12 Day Scenic Middle Earth Highlights Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Relax you are now officially on holiday and everything has been taken care of! On arrival you will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation to freshen up and unwind. Make the most of some free leisure time in the 'City of Sails' - simply relax or take this opportunity to explore the many sights of Auckland. Explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter, visit the Sky Tower, join a Whale & Dolphin Safari or go America's Cup Sailing to get a feel for Auckland and the surrounding area.

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Collect your rental vehicle and enjoy a scenic drive to the emerald pastures of The Shire, where Hobbiton comes to life on a private farm in Matamata. Wander the enchanting village, from Bag End to 43 Hobbit Holes, scaled to make you feel part of Middle-earth. On a fully guided tour, learn behind-the-scenes movie secrets before enjoying an evening banquet as the set glows under nightfall, before travelling to Cambridge.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 195 km | 121 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Cambridge - 1 Night

Travel to Piopio to explore Denize Bluffs Farm, where Sir Peter Jackson filmed much of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Towering limestone cliffs, primeval forest, and massive rock formations became Trollshaws Forest, home to Bilbo’s sword, Sting. On a guided tour, visit the destroyed farmhouse, troll cave, Gandalf giving Sting to Bilbo, Radagast’s arrival, and Orc and Warg attack sites. After immersing yourself in these iconic movie locations, continue your journey to Tongariro National Park, where volcanic landscapes, alpine trails, and dramatic scenery set the stage for your next adventure.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 270 km | 168 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Ohakune - 2 Nights

Start your day with the Skyline Rotorua Gondola, ascending above Rotorua for panoramic views of the city, lakes, and surrounding hills. Enjoy thrilling luge rides down winding tracks, fun for all ages. Afterward, continue to Te Pa Tu for a summer harvest celebration, experiencing Māori traditions firsthand. Gather seasonal produce, taste local delicacies, and join storytelling, song, and dance. Learn about the land’s significance and sustainable practices while enjoying an interactive, hands-on cultural experience that leaves lasting memories of Rotorua’s vibrant heritage.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel the long Desert Road for stunning views of Tongariro’s volcanoes. Stop at Waiouru’s QE2 Memorial Museum, then drive south to Taihape, the Gumboot Throwing capital, through rivers and valleys, including the scenic Mangaweka Gorge. Browse Bulls’ antiques or spot birds near Foxton estuary, with dune lakes near Levin. Visit Kapiti Island, a car museum, and a cheese factory. Wellington, compact and vibrant between harbour and hills, offers cafes, shops, museums, theatre, music, and rich political history, perfect for exploring on foot.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 290 kms | 180 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation Wellington - 2 Nights

With some of the best Lord of the Rings tours in Wellington, your private tour begins with a scenic drive into the Hutt Valley, following the 'River Anduin' and admiring 'Helms Deep'. Visit the 'Gardens of Isengard', then stop at Rivendell and the famous Legolas Tree. Return to Wellington, or 'Wellywood', and explore the Weta Cave in Miramar, with time to shop and take photos of incredible exhibits. Next, enjoy the 'Weta Experience', a behind-the-scenes tour showcasing film props, weaponry, artistry and get an insight into the world of miniatures and modelmaking. After lunch at a seaside café, head up Mt. Victoria for panoramic views before concluding with a visit to the 'Outer Shire' and Hobbit’s Hideaway.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea

Today we say goodbye to the North Island - it's time to get acquainted with the South.

As your flight descends into Queenstown get a stunning introduction to New Zealand's most celebrated destination nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps. Offering a wealth of activities to suit all travellers, there is huge diversity in the experiences to be enjoyed - from adrenaline activities such as bungy jumps and sky diving, through to superb gourmet food and wine tours. On arrival collect your rental vehicle at the airport terminal.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Take a fully guided journey deep into Middle Earth and explore Lord of the Rings locations from Queenstown to Glenorchy. Stories and secrets will be shared by local guides who have great insight into the filming of LOTR in Glenorchy and Queenstown. Come away with amazing photos and lasting memories from this unforgettable Lord Of The Rings full day adventure. Combines Pure Glenorchy's Half Day LOTR Scenic Tour with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with their partner company - Southern Trails.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Although known as New Zealand’s “adventure capital,” Queenstown offers much more than adrenaline-fueled activities. Explore the Gibbston Valley wine trail to sample exceptional Pinot, or board the 100-year-old TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak Station for a farm tour and dinner. Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy lunch at Michelin-star chef Josh Emett’s Rata. For thrill-seekers, Queenstown delivers plenty of excitement with options like the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge, or Heli-ski, ensuring there’s something for every taste in this vibrant alpine town.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Say farewell to Queenstown and travel to the tranquil lakeside town of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland, a UNESCO World Heritage area famed for glacier-carved fiords, alpine scenery, and pristine forests. This region’s unspoiled landscapes also served as settings for several Lord of the Rings scenes. Nearby, some of New Zealand’s most famous Great Walks begin, including the Milford, Routeburn, and Kepler Tracks. Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings with options such as flight-seeing, kayaking, sailing, or horse riding—perfect ways to experience Fiordland’s remarkable natural beauty up close.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 175 km | 108 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

Deep in the heart of Fiordland lies the vast and beautiful Doubtful Sound. The name came by way of the pioneer Captain James Cook who expressed his uncertainty as to whether the inlet was navigable under sail. This sound is home to a number of impressive waterfalls and small islands and is the second longest of the South Island’s fiords. Doubtful Sound is an untouched, serene and mysterious place that is often referred to as the ‘Sound of Silence’. Fur seals, bottle nose dolphins and penguins are likely to be seen on your cruise.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. You will return to Queenstown airport for your onward flight - dropping your car back to the airport terminal. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 108 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins