The Remarkables
The Remarkables mountain range dominates Queenstown's eastern skyline. Their saw-tooth profile and the way they catch the late afternoon light make them one of the most recognisable mountain ranges in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Remarkables mountain range dominates Queenstown's eastern skyline. Their saw-tooth profile and the way they catch the late afternoon light make them one of the most recognisable mountain ranges in the Southern Hemisphere.
About The Remarkables
Otago, 2 productions filmed here.
The Remarkables mountain range dominates Queenstown's eastern skyline. Their saw-tooth profile and the way they catch the late afternoon light make them one of the most recognisable mountain ranges in the Southern Hemisphere.
In The Lord of the Rings, the Remarkables stood in for the mountains of Mordor - the dark peaks and jagged ridges creating the forbidding silhouette of Sauron's domain. The range was used for the Misty Mountains exterior in The Hobbit, and the ski field became a K2 base camp in Vertical Limit. The Remarkables Ski Area, opened in 1985, provides easy vehicle access to altitudes above 1,900 metres, making it one of the few alpine film locations accessible by road.
Otago
“The Remarkables offer something rare in alpine filmmaking: road access to 1,900 metres with a 360-degree mountain panorama. The ski field infrastructure provides power, shelter, and parking for large crews. The jagged peaks photograph as genuinely hostile terrain - no set dressing needed to make them look like Mordor - while the alpine light transforms the range from soft pink at dawn to stark grey at noon to golden at sunset.”
More to Explore
Productions Shot at The Remarkables
Every film and TV series that has used this location as a backdrop.
Visitor Information
Everything you need to know before visiting, access, cost, facilities, best times, and photography tips.
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Access
By road (sealed highway to car park), on foot, or by guided tour
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Cost
Free (public land) - guided tours from NZD$169
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Hours
Daylight hours; some locations have restricted access after dark
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Facilities
Nearby car parking and toilet facilities (varies by location)
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Best Time to Visit
October to April (spring through autumn) for best light and weather
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Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon for golden-hour mountain light. A polarising filter helps with water reflections.
Make It Real
Tours That Visit The Remarkables
Guided experiences that take you to this exact location, with local stories you won't find anywhere else.
Common Questions
Everything visitors ask about The Remarkables.
Can I visit this location without a guided tour?+
Yes - The Remarkables is on public land and accessible to self-drive visitors. However, guided tours provide transport, local knowledge about exact filming spots, and access to areas that may not be signposted. Self-driving is recommended for confident drivers as some access roads are unsealed.
What is the best time of day to visit for photography?+
Early morning (6-8 AM) and late afternoon (4-7 PM in summer) offer the best light for photographing The Remarkables. The golden hour light on the surrounding mountains creates the dramatic look seen in the films. Midday sun can be harsh and create strong shadows in forest areas.
Are these locations clearly signposted as film sites?+
Most film locations around The Remarkables are not signposted - the productions were required to leave no trace. Guided tours know the exact GPS coordinates of each scene, and some tour operators carry production stills so you can match the exact camera angle. Self-drive visitors should research locations in advance.
More to Explore
More Film Locations
Explore every filming location in Queenstown, Glenorchy, and Fiordland.
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