Bring the Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton to life with this 10 day tour in North Island
Days 10
Travel Time ~10 hrs
Distance 734 kms
Start Auckland
Finish Wellington
This 10 Days Essential Middle Earth of the North Island Self Drive tour lets you relive the magic of Middle Earth and brings you to key filming locations of Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton in North Island.
See Mordor and Mt. Doom from up above on a scenic flight; experience the living village of Hobbiton; and go on a behind-the-scenes tour of Weta Cave where most of the props, armours, costumes and prosthetics of the movies where made. You'll even get the chance to stay in your very own Hobbit Hole at Waitomo.
Auckland - Waitomo - Tongariro National Park - Wellington
Arrive in Auckland
Coast and Rainforest full day tour
Auckland to Waitomo via Hobbiton
Travel Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
Distance: 263 kms
Waitomo Adventures Lost World Tour (4 hours)
Waitomo to Tongariro National Park
Travel Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Distance: 151 kms
Explore Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park to Wellington
Travel Time: 4 hrs
Distance: 320 kms
Explore Wellington
Explore Wellington
Depart Wellington
On arrival you will be met by one of our team and driven to your Auckland accommodation.
Auckland, New Zealand’s self-proclaimed ‘City of Sails’ is the country’s largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure.
Stay 2 nights in Auckland
Your full day excursion takes you first to the Waitakere Ranges and a short drive from Auckland Central. Enjoy panoramic views - extending from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean - as you absorb the area’s history and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings. Walk the regenerating rainforest where your experienced guide will detail local flora and fauna. Take in the giant tree ferns, bubbling streams and cascading waterfalls before venturing onto a wild west coast beach. Enjoy a picnic lunch before your eco-tour ends in an area of untamed original rainforest.
Head southbound on State Highway one through the lush farmland and dairy pastures of the Waikato region. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of the greater Auckland area and its here you turn inland towards Matamata, the real Middle Earth.
Become immersed in the The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films when you visit the actual Hobbiton movie set.
Today you'll head towards the coast to arrive in Waitomo. Limestone hills will mark the Waitomo region and its famous cave complex.
Stay 2 nights in your very own Hobbit Hole at Woodlyn Park Motels, Waitomo
Waitomo Adventures Lost World Tour (4 hours)
Abseil 100m into into a spectacular world of prehistoric forest, glow-worms, rivers, flowstone formations and massive caverns. Explore the depths before ascending a gigantic ladder through the craggy upper levels of the 'Spider Hole'. Nothing short of sensational, this underground adventure is 4 hours in length.
Walking tracks are on well formed gravel tracks over slightly uneven ground. Please wear suitable, comfortable footwear. Tours run in all weather, so please bring appropriate clothing for the weather.
Waitomo to Whakapapa Village
Travel south into the heart of the Central Volcanic Plateau, Tongariro National Park. Leaving the limestone hills of Waitomo, follow the road through lush King Country pastures, named after the Maori King Tawhiao who lived here in exile during the mid 1800's. Continue on to arrive in this World Heritage Park, home to three active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe - as well as many walking tracks, adventure activities and the renowned Tongariro Crossing.
Stay 2 nights Whakapapa Village
Your drive today takes you from the North Island Volcanic Plateau to New Zealand's capital, Wellington. Leaving Whakapapa Village, make your way through the Rangipo Desert, skirting the edges of the Tongariro National Park.
A little further is the military town of Waiouru, home to the New Zealand Army museum and a unique collection of military history.
Continue south to the rural towns of Taihape, Mangaweka and Bulls before arriving on the spectacular Kapiti Coast. Take a short detour to the quaint seaside town of Paraparaumu before arriving into Wellington City.
Stay 3 nights in Wellington
Middle Earth Film Locations Half Day Tour
On this half-day tour explore key Lord of the Rings filming locations all within an hour of central Wellington. Highlights include the outskirts of the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin and the sites of Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith. Stroll where the hobbits raced to the Buckleberry Ferry and see where the infamous 'get off the road' scene was shot. You'll also stop and overlook the site of the Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment.
Weta Cave and Windows into the Workshop Tour
Visit the The Weta Cave, a mini-museum filled with props, characters and displays from well known movies including Avatar, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Hear stories of how these figures were brought to life and learn about the artists who created them. Watch behind-the-scenes interviews from Weta co-founders Sir Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk - and gain insight into the creativity and imagination that comes with crafting the art of Weta.
You'll also take a guided tour through the inner workings of Weta Workshop and learn about its processes and design elements.
Choose to explore more of Wellington's sights before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.
Day 1, Arrive in Auckland
On arrival you will be met by one of our team and driven to your Auckland accommodation.
Auckland, New Zealand’s self-proclaimed ‘City of Sails’ is the country’s largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure.
Stay 2 nights in Auckland
Day 2, Coast and Rainforest full day tour
Your full day excursion takes you first to the Waitakere Ranges and a short drive from Auckland Central. Enjoy panoramic views - extending from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean - as you absorb the area’s history and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings. Walk the regenerating rainforest where your experienced guide will detail local flora and fauna. Take in the giant tree ferns, bubbling streams and cascading waterfalls before venturing onto a wild west coast beach. Enjoy a picnic lunch before your eco-tour ends in an area of untamed original rainforest.
Day 3, Auckland to Waitomo via Hobbiton
Travel Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
Distance: 263 kms
Head southbound on State Highway one through the lush farmland and dairy pastures of the Waikato region. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of the greater Auckland area and its here you turn inland towards Matamata, the real Middle Earth.
Become immersed in the The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films when you visit the actual Hobbiton movie set.
Today you'll head towards the coast to arrive in Waitomo. Limestone hills will mark the Waitomo region and its famous cave complex.
