Middle Earth New Zealand Itinerary

When you touch down in New Zealand your detailed documentation pack will be hand-delivered by one of our trusted representatives. You'll find everything you need in one handy place: your personalised itinerary, clear instructions and maps, and reservation details for your accommodation and activities.

24 Hour Assistance: We’re just a free phone call away if you encounter any issues while you're on the road - at any time of day or night. Don’t waste your precious vacation time stressing - First Light Travel are here to help you quickly when every second counts.

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 Mae govannen! (Elvish) Greetings!

Welcome to Auckland and your tour of Middle Earth New Zealand. Situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, Auckland sits next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea.

Visually one of the world's most stunning cities - and easily the country’s largest metropolis - the city of Auckland is flung over a narrow isthmus, characterised by numerous pa-sculptured   volcanic cones, sea-flooded caldera and  sparkling  beaches. The many reaches of Waitemata and Manukau, twin harbours, extend east and west, and irresistible regional parks are within easy reach.

After checking into your hotel, take a stroll around the city - followed by an evening Dinner Cruise on the Pride of Auckland, exploring the beautiful Waitemata Harbour.  

Accommodation Auckland - 1 night

Depart Auckland this morning and travel through lush farmland to Matamata. Take a guided tour of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, located on a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep and beef farm. Here, the village of Hobbiton was carefully created in amazing detail as a film location for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies.

During your guided tour you will see sights such as Hobbit holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, and you will learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, enjoy a delicious lunch at the Green Dragon Inn.

At the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a 45-minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. Your tour includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto – glide silently along an underground river as you gaze at the twinkling glowworms overhead.

After visiting Waitomo and Hobbiton, continue to Rotorua, arriving in the early evening.

Accommodation Rotorua - 2 Nights

The morning is free to explore Rotorua.  

Later this afternoon take a tour of Te Puia thermal park and an evening cultural performance. Te Puia's 70 hectare park in the beautiful Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley is right in the heart of the action. Restless forces boil to the surface in the enchanting, mud pools and hot springs and geysers gush hot steam and water in spectacular fashion. The famous Pohutu Geyser erupts approximately every 20 minutes and bursts reach heights of 30m (100ft). Silica terraces, native bush and birdlife and a wonderful insight into Maori culture and tradition rounds off a fascinating and memorable experience.

Take a morning flight to Wellington - New Zealand's capital and cultural centre. Get excited about the prospect of exploring this movie making Mecca today, choosing between two fascinating Lord of the Rings tours - a highlight of any Tour of Middle Earth New Zealand.

Wellington Movie Tour: This short and popular tour is packed with a visit to filming locations in the Hobbiton Woods as well as a visit to the Weta Cave to gain behind-the-scenes insights into movie making magic.

Ultimate Movie Tour: Embark on a day of Middle-earth magic when you combine both the Valley and Wellington tours. This exciting full day incorporates special natural places, lunch at ‘Rivendell’, visits to the scenes in Hobbiton Woods and, to top it all off, a visit to the Weta Cave.

Accommodation Wellington - 1 night

Flight additional to costing

With a morning crossing on the Cook Strait Ferry - the challenging stretch of water that connects the Tasman Sea to the Southern Pacific Ocean, you will enter the South Island island through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds and on to Blenheim in the heart of Marlborough Wine Country.

Accommodation Blenheim - 2 nights

Get a snapshot of what makes the Marlborough wine region so special. Spend the morning on a guided winery bike tour and then do your own self guided exploring in the afternoon.

Today you are in for a treat, the train journey from Blenheim to Kaikoura offers travelers an unforgettable experience through New Zealand's captivating landscapes. As you depart from Blenheim, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the region's renowned vineyards and rolling hills. The route then follows the rugged coastline, where the Pacific Ocean's azure waters meet the shore in a breathtaking display. Throughout the journey, passengers can relax in comfortable seating while taking in the stunning scenery through expansive windows. Finally, as you approach Kaikoura, the majestic peaks of the Kaikoura mountain range come into view, completing this picturesque expedition along the South Island's coast.

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 night

The Coastal Pacific showcases both towering mountains and surging ocean, the train ventures along the Kaikoura Coast on the edge of the South Island and gets breathtakingly close to both the surging Pacific and the soaring Kaikoura Ranges.

