Self Drive Holidays 21 Day Epic Lord Of The Rings Motorhome Adventure

Pick up your campervan and make your way to Waitomo for a tour to Hairy Feet and Trollshaw forest . Visit the stunning farm location at Mangaotaki Rocks Piopio, near Waitomo, where the troll and campfire scenes in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey were filmed. Towering limestone cliffs, massive rock formations and a primeval forest on the Denize family farm became the location for Staddle Farm and Trollshaws.

Before heading to Rotorua, you will experience the famous Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour! Rotorua is a dream photography location. Known as the geothermic capital of New Zealand, you’ll have plenty of options to explore. Head out to the magical Redwoods Forest before experiencing a cultural show and dinner at the traditional Tamaki Māori Village.

On your second day in Rotorua, you are armed with the Diamond Pass. This gives you access to Te Puia, Skyline Rotorua Gondola, Agrodome, Polynesian Spa and a choice of either Rainbow Springs or Paradise Valley Springs. We highly recommend that you don’t miss the mighty Te Puia!

Make your way to Taupo to visit Gollum’s Pool (Tawhai Falls), where the famous scene of The Lord of the Rings movie was filmed.  Another must-see is the Huka Falls. This incredible spectacle is the most-visited natural attraction in New Zealand – it’s hard to tear your gaze away from the endless, mesmerising torrent.

Today, you get to experience Mordor! Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the filming location of Mordor and also known as the country’s best day walk. This 19-km hike through landscape made famous in The Lord of the Rings trilogy is well worth the effort. A shuttle bus from Taupo will take you to the start of the hike. Shorter walks to Mordor are also available. 

On your way to Peter Jackson's home town of Wellington, you come across another Lord of the Rings film location, the Putangirua Pinnacles. Doubled as the Dimholt Road in The Return of the King, don’t miss your chance to walk the Paths of the Death!

Then it’s time to visit Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. This vibrant city is full of trendy restaurants, cafes and breweries and has a great live music scene.

Embark on a journey through Wellington's award-winning Weta Studio & Workshop. Immerse yourself in blockbuster behind-the-scenes magic from Lord of the Rings, Hobbiton and countless other Hollywood blockbusters. Enjoy a 5-hour experience with 2 film effects tours, a 2-course lunch and drink on the waterfront. You will also receive a souvenir to remember your Weta experience. 

Take the morning ferry from Wellington to Picton via the incredible Marlborough Sounds, before driving down to Kaikoura. Depending on the time of year, you have the option to go whale watching, swimming with dolphins or meeting Kaikoura’s furriest residents, the wild New Zealand Fur Seal.

Methven is a snow sports town in winter and has many outdoor adventure activities all year round. It’s a great little town to stop for the night. Before you arrive in Methven, you have the chance to visit Edoras, another The Lord of the Rings location. Go for a walk up the hill and look out over the stunning views that the citizens of Rohan were privy to.

Make your way to Mt Cook Village and stop at Lake Tekapo along the way. The colour of the water will blow your mind, together with the imposing Mt Cook in the background. Take a dip in the Tekapo hot springs before finishing your day in Mt Cook Village. 

Mt Cook National Park makes you feel like you’re living in Middle-earth. Without a doubt the best way to experience the raw power off this landscape is onboard a ski plane and a helicopter! Top off this unforgettable experience with a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier.

Leave Mt Cook behind and make your way towards the coast. Along the way, you will come past Gondor and relive the Battle of the Pelennor Fields as you wander through the grassy plains of Twizel and the Mackenzie country.

There is plenty of time to relax in this boutique city. Home to the steepest street in the world, spend the day exploring Dunedin’s historical buildings and the surrounding beaches. If you’re feeling adventurous, head down to Nugget Point Lighthouse to watch the sunrise. 

After leaving Dunedin, head towards the mountainous West Coast of the South Island. Te Anau is known as the ‘Gateway to Fiordland’, being the closest town to Milford Sound, and a beautiful place to stop and explore. You will join a tour to experience a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms.

While the world famous Milford Sound needs no introduction, the drive to Milford Sound is an adventure in itself. Travel through the mountain range via the Homer Tunnel for spectacular views. Park the campervan at your campsite, amidst the beauty of the area, and jump aboard a ship to experience the mighty Milford Sounds. This Nature Cruise will guide you through the Fjords via incredible scenery.

This day involves one of the most incredible driving of this trip (and that’s saying something!). Head back through the Homer Tunnel, drive through Queenstown and along the road to Glenorchy. There are plenty of spectacular photo opportunities along the way. After checking in at the Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat, there is time to discover Isengard, the hidden gem where Gandalf rode to meet Saruman.

Queenstown is the extreme sports capital of New Zealand. Experience the thrill of a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak before enjoying 3 luge rides back down the mountain. In the afternoon, you have time to explore Queenstown. Make sure you don’t miss the famous Fergburger!

Start the day with a shot of adrenaline! Wake up early for a Jet Boat experience down the Shotover River, before making the short drive to Wanaka. Stop for a photograph with the most photographed tree in New Zealand, the Wanaka Tree, and enjoy all that Wanaka has to offer, including some of New Zealand’s best hikes and wineries.

Time to experience the West Coast. From Wanaka, make your way to the incredible Haast Pass. It will blow your mind. Stop at the Blue Pools, before making your way up to Franz Josef Glacier. End the day on a high note with a soak in the hot springs.

After leaving Franz Josef Glacier, take the time to stop at Lake Matheson to marvel at the perfect reflections of the lake with surrounding mountains. Visit Hokitika Gorge, which must be seen to be believed! You will spend the night in Arthur’s Pass, home of the stunning Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall.

On your final day, you get to drive on one of the most famous roads in New Zealand. Stop at Castle Hill where The Chronicles of Narnia was filmed. Arrive back in Christchurch in the afternoon to drop off your campervan.