Overview

Start your journey through Middle Earth in Auckland and head South to the Waitomo Caves. Here you will stay in a unique Hobbit motel unit, before taking a tour of the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata. Enjoy some free time in Rotorua to experience the region's cultural & geothermal activities, before driving South to Wellington to join a full day tour of filming locations.

Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua - Wellington

Map of 7 Day Northern Scenes Self Drive
View itinerary for day 1
View itinerary for day 2
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View itinerary for day 6
View itinerary for day 7
Arrive Auckland
Auckland - Waitomo
Waitomo - Rotorua
At Rotorua
Rotorua - Wellington
Wellington Full Day LOTR Tour
Depart Wellington

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 Full Day LOTR Tour

Day 7

Depart Wellington

On your arrival in Auckland you will be met by our representative and provided with your chosen car and documentation.

Stay 1 night Auckland

Travel south through lush Waikato farmland. Stop at Hamilton along the way, then continue South to Woodlyn Park where you will stay in a unique Hobbit motel unit. 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.

Overnight accommodation in Waitomo

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 in 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.

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 in Wellington

Join a full day tour to Lord Of The Rings movie sets today. Wellington was the main filming and production location for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, which was shot entirely in New Zealand. On this full day tour visit the film locations used for the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin, Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith and where the hobbits rached to the ferry and hid from the Nazgul. Be spellbound at the site of Lothlorien - the majestic Fernside Lodge. In 2000 Fernside's lake was transformed into part of Lothlorien, and then to the Gladden fields. Fernside's white bridge remains as a reminder of the bridge of Lothlorien. Explore Rivendell and the riverside spot where Aragorn was washed ashore. Also visit Miramar, home to the production studios and to many of the stars while they were filming and the new Weta Cave with souvenirs and a virtual tour of the Weta Workshop. 

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

Day 1, Arrive Auckland

Arrive Auckland

On your arrival in Auckland you will be met by our representative and provided with your chosen car and documentation.

Stay 1 night Auckland

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 Woodlyn Park where you will stay in a unique Hobbit motel unit. 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.

Overnight accommodation in Waitomo

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 in Rotorua

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.

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 in Wellington

Day 6, Wellington Full Day LOTR Tour

Wellington Full Day LOTR Tour

Join a full day tour to Lord Of The Rings movie sets today. Wellington was the main filming and production location for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, which was shot entirely in New Zealand. On this full day tour visit the film locations used for the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin, Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith and where the hobbits rached to the ferry and hid from the Nazgul. Be spellbound at the site of Lothlorien - the majestic Fernside Lodge. In 2000 Fernside's lake was transformed into part of Lothlorien, and then to the Gladden fields. Fernside's white bridge remains as a reminder of the bridge of Lothlorien. Explore Rivendell and the riverside spot where Aragorn was washed ashore. Also visit Miramar, home to the production studios and to many of the stars while they were filming and the new Weta Cave with souvenirs and a virtual tour of the Weta Workshop. 

Day 7, Depart Wellington

Depart Wellington

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

Additional Information

Pricing

Cost per person

May to September 2023

 Twin/Double
Standard 3-3.5 Star Accommodation From NZ3,408* per person
Superior 4 Star Accommodation From NZ$3,753* 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 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:

6 nights accommodation

  • 1 Night Auckland
  • 1 Night Waitomo
  • 2 Nights Rotorua
  • 2 Nights Wellington

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

Tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set

Te Pa Tu Maori cultural hangi & concert

Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour, Wellington

Options

Optional Extras

Explore Waitomo

Blackwater Rafting

The ultimate Waitomo adventure and is the caving tour of choice for natural born adrenaline junkies everywhere. Descend into the seemingly bottomless black depths of the glow worm studded Ruakuri Cave. This five hour expedition combines abseiling the 35 metre tomo, climbing, whizzing down a flying fox and cave tubing underneath glow worms into one unforgettable journey

Glowworm Caves

For over 100 years these caves have attracted millions of visitors from all over the world. Here you can discover underground labyrinth of ancient limestone caverns and formations, and marvel at a galaxy of tiny living lights in the famed glow-worm grotto. As your eyes adjust to the dark, the walls and roof sparkle with the lights of the glow-worm larvae. The highlight of your tour is an unrivalled boat trip through the glow-worm grotto as you glide silently through the starry wonderland.

Highlights

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

Production areas:

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

Tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata

The Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tour is a real must-do for every The Lord of the Rings fan travelling through New Zealand, but it really is an interesting and entertaining experience for all. Your tour starts from The Shires Rest Cafe with a scenic drive through a picturesque 1,250 acre working sheep farm. There are 13,000 sheep and 300 beef cattle on the Alexander family farm. You’ll enjoy the stunning views across to the beautiful Kaimai Ranges. Your experienced and knowledgeable tour guide will escort you through the ten-acre site of where the LOTR movie set used to be.

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, Wellington

Wellington was the main filming and production location for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, which was shot entirely in New Zealand. On this full day tour visit the film locations used for the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin, Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith and where the hobbits rached to the ferry and hid from the Nazgul. Be spellbound at the site of Lothlorien - the majestic Fernside Lodge. In 2000 Fernside's lake was transformed into part of Lothlorien, and then to the Gladden fields. Fernside's white bridge remains as a reminder of the bridge of Lothlorien. Explore Rivendell and the riverside spot where Aragorn was washed ashore. Also visit Miramar, home to the production studios and to many of the stars while they were filming and the new Weta Cave with souvenirs and a virtual tour of the Weta Workshop.

Book now, pay later No credit card required

7 Day Northern Scenes Self Drive

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