For Lord of the Rings Fans!
Follow in the footsteps of hobbits, elves and wizards on the ultimate Lord of the Rings and Hobbit adventure through New Zealand. Explore the magical Hobbiton Movie Set, go behind the scenes at Wētā Workshop, and visit the spectacular filming locations of Edoras, Rivendell, Isengard and the Misty Mountains. Along the way, experience New Zealand's incredible landscapes, from Auckland's rugged west coast and Rotorua's geothermal wonders to Wellington's vibrant waterfront, the breathtaking Southern Alps and Queenstown's alpine playground. Blending iconic movie locations with unforgettable scenery, Māori culture, outdoor adventures and luxury accommodation, this is the ultimate Middle-earth escape.
Day 1
Auckland
Private Car/Driver Auckland International Apt to City Hotel - Luxury Sedan
Accommodation at Hotel Indigo Auckland
1 Double Standard Room for 2 Nights
In the heart the city, among the soaring Auckland skyline, this hotel is located at a vibrant intersection of history, arts and culture. Central city sights such as Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard Quarter, Commercial Bay and the Britomart Precinct as well as iconic Sky Tower are all in easy reach. The boutique-designed guest rooms blend heritage with sleek design. The modern bistro-style restaurant offers elegant all-day dining while a more casual café and wine bar offers a charming counterpart. The sunset-facing cocktail bar and lounge, boasting heritage features is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
90 Minute Weta Workshop Unleashed
Experience a world where the lines between fantasy and reality are blurred. Step into this 'fantastical' film effects workshop and explore the worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy in-the-making. This 1.5 hour tour is a journey through Weta Workshop’s creative process that needs to be seen to be believed.
Day 2
2.5 hour The Inside Loop Guided E-Bike Tour
Cycle our amazing electric bikes around some of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in Auckland and your guide will give you an insider’s view into Auckland City’s must-see locations and activities (particularly the ones that involve eating and drinking!). Duration: approx 2.5 hours. Distance: around 16km/10mls (approx. 1 to 1.25 hours’ easy riding time).
Afternoon Wilderness Experience
Embark on a 5 hour guided tour to West Auckland. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the local history and admire the magnificent views. Head further west and experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the soft, black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe inspiring beaches the world has to offer. With your knowledgeable and experienced guide, your eco-tour continues with an easy walk in the lush rainforest where you hear native birdsong as you walk amongst New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns. Because New Zealand has existed for millions of years separate from the rest of the world, it has evolved its own unique flora and fauna and seventy percent its native plants are found nowhere else in the world.
Day 3
Morning Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton
Embark on a 7.45 hour magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy for a fascinating guided tour. Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region and through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. From here your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching Hobbiton Shire. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest “green set” in the world and the only place where you get an emotional response to a movie set in a natural setting. You will see 44 hobbit holes and visitors can now fulfil a long-held dream to go beyond the beautiful exterior doors and see inside a Hobbit’s home on Bagshot Row. Also see the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the door of Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”, looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. Before your feast in the Party Marquee you cross the bridge by the mill to go into the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer. On completion of the Hobbiton tour, board the shuttle at Shire’s Rest Café for your journey to Rotorua.
Accommodation at Millennium Rotorua Hotel
1 Double Superior King - Lake Facing for 2 Nights
Centrally located in the city beside mystical Lake Rotorua, this property is one of the most conveniently located and best appointed. You will find 227 elegant, air-conditioned rooms offering you a wide choice of accommodation styles, including the Club floor rooms with complimentary use of the exclusive Club Lounge. Many rooms offer excellent views of Lake Rotorua or the native garden.
3 Hour Guided Glow Worm Kayak Tour
Embark on your 3 hour tour. Arrive on the shorelines of Lake Okareka as the sun is setting and meet your friendly and expert kayak guides. Following the introductions you will gear-up and prepare for an epic night out with all necessary equipment provided. Your guide will then run through safety and basic kayak instruction before you take the helm on the water. Explore the shoreline and embrace the weather conditions of the evening as you follow your guide around the lake edge as night sets in. Once its dark, discover your adventurous side as your guide leads you inside incredible hidden caves home to galaxies of glow worms. Take ample time to enjoy the magical moments inside the caves before returning along your course in the dark. If it is a clear night the magic continues as the stars come out and the cloudy appearance of the milky-way fills the sky. Upon returning to the base you will feel like you have been in another world for the past few hours and will likely have made some new friends through the wonder of this experience.
Day 4
Full Day Cultural Eco Tour
Visit Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks on your 9.25 hour tour; Wai-o-Tapu and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Your local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. See volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-Tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moon-like landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Knox geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic Valley, learn about the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886.
