Overview

Begin your journey in Auckland and head South to Waitomo Caves. Take a tour of the Hobbiton movie set before enjoying time in Rotorua to experience the region's cultural & geothermal activities. Continue South to Wellington to join a full day tour to filming locations & the WETA CAVE. Then, cross on the Interislander Ferry to Picton and travel along the coast to Christchurch to join a tour of Edoras. See the heritage & wildlife in Dunedin before driving to picturesque Queenstown to join a full day tour visiting filming locations around Glenorchy & the Wakatipu Basin.

Itineraries

All itineraries can be amended or combined with other itineraries. Please advise amendments when requesting a quote.

Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua - Wellington - Christchurch - Dunedin - Queenstown

Map of 14 Day Scenes of New Zealand Self Drive
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Arrive Auckland
Auckland - Waitomo
Waitomo - Rotorua
At Rotorua
Rotorua - Wellington
Wellington
Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Christchurch
Christchurch - Dunedin
Dunedin
Dunedin - Queenstown
At Queenstown
Full Day Safari of the Scenes Tour
Depart Queenstown

Day 1

Arrive Auckland

Day 2

Auckland - Waitomo

Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Distance: 200 kms

Day 3

Waitomo - Rotorua

Travel Time: 2 hrs 15mins

Distance: 150 kms

Day 4

At Rotorua

Day 5

Rotorua - Wellington

Travel Time: 6 hrs 20 mins

Distance: 453 kms

Day 6

Wellington

Day 7

Wellington - Picton - Christchurch

Travel Time: 4 hrs 35 mins

Distance: 337 kms

Day 8

Christchurch

Day 9

Christchurch - Dunedin

Travel Time: 5 hrs 20 mins

Distance: 359 kms

Day 10

Dunedin

Day 11

Dunedin - Queenstown

Travel Time: 3 hrs 45 mins

Distance: 283 kms

Day 12

At Queenstown

Day 13

Full Day Safari of the Scenes Tour

Day 14

Depart Queenstown

On your arrival in Auckland, the City of Sails, you will collect your car hire at the airport. Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the city.

Overnight accommodation: Standard - Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland; Superior -  Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Travel south through lush Waikato farmland. Stop at Hamilton along the way, then continue South to Waitomo, where this afternoon is at leisure for you to explore the region - you could take a tour of one of the glowworm caves in Waitomo, through the magical grotto lit by thousands of tiny glowworms. Alternatively you could go blackwater rafting or watch a cultural show at Woodlyn Park. Stay overnight in a Hobbit Unit at Woodlyn Park Motels.

Overnight accommodation: Standard & Superior -  Hobbit Unit at Woodlyn Park Motels

Drive to the town of Matamata today to join a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your tour will take you around the movie set, offering an interesting and entertaining experience incorporating a special insight into rural life. Stop at The Shires Rest Cafe at the end of your tour for refreshments or that "Second Breakfast" before driving to Rotorua. Then it is on to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. 

Two nights accommodation: Standard - Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua: Superior -  Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

A day free to explore this exciting thermal region. Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city's past and present. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand's Maori people. Rotorua has lots to do in all weather, and at any time of year.

Option: Spend your day in the Rainbow Springs Nature Park where you can get close to kiwi, do some adventure activities at Agroventures, relax at the Polynesian Spa, Hells Gate or Wai Ora Spa, or be amazed by the geothermal activity in the region.

Tonight enjoy a night of traditional culture and entertainment, before experiencing a Maori hangi (feast), with a selection of foods cooked the traditional Maori way underground, amongst the surroundings of an authentic village.

Drive south through steam clad Wairakei, to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, across the volcanic plateau past the cones of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. Cross the Manawatu plains then along the rugged Kapiti coastline to our capital city, sprawled over the hills surrounding Wellington Harbour. 

Two nights accommodation: Standard - Ibis Wellington Hotel, Superior -  Museum Art Hotel

Join a full day tour to Lord Of The Rings movie sets today. Your day starts with a tour of locations in the city region, stopping at Mt Victoria & the greenbelt. Take a short walk through the Outer Shire, before driving past Miramar and the South Coast (where most of the big name stars lived) looking at Bree & Dunharrow locations. Visit the WETA CAVE on the Wellywood Coast and learn about current & future films being made in Wellington. The afternoon is spent exploring the Hutt Valley. Stops include the Hutt River (Great River Anduin) & Harcourt Park (Gardens of Isengard & Orc trees), before having a picnic lunch under the elvish trees of Rivendell.

