Filming Location
The Argonath – Pillars of the Kings

While traveling to Mordor on the river Anduin, the Fellowship of the Ring encounters two colossal statues known as the Argonath. The filmmakers of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring selected the breathtaking Kawarau Gorge in New Zealand for this iconic scene. To discover the exact filming location, read on or click on the map pointer in the navigation area.

“Frodo, the Argonath! Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old. My kin.”

Aragorn

Where did they film “The Argonath” scene?

In the first part of the fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo and his companions travel towards Mordor to destroy the One Ring. On their journey by boats on the River Anduin, they pass two mighty statues sculpted in stone, known as the Argonath or the Pillars of the Kings. The real filming location of this scene is the Kawarau Gorge on the Kawarau river. Situated on the South Island of New Zealand, it’s only a 30-minute drive away from Lake Wakatipu.

Hint: Click the map pointer icon in the navigation area for the exact map location of the Argonath statues.

How to find the exact filming location

Finding this filming location requires some imagination, as the scene underwent extensive digital alteration. Moreover, the cameras were positioned on a boat during filming, providing a different viewpoint than one would have from the edge of the gorge. However, you can compare the constellation of rocks from this IMAGE from www.councilofelrond.com with the movie footage to see similarities.

This exact spot also served as a filming location for another scene, depicting a different part of the river, using various camera angles. You can find this particular scene in the navigation area above.

Good news for enthusiasts! There is a rafting tour available that will take you through the Argonath pillars, just like in the movie. For more information, check the TripAdvisor link below.

The Scene Filmed at Kawarau River:

The Fellowship of the Ring is traveling to Mordor on the River Anduin by boats. At some point, they pass two enormous statues, one on each side of the river. Aragorn explains to Frodo that these statues are called the Argonath, and they represent the old kings of Gondor.