North Island Legends of Middle Earth Itinerary

Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand’s vibrant harbour city, where sparkling waterfronts meet volcanic hills and a lively dining scene.

Auckland Sky Tower
Begin your adventure with entry to the iconic Sky Tower, enjoying sweeping views of the city and surrounding harbour. 

Wētā Workshop for the Unleashed 
Step into cinematic legend at Wētā Workshop for the Unleashed Tour. A must for Lord of the Rings fans, this immersive experience showcases the artistry behind Middle-earth’s weapons, armour, creatures, and miniatures, offering insider insights into the movie magic and creative genius that brought Tolkien’s epic world vividly to life.

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Today, journey into the heart of New Zealand’s Central North Island. Depart Auckland and travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. This afternoon, explore the emerald pastures and rolling hills of The Shire at Hobbiton, a private farm in Matamata brought to life for the films. Walk among 43 Hobbit Holes, visit Bag End, and enjoy the Green Dragon Inn on a fully guided 2.5-hour tour, learning behind-the-scenes movie secrets. After this magical experience, continue your day by driving to the charming town of Cambridge, surrounded by verdant countryside.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 195 km | 121 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins 

Accommodation: Cambridge - 1 Night

Begin your day traveling from Cambridge to a guided tour of a cherished family farm, famed for its stunning landscapes and Middle-earth connections. Explore the dramatic Denize Bluffs, with striking rock formations, lush native bush, and iconic film locations, while guides share behind-the-scenes stories and help capture unforgettable photos. After wandering rolling farmland and gentle walking tracks, continue to Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture. In the evening, enjoy Te Puia Te Rā and Te Pō, an immersive dining experience celebrating seasonal produce, Māori culinary traditions, and captivating cultural performances.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximate Distance: 275 kms | 171 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 1 Night

Drive through the Central North Island’s geothermal region, enjoying steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vivid natural formations, with guided insights into Māori culture and the area’s unique geology. Continue to Taupō for a scenic cruise along the Waikato River, gliding beneath towering cliffs and native bush to the base of the thundering turquoise Huka Falls. Conclude the day in Waimarino, within Tongariro National Park, where dramatic volcanic landscapes famously portrayed Mordor and Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings, offering breathtaking vistas and unforgettable opportunities to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s cinematic and natural wonders.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 180 kms | 112 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Waimarino (Tongariro National Park) - 2 Nights

Located in Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO Dual World Heritage site, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered New Zealand’s finest one-day hike. This iconic 20.4-kilometre trek takes seven to eight hours, crossing a spectacular volcanic landscape of ancient lava flows, steaming vents, and emerald crater lakes. Shaped by volcanic and glacial activity over 275,000 years, it offers a truly unique alpine experience. This is a fully guided experience, with expert support and safety briefings throughout. Ideal for adventurous first-time hikers.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Nearby, Ohakune is home to the filming location for Ithilien Camp – stop by to experience it for yourself on your way to Wellington. Wellington, known as the ‘Middle of Middle-earth’ and home to the New Zealand film industry, formed the production base for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Several filming locations are dotted throughout the Wellington region, while WETA Workshop Headquarters is within the city itself. The location for the creation of the Outer reaches of The Shire scene and where the Hobbits hid to escape the Nazgul can be found on Mount Victoria. The pretty refuge of Rivendell and the encampment of Dunharrow are easily visited with a short drive from Wellington City.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 300 kms | 186 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 

​Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Experience some of the best Lord of the Rings tours in Wellington on a private journey beginning with a scenic drive through the Hutt Valley, following the “River Anduin” and admiring “Helms Deep.” Visit the Gardens of Isengard, Rivendell, and the famous Legolas Tree. Return to “Wellywood” to explore the Wētā Cave and enjoy the Wētā Experience, discovering props, weaponry, miniatures, and film artistry. After lunch at a seaside café, head up Mount Victoria for panoramic views, then finish at the Outer Shire and Hobbit’s Hideaway, immersing yourself in Middle-earth magic.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

There maybe time for some last minute excursions or shopping before you are transferred to the airport in time for your outbound flight. We are sure you will enjoy your New Zealand short break holiday, our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible. We know you will enjoy the North Island Self Drive LOTR (Hobbit) Filming Locations Tour and you will leave New Zealand with a photo library overflowing with locations to sleuth when rewatching the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Trilogies. 

Included Meals: Breakfast