15 Day Quest Across New Zealand’s Middle-earth Tour 

Welcome to New Zealand, the home of Middle-earth. Walk where the Fellowship walked, see the world through their eyes, and experience the legend brought 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 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. You’ll visit at your leisure 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.

Today, you’ll embark on a small-group Bush and Beach Ltd tour from Auckland to Rotorua, combining a scenic journey with a magical visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato region, where rolling green hills evoke the charm of the Shire, as your guide shares local insights and behind-the-scenes stories from The Lord of the Rings film series and The Hobbit film series. At Hobbiton, explore the world’s largest preserved “green set,” wander past 44 hobbit holes, the Mill, the double-arch bridge, and the iconic Party Tree, and step inside a Hobbit home to experience its remarkable detail. Enjoy a buffet lunch in the Party Marquee and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn before continuing on to Rotorua, arriving mid-afternoon with drop-off at your Rotorua accommodations.

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 Eco Thermal Park Half Day Tour. This small-group 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.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy in Rotorua. Soak in the geothermal wonders, hunt down hidden gems, or simply relax and take it all in. Want something a little different? Have a chat with your consultant for fun, tailored ideas to match your interests.

This evening, Te Puia will pick you up for an 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 and then returned to your hotel.

This morning you will be transferred to Rotorua Airport by private vehicle for your Air New Zealand flight to Wellington – New Zealand’s “Capital City”. At the airport you will be collected by private transfer and head for your hotel.

Spend a free afternoon in Wellington. We suggest starting with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoying views of the harbour and public art, then pop into Te Papa Tongarewa Museum to explore Māori culture, art, and natural history. Hop on the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic city views and wander through the Wellington Botanic Garden to enjoy native plants and peaceful paths. Finish with a coffee or snack along Cuba Street, soaking in the vibrant street life and quirky shops for a quintessential Wellington afternoon.

WELLINGTON/TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA – the Capital city of New Zealand since 1865, is situated around Wellington harbour, its houses clinging precipitously to the steep hillsides. Wellington is renowned for its wind which is channelled through the Cook Strait, and causes the wind to blow most days. A clever blend of buildings, old and new, beautiful vistas of the city and harbour, and a cosmopolitan mix of culture and arts give Wellington its heart, and vibrant atmosphere.

Get ready for the ultimate LOTR adventure in Wellington! Today, you’ll step into Middle-earth with Xplor Tours Wellington for a Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour – a dream come true for any fan! Wander through iconic filming locations, recreate legendary scenes, and capture epic photos just like your favorite characters. Go behind the scenes at Weta Workshop, uncovering the secrets of movie magic, and enjoy a themed lunch fit for hobbits, elves, and wizards. This is more than a tour – it’s a fully immersive journey through the stunning landscapes and cinematic wonders of Middle-earth of Wellington.

Today you’ll be picked up by private transfer and step aboard the Interislander Ferry for a memorable crossing of the majestic Cook Strait. As you approach Picton, be enchanted by the sparkling waters and dramatic coastline of the Marlborough Sounds.

Interislander, Wellington to Picton. This journey is often called one of the most beautiful ferry trips in the world. Your crossing starts in Wellington Harbour, and as you leave the city behind, you’ll be greeted by the dramatic cliffs of the Cook Strait. The true highlight is the last part of the journey as the ship glides through the tranquil, fjord-like channels of the Marlborough Sounds. Onboard, you can relax in comfort, enjoy local cuisine and drinks, or simply take in the incredible views from the observation decks.

From Picton, jump aboard the Coastal Pacific Train to Kaikoura to take a timeless train journey of breathtaking beauty along the Pacific Coast from Picton to Christchurch. From craggy coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops to modern vineyards and rustic farmsteads, the Coastal Pacific journey cruises through the full spectrum of New Zealand culture and character. Throw in a healthy dose of seals, seagulls and the possibility of dolphins and even whales, you will have an exceptional day on the Pacific Coastal Railway.

Upon arrival at Kaikoura Train Station, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation.

KAIKOURA/TE TAUMANU O TE WAKA A MAUI – means “to eat crayfish”, from the Māori words “Kai” meaning food, and Koura meaning crayfish. You can savour crayfish here in Kaikoura, view whales and dolphins at play, or visit local galleries and craft shops, or take a walk along the Peninsula Walkway. If you travel out onto the Kaikoura Peninsula and look back towards the mountains, an amazing tableau will appear before you. The seaward Kaikoura Range appears to rise from the sea, with the snow-capped Southern Alps as a backdrop.

This morning, venture out on one of New Zealand’s most iconic tours joining Whale Watch Kaikoura’s famous Whale Watch – Ocean Cabin. This is a fantastic boat tour with a high success rate for spotting whales. You’ll be on a modern catamaran designed for whale watching, with an enclosed cabin and large outdoor decks. Your expert guides will use specialized equipment to locate giant sperm whales, the stars of the show and year-round residents, and you might also see dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds.

Picked up from your accommodation and transferred back to Kaikoura Train Station, where jump aboard on the Coastal Pacific Train and continue your journey to 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.

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.

Today, enjoy a full-day scenic transfer from Christchurch to Mount Cook, hosted by your friendly Cheeky Kiwi driver-guide and travel through some of the most spectacular scenery in the South Island. 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.

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.

Start the day with a Glacier Explorer tour. This 2.5-hour tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. You’ll take a short walk to the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier, where you’ll board a boat to cruise among floating icebergs and get an up-close view of the glacier’s face. Your knowledgeable guide will share the history of the glacier and the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, providing a surreal and educational experience.

Spend a relaxing afternoon in Aoraki / Mount Cook, with the optional Mt Cook Glacier Highlights scenic flight or a chance to explore at your own pace. From Mount Cook Village, enjoy several short walks perfect for taking in the stunning alpine scenery, including the Hooker Valley Track for glacier views, the Tasman Glacier View Track for sweeping vistas, and the Kea Point Track for panoramic mountain landscapes. Or chat with your consultant for tailored suggestions to make the most of your afternoon.

You’ll spend this evening Big Sky Stargazing. 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.

Today, you’ll join Cheeky Kiwi and travel in comfort on a small group transfer from Mount Cook to Queenstown. Journey through alpine passes, turquoise lakes, and fruit-filled valleys while enjoying stunning scenery, engaging commentary, and plenty of photo opportunities. Led by fun and knowledgeable guides, you’ll discover the stories behind the landscapes, making this more than just a transfer – it’s an unforgettable scenic experience with Cheeky Kiwi.

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.

Or for something truly unforgettable, consider an optional day trip to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders, where dramatic fjords, cascading waterfalls, and stunning scenery create a once in a lifetime experience.

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.