YOUR DAY
Guided: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, a private shuttle driver will take you to your accommodation in the city. The day and night are free to spend at your leisure.
Self Drive: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation.
Our recommendations for your time in Auckland: A visit to Mission Bay where it is possible to see stunning Pohutukawa trees, Mt Eden, a stunning viewpoint and one of Auckland’s most famous volcanic craters, and perhaps a gander at one of The Road Trip’s favourite look out spots that boasts great views of both Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island. Perhaps also venture out to Muriwai Beach to visit a large Gannet colony on the seaside cliffs and experience the Kauri forests of the Waitakere Ranges (time permitting).
YOUR DAY
236km, 3 hours driving time
Today you farewell the ‘City of Sails’ and head south to Rotorua; a hot spot for Māori culture and geothermal activity.
En route you will visit Hobbiton and The Shire’s Rest, the only remaining film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. You'll also enjoy a buffet style feast in the festive marquee next to the Green Dragon!
Arrive in Rotorua in the late afternoon and perhaps explore Kuirau Park mud pool reserve and view the stunning government gardens and lakefront.
Tonight you will enjoy a twilight kayak glowworm tour which will lead you along the shorelines of a beautiful lake during sunset/dusk en route to a small cavern home to a constellation of glow worms. Once it becomes dark you enter the cavern to be surrounded by a galaxy of glow worms. On your paddle home you will be guided to a series of another 3 small cave locations (weather dependent) before gazing at the stars if the sky as clear and making your way back to the beach you started from.
YOUR DAY
216km, 2 hours 45 minutes driving
Your first stop for the day is Waimangu Volcanic Valley - a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. You will see the world's largest hot spring, sinter terraces and stunning hot and cold pools of many different colours. You'll also enjoy a cruise above the once famous Pink and White Terraces, buried by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886.
Heading south and stopping at the mighty Huka Falls en route, you will reach Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. Winding your way around Lake Taupō, you will eventually reach Tongariro National Park where you may wish to take a hike in the National Park itself. One of The Road Trip’s favourites is 2 hours long featuring native bush, volcanic views and stunning waterfalls. In clear weather there is a great opportunity to spot 3 of New Zealand’s most active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngaurauhoe (also known as Mt Doom). There will be plenty of time to explore LOTR filming locations today before continuing on to Ohakune.
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:
Mount Doom
Emyn Muil
Last Alliance Battle/Mordor
YOUR DAY
79km, 1 hour 10 minutes driving
Today you will drive to River Valley Lodge. Before leaving the Tongariro National Park, you may wish to enjoy a hike. One of The Road Trip’s favourites is 2 hours long featuring native bush, volcanic views and stunning waterfalls. In clear weather there is a great opportunity to spot New Zealand’s 3 most active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngaurauhoe (also known as Mt Doom). There is lots to explore in this area and we will provide many options for beautiful short walks!
From here you will have a relaxed drive to River Valley Lodge, deep in the wilderness of the central North Island!
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:
Gollum's Pool (Mangawhero Falls)
YOUR DAY
Today you will be taken on a full day scenic rafting trip down the Rangitikei River (grade 3 maximum rapids) which will see you drifting through dramatic landscapes which portrayed the stunning “River Anduin.” in the Lord of the Rings. This is not specifically a Lord of the Rings tour but is on the same river which filming was undertaken on and the scenery is breath-taking! This evening you will be staying overnight at River Valley Lodge. Enjoy a complimentary dinner at the lodge tonight.
If rafting isn't your thing, you can instead explore River Valley by e-bike or horseback! We can provide several options.
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that will be visited today:
River Anduin (Rangitikei River - one of several rivers used for filming)
Maximum Grade 3 Rapids. Available October - April
YOUR DAY
307km, 4 hours 10 minutes driving
PLEASE NOTE THE PUTANGIRUA PINNACLES ARE CLOSED DUE TO STORM DAMAGE (AS AT SEPTEMBER 2025)
You will leave River Valley Lodge and head for Taihape - The gumboot throwing capital of the world! Give gumboot throwing a go at their specially designed gumboot throwing lane! Further down the road you will enjoy the picturesque drive through Martinborough and neighbouring towns in the Wairarapa, famous for it's wine production. Perhaps pop in to Poppie's for a delightful wine tasting!
