Pelorus River Rafting Journey: Explore The Hobbit Filming Sites and New Zealand's Pioneering History
4.8
152 Ratings
Havelock
Embark on an unforgettable journey down the Pelorus River in New Zealand. Discover the stunning filming sites of 'The Hobbit' and learn about the country's pioneering history. Immerse yourself in the beauty of native plants and listen to the enchanting native bird song. Book your adventure now!
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Your trip starts in Havelock which is 50 minutes from Nelson, 25 minutes from Blenheim, where you will register and get fitted for your adventure ahead. After a short drive, reach the crystal-clear waters of the Pelorus, and begin your descent down one of New Zealand’s most beautiful rivers, which was used in the filming of the movie The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

Once you reach the filming location, take a short walk to where it all happened, and learn what went on during nine days in December, 2011 while filming. Also learn about the history of the milling of the forest and mining of gold in the surrounding areas before heading back to Havelock.

Points of Interest

  • Havelock
What's Included
  • National Park fees included
  • Guided tour with safety gear supplied
  • Local taxes covered
  • Round-trip transport from Havelock
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Embark on a canoeing journey on the most picturesque river in New Zealand.

With our knowledgeable and affable guides, venture on a fascinating and entertaining escapade as you paddle your way through the visually stunning Pelorus river.

The journey includes a brief strolling through the native bush, learning about indigenous flora including, but not limited to, the silver ferns.

Discover the stories of the pioneers who established the northern tip of the south Island, where historical artefacts still lay embedded in the quaint, secluded valley.

Discover the famous locales that were used for filming in the second instalment of the ‘Hobbit’ series, ‘The Desolation of Smaug’

As you glide through the lucid waters, losing yourself in the melodies of the local avian inhabitants, you’ll feel as if you’ve found a slice of paradise, right here in New Zealand,

Without a doubt, the Pelorus river must be the most beautiful river that you’ve ever paddled through.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Not recommended for child aged 6 and under
  • Please allow 4hrs the exact duration will depend on the river conditions and group skills.
Location
Havelock
We depart from the Bluemoon Lodge, 48 Main Rd Havelock
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(152 Ratings)
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B4331dkpeted
Apr 23, 2024
Great - This is a great trip. Jade was the best tour guide we have had this year. The kayaking was very easy and magnificent. We highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N965lslydiaa
Jan 14, 2024
Excellent River LOTR Tour - STELLAR! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this LOTR experience. After an informative 30 minute drive, we walked down to Perolus River, boarded our kayak, received a thorough "how to" and we were off. Our guide, Jade was fantastic! She kept the river run interesting, pointing out various landmarks, LORT filming locations and overall great person. Pristine water, breath taking views, easy navigating down the river. HIGHLY recommend taking this tour. Lydia
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M4198nbrichardg
Jan 13, 2024
Fantastic adventure - Guide was great, really down to earth. Beautiful river with loads of not too scary rapids! Thoroughly enjoyed and was the highlight of our trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N_kuek_kuek
Aug 26, 2023
Would do it again - So much fun! Shane was a great guide and injected a lot of humour into the tour. Ash at the Bluemoon Lodge was so hospitable and friendly. We got all the gear and the safety briefing. Lush landscape the whole time. Highly recommend it if you love kayaking or anything to do with LOTR. I want to do this tour again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cjc841
Aug 21, 2023
Must-do for Hobbit film lovers and kayakers! - Had so much fun kayaking the Pelorus river! Despite it being June the temperature was tolerable, even getting a little bit wet. Splash jackets were provided to help as well as safety vest and helmet. Perfect amount of "thrill" for us novice kayakers through a few rapids, and we had good instruction from Shane. We came for the adventure and to see Hobbit film locations and we left very satisfied!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Halvin
Aug 6, 2023
Fun for the whole family. - Fun trip for the whole family. Complete equipment was provided (wet suits, splash jackets) and were all perfectly clean. Guide Jade was more than competent and enthusiastic.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kudupadraic
Mar 22, 2023
Stunning setting, really fun experience - Absolutely amazing experience! We loved every moment of it. We're huge Middle-earth fans, so there's no better way to experience this Hobbit filming location. But aside from the film connection, it's just a stunning stretch of river. Definitely try to take a swim during the kayaking trip; the water is crystal clear – really beautiful. And our guide was super friendly and knowledgeable. We loved it!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chrisandturk
Feb 21, 2023
Beautiful and relaxing trip - Beautiful, relaxing trip down river, with a small portion dedicated to Hobbit filming location. Tour seemed a bit short for what we paid, but was still very nice. Recommend taking water shoes/flip flops and bug spray.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Damon
Feb 1, 2023
Nice trip down the Pelorus - Good trip down the Pelorus river with our guide, Jade. Nice scenery and calm waters most of the time (sometimes a little too calm and had to bump us off submerged rocks to get going). Jade talked us through the route and pointed out the LoTR sights along the way. Had a nice cold dip/swim after the bridge and Jade took some nice photos and video clips for us that we got on a USB when we were done. Only negative were the sandflys but they can't help those - just wear lots of repellant and don't wear perfume etc... as that seems to attract them (as my wife found out). Would have preferred double bladed paddles instead of single bladed wooden ones, but thats a personal preference.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Flyer65688800727
Feb 4, 2024
Beautiful scenery, average experience. - Beautiful scenery which was made even better by the great weather, but the tour party was too large - us (family of four) and group of 15 was added on. It took a long time to get organised, and extra time was needed for translation as the group didn’t speak English. It meant we constantly bumped into others on the river as space was limited with so many of us and progress was slow. We paid extra for pictures, but most were of the other group and the quality was ok. The guides were very friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. They did a great job considering the number of people involved. I probably wouldn’t recommend this for the cost.
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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