This 8 day Land of the Rings tour is designed for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, showcasing some of New Zealand’s most iconic filming locations. From the lush green hills of Hobbiton to the dramatic alpine scenery of Queenstown, each destination brings Middle Earth to life. Along the way, you’ll also experience natural wonders like the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Fiordland’s breathtaking landscapes .
Travelling across both islands, this itinerary blends cinematic history with New Zealand’s diverse scenery and culture. Highlights include the Edoras filming location at Mt Sunday, immersive Lord of the Rings tours in Queenstown, and a scenic Milford Sound cruise. With a mix of guided experiences and independent travel, this journey offers a memorable and well-paced exploration.
Inclusions
Accommodation for 8 nights staying in Hotel 3 star
Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App
The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course
Auckland to Rotorua with Hobbiton & Waitomo Glow Worms Tour - Lunch Included
Rotorua Duck Tours City & Lakes Tour
Rotorua CBD to Rotorua Airport - Private Transfer
Air New Zealand Rotorua to Christchurch
Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation
Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour with Hassle Free Tours - Lunch Included
Christchurch to Queenstown via Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park & Tekapo with Cheeky Kiwi - Lunch Included
Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour with Pure Glenorchy
Lord of the Rings Queenstown Tour with Nomad Safaris
Private transfer from Queenstown to Te Anau
Pure Wilderness Jet Boat with Fiordland Jet
Milford Sound Cruise from Te Anau and returning to Queenstown with RealNZ - Lunch Included
2 lunches, 1 dinner
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton and Waitomo
Begin your journey travelling south through the Waikato region, where rolling farmland and lush scenery set the tone for your Middle Earth adventure. Today combines two of the North Island’s most iconic experiences before arriving in geothermal Rotorua.
Included: Small group tour from Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Explore the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, where detailed film locations bring the world of Middle Earth vividly to life. Continue to Waitomo to glide through glowworm-lit caves, creating a magical underground experience unlike anywhere else.
Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua
Stay beside Lake Rotorua, surrounded by geothermal landscapes and cultural attractions. This lakeside retreat offers a relaxing base with easy access to the region’s highlights.
Meals included: Lunch
Day 2: Rotorua to Christchurch
Discover Rotorua in a unique and engaging way before continuing your journey south to Christchurch. Today blends sightseeing with a scenic transition between islands.
Included: Rotorua Duck Tours City and Lakes Tour Discover Rotorua from both land and water aboard a unique amphibious vehicle, offering a fun and informative sightseeing experience. Travel through the city before splashing into scenic lakes, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Mount Tarawera and learn about the region’s history and landscapes.
Included: Private transfer from Rotorua accommodation to airport Enjoy a seamless transfer to the airport, ensuring a stress-free connection for your flight. This convenient service keeps your travel day smooth and efficient.
Included: Flight from Rotorua to Christchurch Take in aerial views of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes as you travel between the North and South Islands. The journey highlights the contrast between geothermal regions and alpine scenery.
Included: Private transfer from Christchurch Airport to accommodation Arrive in Christchurch and transfer directly to your hotel with ease. This personalised service allows you to settle in comfortably after your journey.
Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at Scenic Hotel Cotswold
Stay in a charming property reflecting Christchurch’s English-inspired character. Its location near parks and boutique shopping areas makes it ideal for exploring the city.
Day 3: Edoras and the Plains of Rohan
Step into one of the most iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings. Today’s journey takes you into the remote high country landscapes that brought Rohan to life.
Included: Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour with lunch Visit the breathtaking filming location of Edoras at Mt Sunday, where the landscapes of Middle-earth come to life in a truly remote setting. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, clear rivers and wide open plains, this guided experience offers fascinating insights into the filming of the iconic trilogy.
Please note: Visiting these special locations involves a 5.5 hour driving journey, which is balanced by numerous scenic stops and breaks for morning tea and lunch. The hike to the summit of Mt Sunday/Edoras itself is approximately a 20 minute ascent (and descent) that requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 4: Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook
Travel through some of the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes, including alpine lakes and towering peaks. This scenic journey highlights the natural beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Included: Small group coach tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo Travel between Christchurch and Queenstown on a scenic small group journey showcasing some of the South Island’s most iconic landscapes. Visit Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the Tasman Glacier while enjoying expert commentary and a comfortable, well-paced experience.
Accommodation: Stay 3 nights at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Stay close to Lake Wakatipu, within walking distance of Queenstown’s vibrant centre. The lakeside setting offers stunning alpine views.
Day 5: Lord of the Rings in Glenorchy
Explore the landscapes around Queenstown that served as key filming locations in Middle Earth. This half-day tour blends cinematic storytelling with dramatic natural scenery.
Included: Lord of the Rings scenic tour with Pure Glenorchy Journey from Queenstown into the spectacular landscapes of Glenorchy, Paradise and the Dart River Valley, where scenes from Middle-earth were brought to life. Visit locations such as Isengard, Lothlórien Forest, and the Misty Mountains. Explore iconic filming locations while your expert guide shares behind-the-scenes stories and fascinating insights into the making of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Day 6: Safari of the Scenes
Continue your exploration of Middle Earth with another immersive half-day tour around Queenstown. The remainder of the day allows time to enjoy the town’s many attractions at your own pace.
Included: Queenstown Safari of the Scenes tour Experience an exciting 4WD adventure through Queenstown’s spectacular landscapes while visiting iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations. Explore dramatic scenery including the Misty Mountains and historic sites, as expert guides share behind-the-scenes stories and local history along the way.
Day 7: Queenstown to Te Anau
Journey into the heart of Fiordland, where untouched wilderness and dramatic landscapes await. Today introduces you to one of New Zealand’s most pristine regions.
Included: Private transfer from Queenstown to Te Anau Travel through scenic countryside and alongside Lake Wakatipu en route to Te Anau. The journey offers impressive views of mountains and open landscapes.
Included: Pure Wilderness Jet Boat with Fiordland Jet Experience an exhilarating jet boat ride along the Waiau River and across Lake Manapouri, surrounded by the untouched beauty of Fiordland National Park. Enjoy thrilling spins and scenic stops while learning about the region’s natural history and its role as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Stay near the shores of Lake Te Anau, surrounded by tranquil scenery. The peaceful setting provides the perfect gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Day 8: Milford Sound and Return to Queenstown
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions. Towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls create an unforgettable setting.
Included: Milford Sound Cruise from Te Anau to Queenstown with lunch Travel along the spectacular Milford Road from Te Anau, with scenic photo stops and expert commentary bringing the landscape to life. Cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, where you’ll experience towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and native wildlife up close.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Return to Queenstown for your final night, enjoying the comfort of your lakeside hotel. Reflect on your journey while surrounded by alpine scenery.
Meals included: Lunch
Day 9: Farewell from Queenstown
Your Middle Earth journey comes to an end in Queenstown, leaving you with lasting memories of New Zealand’s landscapes and film locations. Take time to enjoy a final moment in this beautiful alpine setting before departure.