Spend the afternoon gaining an appreciation of New Zealand’s Maori culture and nature. Visitors will learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre. Includes visit to the wood carving school, arts and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving, boiling mud pools and NZ’s largest geyser Pohutu.
Day 5
Private Car/Driver City Hotel to Rotorua Airport
Wellington
Private Car/Driver Domestic Airport to City Hotel
Accommodation at Ibis Wellington
1 Double Ibusiness King Room - Room Only for 2 Nights
Offering 200 contemporary rooms, the hotel is situated just a short stroll from Lambton Quay Cable Car Station and surrounded by bars and restaurants. This hotel is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the city and is in easy walking distance from popular attractions including the city waterfront, the Beehive (parliament building), Lambton Harbour, Te Papa Museum and the Wellington Cable Car.
Introducing Te Papa Tour
Enjoy an 1 hour overview of Te Papa’s highlights, Maori treasures and New Zealand history. Ideal for visitors with limited time or wanting an introduction for an extended visit.
Intro to Wellington Bike Tour
Embark on this 2 to 2.5 hour tour. The essential introduction to Wellington! Jump on a bike and our guide will show you around the Wellington Waterfront and introduce you to some fascinating past and present figures who have made Wellington the creative capital it is today. Our tour focuses on the people who have shaped Weillington and you’ll see some key Wellington landmarks including the New Zealand Parliament, Te Papa Museum, Mt Victoria, Oriental Bay, Wellington Railway Station and the lively Wellington Waterfront. This tour is mostly flat and customers can choose electric or regular bikes.
Day 6
Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour
This 6.5 hour tour is more than visiting filming sites. Your guide will share fascinating little-known gems relating to the filming at each site, and you will want to watch the films all over again once you have done this informative tour. Your tour will begin with a drive up the Hutt Valley, where you will visit filming locations including Helm's Deep, Minas Tirith, and River Anduin, where the Fellowship travelled to Amon Hen and where Aragon's horse Brego saved him from drowning. Then it is on to the site of Gardens of Isengard, where Gandalf met Saruman the White. Back in Wellington, your tour continues to the Weta Workshop in Miramar. Here you have an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour (entry included in your tour price) where you see how props plus weaponry are made and probably meet artists at work making props (subject to Weta Workshop’s format. Weta Workshop may change details without notice, but will be approximately the same as described here). At the Weta Cave you will be given the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and have photos with Gollum, Lurtz the Uruk-hai, Bilbo’s three Trolls, and characters from other movies that Weta has been involved in. The tour concludes with a drive up Mount Victoria Lookout with spectacular views across the city and harbour and a drive around the bays where you will enjoy the delights of a ‘Rivendell Ripple’ to cap off your memorable tour.
Day 7
Private Car/Driver City Hotel to Terminal (Ferry, Bus or Train)
Ferry Service Wellington to Picton
Check-in at the Interislander ferry terminal and board your vessel for the journey across Cook Strait. Depart Wellington and arrive into Picton harbour. The 92 kilometre voyage takes approximately three hours and is described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.
Coastal Pacific Train - Picton to Christchurch Rail Service
1.10pm: Check-in at the KiwiRail/The Great Journeys of New Zealand ticket counter located in the Interisland Ferry Terminal with clear signage to the platform once you have checked in.
Please have your booking reference ready for check-in.1.10pm: Check-in at the KiwiRail/The Great Journeys of New Zealand ticket counter. Please have your booking reference ready for check-in.
1.40pm: The Coastal Pacific train departs Picton.
The Coastal Pacific train journey travels between the delightful port of Picton and Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, passing through Marlborough, a burgeoning grape growing area, before reaching the east coast where the Kaikoura mountain ranges rise on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline stretches out on the other. Pass through the seaside village of Kaikoura, where you can often see amazing wildlife such as dolphins, seals and penguins from the comfort of your train carriage. The train then turns inland again to travel through some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas in North Canterbury before arriving in Christchurch.
7.30pm: Arrive in Christchurch.
Private Car/Driver Railway Station to Hotel
Accommodation at Scenic Hotel Cotswold
1 Double Standard One Bedroom Suite Queen for 2 Nights
The distinctive Tudor-style architecture reflects Christchurch's image as the most English of cities outside England. This classic charm is carried throughout the hotel with understated style. Enjoy the spacious award-winning gardens or take an easy stroll to boutique shopping at Merivale Mall, Christchurch Casino and the beautiful Hagley Park.This property has 77 spacious rooms, including standard rooms and spacious one and two bedroom suites.
Day 8
Full Day Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour
Join your 8.5 hour Lord of the Rings Tour and journey to the remote and beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday. See how this peaceful mountain was transformed into Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Immerse yourself in the natural, unspoilt beauty of this breathtaking area with its sparkling clear lakes, glistening blue rivers and fresh, crisp mountain air. Your tour includes 4WD access onto Mt Sunday/Edoras itself and a delicious picnic lunch.
