kaitoke up north. Accessing the river can be achieved from SH2. After crossing Moonshine Bridge while heading north, be on the lookout for an access road on your left, shortly past Poet's Park. This area witnessed multiple launches of the small Elven boats into the river, capturing numerous close shots of the travelers from this very locale.
Another enjoyable way to explore the river is by walking the Hutt River Trail, commencing in Petone to the south and concluding 24 km later in Upper Hutt. Beginning at Moonshine Bridge, an access point invites a leisurely stroll along the riverbank to Totara Park.
The segment where Aragorn was cast ashore following his encounter with the Wargs in Rohan was filmed on a separate part of the Hutt River. To reach this spot, make a left off the main highway (SH2) around 2 km north of Upper Hutt onto Topaz Street. At the ensuing roundabout, take a right onto Gemstone Drive, and a short distance down on the right, public access awaits through a small driveway to the river.