Sit back, relax and soak in the scenery as you cruise across Cook Strait and the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds on your Interislander Ferry journey to Picton, the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. The road south hugs the coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. After Kaikoura the road heads inland to the sheep country of North Canterbury and down to Christchurch.

Two nights accommodation: Standard - Christchurch City Park Motel, Superior -  Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

Enjoy a tour to Lord Of The Rings filming locations in the Canterbury region. Visit the beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday. See how this peaceful mountain was transformed into Edoras in the film. Take a short walk to stand on the summit of Edoras as Eowyn did, and take in the breathtaking views. See exclusive behind the scenes photos of Edoras under construction, and the Misty Mountains area that formed the backdrop to Helms Deep. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch whilst on the tour, and handle movie replicas including Aragorn's Sword, King Theoden's Sword, Gimli's Axe, Gandalf's Staff & the Flag of Rohan.

Drive south across the Canterbury Plains through Ashburton, where trout fishing is a local obsession. Further on are historic towns of Timaru with its historic buildings, and Oamaru home of the Little Blue Penguins. Be sure to check out the unique geological formations known as the Moeraki Boulders located 70km's north of Dunedin.

Two nights accommodation: Standard - Wains Hotel Dunedin; Superior -  Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Today you have a full day to explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, famous for it's eco tourism and wildlife and there are a variety of tours and cruises showing all the best of the Dunedin region. Enjoy an argo adventure at Natures Wonders or go on a guided tour of the Yellow Eyed Penguin reserve

Take time to explore Larnach Castle and learn about its scandalous history. You might also want to visit Baldwin Street, the world's steepest residential address. End the day with a tour of the 125 year old Speights Brewery, finishing with a tasting of their range of world class beers. Dunedin is memorable for its historical architecture.

Drive across the rugged country of Central Otago, past the fertile stone fruit orchards and follow the mighty Clutha River on to the art deco town of Ranfurly. Explore the historic mining area of St Bathans before you reach Alexandra. Follow the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown.

Three nights accommodation: Standard - Blue Peaks Lodge, Superior -  The Rees Apartment Hotel

Two free days to enjoy the alpine resort of Queenstown. It's the place to source almost any kind of adventure, including bungy, Shotover Jet Boat ride, horse trekking, rafting and river surfing. It's also a destination for luxury experiences - gourmet food and wine, spa treatments and leisurely games of golf. Nearby is the former gold mining town of Arrowtown is a living, historic holiday destination, nestled beside the Arrow River.

Join a full day tour to Lord Of The Rings scenes in Queenstown today and discover why this beautiful region was chosen as one of the locations to portray Middle Earth. 

This morning you are free to explore Queenstown before dropping off your car in the afternoon at Queenstown Airport and catching your flight home.

Day 1, Arrive Auckland

Arrive Auckland

On your arrival in Auckland, the City of Sails, you will collect your car hire at the airport. Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the city.

Overnight accommodation: Standard - Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland; Superior -  Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Day 2, Auckland - Waitomo

Auckland - Waitomo

Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Distance: 200 kms

Travel south through lush Waikato farmland. Stop at Hamilton along the way, then continue South to Waitomo, where this afternoon is at leisure for you to explore the region - you could take a tour of one of the glowworm caves in Waitomo, through the magical grotto lit by thousands of tiny glowworms. Alternatively you could go blackwater rafting or watch a cultural show at Woodlyn Park. Stay overnight in a Hobbit Unit at Woodlyn Park Motels.

Overnight accommodation: Standard & Superior -  Hobbit Unit at Woodlyn Park Motels

Day 3, Waitomo - Rotorua

Waitomo - Rotorua

Travel Time: 2 hrs 15mins

Distance: 150 kms

Drive to the town of Matamata today to join a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your tour will take you around the movie set, offering an interesting and entertaining experience incorporating a special insight into rural life. Stop at The Shires Rest Cafe at the end of your tour for refreshments or that "Second Breakfast" before driving to Rotorua. Then it is on to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. 

Two nights accommodation: Standard - Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua: Superior -  Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Day 4, At Rotorua

At Rotorua

A day free to explore this exciting thermal region. Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city's past and present. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand's Maori people. Rotorua has lots to do in all weather, and at any time of year.

Option: Spend your day in the Rainbow Springs Nature Park where you can get close to kiwi, do some adventure activities at Agroventures, relax at the Polynesian Spa, Hells Gate or Wai Ora Spa, or be amazed by the geothermal activity in the region.

