In “The Hobbit,” Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit thrust into an unexpected adventure, joins the company of thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the fearsome dragon, Smaug. They encounter various challenges during their journey, including a daring escape in barrels down a river.

The barrel river escape is one of the most thrilling and action-packed sequences in “The Hobbit.” It takes place after Bilbo and the dwarves are captured by the Wood-elves of Mirkwood while attempting to cross the forest. Thranduil, the Elvenking, imprisons them in his underground halls.

Located in the Marlborough region on the South Island of New Zealand, the Pelorus River

As the elves prepare for a great feast, the company spots an opportunity to escape. The Wood-elves have a custom of floating barrels down the river towards Lake-town as a means of trade. With quick thinking and ingenuity, the dwarves and Bilbo devise a plan to escape in these barrels.

The escape begins as the dwarves and Bilbo are packed into large barrels, which are then set adrift on the swift-flowing river. Inside the barrels, they cling to whatever they can find to keep themselves from being thrown out by the rough waters. For his part, Bilbo has his “precious” - the One Ring - which he uses to turn invisible whenever he needs to avoid detection.

The river is a wild and perilous ride, as rapids, whirlpools, and waterfalls toss about the barrels. Throughout the journey, the dwarves must fend off attacks from vicious, waterborne creatures, such as giant spiders and river elves, who try to capture them.

Despite the danger, Bilbo’s wit and courage shine through during the escape. He rescues some of the dwarves from the clutches of the river elves and helps navigate the treacherous waters. Through teamwork and resourcefulness, they manage to avoid capture and eventually make their way to Lake-town.

The barrel river escape showcases the bravery and camaraderie of Bilbo and the dwarves. It is a pivotal moment in their journey, marking the beginning of their quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and encounter the dragon Smaug. This daring river escape serves as a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, courage, quick thinking, and unity can lead to unexpected triumphs in the world of Middle-earth.

The film location for the barrel scene in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is one of the most visually stunning and iconic settings in New Zealand - the Pelorus River.

The Pelorus River’s remote and unspoiled beauty made it an ideal filming location.

Located in the Marlborough region on the South Island of New Zealand, the Pelorus River provided the perfect backdrop for the film's thrilling and action-packed barrel escape sequence. The river’s crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery and towering native trees, created an enchanting and magical atmosphere that perfectly suited the world of Middle-earth.

The Pelorus River’s remote and unspoiled beauty made it an ideal filming location, allowing the filmmakers to create an immersive and visually captivating experience for the audience. The river’s gentle flow and cascading waterfalls added to the excitement and danger of the escape as the characters navigated their way through treacherous rapids and swirling currents.

During the filming of the barrel scene, the cast and crew had to work in challenging conditions, including the river’s cold temperatures and fast-flowing waters. However, their efforts paid off, as the final scene became one of the film's most memorable and beloved sequences.

Using practical effects and real locations, like the Pelorus River, brought authenticity and a sense of realism to the barrel escape. The actors performed many of their own stunts, adding an extra layer of excitement to the action sequences.

Today, the Pelorus River has become a popular tourist destination for fans of “The Hobbit” film trilogy. Visitors can explore the picturesque riverbanks, enjoy recreational activities like kayaking and river rafting, and immerse themselves in the magical world of Middle-earth that was brought to life on this breathtaking film location. The Pelorus River’s connection to “The Hobbit” has further solidified New Zealand’s reputation as a captivating and otherworldly land, drawing travellers from all over the globe to experience the enchantment of Tolkien’s beloved stories firsthand.