AI illustrationThe Lord of the Rings · Filming location
Waitarere Forest
In the story · The Fellowship of the Ring (the Trollshaws); The Two Towers and The Return of the King (woods near Osgiliath)
This pine forest near the coast played two woods: the Trollshaws, which the hobbits cross on the way to Rivendell, and the woods near Osgiliath, which Frodo, Sam and Gollum walk through after Faramir, the Gondor captain who held them prisoner, lets them go.
Where to stay nearby
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More to do here
Things to doWellington: all activities on GetYourGuide
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More The Lord of the Rings places nearby
All 28 places of The Lord of the Rings →
Where to stand for the photo
Frame the straight pine trunks in rows, with low light coming through.
Getting there
- Address: Waitarere Forest, near Waitarere Beach, Horowhenua
- Transport
- By car, about 1.5 hours north of Wellington, near Waitarere Beach and Levin.
- Access
- A working pine plantation with no marked filming spot. Check which forest roads and tracks are open to the public before you go, and keep clear of logging areas.
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