Lord of the Rings Paths of Middle Earth

Auckland

A spectacular introduction to Middle Earth, with cinematic experiences, volcanic landscapes, and the vibrant energy of New Zealand’s harbour city, setting the scene for your journey.

Inclusions at a glance:

Private airport transfer
Wētā Workshop Unleashed Tour
1 night in Auckland

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Edit Auckland Central

Edit Auckland Central is a contemporary, boutique-style hotel in the heart of Auckland, New Zealand. It offers modern, stylish rooms with thoughtful amenities, ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Its central location provides easy access to the city’s shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, including the Viaduct Harbour and Sky Tower. Guests enjoy a blend of comfort, convenience, and vibrant urban energy in a sleek, welcoming setting.

Auckland to Paihia

Journey via coach north, through rolling farmland and native bush to the subtropical Bay of Islands, arriving in Paihia, a relaxed seaside town known for its beaches, marine life, and rich cultural history.

Inclusions at a glance:

Scenic coach journey
2 nights in Paihia

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge - Paihia

Commanding a memorable situation on the waterfront only 100 metres from Paihia wharf, near the township and close to the main attractions. Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia offers views across the Bay's brilliant blue green sea to famous Russell. This welcoming Paihia hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the scenic and historic Bay of Islands.

Paihia

Cruise through the stunning Bay of Islands, passing pristine waters, the Cape Brett Peninsula, and the iconic Hole in the Rock, with opportunities for wildlife encounters and time to relax at Otehei Bay.

Inclusions at a glance:

Explore at your leisure
Dolphin viewing cruise experience
Hole in the Rock & Cape Brett Lighthouse
Otehei Bay stopover

Make it yours
Pair your excursion with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand’s most significant historic site.

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

Paihia to Auckland

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Paihia before returning to Auckland by coach, travelling south through Northland’s rolling countryside with its native bush, pastoral landscapes, and scenic coastal views.

Scenic return coach journey
Explore Auckland at your leisure
1 night in Auckland

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Edit Auckland Central

Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo & Hobbiton

Travel through the Waikato region to Hobbiton Movie Set and the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves before arriving in Rotorua’s geothermal heartland.

Inclusions at a glance:

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

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Set in a magnificent location on the shores of Mystical Lake Rotorua the Sudima Hotel Lake Front Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none. Enjoy a swim in the geothermal heated pools or relax in the spa complex. Adjacent to the renowned, Polynesian Spa and offering beautiful vistas across the lake, this well-appointed Qualmark 4-star hotel is just a short stroll from Rotorua's vibrant CBD.

Rotorua

Explore Rotorua’s geothermal wonders including Wai-O-Tapu, Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, and Waimangu Volcanic Valley before an evening cultural experience at Te Pā Tū.

Inclusions at a glance:

Traditional hāngī dinner
Guided eco-thermal half-day tour
Māori cultural experience

Rotorua to Wellington

Fly to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, known for its creative culture, harbour setting, and cinematic connections to Middle Earth.

Inclusions at a glance:

Private transfers and domestic flight to Wellington
Explore Wellington at your leisure
2 nights in Wellington

Make it yours
Explore Wellington via a scenic cable-car ride, taking in the city’s historic precincts and vibrant harbour views from a new perspective.

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Bay Plaza Hotel - Wellington

Located on Wellington's exclusive Oriental Parade, the Bay Plaza Hotel offers stunning views in perfect proximity to the capitals vibrant city centre. Classic yet contemporary the rooms come in relaxing palettes stylishly combined with sleek modern fittings and furnishings with the most interesting of the hotel's original architectural features.

Wellington

Discover the world of film-making at Wētā Workshop, where props, costumes, creatures, and miniatures from major films including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were created.

Inclusions at a glance:

Explore at your leisure
Guided Wētā Workshop experience
Behind-the-scenes film artistry

Wellington to Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch, the Garden City, set between the Pacific coastline and Southern Alps, blending heritage character with modern renewal.