Tonight enjoy a night of traditional culture and entertainment, before experiencing a Maori hangi (feast), with a selection of foods cooked the traditional Maori way underground, amongst the surroundings of an authentic village.

Day 5, Rotorua - Wellington

Rotorua - Wellington

Travel Time: 6 hrs 20 mins

Distance: 453 kms

Drive south through steam clad Wairakei, to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, across the volcanic plateau past the cones of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. Cross the Manawatu plains then along the rugged Kapiti coastline to our capital city, sprawled over the hills surrounding Wellington Harbour. 

Two nights accommodation: Standard - Ibis Wellington Hotel, Superior -  Museum Art Hotel

Day 6, Wellington

Wellington

Join a full day tour to Lord Of The Rings movie sets today. Your day starts with a tour of locations in the city region, stopping at Mt Victoria & the greenbelt. Take a short walk through the Outer Shire, before driving past Miramar and the South Coast (where most of the big name stars lived) looking at Bree & Dunharrow locations. Visit the WETA CAVE on the Wellywood Coast and learn about current & future films being made in Wellington. The afternoon is spent exploring the Hutt Valley. Stops include the Hutt River (Great River Anduin) & Harcourt Park (Gardens of Isengard & Orc trees), before having a picnic lunch under the elvish trees of Rivendell.

Day 7, Wellington - Picton - Christchurch

Wellington - Picton - Christchurch

Travel Time: 4 hrs 35 mins

Distance: 337 kms

Sit back, relax and soak in the scenery as you cruise across Cook Strait and the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds on your Interislander Ferry journey to Picton, the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. The road south hugs the coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. After Kaikoura the road heads inland to the sheep country of North Canterbury and down to Christchurch.

Two nights accommodation: Standard - Christchurch City Park Motel, Superior -  Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

Day 8, Christchurch

Christchurch

Enjoy a tour to Lord Of The Rings filming locations in the Canterbury region. Visit the beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday. See how this peaceful mountain was transformed into Edoras in the film. Take a short walk to stand on the summit of Edoras as Eowyn did, and take in the breathtaking views. See exclusive behind the scenes photos of Edoras under construction, and the Misty Mountains area that formed the backdrop to Helms Deep. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch whilst on the tour, and handle movie replicas including Aragorn's Sword, King Theoden's Sword, Gimli's Axe, Gandalf's Staff & the Flag of Rohan.

Day 9, Christchurch - Dunedin

Christchurch - Dunedin

Travel Time: 5 hrs 20 mins

Distance: 359 kms

Drive south across the Canterbury Plains through Ashburton, where trout fishing is a local obsession. Further on are historic towns of Timaru with its historic buildings, and Oamaru home of the Little Blue Penguins. Be sure to check out the unique geological formations known as the Moeraki Boulders located 70km's north of Dunedin.

Two nights accommodation: Standard - Wains Hotel Dunedin; Superior -  Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Day 10, Dunedin

Dunedin

Today you have a full day to explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, famous for it's eco tourism and wildlife and there are a variety of tours and cruises showing all the best of the Dunedin region. Enjoy an argo adventure at Natures Wonders or go on a guided tour of the Yellow Eyed Penguin reserve

Take time to explore Larnach Castle and learn about its scandalous history. You might also want to visit Baldwin Street, the world's steepest residential address. End the day with a tour of the 125 year old Speights Brewery, finishing with a tasting of their range of world class beers. Dunedin is memorable for its historical architecture.

Day 11, Dunedin - Queenstown

Dunedin - Queenstown

Travel Time: 3 hrs 45 mins

Distance: 283 kms

Drive across the rugged country of Central Otago, past the fertile stone fruit orchards and follow the mighty Clutha River on to the art deco town of Ranfurly. Explore the historic mining area of St Bathans before you reach Alexandra. Follow the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown.

Three nights accommodation: Standard - Blue Peaks Lodge, Superior -  The Rees Apartment Hotel

Day 12, At Queenstown

At Queenstown

Two free days to enjoy the alpine resort of Queenstown. It's the place to source almost any kind of adventure, including bungy, Shotover Jet Boat ride, horse trekking, rafting and river surfing. It's also a destination for luxury experiences - gourmet food and wine, spa treatments and leisurely games of golf. Nearby is the former gold mining town of Arrowtown is a living, historic holiday destination, nestled beside the Arrow River.

Day 13, Full Day Safari of the Scenes Tour

Full Day Safari of the Scenes Tour

Join a full day tour to Lord Of The Rings scenes in Queenstown today and discover why this beautiful region was chosen as one of the locations to portray Middle Earth. 

