Day 1
Auckland
Arrive into Auckland City and transfer to your accommodation for a day of leisure. Relax in your modern apartment or head out into downtown Auckland – Queens Street is a busy hub of popular shops and delicious gourmet restaurants, or Auckland Waterfront graces visitors with beautiful views of the city skyline and Auckland Sky Tower.
Day 2
Auckland
Collect your rental car before exploring more of what Auckland has to offer. There are plenty of things to do in the city, from heading up the towering Sky Tower and delving into Auckland Art Gallery, to experiencing peaceful, scenic cruises around the harbour and climbing up Auckland Harbour Bridge to see spectacular views of the city.
Day 3
Matamata/Waitomo
Experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the rolling green hills on your way to the Movie Set. Your guide will then escort you around the 12-acre set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made
You will be full guided on a walking tour through the Shire, journey past Bag End, explore the inside of our newly completed Hobbit Hole™ on Bagshot Row and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.
Day 4
Cambridge or Matamata / Turangi
Hairy Feet Waitomo|Hairy Feet Scenic Film Location Tour
This is a working farm and we ask that all visitors report to the tour office on arrival, situated at
1411 Mangaotaki Road, Piopio.
Ensure you drive to the village of Piopio & follow signage from the southern end of town, as some G.P.S units can unnecessarily instruct drivers to take a much longer route via gravel roads
Tour content:
-Enjoy a short drive to the site in our comfortable minivan, through farm paddocks.
-Get to walk around the areas that were used in filming The Hobbit, An Unexpected Journey with our guide.
-Have your photo exactly where Bilbo receives “Sting” from Gandalf.
-Visit all the other sites used in the film that relate to the Troll & campfire scenes.
-Learn interesting facts & stories about the filming and the farm.
-Walking tracks are gravel and over uneven ground. We advise you wear suitable footwear.
-Tour runs in all weather, so bring appropriate clothing i.e. sun hat, raincoat.
-Bring your camera!
ENJOYABLE FOR MORE THAN JUST FANS OF MIDDLE EARTH.
TONGARIRO - Encompassing the North Island’s central volcanic plateau, Tongaririo National Park is a huge domain for outdoor adventure. During summer walkers and trampers traverse its ruggedly alluring landscape, while icy rivers provide challenges for white water rafting and canoeing. In winter, when the mountains are smothered in snow, it becomes the North Island’s premier ski resort. The park is dominated by its three active volcanoes – Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.
Day 5
Wellington
Drive down to New Zealand's capital city and enjoy the rest of the afternoon, evening at leisure
Day 6
Wellington
Weta Workshop|Weta Workshop - Tour
Wellington is home to an entire community of creative Weta Workshop artisans who’ve brought life to such films as, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Hobbit Trilogy, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, and many others. Our guided experiences showcase the making of movie effects and props, from armour to weapons, creatures to costumes, make-up to miniatures.
Explore props, costumes, and cool stuff
Learn about the real props, costumes and creatures created for your favourite films. Interact with cool stuff from our creative departments and catch an artist at work on our tour stage.
Enter a world of miniatures and modelmaking
Discover the filmmaking technique of miniature effects and learn how they are built for hit TV and film productions.
After experiencing these epic sceneries, you may desire heading back and seeing the city centre of Wellington itself. A vibrant, bustling city, Wellington has an abundance of activities to fill out your afternoon, including the busy shopping hub of Cuba Street, and the charming Wellington waterfront with plenty of space to cycle, kayak or even paddle board.
Day 7
Picton ferry
Interislander|Wellington to Picton - Passenger
Journey from Wellington to Picton aboard the Interislander Ferry. Cross the Cook Strait, then cruise through the tranquil, scenic waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Relax in comfort as you enjoy spectacular coastal scenery, wildlife spotting opportunities, and one of the world’s most picturesque ferry voyages.
Duration: approx. 3 hours and 30 mins.
Please note:
Check in opens 90 minutes prior and closes 60 minutes prior to departure. Physical tickets are not required. Please present your reference number and a valid photo ID.
Food and beverages available for purchase from onboard café and bar.
Cash is not accepted at the Interislander Terminals and onboard the ferries. Payment options include debit, credit or eftpos cards, payWave, Apple Pay or Google Pay app.