Stay 2 nights in your very own Hobbit Hole at Woodlyn Park Motels, Waitomo
Day 4, Waitomo Adventures Lost World Tour (4 hours)
Waitomo Adventures Lost World Tour (4 hours)
Abseil 100m into into a spectacular world of prehistoric forest, glow-worms, rivers, flowstone formations and massive caverns. Explore the depths before ascending a gigantic ladder through the craggy upper levels of the 'Spider Hole'. Nothing short of sensational, this underground adventure is 4 hours in length.
Day 5, Waitomo to Tongariro National Park
Travel Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Distance: 151 kms
Walking tracks are on well formed gravel tracks over slightly uneven ground. Please wear suitable, comfortable footwear. Tours run in all weather, so please bring appropriate clothing for the weather.
Waitomo to Whakapapa Village
Travel south into the heart of the Central Volcanic Plateau, Tongariro National Park. Leaving the limestone hills of Waitomo, follow the road through lush King Country pastures, named after the Maori King Tawhiao who lived here in exile during the mid 1800's. Continue on to arrive in this World Heritage Park, home to three active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe - as well as many walking tracks, adventure activities and the renowned Tongariro Crossing.
Stay 2 nights Whakapapa Village
Day 6, Explore Tongariro National Park
Day 7, Tongariro National Park to Wellington
Travel Time: 4 hrs
Distance: 320 kms
Your drive today takes you from the North Island Volcanic Plateau to New Zealand's capital, Wellington. Leaving Whakapapa Village, make your way through the Rangipo Desert, skirting the edges of the Tongariro National Park.
A little further is the military town of Waiouru, home to the New Zealand Army museum and a unique collection of military history.
Continue south to the rural towns of Taihape, Mangaweka and Bulls before arriving on the spectacular Kapiti Coast. Take a short detour to the quaint seaside town of Paraparaumu before arriving into Wellington City.
Stay 3 nights in Wellington
Day 8, Explore Wellington
Middle Earth Film Locations Half Day Tour
On this half-day tour explore key Lord of the Rings filming locations all within an hour of central Wellington. Highlights include the outskirts of the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin and the sites of Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith. Stroll where the hobbits raced to the Buckleberry Ferry and see where the infamous 'get off the road' scene was shot. You'll also stop and overlook the site of the Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment.
Day 9, Explore Wellington
Weta Cave and Windows into the Workshop Tour
Visit the The Weta Cave, a mini-museum filled with props, characters and displays from well known movies including Avatar, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Hear stories of how these figures were brought to life and learn about the artists who created them. Watch behind-the-scenes interviews from Weta co-founders Sir Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk - and gain insight into the creativity and imagination that comes with crafting the art of Weta.
You'll also take a guided tour through the inner workings of Weta Workshop and learn about its processes and design elements.
Day 10, Depart Wellington
Choose to explore more of Wellington's sights before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.
Pricing
| Twin/Double | |
|---|---|
| Motel Accommodation | from NZ$3,563 per person |
* PLEASE NOTE*
Price is per person and based on two adults travelling together and sharing a rental car and accommodation.
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.
Payment
Cancellation Charges
Includes
9 nights accommodation
Car hire
Private airport transfers
Hobbiton Movie Set
Coast and Rainforest full day tour
Waitomo Adventures Lost World Tour
Hairy Feet Scenic Film Location Tour
Weta Cave Workshop Tour
Middle Earth Film Locations Half Day Tour, Wellington
Options
If you are going overseas, then travel insurance is a necssity. Compare rates and polices online and get a free travel insurance quote.
All itineraries can be amended or combined with other itineraries. Please advise amendments when requesting a quote.
There is a choice of accommodation available on all packages, which depending on locations, includes motels, 3 star hotels, 4 star hotels, boutique lodges & hotels and luxury lodges and hotels. We are happy to quote on alternate accommodation requests.
International flights can be included from Australia for all Australian residents.
Highlights
Become immersed in The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films when you visit the actual Hobbiton movie set. Located just outside of Matamata - in the heart the lush Waikato farming region, your two hour tour will begin with a drive through a picturesque sheep farm. You'll then be taken through Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and the Party Tree while your guide shares behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films.
Your full day excursion takes you first to the Arataki Visitor Centre - gateway to the Waitakere Ranges and a short drive from Auckland Central. Enjoy panoramic views - extending from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean - as you absorb the area's history and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings. Walk the regenerating rainforest where your experienced guide will detail local flora and fauna. Take in the giant tree ferns, bubbling streams and cascading waterfalls before venturing onto a wild west coast beach. Enjoy a picnic lunch before your eco-tour ends in an area of untamed original rainforest. Here, mature 1,000 year old kauri trees have developed separately from the rest of the world for millions of years and this part of the rainforest is particularly rich in bird life due to a successful programme to eradicate pests.
Abseil 100m into a spectacular world of prehistoric forest, glow-worms, rivers, flowstone formations and massive caverns. Explore the depths before ascending a gigantic ladder through the craggy upper levels of the 'Spider Hole'. Nothing short of sensational, this underground adventure is 4 hours in length.
Visit The Weta Cave, a mini-museum filled with props, characters and displays from well known movies including Avatar, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Hear stories of how these figures were brought to life and learn about the artists who created them. Watch behind-the-scenes interviews from Weta co-founders Sir Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk - and gain insight into the creativity and imagination that comes with crafting the art of Weta.
On this half-day tour explore key Lord of the Rings filming locations all within an hour of central Wellington. Highlights include the outskirts of the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin and the sites of Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith. Stroll where the hobbits raced to the Buckleberry Ferry, and see where the infamous 'get off the road' scene was shot. You'll also stop and overlook the site of the Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment.
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