12 Day Iconic 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, Bush and Beach Ltd will collect you for your Auckland City Revealed tour. Embark on a small group tour that reveals the best of Auckland. Your guide will provide insights into the city’s Māori history and take you to photogenic spots like the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby and a scenic beach on the North Shore. The tour culminates with panoramic views from the summit of an extinct volcano in Devonport, providing a stunning perspective of the city and its harbours.

Spend your afternoon stepping behind the scenes at Weta Workshop Unleashed. 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.

Start your journey by picking up your Compact SUV Budget Rental Car from downtown Auckland. Leave the city behind and as you drive south, the landscape unfolds into the lush Waikato countryside, with rolling green hills, patchwork farms, and sleepy rural towns that could have stepped straight out of the Shire. Approaching Waitomo, limestone karsts rise dramatically from the earth, guiding you into “Hairy Feet” country.

In the Waitomo region, you’ll follow in the footsteps of hobbits and experience a world where nature’s magic feels wonderfully real with a 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.

Leaving Waitomo, you’ll follow country roads past rolling green hills, working farms, and small rural towns to Hobbiton Movie Set 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.

Take a short drive from Matamata to Rotorua. Enjoy a free today in Rotorua to relax and soak up the geothermal wonders or choose an optional tour – whether it’s bubbling mud pools, cultural experiences, or thrilling activities, the choice is yours.

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.

Tonight, you will be picked up by Te Tuia for an unforgettable Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience. This immersive evening is a celebration of Māori culture. The experience begins with a traditional pōwhiri (welcome), followed by a cultural performance of traditional songs and the haka. You’ll then be treated to a delicious hāngī buffet dinner, which is an authentic Māori feast. After dinner, you’ll be taken to the illuminated Pōhutu Geyser for a mesmerizing view under the stars.

Today, you’ll drop off your car at Rotorua airport and then travel from Rotorua to Christchurch 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 Christchurch you’ll pick up a new car in Christchurch Airport and head to your accommodation

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.

Prepare your camera for this spectacular trip that takes you inland from Christchurch. This is a must-do journey. You’ll leave the Canterbury Plains behind and head inland. The landscape changes dramatically as you get closer to the Southern Alps, and suddenly you’ll see the brilliant, milky-blue waters of Lake Tekapo. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially with the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on its shores.

An admission ticket to the Tekapo Springs hot pools is included, which are fed by pure alpine water and feature spectacular views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains.

LAKE TEKAPO/TAKAPŌ – located in the Mackenzie country, with fantastic views of the surrounding Alps. The Lake’s unusual turquoise colour is given by fine rock-flour, which is dust ground by glacial movement and held in suspension by the Lake’s waters. The Lake is also well known for its brown and rainbow trout.

Today is a free day in Lake Tekapo. We suggest taking an excursion to Mount Cook Village 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 guided tour to Braemar Station or a glacier boat cruise for unforgettable views.

Today is a spectacular journey from the heart of the Southern Alps to the adventure capital. You’ll leave Tekapo 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.

This is a perfect evening out in Queenstown with a visit to Skyline Queenstown including a Gondola ride, Dinner and 3 Luge Rides. You’ll take the gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you can enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. The package includes a delicious buffet dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant, and afterward, you’ll have three passes for the famous luge, a gravity-fueled go-kart ride with incredible views.

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.

Depending on your flight time, you could spend a few extra hours in Queenstown or squeeze in one last activity! Head to Queenstown Airport and return your rental car. Safe travels, brave adventurers. Carry the magic of Middle-earth in your hearts wherever you go.