Lord of the Rings Group Tours

These highly popular Lord of the Rings Tours have been built for and by fans of The Lord of the Rings. They have unique access to privately owned property that was used in the filming of the trilogy, and their aim is to bring people from all over the world to experience the fellowship of a shared journey to the breathtaking landscapes we all know from the movies. Coming as strangers to this distant land, you will part as a band of companions who have shared a unique experience, exploring the length and breadth of the country that has become Middle Earth.

The tours are a great experience not only because of the natural beauties of the movie locations. You will also discover life in New Zealand. Safe, clean and incredibly entertaining.

Chosen hotels include many where the stars stayed during filming and all have wonderful staff, clean comfortable rooms and some great buffets. New Zealand is justly famous for the pasture-fed beef and lamb which it exports to the world. You might try it out cooked at a traditional Maori 'hangi,' if you care to dive into the local culture. Or you can sample the various delicacies of Japanese, Chinese, and other Asiatic cuisines. Indulge yourself in the local fresh and abundant seafood specialties such as green-lipped mussels that can only be found in New Zealand. Take a shell home as a souvenir - if your pockets aren't already too full with smooth pebbles from the Great River or stones from the place where Edoras was built.

New Zealand's wine industry is the new kid on the block, producing wines that are a complement to any occasion. They're now even contending with France and Italy for world recognition. The beers are fantastic with over 60 breweries; try some on tap. In this land of dairy wealth cheeses abound, fresh or aged. Or you can try the wild, rich flavor of local honey. Did we mention coffee? New Zealand has re-defined the word! You'll know for yourself at your first good cup with a fernleaf delicately etched across the thick 'crema' on top. If you have a Hobbit's passion for fine eating, here is the cuisine to satisfy you, many and various.

If you are not in the mood for culinary adventures then go throw yourself off a bridge. Bungy jumping was invented here by A.J. Hackett at the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown. Go white water rafting or take a jet boat for the ride of your life. Just hang on for those 360 degree turns. Skydiving anyone?

Or just walk or take a hike. Watch the sun set in a glory of colour or watch it rise in the most delicate of hues. Take a deep breath. The air is free and as clean as can be. You can see the Southern Cross from here. Orion stands on his head.

Daily itinerary

• LOTR daily itinerary (90kb)

2008 TOUR SCHEDULE

Arrive Auckland (Mondays) - Depart Queenstown (Saturdays).

• November arrive 10th - depart 22nd
• December arrive 8th - depart 20th

2009 TOUR SCHEDULE

Arrive Auckland - Depart Queenstown

• December arrive 29th - depart 10th of January 2009
• February arrive 9th - depart 21th
• March arrive 9th - depart 21th
• April arrive 4th - depart 16th
• May arrive 11th - depart 23th
• June arrive 6th - depart 18th
• July arrive 18th - depart 30th
• August arrive 17th - depart 29th
• September arrive 27th - depart 10th
• November arrive 16th - depart 28th
• December arrive 28th - depart 9th of January 2010

2010 TOUR SCHEDULE

Arrive Auckland - Depart Queenstown

• December arrive 28th 2009 - depart 9th of January 2019
• February arrive 8th - depart 20th
• March arrive 8th - depart 20th
• April arrive 5th - depart 17th
• May arrive 10th - depart 22th
• June arrive 7th - depart 19th
• July arrive 19th - depart 31th
• August arrive 16th - depart 28th
• September arrive 12th - depart 24th
• October arrive 11th - depart 23rd
• November arrive 15th - depart 27th
• December arrive 28th - depart 9th of January 2011

2009 TOUR PRICING

Summer rates apply to departures between October and March each year.

2010 TOUR PRICING

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR

The price you pay includes:

• Coach transport
  
• All guiding services
  
• Meet and greet on arrival
  
• Hotel accommodation
  
• 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
  
• Entry fees to private LOTR sites
  
• Airfare Wellington to Christchurch
  

Not included are:

• Connecting flight out of Queenstown to Auckland to link with your international departure.
• Accommodation pre or post-tour
• You pay for your meals not covered above
• You pay for any optional extra activities you choose to take part in. Your guide can make bookings for you during the tour