Next up, drive out to the Putangirua Pinnacles; a stunning yet unusual canyon like landscape surrounded by tall, thin pinnacle rock formations. Walk straight through the Pinnacles or take the walk up to the lookout and view this bizarre but beautiful landscape from above. These impressive weathered pillars of rock were used in the scenes for Dimholt Road where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli search for the Army of the Undead in The Return of the King. Heading over the Remutaka Ranges, you arrive in Wellington in the afternoon to discover New Zealand’s capital city where you can explore some LOTR filming sites on your own.
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:
Paths of the Dead
Nazgul Hobbits Tree
Frodo Reading Tree
Dunharrow
YOUR DAY
Today you will be taken on a full day Lord of the Rings tour with Xplor Tours to see many filming locations in the greater Wellington area! Sites today include Dunharrow, the Outer Shire, parts of the Hutt River used to also portray The River Anduin, the Gardens of Isengard and the glorious Rivendell! You will also see where Helms Deep and Minas Tirith were filmed. Today’s tour also includes a tour through the Weta Cave at Weta Workshop where post production for LOTR and The Hobbit trilogies was completed.
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that will be visited today:
Rivendell
Isengard Gardens
Dunharrow
The Outer Shire
Helms Deep
Minas Tirith
Please note that if you choose a guided tour, today will be a full day off as legally required for your driver/guide.
YOUR DAY
3.5 hour ferry ride + 180km, 2.5 hours driving
It’s time to journey over the Cook Strait and wave goodbye to the North Island today, as you sail toward the mainland of New Zealand; the South Island. The Northern coast of the South Island is simply beautiful and you will be able to take it all in as you sit back and relax on the ferry through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. There is a possibility today of having lunch at a vineyard in the wine growing region of Marlborough (optional – extra cost), before you make your way to the beautiful golden sands of the Abel Tasman National Park.
(Limited options in summer)
YOUR DAY
Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest National Park and is famous for its golden beaches, turquoise waters, native bush and spectacular scenery. Today you’ll explore the best of this region with a stunning half day kayaking trip that covers part of a marine reserve. Board a cruise to Medlands Beach where you can relax, swim and explore, then cruise back to Kaiteriteri to kayak in the shelter of one of of New Zealand's most popular bays. Observe the marine reserve's playful inhabitants – dolphins, fur seals, penguins and sea birds. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend at leisure.
You will also have the opportunity to head further North to see Chetwood Forest and other LOTR/The Hobbit filming locations as below!
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:
Chetwood Forest
Anduin Grasslands and Beorn’s House
YOUR DAY
278 km, 4 hours driving
This morning you farewell the sunny North Coast and head southwest to the lush rainforest of the West Coast. En route you could enjoy a scenic helicopter flight to Mount Owen. Fly southwest before entering the Kahurangi National Park for a landing on Mt Owen. Filming was undertaken here for 10 days with the result being one of the most moving moments in the film. It was here, distraught at the loss of Gandalf, the remaining members of the Fellowship escaped the mines of Moria and threw themselves to the ground in their grief (optional - more info below regarding booking).
Next up on the road you can explore Westport and Mangatini Falls on the Charming Creek Walkway (small detour). Next perhaps check out Cape Foulwind. Upon arrival in Punakaiki, you can explore the pancake rocks and blowholes situated right next to the village; a bizarre, rugged, rocky landscape which impresses thousands of visitors each year with its powerful forces of nature. You have the option of enjoying a true blue New Zealand pub meal this evening before calling it a night (optional – extra cost).
