South Island Legends of Middle Earth Itinerary

Welcome to Queenstown, an alpine resort town surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and many of the landscapes featured in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, it also offers world-class dining, wine, and relaxation experiences.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Explore at your leisure
• 2 nights in Queenstown

Make it yours
Elevate your Queenstown introduction with a gondola ride and premium dinner as you take in sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables at sunset.
 

Suggested Accommodation: 

Journey from Queenstown to Glenorchy on a fully guided Middle Earth tour, visiting iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit while uncovering behind-the-scenes stories amid some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Morning or afternoon tea
• Full-day guided tour through iconic LOTR locations
• Replica sword and costumes for photo opportunities
• Mt Aspiring and Lake Wakatipu stopovers

Travel over the Crown Range and through historic Arrowtown to the lakeside town of Wānaka, set beside the Southern Alps and near Mount Aspiring National Park, known for its outdoor activities, dining, and spectacular alpine scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Rental vehicle collection
• Historic Arrowtown stopover
• Time to explore Wānaka at your leisure
• 2 nights in Wānaka

Approximate Distance: 70 kms | 43 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your perfect New Zealand escape.

Suggested Accommodation: 

Cruise across Lake Wānaka to the predator-free sanctuary of Mou Waho Island. Enjoy a guided bush walk to the island’s summit, where panoramic views and a unique lake-on-an-island await, followed by high tea surrounded by native birdlife.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, morning or afternoon tea
• Lake Wānaka Cruise
• Mou Waho Island Nature Walk
• Native tree planting and wildlife encounters

Discover landscapes featured in the Lord of the Rings en route to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park before enjoying an evening stargazing experience beneath some of the clearest skies in the world-renowned Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, dinner
• Scenic Lindis Valley and Pelannor Fields stopovers
• Stargazing experience
• 1 night in Aoraki / Mount Cook
   

Approximate Distance: 270 kms | 168 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Spend the morning exploring the alpine landscapes before travelling through the heart of the South Island, admiring the striking turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo en route to Christchurch.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki stopovers
• 2 nights in Christchurch

Approximate Distance: 330 kms | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Travel into the remote Canterbury high country for a 4WD adventure to Mount Sunday (Edoras), featuring expert commentary, a gourmet picnic lunch, and spectacular views of lakes, rivers, and mountains.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, gourmet picnic lunch
• Full-day 4WD guided high country tour
• Edoras behind-the-scenes

Your journey comes to an end today. Reflect on the unforgettable landscapes, filming locations, and adventures that brought Middle Earth to life as you make your way to the airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Rental vehicle return

Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a journey to Aotearoa, New Zealand that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.