Visited 05/06/25
As a huge Lord of the Rings fan, Mt Sunday was one of the places I really wanted to visit in New Zealand.
This is the hill that was used as Edoras, the capital of Rohan, in The Two Towers and The Return of the King.
The Golden Hall and the rest of the film set are long gone, but the landscape is still there.
And if you love Rohan and Edoras, I genuinely think you should go.
I’d seen these scenes so many times that I already had a rough picture in my head of where everything had been. Actually getting there and seeing the same mountains and valley with my own eyes was something else.
How to Get to Mt Sunday from Christchurch
I drove from Christchurch, and it took me around two and a half hours.
As a general guide, I’d allow roughly 2.5 to 3 hours depending on road conditions and how often you stop.
The drive gets much quieter once you leave Christchurch behind, and the scenery gradually improves as you head towards the Hakatere area.
The final section includes unsealed roads.
When I went in early June, there was still snow on some parts of the road. I could see tyre tracks through it, so I took my time and followed them where I could.
It was still perfectly drivable, but I wouldn’t rush that section in winter conditions.
I used Google Maps to get there and had no trouble finding the Mt Sunday car park.
For the latest road and track information, I’d also check the Department of Conservation website before setting off.
On the way, I stopped briefly at Lake Clearwater and Lake Camp.
They aren’t the main reason to make the trip, but they’re nice places to stop for a short break.
Lake Clearwater was especially beautiful when I went. The mountains behind the lake were covered in snow, and because the weather was clear, I could see them reflected in the water.
Lake Clearwater was already beautiful enough to make me stop and stare, and it felt like a warm-up before Mt Sunday.
My First View of Edoras
Before reaching the Mt Sunday car park, there is a viewpoint where you can look across the whole valley.
This was the first time I properly saw the Edoras landscape.
My reaction was basically:
“What the hell is this view?”
The valley was huge.
Snow-covered mountains surrounded it, and Mt Sunday was sitting there in the middle of everything.
The hill itself actually looked quite small compared with the mountains around it, which somehow made the whole place feel even bigger.
I’d seen Edoras so many times in the films, but seeing the entire landscape laid out in front of me was completely different.
That was the moment when it really hit me that I was actually here.
This is the viewpoint where I first saw the whole Edoras landscape.
Walking to Mt Sunday
At the trailhead, the sign showed 1.5 km / around 45 minutes to Mt Sunday when I visited.
Part of the track crosses private land, so you need to stay on the marked route.
The walk itself isn’t particularly difficult.
There was snow on the ground in places, but not enough to make walking difficult.
As you get closer to the hill, Mt Sunday starts looking more and more familiar.
Even without the film set, it’s easy to see why this place was chosen as Edoras.
The hill sits almost by itself in the middle of a huge open valley, with mountains rising around it in every direction.
Standing Where Edoras Once Stood
I was properly stoked when I reached the top.
The first thing that hit me was the scale of everything around me.
The mountains looked enormous.
They also looked very different from the mountains I’m used to seeing in Japan. Instead of being covered in thick forest, much of the rock and shape of the mountains was exposed.
You could really see the land itself.
A strong wind was blowing through the gap between the mountains in front of me, and I remember just standing there looking around.
I didn’t really need to say anything.
I’d seen this place so many times in the films that I could picture where Edoras had stood.
I already knew the buildings had been removed after filming, so I wasn’t expecting to see the Golden Hall sitting on top of the hill.
There was, however, a very small amount of what looked like the old set foundation remaining around the rocks at the top.
That was enough.
What mattered most was everything around it.
The same mountains and valley.
The same view that Éowyn and the people of Rohan looked out over in the films.
Knowing that I was standing there looking at it myself made me ridiculously happy.
The Weather Changed While I Was There
The weather was clear when I arrived, but it changed fairly quickly.
Clouds started coming over the mountains, the wind became stronger, and eventually snow started blowing through the air.
Once the wind picked up, it got very cold.
I had already seen snow on the road and around the track, but standing on top of Mt Sunday in that wind felt completely different.
If you’re visiting close to winter, I’d definitely bring proper warm clothing.
Conditions can change surprisingly quickly out there.
The Landscape Is Worth Seeing on Its Own
Being a Lord of the Rings fan made the experience much more special, but I genuinely think Mt Sunday is worth visiting even if you don’t know the films.
The landscape itself is enough.
You have this small hill sitting in the middle of a huge open valley, surrounded by mountains on almost every side. From the top, you can look out across the whole area and really take in how unusual the setting is.
The film connection made it even more special, but even without that, the scenery alone would still make the trip worthwhile.
And I already want to go back.
Even now, I keep thinking about that view.
I’d happily just sit there for a while and look across the valley.
I don’t feel like I’ve had enough of it yet.
Mt Sunday Practical Information
From Christchurch:
It took me around 2.5 hours by car. I’d allow roughly 2.5 to 3 hours depending on stops and road conditions.
Road:
The final section includes unsealed roads. When I visited in early June, some snow was still lying on the road.
Walk:
The trailhead sign showed 1.5 km and around 45 minutes to Mt Sunday when I visited.
Department of Conservation – Mount Sunday Track
Difficulty:
The walk itself is fairly straightforward, although snow, mud or bad weather can obviously change conditions.
Private land:
Part of the route crosses private property, so stay on the marked track and follow the signs.
Weather:
Conditions can change quickly. I arrived in clear weather and later had strong wind and blowing snow.
Navigation:
I used Google Maps without any problems. Mt Sunday on Google Maps.
Before you go:
Check the latest access, track and weather information on the New Zealand Department of Conservation website.
