Mount Earnslaw as Zirak-zigil
In the opening scene, the camera flies around the Mountains of Moria before flying inside the mines.
Source: Location Guidebook
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Filming Locations
Frodo and Sam are joined by Gollum in their quest to destroy the ring in Mordor. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas track down Merry & Pippin to save them from the orcs.
See also: The Fellowship of the Ring & The Return of the King.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers was filmed in Queenstown & Wellington in New Zealand.
Whakapapa Skifield as Emyn Muil
Frodo and Sam wander lost through the rocky crags of Emyn Muil and eventually capture Gollum.
Dart River Valley as Wizard's Vale
This valley was heavily digitally altered and used as the basis of Isengard.
Source: Location Guidebook
Poolburn as Rohan Village
Saruman sends the Hillmen to attack the villages of the Rohirrim.
Source: Location Guidebook
Kaitoke Regional Park as Fords of Isen
Éomer finds a mortally wounded Théodred in Rohan. The area is visible from the bridge near the Waterworks parking lot.
Source: Location Guidebook
Grove near Mavora Lakes as Fangorn Forest
Edge of Fangorn Forest where Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli find the mound of burnt orc bodies that Merry and Pippin escaped from.
Swamp at Tawharekiri Lakes as Dead Marshes
Aerial photography and landscape reference for The Dead Marshes. No actual filming took place on the ground.
Source: Location Guidebook
Shore near Red Rocks Walkway as The Black Gate
Where Sam and Frodo fall down the hill before the Gates of Doom and are then led away by Gollum.
Source: The Two Towers: Behind the Scenes
Mount Sunday as Edoras
The capital of Rohan where Gandalf rescues King Theoden from the sway of Saruman and from where the King takes his people to the safety of Helm's Deep.
Deer Park Heights as Rohan Lake
Refugees from Rohan walk around a lake on their way to Helm's Deep.
Source: Location Guidebook
Mangawhero Falls as Ithilien River
Gollum catches some fish in an alpine river on the road south from the Black Gate.
Forest Clearing (near Mangawhero River) as Clearing with Pillars
Frodo and Sam walk through a clearing with pillars after leaving the Black Gates.
Source: Location Guidebook
Twelve Mile Delta as Ithilien Camp
Where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum witness the battle between Faramir's Rangers and the men of Harad.
Deer Park Heights as Rohan Lake
The refugees from Rohan stop for a meal on their way to Helm's Deep.
Source: Location Guidebook
Deer Park Heights as Warg Attack
The refugees from Rohan are attacked by Orcs on wargs while on their way to Helm's Deep.
Source: Location Guidebook
Deer Park Heights as Hill above Helm's Deep
The Rohirrim refugees come down a hill across from Helm's Deep.
Source: Location Guidebook
Havelock River as Helm's Deep
The people of Rohan hold up in Helm's Deep and fight Saruman's orcs army.
Source: Location Guidebook
Dry Creek Quarry as Helm's Deep
The soldiers and refugees from Edoras take cover inside this ancient fortress and hold off the attacks of Saruman's orcs in the Battle of the Hornburg.
Upper Hutt River (at Gemstone Drive Reserve) as Rohan River
Aragorn washes ashore after being swept away during the battle with the Wargs and is woken the horse Brego.
Source: Location Guidebook
Waitarere Forest as Lothlórien
In her vision of the future, Arwen wanders through the woods of Lothlórien after the death of Aragorn.
Waitarere Forest as Ithilien Wood
Frodo, Sam, and Gollum walk through the forest at the end of the film after leaving Faramir at Osgiliath.
Source: Location Guidebook