Lord of the Rings Paths of Middle Earth

Mae Govannen! (Elvish) Greetings!
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand’s vibrant harbour city, where sparkling waterfronts meet volcanic hills and a lively dining scene. After transferring to your accommodation, step into cinematic legend at Wētā Workshop for the Unleashed Tour. 

Wētā Workshop Unleashed Tour
A must for Lord of the Rings fans, this immersive experience reveals the artistry behind Middle-earth’s weapons, armour, creatures, and miniatures. Discover how movie magic was crafted and gain insider insight into the creative genius that helped bring Tolkien’s epic world to life.

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Today, board a comfortable coach from Auckland and journey north through rolling farmland and native bush toward the subtropical Bay of Islands. Arriving in Paihia, you’ll be welcomed by a relaxed seaside atmosphere, golden beaches, and a rich cultural history. This charming waterfront town is the perfect base for exploring the region’s 144 islands, marine life, and historic sites. Along the way, enjoy scenic views and informative commentary. Once in Paihia, unwind by the beach, take a stroll along the waterfront, or start planning your adventures in this coastal paradise.

Accommodation Paihia - 2 Nights

Cruise through the stunning Bay of Islands, weaving past pristine islands and along the scenic Cape Brett Peninsula. Take in the iconic Cape Brett Lighthouse and the dramatic Motukokako, also known as the Hole in the Rock—watch for a lucky splash as the boat passes beneath (weather permitting). The area teems with marine life, including dolphins, as well as native birds and other wildlife. Enjoy a stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where there's time to unwind - take a swim, explore the walking tracks or enjoy a bite to eat and drink from the on-site fully licensed café overlooking the water.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Paihia, where you can soak up the coastal charm at your own pace. Stroll along the golden beaches, explore boutique shops and cafés, or take a short ferry ride to historic Russell for a glimpse into New Zealand’s colonial past. Nature lovers might enjoy a peaceful walk through native bush or a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds nearby. After your morning of leisure, board your coach for the scenic journey back to Auckland, retracing the lush landscapes and rolling countryside of Northland’s beautiful east coast.

Accommodation Auckland - 1 Night

Depart Auckland this morning and journey through lush countryside to Matamata, home of the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set. On a guided tour, explore the charming village brought to life in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Wander past Hobbit holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch. Continue to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a guided walk through dramatic limestone formations, followed by a magical boat ride beneath thousands of glowing lights. After this unforgettable day, travel on to Rotorua, arriving in the early evening.

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

This morning, explore Rotorua’s top geothermal wonders. Begin at Wai-O-Tapu, where your guide leads you past vibrant hot springs, steaming vents, and the erupting Lady Knox Geyser. Visit New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool before continuing to Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, where geysers and bubbling pools create an otherworldly landscape. A short drive takes you to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, shaped by the Mt. Tarawera eruption and rich in geothermal beauty. This evening, enjoy an immersive cultural experience at Te Pā Tū, with powerful storytelling, performance, and a seasonal Māori feast in a forested setting.

Included Meals: Dinner

This morning, transfer to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to your accommodation in the heart of the city. Set between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, Wellington is known for its creative energy, café culture, and compact charm. Discover its blend of history, politics, and arts—from the interactive Te Papa museum to the iconic Beehive building. With its lively laneways, harbourside walks, and cinematic connections to Middle-earth, Wellington is a dynamic base for exploring New Zealand’s cultural capital.

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Wellington is home to an entire community of creative Wētā Workshop artisans who've brought life to such films as, The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, King Kong, Avatar and many others. Get a full Wētā Workshop experience with a guided transfer. Learn about the real props, costumes and creatures created for your favourite films. Interact with cool stuff from our creative departments and catch an artist at work on our tour stage. Then enter the world of miniatures and modelmaking. Discover the filmmaking technique of miniature effects and learn how they are built for hit TV and film productions.

This morning, transfer to Wellington Airport for your flight to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island. On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your accommodation. Known as the Garden City, Christchurch is a dynamic mix of heritage charm and cutting-edge innovation. Set between the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps, the city features beautiful parks, a thriving arts scene, and striking post-earthquake architecture. Wander along the Avon River, explore the vibrant Riverside Market, or visit the Botanic Gardens—Christchurch is the perfect gateway to explore the stunning Canterbury region.

Accommodation Christchurch - 1 Night

Leave the city today and journey west across the wide, golden Canterbury Plains. Stop for photos at the stunning Lake Tekapo, one of three turquoise lakes in the Mackenzie Basin. Surrounded by tussock-covered hills and framed by the Southern Alps, it’s a truly iconic South Island scene. Don’t miss the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd on the lake’s edge. This afternoon, enjoy a Glacier Explorers Tour at Aoraki Mount Cook. Cruise among 500-year-old icebergs on the terminal lake, one of only three tours of its kind in the world—and the only one in New Zealand.

Included Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Mount Cook Village - 1 Night

This morning you will have free time to explore Mount Cook National Park. In the afternoon, head South from Mount Cook, pass through the high country towns of Twizel and Omarama before entering the beautiful Lindis Pass, the pass offers a unique mountain and tussock grassland scenery - Lindis Pass Scenic Reserve was formed in 1976 and was one of the first tussock reserves in New Zealand. Relax as you take in the spectacular scenery that changes from rugged ranges and mirror lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge before, emerging into the lush green farmland surrounding Queenstown.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Queenstown - 4 Nights

Today is fully at your disposal and a great opportunity to discover Queenstown at your own pace. From thrills to relaxed sightseeing; the lakeside town offers something for everyone. You have the option to take a thrilling jetboat ride on the Shotover Jetboat or bungy jump off the Kawarau Bridge, home of the world's first commercial bungy jump. For wine lovers, the surrounding area is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards so why not join a wine tour of the Gibbston Valley area to get a taste of the regions best wines.

From Queenstown, enjoy a scenic coach journey along the spectacular Milford Road, one of the world’s most stunning alpine drives. Take in breathtaking scenery featuring grassy plains, ancient rainforest, towering mountains, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. Then cruise the awe-inspiring Milford Sound, where waterfalls tumble from sheer cliffs and the famous Mitre Peak rises dramatically from the water. Feel the mist as you approach powerful waterfalls and keep watch for seals, dolphins, and the rare Fiordland crested penguins. After this unforgettable experience, board the coach for the return journey to Queenstown, taking in more of Fiordland’s remarkable and diverse landscapes.

Included Meals: Lunch

Visit Lord of the Rings locations and take a fully guided journey deep into Middle Earth, encounter Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains and Ithilien! Stories and secrets will be shared by local guides who have great insight into the filming of LOTR in Glenorchy and Queenstown. Take the opportunity to dress up in Lord of the Rings costume in Lothlorien Forest. Come away with amazing photos and lasting memories from this unforgettable experience.

Travel along the rugged West Coast Road and over the Haast Pass. Discover the rich alpine rainforest as you journey through this historic region. Through the Gates of Haast is a lost world that’s so spectacular and remote UNESCO designated it a World Heritage area. This afternoon there’s free time to explore Franz Josef township. The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers. Take the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment anywhere in the world, offering a range of glacier hiking options.

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 Night

This morning you will travel by coach to Greymouth. Then you will board the TranzAlpine to Christchurch. The TranzAlpine Train journey is renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Descend through spectacular gorges, river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey at Christchurch.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.