21 Day Lord of the Rings New Zealand Tour - Sample Itinerary

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 and your guide will meet you tomorrow morning.

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 where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.

This afternoon you will visit Wētā for a wildly immersive experience that journeys you through our wacky world of moviemaking. this 90-minute hosted tour is centred on three fully developed and original film concepts: a nail-biting horror, a fantasy epic and a mind-bending sci-fi.

YOUR DAY 

195 km, 2.5 hours driving 

Today you head south, driving over the Bombay Hills and leaving NZ's largest city behind. Here you'll wind through rolling farmland past the agricultural city of Hamilton down to the town of Waitomo. Here you will visit New Zealand's remarkable Denize Bluffs farm. Embark on a guided tour through this magnificent hidden valley location, which featured as Trollshaws Forest in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" and Greenwood the Great in TV series "Lord of the Rings; The Rings of Power." 

Here you will enjoy a long and gentle boat ride beneath a galaxy of glowworms. Avoid the crowds by joining small group tours in private caves. Discover something new. Spellbound are close by Waitomo Caves, and a little off the beaten track, visiting a rugged and scenic limestone studded farm.

Stay near the Waitomo Caves tonight.

Please note that the filming location for Weathertop is in the general vicinity of your route today, but is not accessible to the public and can only be viewed from afar. You are welcome to try get to a viewing point for Weathertop if you are on a self drive tour but we are unable to take you to the Weathertop filming location if you choose a guided tour.

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that will be visited today:

Trollshaws Forest

YOUR DAY

168 km, 2 hours 15 minutes driving

Today you will visit the only remaining film set from the Lord of the Rings trilogy; the picturesque, peaceful village of Hobbiton! 

As you wander around you will see many hobbit holes, beautiful green rolling hills, vegetable gardens (real and fake) and even enjoy a feast in the festive party marquee next to The Green Dragon! 

You will arrive in Rotorua following this where the evening is free to spend as you wish. Perhaps take a dip at the famous Polynesian Spa.

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that will be visited today:

Hobbiton

YOUR DAY

216km, 2 hours 45 minutes driving

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 your trip guide 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)

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

307km, 4 hours 10 minutes driving

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. 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

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. 

For your first Lord of the Rings experience on the South Island, join expert guides on an eye-opening, fun kayaking tour paddling down the scenic Pelorus River, used in the filming of the second Hobbit movie, "The Desolation of Smaug".  

Following this, make your way to the beautiful golden sands of the Abel Tasman National Park.

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today

Jens Hansen (Maker of The One Ring (in Nelson)) - if open

The Forest River where Bilbo and the dwarves travelled in barrels

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 could explore the best of this region with a stunning half day kayaking trip that covers part of a marine reserve (optional).

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

281km, 3 hours 45 minutes driving

This morning you will detour 30 minutes to Underworld Adventures in Charleston. Here they will kit you up for the trip of a lifetime through their glowworm caves. The journey starts with a trip on their rainforest train, a walk through the rainforest and a journey into their large limestone cave. Following this you will lie on a tube and drift under the light of thousands upon thousands of glow worms on the cave ceiling. This particular cave has more glowworms than any other cave in NZ and the experience is truly cathartic. 

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 this afternoon/evening, a beautiful village nestled at the base of the mighty Southern Alps.

Please note there is the option to do a glow worm cave tour on foot instead of by raft if you would prefer.

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:

The White Mountains (Ered Nimrais) from Gondor to Rohan 

YOUR DAY 

250 km, 4 hours driving

This morning you will enjoy a guided heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier - one of only three glaciers in the world to be surrounded by rainforest! A first-hand exploration of a glacier by chopper, seeing only what experienced mountaineers can reach is a wilderness experience you’ll never forget. You’ll fly up to the Franz Josef Glacier and walk for two hours amongst the ice formations and pinnacles and see first-hand the extraordinary colours of the ice-flow. Touch the ice, breathe in the fresh air.

