Rangitikei River Gorge
River Anduin
In "The Fellowship of the Ring," the River Andwin was actually created by merging elements from four different rivers in New Zealand. The first one, the Rangitikei River near Taihape, sets the stage with its striking presence. This river, relatively young in geological terms, has sculpted impressive cliff walls as it makes its way to the Tasman Sea.
To find this filming location, a short drive south from Thihape followed by a left turn at Ohotu will lead you there. As a bonus, you'll come across an exciting bungee jump site – the North Island's highest – along with a flying fox and a swing. Just follow the signs that point to 'Mokai Gravity Canyon' for a drive that takes you through charming New Zealand countryside. Once you reach the bungee site, park your car and take a stroll across the one-way traffic bridge. The moment you do, you're greeted with a truly breathtaking sight: an untouched river flowing 80 meters below, weaving its way through an awe-inspiring gorge.
Interestingly, the Moawhango River, where it meets the Rangitikei, also played a part in bringing the Andwin to life. After heading back to the main road, you'll cross another one-way bridge. If you park at the far end and walk back onto it, you'll be treated to another fantastic view – a fern-covered, steep gorge with the Moawhango rushing towards the Rangitikei.
If you're up for your own adventure on the Andwin, all you need to do is drive 18 km south to Mangaweka. There, you'll find the Mangaweka Adventure Company, which is conveniently located below the unique DC-3 café. These folks are real pros in river safety and were involved in the filming in this area. They offer a fantastic full-day ecotour called 'Grand Canyons of the Rangitikei.' This tour takes you right past the very spot where the filming took place. What's great is that it's suitable for all ages, and you'll get to enjoy the tranquility of oar-powered rafts as you peacefully drift downstream. Along the way, the tour also lets you in on the fascinating world of concretionary boulders and ancient shellfish that date back to times long past.
To find this filming location, a short drive south from Thihape followed by a left turn at Ohotu will lead you there. As a bonus, you'll come across an exciting bungee jump site – the North Island's highest – along with a flying fox and a swing. Just follow the signs that point to 'Mokai Gravity Canyon' for a drive that takes you through charming New Zealand countryside. Once you reach the bungee site, park your car and take a stroll across the one-way traffic bridge. The moment you do, you're greeted with a truly breathtaking sight: an untouched river flowing 80 meters below, weaving its way through an awe-inspiring gorge.
Interestingly, the Moawhango River, where it meets the Rangitikei, also played a part in bringing the Andwin to life. After heading back to the main road, you'll cross another one-way bridge. If you park at the far end and walk back onto it, you'll be treated to another fantastic view – a fern-covered, steep gorge with the Moawhango rushing towards the Rangitikei.
If you're up for your own adventure on the Andwin, all you need to do is drive 18 km south to Mangaweka. There, you'll find the Mangaweka Adventure Company, which is conveniently located below the unique DC-3 café. These folks are real pros in river safety and were involved in the filming in this area. They offer a fantastic full-day ecotour called 'Grand Canyons of the Rangitikei.' This tour takes you right past the very spot where the filming took place. What's great is that it's suitable for all ages, and you'll get to enjoy the tranquility of oar-powered rafts as you peacefully drift downstream. Along the way, the tour also lets you in on the fascinating world of concretionary boulders and ancient shellfish that date back to times long past.