Twizel New Zealand – Pelennor Fields

Twizel charmed us with its rolling foothills and majestic peaks – so epic it’s no wonder it was featured in the Battle of Pelennor Fields in LOTR! We enjoyed a leisurely hike along the Dusky Trail, then rested at the tranquil Manuka Retreat, Middle‑earth’s very own cozy hideaway.

Dusky Trail to Pelennor Fields

Pelennor Fields is on private land and a tour is required to go onto the field. Since we were limited on time, we opted for the DOC hike through the Ben Ohau range (Christchurch NZ Pelennor Fields guide). We hiked about 1.5 miles (30 minutes out-and-back) of the 23 km Dusky Trail (start location: 44°13’16.1″S 170°02’55.3″E). Along this easy walk, we were able to recognize many of the foothills and mountain ranges featured in the Battle of Pelennor Fields.

Manuka Retreat

We stayed at the phenomenal Manuka Retreat just outside of town. We savored Shapau Pizza and wine while relaxing on the patio, taking in the spectacular views of the foothills and mountains.

I am no man!

The exact spot where the Eowyn scene with the Witch King of Angmar was filmed is a bit unknown so I reenacted it at Pelennor Fields (Twizel), Minas Tirith (Mount Cook National Park), and Queen Elizabeth Park. I was getting better at the scene by the final take but still very scary how bad my acting is 🙂

For Frodo

Made a “For Frodo” shirt in remembrance of our cat, Frodo, that recently passed. We weren’t able to visit Rangipo Desert where the charge of the Black Gate was filmed, and Pelennor Fields seemed like a great place to wear it.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – Minas Tirith

See our Minas Tirith blog for tips on getting to this LOTR filming location.