14 Day Scenes of New Zealand Self Drive

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 in Auckland

Travel south through Waikato’s lush farmland, stopping in Hamilton along the way. Continue to Waitomo, where you have the afternoon free to explore. Take a glowworm cave tour and see the grotto illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms, or try black water rafting for a more adventurous experience.

Overnight in Waitomo

Drive to Matamata for a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the famous film location and a glimpse into rural life. After the tour, stop at The Shire’s Rest Café for refreshments or a “Second Breakfast” before continuing to Rotorua, a city rich in Māori culture and history.

Stay 2 nights Rotorua

Enjoy a free day to explore Rotorua, a geothermal hotspot located on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Visit bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and learn about the rich traditions of New Zealand’s Māori people. With activities available year-round, there’s plenty to see and do in any weather.

Optional activities include adventure experiences at Velocity Valley Adrenaline Park, a relaxing soak at Polynesian Spa, Hells Gate, or Wai Ora Spa, or exploring the region’s impressive geothermal attractions.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Māori cultural performance followed by a hāngī feast, where food is cooked underground in the traditional way.

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.

Stay 2 nights Wellington

Today, explore iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies on a guided tour filled with behind-the-scenes insights. Visit key sites like Helm’s Deep, Rivendell, and the Hobbiton Woods, where your guide will share fascinating details about each location. Enjoy an exclusive tour at Weta Workshop to see how props and weapons were made, then stop at the Weta Cave for photos with iconic characters. Take in breathtaking views from Mount Victoria Lookout before finishing with a drive past the Embassy Theatre, home to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit premieres.

Sit back and enjoy the stunning views as you cruise across Cook Strait and through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds on your Interislander Ferry journey to Picton. From there, follow the coastal road south between the Kaikōura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean. After Kaikōura, the route winds inland through North Canterbury’s sheep farming country before reaching Christchurch.

Stay 2 nights in Christchurch

Take a tour of The Lord of the Rings filming locations in Canterbury, including the stunning Mt Potts high country station, home to Mt Sunday. This peaceful mountain was transformed into Edoras for the films, and you’ll have the chance to walk to its summit, just as Éowyn did, to admire the breathtaking views. See exclusive behind-the-scenes photos of Edoras under construction and the Misty Mountains backdrop used for Helm’s Deep. Enjoy a picnic lunch on tour and get hands-on with movie replicas, including Aragorn’s sword, King Théoden’s sword, Gimli’s axe, Gandalf’s staff, and the Flag of Rohan.

Drive south across the Canterbury Plains, passing through Ashburton, a town known for its trout fishing. Continue to Timaru, with its historic architecture, and Oamaru, home to the Little Blue Penguins. Just 70km north of Dunedin, don’t miss the Moeraki Boulders—unique geological formations scattered along the coastline.

Stay 2 nights in Dunedin

Spend the day exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, a region known for its wildlife and eco-tourism. Choose from a variety of tours and cruises showcasing the best of the area, including an Argo adventure at Nature’s Wonders or a guided visit to the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve.

Discover the fascinating history of Larnach Castle, visit Baldwin Street—the world’s steepest residential road—or take a tour of the 125-year-old Speight’s Brewery, ending with a tasting of its world-class beers. Dunedin’s rich history and stunning architecture make it a city to remember.

Drive through the rugged landscapes of Central Otago, passing fertile stone fruit orchards and following the Clutha River to the art deco town of Ranfurly. Stop at the historic mining settlement of St Bathans before continuing to Alexandra. From there, travel along the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu, arriving in Queenstown.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown

Enjoy two free days in Queenstown, an alpine resort offering everything from adrenaline-fuelled adventures to luxury experiences. Try bungy jumping, a Shotover Jet boat ride, horse trekking, rafting, or river surfing. For a more relaxed pace, indulge in gourmet food and wine, spa treatments, or a round of golf. Just a short drive away, the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown sits beside the Arrow River, offering a charming glimpse into the past.

Join a full-day tour of The Lord of the Rings filming locations in Queenstown and discover why this breathtaking region was chosen to bring Middle-earth to life. Visit key sites used in the films, from dramatic mountain landscapes to hidden valleys, while your guide shares behind-the-scenes insights and fascinating stories from the production. Along the way, enjoy stunning panoramic views, take memorable photos, and immerse yourself in the magic of these iconic locations.

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