Visiting Mount Sunday, New Zealand: The Real Edoras

Mount Sunday was one of my favourite destinations when visiting New Zealand, and not just because I am a huge Lord of the Rings fan. This is a Lord of the Rings filming location used for Edoras, the capital of Rohan. It is a small, isolated hill rising from the braided rivers of the Rangitata Valley, with the towering Southern Alps surrounding it. And, the hike to reach the summit is an easy one, but it gives you absolutely incredible views. How can you not visit?

“Muster the Rohirrim!”
“Forth Eorlingas!” 

Saddle up, for the road to Edoras awaits. Here is everything you need to know before you make the journey to the heart of Rohan.

Where is Mount Sunday (Edoras)?

Mount Sunday is located on the South Island of New Zealand, in the Ashburton Lakes area, within the vast Hakatere Conservation Park. It sits on the edge of Mount Potts Station, a working high country sheep station, around 160 kilometres from Christchurch. On the route in, you will pass through the small lakeside settlement of Lake Clearwater. The closest town is Methven, a small ski town about 75 kilometres away, which is a popular base for visitors making the trip out to the site. The area is very remote and surrounded by sweeping Canterbury high country, which, as fans of the films will know, is why it was so perfect as a location for Rohan.

How to get to Mount Sunday (Edoras)

Most trips to Mount Sunday start from Christchurch, and it is around a 2 -2.5-hour drive. The last part of the drive is down an unsealed track, so if you are driving, make sure your hire car or campervan is allowed to drive on these sorts of roads.

Head towards Methven and Mount Somers, which takes around 1.5 hours, and then join Ashburton Gorge Road, which eventually becomes Hakatere Potts Road. The road is paved for most of the journey, but it turns to gravel once you reach Hakatere and remains unsealed until you reach Mount Sunday. Pass through Clearwater Village, and then descend into the Rangitata Valley. Here you cross a single-lane bridge over the Potts River, followed by two small ford crossings before reaching the car park. These are usually shallow, but take care in wet weather.

It feels like a long drive, and I was personally a little worried about how the road would be. But, while unsealed, they are wide and you can see any oncoming vehicles well in advance, mainly due to the dust they produce! Plus, the scenery as you drive is some of the most stunning!

You will find the car park approximately 3 KM northwest of Mount Potts Lodge, where there is a long drop toilet and information signs about the site. There is no entry fee to visit or park.

Hiking Mount Sunday (Edoras)

Once you have arrived at the car park near Mount Sunday, you will need to take a roughly 1.5 KM (one way) hike to reach the summit. The sign says this will take around 45 minutes, but I actually did it closer to half an hour. It is there and back, so you will follow the same route back.

It is an easy hike, and can be done by most hikers with a level of fitness. The beginning is mainly flat, and there is only an uphill section to reach the top of Mount Sunday itself. The path is very well signposted. Follow the path and cross the river, and you will see your destination ahead of you! Just remember to stay on the path, as it is private land, which the owners kindly allow access to the public.

Finally, remember to enjoy the stunning scenery, which is some of the most beautiful in New Zealand. Full of snow-capped mountains and glacial rivers. Even if you aren’t a LOTR fan, it is still well worth the visit. And if you are, well, you will feel exactly like you are in Rohan. I visited twice. The first time it was cloudy, so I returned on a clear day. However, both days were absolutely amazing.

The Filming Location of Edoras

For filming The Lord of the Rings, Edoras was built as a full-scale, functional set. Construction took eight months, and the New Zealand army was brought in to help. The main gate area, several houses, and a 12-metre-high Golden Hall were built in full with thatched roofs. These were designed by Weta Workshop to withstand high winds. After production wrapped, the entire set was dismantled, and no trace was left on the conservation land.

However, Mount Sunday itself is still instantly recognisable as the mound where Edoras sat. You can stand and imagine the spot where the Golden Hall stood prominently on the hill. There are also other recognisable spots, such as where Eowyn looked out over the landscape and when Edoras empties to leave for Helm’s Deep.

Day Trip to Mount Sunday (Edoras) from Christchurch

If you don’t have your own transport, there is the opportunity to join a group tour to Mount Sunday from Christchurch. Mount Sunday is located on private land, and so generally commercial tours have been restricted. However, this tour company has been granted permission to bring groups to the site.

Depart Christchurch (or you can be collected from Methven), and then embark on the drive to Mount Sunday. The tour has behind-the-scenes photos, Lord of the Rings facts and replicas of props to pose with.

Other Hikes Near Mount Sunday

If you want to spend longer in the area, there are also other hikes you can embark on near Mount Sunday:

• Lake Clearwater Circuit: A scenic, easy-moderate loop around the lake through classic high country tussock grassland, perfect if you want a relaxed walk with beautiful scenery.
  10.6 KM | 123 M elevation gain | 2.5-3 hours
  
• Lake Emma Track: An advanced tramping track that goes to the Lake Emma Hut, which dates back to the 1860s, set against a stunning high country backdrop. From here, you can choose to continue to Lake Camp.
  9 KM | 163 M elevation gain | 3 hours one way
  
• Lake Hill Track: Another short, accessible walk in the Clearwater area, ideal for families or those wanting something low-key.
  2.75 KM | 73 M elevation gain | 0.5 – 1 hour
  
• Mount Potts: For a more serious challenge, this trail climbs through farmland and into the Hakatere Conservation Area, reaching a summit of 2,184 metres with spectacular panoramic views.
  10.8KM | 1584 M elevation gain | 9 hours
  
• Mount Somers Walkway: A bit further afield but highly rated, this is considered one of the best hikes in the entire region, offering outstanding views through diverse terrain.
  11.3KM | 560 M elevation gain | 4-4.5 hours

Where to Stay Near Mount Sunday

If you want to stay closer to Mount Sunday, and experience some of the other hikes this area has to offer, or just spend a bit longer in this stunning scenery, then there are a few options.

The closest and most convenient place to stay is Lake Clearwater. There are a couple of AirBnB’s in the village, as well as Lake Camp campsite, where you can stay for free if you are in a self contained campervan. If you are not self contained there is also Lake Clearwater campsite, which costs $10 NZD on arrival.

Find out more about hiring a campervan in New Zealand:
Solo Travel in New Zealand: Campervan Diaries

Mount Potts Lodge is another fantastic option, sitting just a few kilometres from Mount Sunday itself. It is a rustic high country lodge with a range of accommodation options, from campervan pitches to comfortable en-suite studios and shearers’ cottages, as well as an on-site restaurant and bar.

The other option is to stay in the near by town of Ashburton Lakes, which offers the widest range of accommodation in the area. This is approxmiately 25 KM from Mount Sunday. Accommodation options include:

Ramblers Rest: A laid back, cosy hostel for backpackers.
Corination Park Holiday Park: Has a mix of cabins and apartments.
Taylor’s Motel: From studios to 2 bedroom apartments and an outdoor pool.
Bella Vista Motel: Comfortable, affordable accommodation with warm friendly service.

There are also a plethora of hotels and accommodation in Methven, which is the closest large town.

Travelling to New Zealand? You might find my other posts helpful:

Lord of the Rings Filming Locations In New Zealand
Things to do in New Zealand: the ultimate list
Solo Travel in New Zealand: Campervan Diaries
18 Best Things to do in South Island, New Zealand
Visiting Hobbiton: Step Inside the Real Middle-earth in New Zealand

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