Day 9
Full Day Mount Cook Tour Christchurch to Queenstown
This small group 13 hour tour combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. Departing Christchurch your journey takes you through the farmland of the Canterbury Plains to Geraldine, where there is time for morning tea (at own cost). Continue to the shores of the stunning, glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the sights of the spectacular Southern Alps. Continue through the rugged high country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin to arrive at Mount Cook Village, where you can gaze up at the 3,724m/12,218ft high mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook, an important landmark in Maori mythology. While in the national park you have approximately 2.5 - 3 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: Hooker Valley hike – This easy 3 hour hike is considered one of New Zealand’s most beautiful, Scenic flights (prebooking required, additional cost) – see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier. Whatever you have decided to do, we will pick you up and drop you off where you need to go and make sure you are well looked after. Farewelling Aoraki/Mount Cook Village and making your way to Queenstown via the Mackenzie Country before traversing the Southern Alps via the Lindis Pass with amazing views down through the valleys.
Accommodation at Holiday Inn Express & Suites (will be voco Queenstown)
1 Double Standard Queen Room for 4 Nights
Located in a prime position, this property provides close proximity to city centre shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities. The location also provides easy access to the popular ski destinations of Coronet Peak, Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone. The hotel features a selection of well-appointed hotel rooms and suites complete with a power shower, black-out blinds, high-quality bedding with a choice of pillows and uncapped Wi-Fi. A fitness room, self-serve laundry and onsite parking is also available to all guests.
Day 10
Full Day Lord of the Rings with Lunch
The Safari of the Scenes 9.5 hour tour covers much ground to deliver the signature scenes shot around the Queenstown region. The tour first travels West to Glenorchy and Paradise before returning to Queenstown for lunch followed by Arrowtown and Gibbston before finishing in Skippers Canyon. Refreshments of tea, coffee, hot chocolate accompanied by biscuits and cake are served both morning and afternoon and a light lunch is supplied in one of the Queenstown cafes. The morning tour travels along the Wakatipu Lake edge to the small hamlet of Glenorchy. This portion is scenic with many photo stops along the way and in the Paradise region of Mount Aspiring National Park, short walks on flat forest track are easy and the road is a mixture of seal and gravel. The afternoon section is more rugged with short periods of rough ground and river crossings. The tour visits Gibbston and Arrowtown and the Skippers Canyon Road which is high and windy. Short walks are on well managed surfaces and the opportunity to pan for elven gold is beside the river on uneven ground. Content of the tours include the setting s for; The Ford of Bruinen, Gladden Fields, The Pillars of the Kings, exodus from Edoras, Warg Battle, Misty Mountains, Itilien Camp, Oliphants, Caradhras, Lothlorien, Fangorn, Gap of Rohan, Isengard, Dunharrow and many backgrounds to the scenes.
Day 11
Half Day Best of Queenstown
This relaxed 4-hour guided sightseeing experience showcases the very best of the Whakatipu Basin, taking you beyond the Queenstown town centre to discover the region's stunning scenery, rich history, vibrant local culture, and renowned wine. Highlights include breathtaking panoramic viewpoints high above Queenstown, followed by a visit to Queenstown's newest destination, Ayrburn, where you will enjoy free time to explore the grounds and a complimentary barista-made coffee or hot beverage. The journey continues to historic Arrowtown, where guests can step back in time and learn about the region's gold mining heritage, with the opportunity to try their hand at gold panning. No introduction to Queenstown would be complete without experiencing the region's world-famous wines. The tour concludes with a relaxed wine tasting and cheese platter at a local vineyard, providing the perfect taste of Central Otago.
Day 12
Full Day Funyak Safari Trip with Jetboat & Lunch
Embark on this 8.5 hour tour. A truly unique adventure and a fun way to intimately experience this amazing area. Start with an exciting jet boat trip up the Dart River with all the thrills of classic braided shallow river jet boating, complete with exhilarating jet spins. Stop along the way to discover why this area is so rare and special with its ancient 80 million year old ecology. You’ll then disembark and continue your journey in an inflatable canoe. Paddle and drift on a spectacular downstream journey, with your guide providing insight to the awe-inspiring sights and stories found amidst the Dart River’s sparkling channels. Stop amongst the ancient beech forest and enjoy a buffet style lunch and take the opportunity to explore the hidden side streams, rock pools and dramatic chasms such as the beautiful Rockburn. Afterwards continue downstream to ‘Paradise’, from where you’ll return to Glenorchy by coach via a back-country route, through stunning scenery and locations that have inspired movies the world over.
Day 13
Private Car/Driver City Hotel to International Airport