Dominic Monaghan
Dominic Monaghan is a British-German actor best known for playing Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He also starred as Charlie Pace in the television series Lost, further cementing his place in genre television history.
Dominic Monaghan filmed 1 production in Queenstown: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Dominic Monaghan is a British-German actor best known for playing Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He also starred as Charlie Pace in the television series Lost, further cementing his place in genre television history.
About Monaghan
British-German actor, 1 production filmed in Queenstown.
Dominic Monaghan is a British-German actor best known for playing Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He also starred as Charlie Pace in the television series Lost, further cementing his place in genre television history.
Monaghan has spoken extensively about his time filming in New Zealand, describing the Queenstown region as "one of the wildest, most beautiful places on the planet." He developed a passion for New Zealand's unique wildlife during the shoot and has returned multiple times since.
Actor portrait
Films Shot in Queenstown
Every production Monaghan filmed in the Queenstown-Lakes region, with characters, roles, and behind‑the‑scenes stories.
More to Explore
“Monaghan became fascinated with New Zealand's native wildlife during filming and would frequently go on nature walks around Queenstown looking for native birds. He has said the kea, New Zealand's alpine parrot, is his favourite animal in the world.”
Behind the Camera
Queenstown Stories
Trivia, anecdotes, and inside stories from Monaghan's time filming in Queenstown.
What did Dominic Monaghan do between LOTR filming days in Queenstown?
Monaghan was known for exploring Queenstown's hiking trails and wildlife during his days off. He developed a particular interest in New Zealand's native birds, especially the kea. He and Billy Boyd became close friends during the shoot and were frequently seen together around Queenstown's cafés and pubs.
Did Dominic Monaghan get the Fellowship tattoo?
Yes, Monaghan was part of the group of eight Fellowship actors who got matching Elvish tattoos of the word 'nine' in Tolkien's Tengwar script. The tattoo is on his right shoulder.
Make It Real
Walk in Monaghan's Footsteps
Book a tour to the actual filming locations. Experience the landscapes that inspired the performances.
NZD $307Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour
Explore the exact Middle‑earth locations, Glenorchy, Paradise, and the Dart Valley.
NZD $189Glenorchy & Paradise Scenic Tour
Visit the backdrops behind the most iconic performances. Spectacular half-day trip.
NZD $1,518Milford Helicopter Flight & Cruise
The aerial perspective that filmmakers love. Helicopter to Milford Sound with glacier landing.
Common Questions
Everything fans ask about Monaghan's time filming in Queenstown.
More to Explore
More Actors in Queenstown
From Oscar winners to rising stars, explore every performer who has made Queenstown their cinematic home.
Don't Stop Here
Continue Exploring Queenstown
From the cast to the locations, every layer of Queenstown on screen.
ExploreAll Film Productions
Eight productions, dozens of locations, one landscape. Explore every film shot in Queenstown.
LocationsFilm Location Guide
GPS‑tagged film locations with access guides. Find every spot, from Glenorchy to Milford Sound.
Book NowQueenstown Tours
Guided tours, helicopter flights, and 4WD adventures that take you to the locations from the screen.