Trail Through Middle Earth - Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland, situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, 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.

We take care of your transfer from the airport and after checking into your hotel, relax, take a stroll around our beautiful city, explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available for a more in-depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area. Visit the iconic Sky Tower, join a whale and dolphin cruise, visit nearby Waiheke or Rangitoto Island.

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 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.

Incldued Meals: Dinner

Explore Rotorua this morning while enjoying a tour on both water and lake. This 90 minute sightseeing tour takes place on land and water, on-board a WWII amphibious Duck. Start the tour in the heart of the city and learn about the history of Rotorua. Continue to the spectacular lakes district where you will splashdown into Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Okareka.

Later the day, you will take a domestic flight flight from Rotorua to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your accommodation.

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

Included 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 - 3 Nights

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Middle-earth as we explore iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations from Queenstown to Glenorchy. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you'll uncover fascinating stories and behind-the-scenes secrets about the making of LOTR in these breathtaking landscapes.

Capture stunning photos and create lasting memories during this full-day adventure. Highlights include visiting renowned filming spots in Arrowtown, the Gibbston Valley, and the enchanting Paradise region. See the The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, Pillars of the Kings and more.

Today is fully at your disposal and a great opportunity to discover Queenstown at your own pace. From thrills to relaxed sightseeing; the lakeside town offers something for everyone. You have the option to take a thrilling jetboat ride on the Shotover Jetboat or bungy jump off the Kawarau Bridge, home of the world's first commercial bungy jump. For wine lovers, the surrounding area is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards so why not join a wine tour of the Gibbston Valley area to get a taste of the regions best wines.

If you want to enjoy spectacular scenic views, you can sit back and relax in the Skyline Queenstown Gondola, one of the must-do activities in Queenstown. You can also choose to add luge rides and race back down on a luge cart for a bit of an adrenaline rush. Or take to the water for a relaxing cruise on the TSS Earnslaw steamboat across Lake Wakatipu with the option to add a gourmet BBQ dinner with farm show.
 

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Queenstown Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.