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. 

Accommodation Christchurch - 2 nights

After a short drive is Methven, a quaint, pretty village that is home to pristine landscapes, down to earth local kiwis and many passionate outdoor enthusiasts. This town played an integral part in the filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy; becoming a base for cast and crew as they worked in the nearby countryside. A must do when on any Tour of Middle Earth New Zealand.

The Tour
The capital of the Rohan people, Edoras, was created in the isolated and beautiful high country station of Mount Potts. Journey into this remote wilderness and soak up its crystal-clear lakes, rivers and crisp mountain air. This full day tour incorporates a 4WD tour onto Mount Sunday/Edoras, a gourmet champagne picnic lunch, full movie commentary from our expert, friendly guides and magnificent, signature New Zealand scenery for an experience you’ll never forget.

Tour Highlights:

• Thrilling 4WD adventure across a handful of small streams and right to Edoras itself.
• Standing on the summit of Edoras just like Eowyn did, after a guided walk to the top.
• Fascinating photos of Edorasunder construction during production – exclusive to us!
• Spot the Misty Mountains and the landscapes that created the backdrop to Helms Deep.
• Enjoy a gourmet champagne picnic lunch in the outdoors.
• Entertaining and interesting commentary from local, friendly kiwi guides.
• Handle replicas – Aragorn’s Sword, King Theoden’s Sword, Gimli’s Axe, Gandalf’s Staff, Flag of Rohan.
• Find out for yourself why this stunning location was so popular with the cast and crew.

Take a scenic half-day tour from Christchurch to spectacular Mount Cook.

Our tour departs Christchurch in the morning and travels through the lush farmland of the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, where you can see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd as it stands in solitude next to the vibrant blue waters. Leaving Tekapo, we continue into the Southern Alps towards Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Along the way your driver guide will keep you entertained and informed with commentary on the area’s history and sites of interest.

The tour concludes on arrival at Mount Cook Village, where you can choose to enjoy lunch (optional extra) at the famous Hermitage Hotel. Explore the village and soak up the views of Aoraki / Mount Cook as it towers above. You’ll also have the chance to take a scenic flight over this breathtaking alpine region (additional cost, weather permitting). You have the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation Mt Cook - 1 night

Meals: Breakfast

Explore the alpine village in the morning. In the afternoon journey from the Southern Alps on a half day sightseeing tour from Mount Cook to Queenstown.

Set off from Mount Cook village in a luxury coach, enjoying the commentary from your local driver guide as you head south through the tawny tussock of the Mackenzie Country and its high country landscape.

Stop for an afternoon tea break in Omarama (own expense) before continuing through to the Cromwell region, famous for its fruit orchards. Cross Lindis Pass and skirt along the shores of Lake Dunstan before driving through the Kawarau Gorge and its famous goldmines.

Arrive at Queenstown in the evening.

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 nights

Explore the beauty of backcountry Queenstown with a Jet Boat Adventure  deep into the coveted and hard to get to Mount Aspiring National Park. This Wilderness Safari lets you enjoy isolated valleys and ancient native forests – frozen in time – amidst the adrenaline pumping action of the jet boat ride. Enjoy an easy, guided 30 – 40 minute walk through the ‘Heritage Trail’ at Paradise, where your expert guide will enliven your walk with an interesting commentary about the local flora and fauna as well as the Maori and colonial history of the area. You’ll also journey by 4WD coach via a scenic back-road route while enjoying stories about the history of the surrounding countryside. En route, you’ll stop to view scenery that featured as epic backdrops for the award-winning Lord of the Rings Trilogy. These sites are Isengard, Lothlórien, and Amon Hen.

We know you will love the Tour of Middle Earth New Zealand and it is time to leave the fellowship of New Zealand and head home with a memory card overflowing with locations to sleuth when rewatching the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Trilogies. 

Later today head to the airport, flying out of Queenstown airport is spectacular – the grand Southern Alps seen from high above is an incredible view that you’ll never forget. Returning to Auckland to connect to your international departure flight. 

Ready to find out more? Talk to us here in New Zealand about the 'Tour of Middle Earth New Zealand '  - We Guarantee it will be the Holiday of a Lifetime!