Where Was Rivendell Filmed?
Rivendell was filmed at Kaitoke Regional Park, about 45 minutes north of Wellington. The sets are long gone, but the dense native bush remains and a replica Elven archway now marks the spot.
Where was Rivendell filmed?
At Kaitoke Regional Park, in the hills north of Upper Hutt, around 45 minutes from central Wellington. The park's deep native forest and clear river became the elven valley of Rivendell, home of Elrond. The location was chosen for its untouched bush, and the elven architecture was built in among the trees for filming, then removed afterward like most of the trilogy's sets.
What can you see at Kaitoke today?
The forest, the river, and a marker of what was filmed there. None of the original set survives, but a replica Elven archway, gifted to fans, stands at the Rivendell site, and reference boards show what the area looked like during filming. The rest is the bush itself, which is genuinely lovely to walk. It is more an atmospheric visit than a set tour, but the setting explains why it was chosen.
How to get there
Drive about 45 minutes north from Wellington to Kaitoke Regional Park, then follow signs within the park to the Rivendell site, which has its own parking area and short walk. It is free to visit. Public transport is limited, so a car is easiest. The park has walking tracks, picnic areas and swimming spots in the river, so it works as a half-day rather than a quick stop.
What else is nearby?
Kaitoke pairs naturally with the other Wellington locations. Mount Victoria in the central city and Weta Workshop in Miramar are both an easy addition, making a compact Lord of the Rings cluster around the capital. If you are heading north afterward, you are also pointed toward the central North Island and Tongariro, the stand-in for Mordor.
Find Rivendell and the rest
Our Lord of the Rings app maps Kaitoke and every other location with directions and access notes. Works offline on the road.
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