10 Day Private LOTR New Zealand Tour 

This is your journey to walk where the Fellowship stood, witness the lands they protected, and feel the awe that forged legends and brought Middle-earth to life……

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

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, Māori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

This morning, Auckland & Beyond Tours will collect you for your Private Auckland City Highlights tour.  Discover Auckland’s beautiful East coast beaches on our way to Achilles Point, where you will capture fantastic photos of Rangitoto Island. Visit the famous MJ Savage Memorial, also known as Bastion Point and the significance of this area in the history of New Zealand. Enjoy the scenery while crossing the Iconic Harbour Bridge that connects Auckland city to the suburb of North Shore and learn about the importance and history of the bridge. Explore Devonport, one of Auckland’s most historically authentic villages. It’s where time slows down and boutique shops fill the spaces of Victorian-era buildings. Relax on the beach and enjoy Lunch in a local cafe. Climb the summit of Mount Victoria, where you’ll discover Devonport’s Disappearing Gun, one of only a few left in the world and 360 views of Auckland.

Spend your afternoon stepping behind the scenes at Weta Workshop Unleashed. You’ll visit at your leisure and dive into a world of creativity and imagination on this guided tour (not private). 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. Note: This is a regular tour.

Today, join Bush and Beach Ltd for a Private Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton tour. Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills signaling that you are approaching The Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way to Hobbiton with insights into the areas you are travelling through, along with some background to the movies. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton Movie Set tour. This location is the largest “green set” in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, and the party tree & explore inside a Hobbit home. At this stunning location, you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”, looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. The tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink & lunch in the Party Marquee. Enjoy time in the Hobbiton gift shop and the opportunity to spend your souvenir voucher before heading to Rotorua.

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.

This morning you’ll be collected by Elite Adventures for a Private Eco Thermal Park Tour. This private tour is a fantastic way to explore Rotorua’s unique volcanic environment. Your expert local guide will pick you up and take you to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to see the Lady Knox Geyser eruption. You’ll also visit the impressive Waimangu Volcanic Valley, with your guide providing insights into the area’s geology and history throughout the journey.

This evening you will transferred by to Te Pa Tu for an Evening Experience. This is an unforgettable evening that celebrates Māori culture and tradition. You’ll be welcomed with a traditional pōwhiri (welcome), and your guide will lead you on a journey through a reconstructed village. The experience includes stories, songs, and demonstrations of Māori life, followed by a powerful cultural performance and a delicious five-course feast. It is an intimate and engaging way to learn about the Māori world. Returned to your accommodation by private car. Kindly note: This is a group experience, not a private tour.

This morning you will be transferred to Rotorua Airport by private vehicle for your Air New Zealand flight to Christchurch New Zealand’s “Garden City”. At the airport you will be collected by private transfer and head for your hotel with 3 hours private sightseeing enroute.

A 3-hour private car orientation tour of Christchurch typically begins in the city centre at Cathedral Square, where you’ll briefly view the damaged yet iconic Christchurch Cathedral and learn about the city’s history and rebuilding after the 2011 earthquake. From there, drive a few minutes to the striking Cardboard Cathedral before continuing along the scenic Avon River through the revitalized central city. The tour then heads into the green heart of Christchurch with a short stop at the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens and nearby Hagley Park, followed by a drive past the cultural precinct including Christchurch Arts Centre.

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.

Today experience more Middle-earth magic with a full day Lord of the Rings Edoras tour with Hassle-free Tours Ltd. Embark on an unforgettable journey into Middle-earth with a thrilling tour to Edoras, the capital of Rohan. Travel by 4WD through breathtaking landscapes to the remote Mount Sunday, the stunning location transformed into the iconic city set from the film trilogy. Your guide will provide entertaining commentary and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights. Handle movie replicas and enjoy a sparkling wine picnic lunch, making it a dream experience for any fan. Note: This is a regular small group tour.

Collected by your driver/guide for a full-day transfer from Christchurch to Queenstown, travelling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the South Island with a memorable stop at Aoraki / Mount Cook. Get ready for a feast for the eyes on this long but rewarding journey as you leave the city behind and cross the wide farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before heading inland toward the dramatic landscapes of the Southern Alps.

Along the way, you’ll pause at the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, often with views of the charming Church of the Good Shepherd on the lakeshore. The journey continues through the Mackenzie Basin to Mount Cook National Park, where New Zealand’s highest peak dominates the skyline and there may be time for photos, short walk or a scenic flight while enjoying views of glaciers and alpine landscapes.

From Mount Cook, travel south past the brilliant blue waters of Lake Pukaki and through the rugged beauty of the Central Otago high country, passing through charming rural towns and historic gold-mining areas. As you approach your destination, the road winds along the shores of Lake Wakatipu before arriving in the vibrant alpine resort town of Queenstown, surrounded by dramatic mountains and renowned for its adventure activities and stunning natural setting.

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. Note: This is a small group tour – not private.

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.

Depending on your flight time, you could spend a few extra hours in Queenstown or squeeze in one last activity! Collected from your hotel and head to Queenstown Airport by private transfer.

Safe travels, brave adventurers. Carry the magic of Middle-earth in your hearts wherever you go.