Explore Iconic Lord of the Rings Locations Across New Zealand
This 8 day Middle Earth Discovered tour takes you through New Zealand’s most famous filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Beginning in the North Island, you’ll visit Hobbiton and Rotorua before continuing to Wellington, home to the renowned Weta Workshop. The journey then heads south to Queenstown, where dramatic alpine landscapes bring Middle Earth vividly to life .
Combining guided experiences with scenic travel, this itinerary offers an immersive look into both the films and New Zealand’s natural beauty. Highlights include a full day Lord of the Rings tour in Wellington, a Milford Sound cruise, and a Queenstown safari to iconic filming sites. With a mix of culture, adventure, and cinematic history, this tour delivers a truly memorable experience.
Inclusions
Accommodation for 7 nights staying in Hotel 3 star
Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App
The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course
Auckland to Rotorua Small Group Tour via Hobbiton with Bush and Beach
Original Ziplining Experience with Rotorua Canopy Tours
Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included
Private Transfer Rotorua Accommodation to Rotorua Intercity Depot
Rotorua to Wellington by InterCity Coach
Private Transfer from Wellington Train/Bus Station to Accommodation
Lord Of The Rings Full Day Private Tour with Capital Personalised Tours - Lunch Included
Private Transfer Wellington Hotel to Airport with In Style Executive
Air New Zealand flight Wellington to Queenstown
Private Transfer Queenstown Airport to your Accommodation
Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown with RealNZ - Lunch Included
Lord of the Rings Queenstown Tour with Nomad Safaris
Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo with Cheeky Kiwi
7 breakfasts, 1 special dinner
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton
Begin your journey travelling south from Auckland into the lush Waikato countryside, where rolling farmland and charming towns set the scene. Today introduces you to one of New Zealand’s most iconic film locations before arriving in geothermal Rotorua.
Included: Small group tour from Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Travel from Auckland through the scenic Waikato countryside to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, where Middle-earth comes to life among rolling green hills. Explore famous filming locations before continuing on to Rotorua, enjoying a personalised journey with insightful commentary along the way.
Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at Sudima Lake Rotorua
Stay on the shores of Lake Rotorua, perfectly positioned near geothermal attractions and cultural experiences. The lakeside setting provides a relaxing atmosphere after a day of exploration.
Day 2: Rotorua Adventure and Culture
Spend the day discovering Rotorua’s unique mix of adventure and Māori culture, set within an active geothermal landscape. From native forest experiences to cultural storytelling, the region offers something truly special.
Included: Rotorua Canopy Tours Ziplining Experience Soar through native forest on an exciting ziplining adventure, crossing swing bridges and elevated platforms high above the ground. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share insights into the surrounding ecosystem and conservation efforts, adding depth to this thrilling experience.
Included: Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience with dinner Experience an unforgettable evening of Māori culture through storytelling, performance and seasonal cuisine in a forest setting. This immersive event offers a meaningful connection to traditions and heritage, brought to life in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Day 3: Rotorua to Wellington
Travel south through the heart of the North Island, passing volcanic landscapes and scenic countryside. This journey highlights some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural features before reaching the capital city.
Included: Private transfer from Rotorua accommodation to coach depot Start your day with a convenient transfer to the departure point for your onward journey. This ensures a smooth and stress-free transition between destinations.
Included: InterCity coach travel from Rotorua to Wellington Journey south through diverse North Island landscapes, passing Lake Taupō, volcanic peaks and the dramatic scenery of Tongariro National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe before continuing through rural towns and coastal settlements to arrive in vibrant Wellington.
Included: Private transfer from Wellington station to accommodation On arrival, a private transfer will take you directly to your hotel in the city. This seamless service allows you to settle in comfortably.
Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at Hotel Ibis Wellington
Stay in the heart of Wellington, within easy walking distance of cafés, restaurants, and the waterfront. The central location makes it ideal for exploring the capital.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: Lord of the Rings Wellington Tour
Dive deeper into Middle Earth with a full day exploring Wellington’s iconic filming locations. This experience combines cinematic history with real-world landscapes.
Included: Lord of the Rings Full Day Private Tour from Wellington with lunch Explore iconic Middle-earth filming locations on a private guided journey, from Mount Victoria’s Hobbiton scenes to the magical settings of Rivendell and Isengard. Along the way, visit Wētā Workshop for behind-the-scenes insights and enjoy a scenic drive through the Hutt Valley following the path of the legendary River Anduin.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Wellington to Queenstown
Today you travel south to Queenstown, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. The shift in landscape introduces the rugged beauty of the South Island.
Included: Private transfer from Wellington accommodation to airport Enjoy a smooth transfer to the airport for your onward journey. This ensures a relaxed start to your travel day.
Included: Flight from Wellington to Queenstown Take in aerial views of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes as you fly south. The journey offers a striking contrast between the North and South Islands.
Included: Private transfer from Queenstown Airport to accommodation On arrival, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. This convenient service ensures a seamless arrival in Queenstown.
Explore Queenstown at leisure Spend time discovering Queenstown’s stunning alpine setting, where adventure activities, scenic walks and lakeside dining create a vibrant atmosphere. Surrounded by the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, the town offers everything from relaxed sightseeing to adrenaline-filled experiences.
Accommodation: Stay 3 nights at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Stay near the shores of Lake Wakatipu, within easy reach of Queenstown’s vibrant centre. The scenic surroundings provide a perfect alpine retreat.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Milford Sound Experience
Experience one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural wonders with a journey into Fiordland National Park. Towering peaks and cascading waterfalls create a truly unforgettable setting.
Included: Milford Sound coach and cruise tour from Queenstown with lunch Travel in comfort through Fiordland National Park, enjoying scenic stops and informative commentary along the way to Milford Sound. Cruise through the dramatic fiord, where towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and native wildlife create an unforgettable natural experience.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Lord of the Rings Queenstown Tour
Discover more iconic filming locations around Queenstown, where dramatic landscapes were used to represent Middle Earth. This day blends cinematic storytelling with adventure.
Included: Lord of the Rings Queenstown Tour with Nomad Safaris Experience an exciting 4WD adventure through Queenstown’s dramatic landscapes while visiting iconic Middle-earth filming locations. Discover hidden valleys, historic gold mining routes and panoramic viewpoints as expert guides bring the stories and scenery of the films to life.
Suggested Activity: Queenstown Gardens Take a short walk from central Queenstown to discover these peaceful lakeside gardens, filled with manicured lawns, vibrant plantings and scenic viewpoints. It’s an ideal spot to relax, enjoy a picnic or take in beautiful views over Lake Wakatipu away from the busy town centre.
Suggested Activity: Walking Tracks in and around Queenstown Explore a variety of walking trails suited to all fitness levels, from gentle lakeside strolls to more challenging alpine climbs. Popular options like Queenstown Hill and Ben Lomond reward hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, rivers and lake.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8: Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook
Conclude your journey with a scenic trip through the Southern Alps, passing iconic destinations along the way. This final day highlights some of the South Island’s most impressive landscapes.
Included: Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo tour Travel through the heart of the South Island on a scenic small group journey, taking in iconic highlights such as Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. With expert guides sharing local knowledge along the way, this comfortable and well-paced experience offers an unforgettable way to explore some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes.