New Zealand: In the Heart of Middle-earth
A 15-day journey through New Zealand following in the footsteps of The Lord of the Rings: Hobbiton in the heart of the Waikato, the glowworm caves of Waitomo, the volcanic Tongariro (the real Mordor), Wellington with Weta Workshop, the fjords of Milford Sound, and the legendary landscapes of Queenstown and Glenorchy.
The Route
Day-by-Day Programme
Arrival in Auckland
Arrival at Auckland International Airport and private transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day for relaxation and adjusting to the time zone.
Auckland — Free Day
Free day to discover Auckland: War Memorial Museum, Viaduct Harbour, Piha Beach, or a ferry trip to beautiful Waiheke Island with its wineries. Car rental pick-up in the city centre.
Auckland → Rotorua via Hobbiton and Waitomo
Drive to Rotorua with two iconic stops: Hobbiton Movie Set with guided tour of the Shire™, visiting Bag End, a Hobbit Hole™, and the Green Dragon™ Inn with dinner included. Then Waitomo Glowworm Caves: 250 metres of underground scenery culminating in an unmatchable boat ride under thousands of glowworms.
Rotorua — Geothermal Valley & Maori Culture
Visit to the spectacular Waimangu Geothermal Valley: geysers, multi-coloured lakes, and unique volcanic formations. Evening: visit to the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute with traditional performance and Maori dinner included.
Rotorua → National Park — Tongariro (Mordor)
Drive to the National Park in the heart of the volcanic central plateau. Stop at Lake Taupo and the spectacular Huka Falls. The park is dominated by three active volcanoes: Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe (the real Mount Doom), and Tongariro — unforgettable Lord of the Rings landscapes.
National Park → Wellington
Morning with optional trekking among the Tongariro volcanoes. Afternoon drive to Wellington, New Zealand's cultural capital and "Windy City", famous for its food scene and role in Peter Jackson's films.
Wellington — Lord of the Rings Tour + Weta Workshop
Full day (6–6.5 hours) visiting Lord of the Rings filming locations around Wellington. Guided visit to Weta Workshop to see how costumes, props, and weapons are crafted. One of the most complete experiences for fans of Tolkien's saga.
Wellington → Kaikoura (Ferry + Marlborough Sounds)
Crossing the wonderful Cook Strait by ferry (approx. 3 hours) to the South Island. The route passes through the Marlborough Sounds region, famous for Sauvignon Blanc, with optional lunch stop at a vineyard. Arrival in Kaikoura, land of crayfish and whales.
Kaikoura → Christchurch — Whale Watching
Whale watching boat trip (2h30): sperm whales, humpbacks, blue whales, Hector's dolphins (the world's smallest), fur seals, and albatrosses. A unique open-sea experience. Afternoon drive to Christchurch.
Christchurch → Lake Tekapo
Drive to Lake Tekapo in the heart of the Mackenzie region. The iconic turquoise colour of the lake — created by glacial flour suspended in the water — and the historic Church of the Good Shepherd on the lake shore are among New Zealand's most beautiful images.
Lake Tekapo → Wanaka (Mt Cook & Lake Pukaki)
Scenic drive with lookout stops: spectacular views of Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki. Arrival in Wanaka, gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, and photos at the iconic lone tree growing in the lake.
Wanaka → Queenstown (Arrowtown & Central Otago)
Drive to Queenstown with a stop at Kawarau Gorge (the world's first bungee jumping bridge) and the picturesque gold-rush town of Arrowtown. Optional lunch at a Central Otago vineyard, famous for its Pinot Noir. Car drop-off in central Queenstown.
Milford Sound — Cruise + Lunch
Full-day trip to Milford Sound by coach from Queenstown via Te Anau with scenic stops en route. Relaxing fjord cruise with nature guide: waterfalls, dolphins, fur seals, and in season, Fiordland crested penguins. Picnic lunch included. Return to Queenstown by coach.
Queenstown — LOTR Full Day by 4x4 + Lunch
Full day (9 hours) Lord of the Rings filming locations by 4x4: Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings, the Ford of Bruinen, Isengard, Lothlorien, Glenorchy and Paradise Valley. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea included. An unforgettable cinematic adventure through the legendary Queenstown and Arrowtown landscapes.
Departure from Queenstown
Independent departure to Queenstown International Airport. End of ground services. Return flight home.
What's Included
- All accommodation as per itinerary (breakfast included)
- Car rental with All Inclusive insurance (Auckland–Queenstown)
- Cook Strait ferry from North to South Island
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with dinner included
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves — guided tour and boat ride
- Waimangu Geothermal Valley
- Maori performance and traditional dinner in Rotorua
- Lord of the Rings full day tour in Wellington + Weta Workshop
- Whale watching tour in Kaikoura
- Milford Sound full-day coach trip with cruise and picnic lunch
- LOTR Full Day 4x4 tour in Queenstown with lunch included
- Local GST taxes (15%)
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Anything not expressly listed in the included services
From
US$4,490
per person · land services · indicative price, subject to change
Want to customise this itinerary? Contact us for a tailored quote.
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