Essential LOTR Filming Locations 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.

What's also included?

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, take a trip up the Sky Tower and then on to the Weta Workshop - It's a journey through Weta's creative process that needs to be seen to be believed. Experience Monsters, giants and
robots - oh my! Interactive gizmos, Discombobulating displays, Fantastical set-pieces from the worlds of horror, fantasy and sci-fi and eye-popping practical effects.

This evening explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available to give a more in depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Accommodation Auckland - 1 Night

Enjoy today a journey into the heart of the Central North Island. Setting off from Auckland, travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
This afternoon will be exciting! You will journey to the emerald pastures and rolling hills of The Shire, where Hobbiton was brought to life on a private farm in Matamata. This idyllic village blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Set to the scale of a 3ft Hobbit you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a magical world of smoking chimneys, bluebells, and the Green Dragon Inn. Visit Bag End as well as the other 43 Hobbit Holes on this fully guided 2.5hr Hobbiton tour. Learn about the production of the movies – how did they make Gandalf appear so tall? Why was this exact site chosen to build Hobbiton? The passion and knowledge gleaned from your guide brings this authentic Middle-earth experience to life. 

From here your journey continues to Rotorua, where you will stay the night.

Approximate Distance: 240 km | 149 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 

Accommodation: Rotorua - 1 Night

Return your rental vehicle to Rotorua Airport an fly to Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city and the South Island's capital. Collect your next rental vehicle on arrival.

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Christchurch is our "Garden City," blessed with beautiful parks and gardens right in the heart of town. English heritage buildings sit side by side with innovative post-earthquake regeneration in this vibrant place.

After settling in, why not relax with a punting trip down the Avon River? Gliding gently along in a flat-bottomed boat, you will take in Christchurch's 'must-see' historic attractions and botanic gardens away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

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.

Leave the city today westwards through the Canterbury plains, you will find a superb location for some great photos at Lake Tekapo. Tekapo is one of three significant, neighboring lakes that border the Mackenzie Valley in New Zealand's South Island. Golden tussock grass carpets the surrounding hillside and roll away into the distance where the Southern Alps frame the horizon. The charming 'Church of the Good Shepherd' sits alone on its shores and the views to our highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook are remarkable. 

This evening take part in a Star Gazing tour in a World Heritage Dark Sky Reserve.

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 206 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 Minutes

Accommodation: Mount Cook - 2 Nights

Embarking on a Tasman Glacier boat trip near Mount Cook is an unparalleled adventure that immerses travelers in the awe-inspiring beauty of New Zealand's Southern Alps. As the boat gently navigates the glacial waters, passengers are enveloped by the towering grandeur of the surrounding mountains, their snow-capped peaks piercing the clear blue sky.

Glacial fragments float serenely by, glistening in the sunlight like jewels adrift on a pristine canvas. The air is crisp and invigorating, filled with the echoes of nature's tranquility. Against this backdrop of natural splendor, visitors witness the Tasman Glacier in all its icy magnificence, its ancient form a testament to the timeless power of the elements.

This journey offers not only a glimpse into the geological wonders of the region but also a profound connection to the pristine wilderness of New Zealand's South Island.

Enroute before heading through the Lindis Pass, stop by Lake Pukaki - "Laketown" and imagine riding your horse through Twizel, the filming location for Gondor.

You will have the afternoon to explore around Queenstown.

Some Recommended Queenstown Excursions:

Approximate Distance: 265 km | 165 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 nights

Your helicopter trip today is provided by the company that supplied the principal filming pilot for the renowned Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, providing the team with invaluable firsthand knowledge of these iconic movie locations. Passengers will soar over the Shotover River gorge, instantly recognizable as the 'Ford of Bruinen', and catch glimpses of 'Isengard', 'Lothlorien', and more. The adventure includes a high-altitude landing on a glacier near the 'Misty Mountains', offering a taste of traversing 'The Redhorn Pass'. A second alpine landing further enhances the immersive experience, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery.

This afternoon take the gondola ride up to the top of Bob's Peak for excellent views out over Queenstown

Visit Lord of the Rings Locations and take a journey with us deep into Middle Earth, encounter Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains and Ithilien! Also visit a location from the recently filmed The Hobbit. Stories and secrets will be shared by guides who have great insight into the filming.

In the afternoon take a thrilling Skippers Canyon Jetboat Tour The state of the art custom built Jet boats are designed for one purpose; to excite and thrill you as you race through the Shotover River Canyons at speed of 80km/hr. Sit back, hold on, and try to relax as our experienced boat drivers navigate the sheer canyon walls along the Shotover River as well as the mining dredges and sheet piles left by the miners through Skippers Canyon over a century ago. With skill and speed you will negotiate the narrow river channel, skimming over shallow 6 inch deep river beds, when suddenly you are going sideways, backwards, sideways and back facing the way you were going, WOW, that's a Hamilton spin! 360 degree spin, as the boat turns in its own length!

"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.