Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit Tour

• Begin in Auckland, where a luxurious Mercedes vehicle will pick you up from your hotel, the airport, or preferred location.
• Suggested pick-up time is 9am, but timing is flexible to suit your schedule.
• Travel 2 ½ hours south along the Waikato River, through the scenic hills of the Waikato region and King Country.
• Pass through historic river towns, including Ngaruawahia, home to the Turangawaewae Marae and the residence of New Zealand’s Māori King.
• Enjoy views of the majestic Mount Pirongia volcano as we approach the renowned Waitomo Caves.
• Visit Waitomo, a natural wonder offering unique sights and activities:
  • Stop by the Kiwi House in Otorohanga to see New Zealand’s national bird and other native flora and fauna.
  • Experience the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with options for:
    • A 45-minute tour featuring mesmerizing glowworms.
    • A 3-hour tour including an additional cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
• For thrill-seekers, try cave tubing (black water rafting), a popular adventure caving experience.

Accommodation: Near Waitomo Caves

• Day 2 begins with a short drive to Piopio, just south of Waitomo Caves, to visit the “Hairy Feet” Scenic Film Location, a prominent filming site for The Hobbit.
  • Re-enact scenes, follow Gandalf’s footsteps, and hold Bilbo’s sword.
  • Explore impressive limestone cliffs, vast rock formations, and an ancient forest, the backdrop for Staddle Farm and Trollshaw Forest in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
• After the morning in the picturesque Waikato region, the tour heads south to Tongariro National Park, the world’s fourth oldest national park and a Lord of the Rings filming location.
  • Travel towards Whakapapa at the base of Mt Ruapehu (North Island’s tallest mountain at 2,797m) with possible views of Mt Taranaki, the inspiration for the Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit.
• Upon arrival at Tongariro National Park, explore the rocky volcanic landscapes that depicted parts of Frodo and Bilbo’s journey.
  • Majestic Mt Ngauruhoe, featured as Mt Doom in the films, offers an optional scenic or helicopter flight over its crater.
  • Alternatively, consider the next day’s Tongariro Alpine Crossing, known as one of the world’s best one-day walks.
• Choose your overnight stay:
  • Chateau Tongariro Hotel: Iconic lodging at the base of Mt Ruapehu and former Lord of the Rings crew accommodation.
  • Trout Fishing at Lake Taupo: Known globally for trout fishing, with the option to stay in Turangi along the Tongariro River instead of near Mt Ruapehu.

Accommodation: Mount Ruapehu, Turangi or Taupo depending on your interests

• Begin Day 3 with a visit to Taupo, located beside the vast volcanic crater lake, Lake Taupo.
  • Head north towards Rotorua, stopping to admire the stunning Huka Falls on the Waikato River.
  • Optionally, visit the Aratiatia Rapids to witness a daily release of rushing waters, famously featured in The Hobbit films.
• Continue through the Central Volcanic Plateau, an area known for its remarkable thermal parks.
  • Recommended stops include Wai-o-Tapu, Orakei Korako, or Waimangu Volcanic Valley to experience the impressive geothermal landscapes of Rotorua and Taupo.
  • As you near Rotorua, enjoy views of the sparkling lake with Mokoia Island at its centre.
• After settling into Rotorua accommodation, experience an evening of Māori cultural immersion.
  • Enjoy a traditional Kai meal prepared in a Hangi (earth oven) and a live performance of Māori songs and dance.
  • The experience includes the iconic Haka, the Māori war dance popularised by New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks.

Accommodation: Rotorua

• On the final day, we tailor the morning in Rotorua to your interests:
  • Explore Rotorua City, including the Government Gardens, the Rotorua Museum’s exterior, and views of Mokoia Island from the lakefront.
  • Option to visit the Redwood Forest, or take in the serene Blue Lake and Lake Tarawera with Mount Tarawera as a stunning backdrop.
• Additional activities (at your expense) are available:
  • Helicopter or floatplane flights for aerial views, including a possible landing on Mount Tarawera.
  • Visit Te Puia for geysers, mud pools, Māori arts, and the chance to see the Kiwi bird.
  • Ride the Skyline Gondola up Mount Ngongotaha, followed by a luge ride downhill.
  • Relax at the Polynesian Spa in the Government Gardens or choose an evening spa visit instead of the Day 2 Māori cultural experience.
  • Visit the Agrodome for a showcase of New Zealand’s farming and agricultural displays.
• On the way back to Auckland, stop at the Hobbiton Movie Set for a 2-hour guided tour:
  • Explore iconic spots like the Hobbit Holes, Bag End, and The Green Dragon Inn, gaining insights into the films’ creation and set design.
• Conclude this memorable tour in Auckland, having experienced New Zealand’s most picturesque sites and legendary movie locations.