The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug has 10 confirmed filming locations in New Zealand.
Barrel rapids
Wide white-water shots of the barrel chase were filmed during scheduled dam releases on the Waikato River and cut together with the calmer Pelorus and Aorere stretches.
Aratiatia Rapids
as Forest River
Beorn's house
The company takes refuge inside Beorn's lodge while he shape-shifts between man and bear. The exterior was a temporary build on this hillside.
Beorn's house, Paradise Hillside
as Beorn's house
Flight from Beorn
The dwarves flee through beech forest and across the river flats while Beorn pursues them in bear form toward his lodge.
Paradise, Glenorchy
as Wilderland
Forest River barrel escape
The dwarves ride the Forest River sealed in wine barrels while Orcs attack from the banks; they wash ashore and climb out on the gravel beach below the bridge.
Pelorus Bridge
as Forest River
Forest River outflow
Legolas and Tauriel track the Orcs along water-carved rock ledges after the barrel escape, matching geology with the Pelorus and Aratiatia river shots.
Salisbury Falls
as Forest River
Gandalf and Radagast
Gandalf meets Radagast on a mountainside to confirm the Nazgûl have been unleashed from the High Fells.
Earnslaw Burn
as Wilderland
Return to the Shire
Bilbo walks the lanes of Hobbiton after his first journey east — the same village paths rebuilt for the prequel films.
Hobbiton
as The Shire
The Desolation of Smaug
Thorin's company crosses dragon-scorched hills on the approach to Erebor after leaving Lake-town.
Rock and Pillar Range
as The Desolation of Smaug
The hidden door
Thorin's company searches the southern slopes of Erebor for the secret entrance; Bilbo finds the keyhole as the last light of Durin's Day strikes the mountainside.
Turoa skifield
as The Lonely Mountain
Woods near Beorn's house
The company flees through forest and across marble-strewn clearings while Beorn hunts them in bear form.
Canaan Downs
as Wilderland
Community posts
Filming locations FAQ
Where was The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug filmed?
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug has 10 confirmed filming locations in New Zealand. Use the map and location list below for addresses, coordinates, and scene-by-scene details.
Can you visit these filming locations?
Many are public streets, landmarks, or businesses open to visitors. Each location page notes access where we know it, and the community shares then-and-now photos from real visits.