Middle Earth New Zealand Itinerary

 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. There are many stunning beaches to visit and irresistible regional parks within easy reach.

You will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation on arrival. After checking into your accommodation, take a stroll around the city - followed by an evening harbour dinner cruise 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.

Meals: Lunch

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

The morning is free to explore Rotorua at your leisure.  

Later this afternoon take a tour of Te Puia thermal park. 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). After working up an appetite enjoy a mouth-watering hāngī buffet infusing Māori flavours with an array of global cuisines and cooking styles. Dinner is followed by an exhilarating Māori cultural performance. Continue exploring the geothermal park after dinner if you wish. Silica terraces, native bush and birdlife and a wonderful insight into Māori culture and tradition rounds off a fascinating and memorable experience.

Meals: Dinner

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 on a guided half day Lord of the Rings tour. our experienced and highly knowledgeable guides with decades of experience between them. 

Visit some of the most amazing locations from The Lord of the Rings movies and the famous Weta Workshop where the films were made. Here you will discover the secrets behind movie-making magic and learn how the costumes, props, creatures and weapons were brought to life by Weta's the talented artists. Take photos with some of the iconic middle-Earth movie characters and take home souvenir or two if you wish.

Other highlights of the day include visiting the Embassy Cinema and ascending the Mt Victoria lookout for a breathtaking view of the city and the harbour. You will also have the opportunity to recreate some of the most famous scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring.

Accommodation: Wellington - 1 Night

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, a haven of sheltered inlets, coves and crystal clear waters. On arrival in Picton you will be transferred to Blenheim. This is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough and one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Enjoy the wide a range of cafes, wineries, restaurants and artisan food outlets on offer this afternoon.

Accommodation Blenheim - 2 Nights

Get a snapshot of what makes the Marlborough wine region so special on this small group tour with 8 people maximum. Experience the views, tastes, and flavours without need for maps as your friendly and knowledgeable guide will take you from winery to winery. On this tour you will visit 3 botique wineries. Bike on wine trails through the vineyards, along river stop-banks, and down quiet country roads on gentle terrain. After your guided tour this morning you are free to continue exploring the region at your leisure. Electric bikes are available for a small additional cost.

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.

Note: The Coastal Pacific Train does not run from April - August. If you plan to travel over this period we will arrange alternative transportation.

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night

Today's section of The Coastal Pacific train journey 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.

Included Meals: Lunch

Take a scenic half-day tour from Christchurch to spectacular Mount Cook. Travel 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, continue into the Southern Alps towards Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain.

On arrival 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). 

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 onboard a 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. 

Today you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight. 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!