Day 14, Depart Queenstown

Depart Queenstown

This morning you are free to explore Queenstown before dropping off your car in the afternoon at Queenstown Airport and catching your flight home.

Additional Information

Pricing

Cost per person 2022-23

May to September Twin/Double
Standard 3-3.5 Star Accommodation from NZ$4,115* per person
Superior 4 Star Accommodation from Nz$4,640* per person

* Please Note

Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.

Car Hire

  • Car hire excess fees of NZ$4,650 + GST applies. This will be imprinted on a credit card upon collecting the vehicle. Excess reduction options are available at an additional cost per day. 
  • Airport/Ferry pick up fee of NZ$45+ GST applies. This must be paid direct in New Zealand. 
  • Car parking fees may apply in some locations.

Payment

  • Deposit: $200 per person within 7 days of booking
  • Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
  • Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking

Cancellation Charges

  • Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking.
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Includes

Includes:

13 nights accommodation in your chosen category

  • 1 night Auckland
  • 1 night Waitomo
  • 2 nights Rotorua
  • 2 nights Wellington
  • 2 nights Christchurch
  • 2 nights Dunedin
  • 3 nights Queenstown

13 days car hire (CDAR Compact Auto: Toyota Corolla or Similar)

Tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set

Te Pa Tu Cultural Hangi & Concert

Full Day Lord of the Rings Tours, Wellington

Lord of the Rings Edoras tour

Full day Safari of the Scenes tour

Interislander Ferry

Options

Travel Insurance

If you are going overseas, then travel insurance is a necessity.

Airfares

International flights can be included from Australia for all Australian residents.

Highlights

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

On beautiful private farmland, you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit film trilogies in a fascinating guided tour. See Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn and other structures & gardens built for the films.

Te Pā Tū Maori Village Hangi & Concert

Step into a traditional forest Pā (Maori Village) set within a Tawa forest. View & participate in 4 hours of Hākari (feasting), Māori song and dance including the Haka, poi, warrior training, carving & tattooing. The feasting starts with forest horotai (canapes), followed by a sumptuous 3 course fusion banquet; which changes depending on the maramataka (Maori lunar calendar). Each year Te Pā Tū selects a renowned Maori chef to design a new seasonal kai menu in conjunction with our Kaitunu Kai (executive chef). Gluten free and vegetarian requirements can be catered for, but not vegan and some other requests.

Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour

Follow in the footsteps of Hobbits, Dwarfs, Elves & Men. This full day personal experience allows enough time to explore, recreate scenes & work out how the movies were made. Walk through the Outer Shire before visiting the Weta Studios for an inside look at the Wellington film industry. Enjoy an Orc sized lunch before exploring more filming locations in the Hutt Valley & Kaikohe Regional Park.

Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour

Journey to the remote & beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday. See how this peaceful mountain was transformed into Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Immerse yourself in the natural, unspoilt beauty of this breathtaking area with its sparkling clear lakes, glistening blue rivers and fresh, crisp mountain air.

Full Day Safari of the Scenes Tour

Join a scenic safari with breathtaking mountain & forest views along the shore of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy & the Paradise Valley. Visit the filming locations for Isengard, the Ithilien Camp, Lothlorien forest and the Seat of Seeing / Battle of Amon Hen, plus filming locations from the Hobbit trilogy. This afternoon, travel across thrilling 4WD river crossings to the Wakatipu Basin and visit filming locations of Minas Tirith, the Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings, the site of Isildur's Fall & the Ford of Bruinen.

Lord of the Rings Locations

Includes tours to the following filming locations:

Matamata region:

  • Hobbiton

Wellington region:

  • Dunharro
  • Fords of Isen
  • Gardens of Isengard
  • Helms Deep
  • Minas Tirith
  • Outskirts of the Shire
  • Race to the Ferry
  • Rivendell
  • River Anduin
  • Village of Bree

Christchurch / Canterbury region:

  • Edoras
  • Helms Deep
  • Misty Mountains

Queenstown region:

  • Argonath / Pillars of the Kings
  • Battle of the Wargs
  • Ford of Bruinen
  • Forest of Lothlorien
  • Gladden Fields / Loss of The One Ring
  • Isengard
  • Ithilien Camp
  • Misty Mountains
  • Rohan

Production areas:

  • Miramar Peninsula
  • Movie Studio Drive
  • Wellywood Suburbs
  • WETA CAVE

 

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14 Day Scenes of New Zealand Self Drive

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