Interislander|Wellington to Picton - Car up to 5.5m
Your car is booked on the Interislander Ferry today. Please check-in at the Interislander Ferry minimum 60 minutes prior to your departure time.
Pelorus Eco Adventures|Hobbit Kayak Tour
Paddle through the crystal-clear waters of the Pelorus River on this scenic and fun kayaking adventure through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful native forest valleys. Guided by experienced local experts, drift past lush bush, waterfalls, and famous filming locations featured in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, while learning about Maori use of the local flora and fauna, along with the region’s gold and timber history. With gentle grade 1 and 2 rapids, opportunities for swimming in summer, and complimentary trip photos, this relaxed tour is suitable for both first-time and experienced paddlers alike.
Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours.
Paddling distance: 3.6km downriver.
Includes:
Fully guided small group kayaking tour.
Return scenic transfer at start and end of kayaking tour (25mins)
Inflatable tandem kayak, paddles and life jacket hire.
Wetsuit, spray jacket and dry bag hire if required.
Sunscreen and insect repellent.
Complimentary tour photographs.
What to wear/bring:
Shoes that can get wet and stay securely on your feet, suitable clothing, towel, reusable water bottle, dry warm clothes for after the tour.
Please note:
Expect to get wet during the tour.
Day 8
Picton to Christchurch
Christchurch is defined by its historic past and vibrant future. The willow and oak-lined River Avon meanders through its heart, where you can enjoy a punt ride or explore the sprawling Botanic Gardens. Much of the city's unique charm comes from its blend of old and new; elegant stone buildings sit alongside striking contemporary architecture. Following a series of earthquakes, the city has been thoughtfully and creatively rebuilt, resulting in innovative new spaces like the Transitional Cathedral and Margaret Mahy Playground. This spirit of renewal makes Christchurch an exciting hub for arts, culture, and dining, while its proximity to both the stunning Canterbury Plains and the volcanic Port Hills offers easy access to outdoor adventures.
En route you will pass Kaikoura where you could stop for an optional Whale watching excursion.
Day 9
Christchurch
Hassle-free Tours Ltd|Lord of the Rings Edoras
Join the Lord of the Rings Tour and journey to the remote and beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday; and see how this peaceful mountain was transformed into Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Immerse yourself in the natural, unspoilt beauty of this breathtaking area with its sparkling clear lakes, glistening blue rivers, and fresh, crisp mountain air. This amazing day includes 4WD access onto Mt Sunday/Edoras itself, a delicious champagne picnic lunch, full running commentary from our friendly and knowledgeable kiwi tour guides, and spectacular scenery you will never forget.
Day 10
Christchurch / Mount Cook
MOUNT COOK/AORAKI - whose Maori name "Aorangi" means "Cloud Piercer" is some 3753.5 metres high and surrounded by a host of massive peaks. Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain, and can quite often be surrounded by cloud, constantly vulnerable to the fast changing weather patterns of an alpine climate.
Day 11
Queenstown
QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA - is the South Island's most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as "fit for any Queen", and so she was called Queenstown.
Day 12
Queenstown
Nomad Safaris|Glenorchy Lord of the Rings
This Glenorchy 4WD safari is packed with breathtaking Lord of the Rings filming locations and thrilling 4WD action. It offers breathtaking mountain and forest views along the shore of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and the Paradise Valley. Beyond Glenorchy, travel up the Dart Valley to the filming location for Isengard, set amongst snow-capped mountains beside the turquoise waters of the Dart River. This setting offers views of Mt Earnslaw and its hanging glacier, used in the first instalment of The Hobbit trilogy. Explore the Paradise Forest, the location for the Forest of Lothlorien. Leaving Glenorchy and returning towards Queenstown you will stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the Ithilien Camp. The tour also includes locations from X-men Origins: Wolverine, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and more Lord of the Rings locations yet to be revealed.
Tour Includes:
4WD tour of the Glenorchy and surrounding area.
Lord of the Ring trilogy filming locations.
Movie props for photo opportunities.
Please wear/bring:
Suitable footwear, water bottle, sun protection, phone/camera. Dress appropriately for outdoor adventures in the mountains.
In the afternoon you’re free to explore more of Queenstown;
Day 13
Depart Queenstown
