Tour of Middle Earth New Zealand Itinerary

Auckland

Welcome to New Zealand and the beginning of your Middle Earth adventure. Arrive in Auckland, a vibrant harbour city set between two coastlines and surrounded by ancient volcanic landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

Private airport transfer
Explore at your leisure
1 night in Auckland

Make it yours
Take in panoramic city and harbour views from the iconic Sky Tower or enjoy a scenic cruise on the Waitematā Harbour to experience Auckland from the water.

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Legacy Airedale Hotel

Ideally situated in central Queen Street, Legacy Airedale Hotel is a beautiful four-star hotel with an elegant art deco apartment style accommodation. Enjoy shopping, eating and the city entertainment precinct right at your doorstep. A lavish renovation of this heritage building blends its fabulous art deco architecture with a contemporary feel and modern comforts.

Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo & Hobbiton

Travel through the Waikato region on a group coach tour to discover the famous glowworm caves of Waitomo before stepping into the world of Middle Earth at Hobbiton. Continue to Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal landscapes and Māori culture.

Inclusions at a glance:

Lunch
Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour
Guided tour of the Waitomo glow worm caves
2 nights in Rotorua

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Regent of Rotorua

Regent of Rotorua is a chic boutique retreat in the heart of the city, just steps from Lake Rotorua and vibrant Eat Street. Blending glamour and comfort, it offers a stylish base for exploring the region’s geothermal wonders and cultural attractions. Guests can unwind in the heated outdoor or indoor thermal pools, enjoy contemporary dining at the Regent Room, and relax with warm, attentive service in a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.

Rotorua

Explore Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, including colourful hot springs, geysers, and volcanic landscapes. In the evening, experience Māori culture through traditional performances and a hāngī feast.

Inclusions at a glance:

Traditional hāngī dinner
Dual geothermal park experience
Lady Knox Geyser
Māori cultural experience

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your perfect New Zealand escape.

Rotorua to Wellington via Taupō

This morning you’ll travel via coach, south to Wairakei and continue along the shores of Lake Taupō, then cross the volcanic Desert Road past Tongariro National Park, en route to Wellington.

Inclusions at a glance:

Lake Taupō views
Desert Road volcanic landscapes
Explore Wellington at your leisure
2 nights in Wellington

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Copthorne Hotel Wellington

Overlooking the stunning Wellington Harbour from Oriental Parade, Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay is the perfect base to explore the city. Merely 10 minutes walk away you will find the city's shopping, commercial, and entertainment centre. The beautifully appointed rooms incorporate design cues from the surrounding natural environment and feature all the modern comforts you would expect.

Wellington

Explore iconic Middle Earth filming locations around Wellington, including Rivendell, the Gardens of Isengard, the Hutt Valley, and Mount Victoria, before finishing with a behind-the-scenes visit to Wētā Workshop to discover the artistry and craftsmanship that brought Middle Earth to life.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea
Full-day LOTR tour
Mount Victoria stopover
Wētā Workshop experience

Wellington to Christchurch via Picton

Cross the Cook Strait by ferry to Picton before boarding the Coastal Pacific train. Journey along the spectacular South Island coastline, where mountains meet the sea, before arriving in Christchurch.

Inclusions at a glance:

Interislander ferry crossing
Private transfer to your train departure
Coastal Pacific rail journey
2 nights in Christchurch

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

You will find The Distinction Hotel in the revitalised heart of Christchurch and Cathedral Square. Centrally located and a short stroll to the Botanical Gardens, New Regent Street, the Arts Centre, and Avon River. This hotel offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of Superior Rooms and Suites.

Christchurch

Travel into the remote Canterbury high country for a full-day 4WD adventure to Mount Sunday (Edoras), with expert commentary, a gourmet picnic lunch, and sweeping views of lakes, rivers, and mountains.

Inclusions at a glance:

Gourmet picnic lunch
Full-day 4WD guided high country tour
Edoras behind-the-scenes

Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook

Travel through the Mackenzie Country, stopping at Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing past the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.

Inclusions at a glance:

Guided coach tour
Lake Tekapo stopover
Church of the Good Shepherd
1 night in Aoraki/Mount Cook

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The Hermitage - Aoraki/Mount Cook

A stunning destination surrounded by the silent splendor of the Southern Alps and with spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding National Park World Heritage area. Guests can dine at several on-site restaurants. The hotel is also home to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, that features a museum, planetarium, and cinema.

Aoraki / Mount Cook to Queenstown

Journey south through the high-country landscapes of Twizel and Omarama before crossing the Lindis Pass and arriving in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Guided coach tour
Scenic Lindis Pass
3 nights in Queenstown

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront

The Copthorne Resort Lakefront in Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Exploring panoramic views of the lake and nearby mountains, the Copthorne is the perfect venue to relax! The Copthorne Lakefront blends superior facilities and comfort with friendly service.

Queenstown

Visit some of the South Island’s most iconic filming locations, including the Misty Mountains, Gladden Fields, Isengard, Lothlórien, and Ithilien Camp, while enjoying spectacular scenery from Queenstown to Glenorchy.

Morning or afternoon tea
Full-day guided tour through iconic LOTR locations
Replica sword and costumes for photo opportunities
Mt Aspiring and Lake Wakatipu stopovers

Queenstown

Enjoy a free day to explore Queenstown at your own pace. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, pick from relaxed lakeside walks and boutique shopping to world-class dining and thrill-seeking activities.

Inclusions at a glance:

Explore at your leisure

Make it yours
Looking for the perfect way to wind down after an eventful trip? Unwind in a soothing onsen-style bath while sipping a glass of wine, easing tired muscles and reflecting on your journey in complete relaxation.

Queenstown

Your Middle Earth journey comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport and reflect on the spectacular landscapes and iconic filming locations that brought The Lord of the Rings to life, from Hobbiton and Rivendell to Edoras and the wild beauty of the South Island.

Inclusions at a glance:

Private airport transfer

Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a journey to Aotearoa, New Zealand that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.

What Elizabeth says about this tour: I tell my clients that this tour is a standout for all Tolkien fans and lovers of outstanding scenery - Peter Jackson was spoilt for choice with the locations on offer when he set the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies in New Zealand. Whether cruising the majestic Milford Sound or visiting the actual Hobbiton Movie set and Weta Studios in Wellington- just make sure you have plenty of memory cards for all the photo opportunities on offer.

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