One of the prettiest and most dramatic journeys in the country is what you can experience on this tour over the Haast Pass through to Wanaka. En route you will visit Lake Matheson, otherwise known as ‘Mirror Lakes’ where on a clear day it is possible to see the reflection of New Zealand’s highest mountain Mt Cook (3754m/12,316ft). The walking possibilities are endless today around Haast and Haast Pass and you can do one of or several walks, some of which feature spectacular waterfalls and deep blue coloured pools where it is possible to see trout swimming. One of our favourite spots at The Road Trip is Ship Creek, an isolated beach featuring native totara trees hugging rugged coastline. Tonight you stay in Wanaka, one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday spots.

YOUR DAY

260km, 3 hours driving

This morning offers a chance to relax and soak in the slow pace of the beautiful lakeside town of Wānaka. Options include a walk up one of our favourite look out spots featuring 360 degree views of Lake Wānaka, Mount Aspiring National Park and the Clutha River, a visit to Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World, kayaking on the lake, a visit to the Warbirds and Classic cars Museum or even fishing on the lake for some brown or rainbow trout. 

We recommend driving a short distance from Wānaka to hike the Diamond Lake Walk, which was used as the backdrop for Gandalf’s journey to Rohan with Gwaihir. Aside from this being an important filming location, the scenery on this walk is exceptional!

Following this, drive over the scenic Crown Range Road to the beautiful town of Arrowtown via The Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest highway. Arrowtown was an important location in the gold rush of Central Otago in the 1860s and is now a historic town with a very special vibe. Perhaps browse the preserved Chinese gold mining village or wander the boutique shops the town has on offer. Following this, perhaps enjoy a wine tasting at Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, overlooking the stunning Lake Hayes. This afternoon you will drive a further 2 hours to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:

Backdrop for Gandalf's Flight to Rohan with Gwaihir

YOUR DAY

240km, 4 hours driving

Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape! The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular in the world and certainly a highlight on any New Zealand tour. 

En route you will see spectacular valleys, breath taking mountains and hopefully spot the cheeky Kea (New Zealand’s mountain parrot). This morning you will experience all that the fjords have to offer with a 1 hour 45 minute cruise, featuring pristine waterfalls and towering mountains plunging into the Tasman Sea. Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and the Fiordland crested Penguin. 

On your trip back to Te Anau there is the opportunity to take some short walks in the Fiordland National Park.

YOUR DAY

175km, 2 hours driving

This morning you will explore the secluded haven of the Mavora Lakes area, near Te Anau. Enjoy a visit to filming sites such as Dead Marshes, Fangorn Forest & The River Anduin.

Following this you will head to Queenstown, ‘New Zealand’s adventure capital of the world’. Skirting your way around Lake Wakatipu makes for some stunning photography and you will be amazed by the Remarkables Mountain Range, one of the most famous back drops for Lord of the Rings. 

The afternoon is free to spend as you wish in Queenstown, and there is plenty to see and do! Perhaps enjoy a walk around the botanic gardens on the lake, enjoy a drop of Central Otago pinot noir at a nearby winery, or sample some fresh local cuisine on offer on the lakefront.

YOUR DAY

Today you'll enjoy a 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 well as visiting the filming locations for Isengard, you will also discover the Ithilien Camp, Lothlorien & Fangorn forest, Battle of Amon Hen and many more. You will also travel the Skippers Canyon Road to Lighthouse Rock, gold pan in the Arrow River and have the opportunity to dress up and take photos in replica film props.

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that will be visited/viewed today:

Ithilien

Misty Mountains

Bruinen River

Amon Hen

Isengard

Argonath 

Lothlorien

Dead Marshes

Beorn's House

Please note that if you choose a guided tour, today will be a full day off as legally required for your driver/guide and all transport will be provided by Nomad Safaris.

YOUR DAY

85km, 1 hour 10 mins driving (add 1 hour each way to visit Poolburn Reservoir/Rohirrim Village)

Drive through the beautiful Kawarau Gorge today and arrive in the historic town of Clyde where you will stay two nights at the beautiful Olivers Lodge & Stables. Perhaps enjoy a dining experience tonight at Olivers Restaurant, showcasing fresh local produce from the Central Otago region (optional). There are also many beautiful wineries right at your doorstep in the surrounding region.

This afternoon you have the option to drive just over an hour in another direction each way to reach the filming location for Rohirrim Village.

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:

Rohirrim Village (1 hour each way)

YOUR DAY

224km, 2.5 hours 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.