The Lord of the Rings · Filming location
Skippers Canyon
In the story · The Fellowship of the Ring (the flood at the Ford of Bruinen)
The flood at the Ford of Bruinen: the elf Arwen calls up the river, and a rush of water sweeps away the Black Riders chasing the wounded Frodo. The crossing itself was filmed on the Arrow River; the flood was filmed on the Shotover River in this canyon.
Where to stay nearby
Book a hotel hereMap with prices from several sites
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Are you here?
More to do here
Things to do
The Lord of the Rings: a tour linked to the story
Small-group tour by vehicle · from 43 Camp Street, Queenstown · about 4 h 30 min · Guide in English
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More The Lord of the Rings places nearby
All 28 places of The Lord of the Rings →
Famous places nearby
Not places of the story, but worth seeing in the area.
Coronet Peak
5.5 kmQueenstown's ski area on the slopes west of Arrowtown, for skiing and snowboarding in winter, with night skiing on some evenings.
Edith Cavell Bridge
11 kmA 1919 concrete arch bridge high over the Shotover River canyon at Arthurs Point.
Queenstown Hill (Te Tapunui)
13.2 kmA hill walk from town to the Basket of Dreams sculpture, with views of the lake.
Where to stand for the photo
From a safe pull-over on Skippers Road, shoot down into the narrow canyon and the green Shotover River.
Getting there
- Address: Skippers Road, Shotover River, Queenstown
- Transport
- Skippers Road starts at Arthurs Point, near Queenstown; the canyon is about an hour's drive in on gravel.
- Access
- Skippers Road is a narrow gravel road with steep drops, and guides call it one of the most dangerous roads in the world: check your rental car contract before you drive it, or see the canyon on a jet boat or 4WD tour.
Public sources (1)
Sources found on October 21, 2026.
Every place checked against public sources
Production · film commissions · tourist boards · guides
We always say if it is:
- The real filming location
- A place standing in for it
- Inspired by the story
Every place checked against public sources
Production · film commissions · tourist boards · guides
We always say if it is:
- The real filming location
- A place standing in for it
- Inspired by the story
Every place checked against public sources
Production · film commissions · tourist boards · guides
We always say if it is:
- The real filming location
- A place standing in for it
- Inspired by the story