10 Day The Hobbit & LOTR New Zealand Tour 

Over the next 10 days, you’ll walk the paths of hobbits, elves, dwarves, and kings. You’ll stand where the Fellowship stood, gaze out over the lands they protected, and feel the same awe that inspired the trilogy films and the stories behind them…..plus much more!

Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation with time to get a feel for Christchurch.

CHRISTCHURCH/OTAUTAHI -Located on a level plain, Christchurch is defined by its historic past and vibrant future. The willow and oak-lined River Avon meanders through its heart, where you can enjoy a punt ride or explore the sprawling Botanic Gardens. Much of the city’s unique charm comes from its blend of old and new; elegant stone buildings sit alongside striking contemporary architecture. Following a series of earthquakes, the city has been thoughtfully and creatively rebuilt, resulting in innovative new spaces like the Transitional Cathedral and Margaret Mahy Playground. This spirit of renewal makes Christchurch an exciting hub for arts, culture, and dining, while its proximity to both the stunning Canterbury Plains and the volcanic Port Hills offers easy access to outdoor adventures.

Dive straight into Middle-earth magic with a full day Lord of the Rings Edoras tour with Hassle-free Tours Ltd. Today, you’ll journey into Middle-earth with this exciting tour to the Rohan capital of Edoras. Traveling by 4WD, you’ll be taken to the remote and stunning Mount Sunday, which was transformed into the city set for the film trilogy. Your guide will provide entertaining commentary and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights. You’ll get to handle movie replicas and enjoy a sparkling wine picnic lunch, making it a dream experience for any fan.

Today you will pick up your Compact SUV rental car and prepare your camera for this spectacular trip that takes you inland from Christchurch. You’ll pass through the Canterbury Plains and enter the Mackenzie Country, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. The route then leads you directly to Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

On arrival in Mount Cook Village, you will check at your hotel and soak in New Zealand’s dramatic alpine scenery at your own pace. You could take an easy stroll along the Hooker Valley Track, crossing swing bridges and ending at Hooker Lake with stunning glacier and mountain reflections, or opt for a shorter walk to the Tasman Glacier viewpoint for spectacular ice formations. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy coffee or a meal at The Hermitage Hotel while gazing at Mount Cook, or simply take in the turquoise waters at Lake Pukaki nearby. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a scenic flight or a glacier boat cruise for unforgettable views.

Tonight, experience Big Sky Stargazing. You’ll join an expert astronomy guide for a mesmerizing 90-minute journey through the cosmos. You’ll be taken to a purpose-built viewing platform where, on a clear night, you can explore the Southern Cross, planets, and galaxies through powerful telescopes. Your guide will share their knowledge of the night sky, creating an unforgettable experience in this internationally recognized dark sky reserve.

MOUNT COOK/AORAKI – whose Māori name “Aorangi” means “Cloud Piercer” is some 3753.5 metres high and surrounded by a host of massive peaks. Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, and can quite often be surrounded by cloud, constantly vulnerable to the fast changing weather patterns of an alpine climate.

Today is a spectacular journey from the heart of the Southern Alps to the adventure capital. You’ll leave the Mount Cook area and travel through the Mackenzie Basin, with views of the Southern Alps and the famous turquoise lakes. The journey continues through the rugged high country of Central Otago before you arrive in Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA – is the South Island’s most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as “fit for any Queen”, and so she was called Queenstown.

Get ready for another incredible adventure with Nomad Safaris – Full Day Lord of the Rings tour, where you’ll journey through dramatic landscapes made famous by the iconic film trilogy! Your guide will take you to the remote and beautiful to several filming locations that are easily accessible from Queenstown. Spend a full day deep in the scenic movie locations, hear tales and behind the scenes filming stories, try replica props and walk in ancient forests. Our local guides will transport you through the magical lands of Queenstown and Glenorchy, bringing the films to life for you.  Highlights include the movie settings for Isengard, The Ford of Bruinen, Gladden Fields, The Pillars of the Kings, the exodus from Edoras, Warg Battle, Misty Mountains, Ithilien Camp, Oliphants, Caradhras, Lothlorien, Fangorn, Gap of Rohan, Dunharrow and many backgrounds to the scenes.

You’ll spend a free day in the adventure capital of New Zealand! Whether it’s adrenalin, wine, food, golf or action you want it’s all here today for you. There is so much to do in and around Queenstown that you are spoilt for choice. Choose from one of our suggested optional tours, take it easy and enjoy the town or talk to your consultant about the myriads of fun on offer in this extraordinary destination.

Today, you’ll drop off your car at Queenstown airport and then travel from Queenstown to Rotorua via Air New Zealand. This is a great option for those who want to quickly travel between the two islands and save time and your flight is included.

Once in Rotorua you’ll pick up a new car in Rotorua Airport and head to your accommodation. A free afternoon in Rotorua to relax in steaming hot pools, explore bubbling mud and geysers, or dive into rich Māori culture. For adventure, try ziplining, mountain biking, or the famous Skyline Luge. Rotorua is yours to enjoy your way or book our suggested optional tour!

Tonight experience the Te Puia Te Po Indigenous Evening. This is a perfect way to experience Māori culture and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. You’ll be welcomed into the Marae (meeting house) with a pōwhiri (traditional welcome), followed by a cultural performance and a delicious hāngī feast. The experience concludes with a hot chocolate at the geyser under the stars.

ROTORUA – located on a volcanic plateau, and formerly a spa town, Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place in New Zealand where aspects of Māori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Māori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.

Today is an epic day with two Tolkien movie set tours included. First, you’ll journey west from Rotorua through to Matamata, a small rural town that has become world-famous as the location of the Hobbiton Movie Set. This trip is an essential part of any Lord of the Rings fan’s itinerary, but it also provides a beautiful and relaxing look at New Zealand’s pastoral heartland.

Upon arrival, you’ll take a Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. Time to step into Middle-earth with this enchanting guided tour. You’ll journey through the picturesque sheep farm to the movie set, where you’ll see the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Party Tree. Your guide will share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and movie magic secrets, culminating in a complimentary beverage at the world-famous Green Dragon Inn.

From Hobbiton, you’ll wind past rolling green hills, farmland, and charming rural towns, gradually approaching the famous Waitomo Caves region. Here you’ll experience the Hairy Feet Scenic Film Location Tour. Set on a working farm, this guided experience takes you to genuine filming locations from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Travel by minivan through rolling paddocks before walking with an expert guide to the iconic Troll and campfire sites, including the exact spot where Bilbo received Sting from Gandalf. Along the way, enjoy engaging behind-the-scenes stories about the film production and the farm, all while taking in the peaceful rural landscape.

Today, you’ll travel north from Waitomo through the rich farmland of the Waikato and across the Bombay Hills before arriving in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland dazzles with its twin harbours, volcanic cones, and vibrant mix of culture, dining, and waterfront charm.

Once settled into your accommodation head to Weta Workshop Unleashed and dive into a world of creativity and imagination on this guided tour. You’ll journey through three fictional movie projects, getting up close with creatures, characters, and props. The experience is designed to be hands-on and is a mind-blowing adventure that reveals the secrets of how wild ideas are brought to life on the big screen.

AUCKLAND / TĀMAKI MAKAURAU – an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city’s many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand’s biggest city, and the population mix of European, Maori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Depending on your flight time, you could spend a few extra hours in Auckland visiting the Auckland Domain and Wintergardens, strolling along the waterfront at Viaduct Harbour, or enjoying a café in Ponsonby before heading to the airport. Head to Auckland Airport and return your rental car. Safe travels, brave adventurers. Carry the magic of Middle-earth in your hearts wherever you go.