Inclusions at a glance:

Private airport transfers
Domestic flight to Christchurch
1 night in Christchurch

Make it yours
Add heritage tram rides or punting on the Avon River to explore Christchurch’s heritage, creativity, and scenic waterways in depth.

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 to Aoraki / Mount Cook

Leave the city and journey across the Canterbury Plains, stopping at Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing to Aoraki / Mount Cook for a Glacier Explorers cruise among ancient icebergs.

Inclusions at a glance:

Dinner
Church of the Good Shepherd & Lake Tekapo
Tasman Glacier boat tour
1 night in Aoraki / Mount Cook

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

Situated in the iconic Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, Mt Cook Lodge & Motels offers a selection of accommodation types from backpacker styled dorms, cosy chalets to newly refurbished and contemporary self-contained motel units. All rooms include ensuite bathrooms, quality linen, refridgerator and a patio or balcony so you can soak up the stunning mountain views. Chill out in the Chamois Bar & Grill, a favourite of travelers and locals alike.

Aoraki / Mount Cook to Queenstown

Enjoy free time in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park before travelling south through Twizel and Omarama, across the scenic Lindis Pass and Kawarau River Gorge, and into the alpine surrounds of Queenstown.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Scenic Lindis Pass
4 nights in Queenstown

Make it yours
Embark on a breathtaking flight over the Ben Ohau Range with a remote alpine landing, taking in panoramic views of glaciers and ancient, glacier-carved valleys.

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Heartland Hotel Queenstown offers panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu to the mountains and boasts one of the best central locations in Queenstown. Access a range of leisure activities from bungy jumping to shopping from one of the best accommodation locations in Queenstown. Featuring 81 well-appointed guest rooms, many with spectacular mountain and/or lake views, restaurant & bar, extensive guest services and facilities.

Queenstown

Today is yours to enjoy Queenstown your way. Explore the town, wander along the lakefront, join an optional adventure, or simply unwind with a coffee while soaking up the alpine scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

Explore at your leisure

Make it yours
Take your experience to new heights with a Skyline Gondola ride to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views over Queenstown, followed by a premium dining experience overlooking Lake Wakatipu.

Milford Sound

From Queenstown, travel by coach through the spectacular landscapes of Fiordland, passing alpine scenery and glacial valleys en route to Milford Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise beneath soaring cliffs and waterfalls before returning to Queenstown.

Inclusions at a glance:

Lunch
Glass roof coach tour
Milford Sound nature cruise
Fiordland National Park scenery

Glenorchy

Today you will join a guided half-day trip to explore iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations including Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlórien, and Ithilien on a guided journey from Queenstown to Glenorchy.

Inclusions at a glance:

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

Queenstown to Franz Josef

Travel along the West Coast and over Haast Pass through alpine rainforest and World Heritage landscapes, arriving in Franz Josef with time to explore the glacier and its surrounds at your own pace.

Inclusions at a glance:

Guided coach tour
Scenic Haast Pass
1 night in Franz Josef

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Punga Grove - Franz Josef Glacier

At Punga Grove, all of our stylish accommodation is set amidst the native Franz Josef rainforest. Our mountainside motel has been designed to maximise the beauty of the greenery with decks, outdoor areas and conservatory windows virtually putting you deep in the rainforest. All apartments include a fully equipped kitchen.

Franz Josef to Christchurch via Greymouth

Journey by coach to Greymouth and board the TranzAlpine Train, one of the world’s great rail journeys, crossing gorges, rivers, and viaducts en route to Christchurch.

Inclusions at a glance:

TranzAlpine rail journey
Private transfer to your accommodation
1 night in Christchurch

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

Christchurch

Today your Middle Earth journey concludes as you transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight, leaving behind the cinematic landscapes of The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies and taking unforgettable memories of New Zealand with you.

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: We put a lot of time into the planning and booking of all the elements of this trip - so that all your connections, check-ins and day trips go exactly to the prepared plan. We are in country to give you peace of mind while on the trip so you can make the most of 'Hobbit Fever' while you are here.

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