7 Day Northern Middle-earth Tour 

Over the next 7 days, you’ll walk the paths of elves, dwarves, and kings and hobbits. You’ll stand where the Fellowship stood, gaze out over the lands they protected, and feel the same awe that inspired the films and the stories behind them…..

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.

Dive straight into Middle-earth magic with a visit to Wētā Unleashed in Auckland where you can go behind the scenes and discover the movie-making magic and creative forces that brought The Lord of the Rings to life.

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.

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 Waitomo, 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. The landscape is calm and pastoral, offering a relaxed drive through classic New Zealand countryside. As you arrive in Matamata, gentle slopes and open farmland set the scene for a visit to this charming rural town, best known as the gateway to the Hobbiton movie set.

This morning, you’ll take a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set and take a guided 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.

After your Hobbiton Movie Set tour, continue on to Rotorua through the fertile Waikato countryside. The drive takes you past rolling farmland, tranquil lakes, and pockets of native bush as the landscape gradually changes. Check into your accommodation, freshen up, and enjoy a little Rotorua downtime before Te Puia picks you up for the Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience.

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.

Depart Rotorua and travel south toward Tongariro National Park, passing Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, with expansive views across the water and surrounding countryside. The route continues through farmland and into a more rugged volcanic landscape, where open plains and distant peaks begin to dominate the horizon. Approaching Tongariro National Park, ancient lava flows and stark mountain scenery come into view, a landscape famously used as Mordor in The Lord of the Rings.

Once in Tongariro National Park, you’ll join Adrift Guided Outdoor Adventures for a Half Day Volcanic Explorer hike. This half day trip is a perfect option if walkers are unable to spend the whole day walking the Tongariro Crossing. The standard route starts on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track walking amongst the volcanoes up to the Soda Springs waterfall. Mt. Ngauruhoe’s (digitally transformed to create the fiery Mt Doom) cold water springs create a small oasis of lush yellow mountain buttercups and white foxgloves, and the pure Soda Springs allows walkers to refill water bottles with Tongariro spring water, whilst having morning tea. Walkers will learn about recent and past volcanic eruptions, geology, flora and fauna discovery and settlement of New Zealand. If the walk is not suitable on the day, there is a menu of smaller walks which can be enjoyed.

OHAKUNE – is the town at the southern gateway to the Tongariro National Park World Heritage Site and Mount Ruapehu’s ski fields. It is known as the aprés ski capital of the North Island’s Mount Ruapehu, the Carrot Capital of New Zealand. It’s a great location and aptly lends itself to the phrase “where adventures begin”. Skiers and boarders flock to Ohakune to take in what the largest ski area in New Zealand has to offer – Whakapapa and Turoa, then enjoy Ohakune’s varied entertainment, restaurants and cafes. In summer Ohakune is a fantastic base for visitors wanting to experience the many outdoor activities whether it is canoeing on the Whanganui River or taking in some of the many mountain treks on Mount Ruapehu and in the national parks. A fast growing activity here is mountain biking around the Ruapehu area.

Driving from Ohakune to Wellington. offers a mix of mountains, farmland, and coastline. You’ll pass through Raetihi and Whanganui – great for a quick riverside stop – then on through the pun-loving town of Bulls. The road winds past green fields and small towns like Levin before reaching the Kāpiti Coast. As you arrive in Paraparaumu, look out for Kāpiti Island on the horizon – mysterious and misty, like something out of Middle-earth. Your journey concludes as you arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital.

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.

We have a LOTR treat for you today on a Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour with Xplor Tours Wellington! This is a dream tour for fans of the “Lord of the Rings” films. Your guide will take you to the exact filming locations, where you’ll get to recreate scenes and take photos. You’ll also visit the Weta Workshop for a behind-the-scenes tour and have a delicious themed lunch. The tour is a complete and immersive experience of Middle-earth in Wellington.

Depending on your flight time, you may wish to spend extra hours in Wellington exploring its gardens, cafe scene or visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand. Head to Wellington Airport and return your rental car. Safe travels, brave adventurers. Carry the magic of Middle-earth in your hearts wherever you go.