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:
Moria East Gate/Dimrill Dale (Mount Owen)
Check out the link below for scenic helicopter flights that can take you there! (optional)
YOUR DAY
217 km, 3 hours driving
In Punakaiki this morning you can explore the pancake rocks and blowholes situated right next to the village; a bizarre, rugged, rocky landscape which impresses thousands of visitors each year with its powerful forces of nature.
Next up, check out the beautiful Truman Track down to the beach, or a section of the Pororari River Track.
Driving South down the coast from Punakaiki, check out the stunning Hokitika Gorge with its beautiful bright blue waters and surrounding native forest.
Arrive in Franz Josef Glacier early afternoon, where you will spend the night in the beautiful town surrounded by rainforest.
Dinner also included with gold option
YOUR DAY
350km, 5 hours driving
Today you will take a journey south through the beautiful towering mountains of the Haast Pass, as well as the huge gleaming blue waters of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hawea, toward New Zealand’s adventure capital; Queenstown. Along the way you’ll enjoy views of waterfalls and take in the sights and sounds of the centuries-old native forest.
Also along the way is the picturesque lakeside holiday town of Wānaka. Looking across the lake, you will see the backdrop used for Gandalf’s flight to Rohan with Gwaihir, after his rescue from Orthanc. You also have the option today of walking the Diamond Lake walking track to see this location up close.
Following this, conquer New Zealand’s highest altitude highway and possibly stop in at one of New Zealand’s oldest pubs; the Cardrona Hotel, for a drink. Make your descent down the mountain into Queenstown where you will be bombarded by familiar Lord of the Rings scenery, including the spectacular Remarkables Mountain Range, another of the unforgiving landscapes used to portray the journey through the slopes of Dimrill Dale.
YOUR DAY
Today you'll enjoy a Glenorchy 4WD safari packed with breathtaking Lord Of The Rings filming locations and thrilling 4WD action. Along this magical journey, you will travel along one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. As a result, there are stunning vistas and panoramic views of the Southern Alps. As well as visiting the filming locations for Isengard you will also discover the Ithilien Camp, Lothlorien & Fanghorn forest, Battle of Amon Hen and many more.
Optional helicopter flight - Lord of the Rings + Glacier Explorer 70 minute flight with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters:
Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters' most experienced pilot, Alfie Speight, was the principle filming pilot for the famous Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, so their team have first-hand knowledge of these impressive movie locations. You'll fly over the Shotover River gorge recognisable as the 'Ford of Bruinen' as well as 'Isengard', 'Lothlorien' and much more. Land high on a glacier alongside the 'Misty Mountains' and get a sense of what it might be like to cross 'The Redhorn Pass' and enjoy a second alpine landing to really put yourself in the picture (optional - $955 NZD per person).
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that will be visited/viewed today:
Ithilien
Amon Hen
Lothlorien & Fangorn Forest
Dead Marshes
Please ensure you read the risk disclosure attached before agreeing to book
YOUR DAY
263 km, 3 hours 15 minutes driving
You leave Central Otago today through the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell where you can make a stop en route at a local fruit shop to try real fruit ice cream and perhaps sample New Zealand famous manuka honey products. From there, cross the Lindis Pass to the Mackenzie Country and travel alongside the stunning turquoise Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mt Cook Village. Spend the afternoon in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, nestled in the Southern Alps. Here you can enjoy several nature walks in the national park such as the famous Hooker Valley track. Another option in summer months is boat ride on Tasman Lake around icebergs to the terminal face of the glacier!
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:
Minas Tirith Mountains
Lake Town
*Please note that the Pelennor Fields (near Twizel - en route today) is no longer accessible as tours here no longer operate and the site is on private land.
YOUR DAY
357km, 4.5 hours driving
Today you head to our final destination on your epic journey through Middle Earth; Edoras! The filming location for Edoras is at the remote and beautiful Mt Potts High Country station, home of Mt Sunday. Hassle Free Tours will show you 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. Following this tour, you will travel to Christchurch.
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that will be visited today:
Edoras
Helms Deep Mountains
Today you will transfer to your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you have enjoyed your epic journey through Middle Earth with us!
Onward flight is not included.