YOUR DAY
Guided: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, a shuttle driver will be waiting for you as you clear customs. This 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.
Today you will visit Weta the team who helped do the special effects for the lord of the ring's movies for a wildly immersive experience that journeys you through our wacky world of moviemaking. this 90-minute hosted tour is centered on three fully developed and original film concepts: a nail-biting horror, a fantasy epic and a mind-bending sci-fi.
YOUR DAY
250km, 3.5 hours driving
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.
YOUR DAY
This morning you will enjoy the Ultimate Canopy Tour with Rotorua Canopy Tours. This is an unforgettable 3.5-hour Canopy Tour journey. Venture deep into the wilderness to experience prehistoric New Zealand forest at its best.
Following this, the early afternoon is free for leisure activities. Options include: Rotorua Gondola and Luge, zorbing, a trip to The Buried Village of Te Wairoa or the spectacular Treewalk in the Whakarewarewa's beautiful redwood forest.
This evening you will enjoy an authentic cultural experience at Te Pā Tū (formerly Tamaki Māori Village).
In the summertime, Te Pā Tū offers their Summer Harvest Celebration experience, "Tū Te Rā." Tū Te Rā is a summer celebration, aligned with the maramataka – the Māori lunar calendar. This is a time when the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tū Te Rā celebrates the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine.
In the winter, Te Pā Tū offers their Winter Matariki Celebration experience, "Tū Te Ihi." Tū Te Ihi references the energy and passion stirred by the Matariki cluster and the promise they herald. Tū Te Ihi celebrates a moment in the earth’s cycle when the stars of Matariki (Pleiades) draw attention. Matariki conjures ancestors as we recall their legacy, and reflect on the year that has been.
YOUR DAY
2 Hour Flight
Your first stop for the day is Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland- a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. You will visit New Zealand’s largest thermal mud pool, sinter terraces and stunning hot and cold pools of many different colours. You'll also experience the eruption of Lady Knox Geyser.
Following this, you will fly to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island. The afternoon is free to explore the city. We suggest visiting the Botanic Gardens, Tramway and Museum as well as the recently constructed shopping centres in the CBD.
Includes Lady Knox Geyser Eruption
YOUR DAY
257km, 3 hours 10 minutes driving time (+ tour)
Today you head 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 stay at Lake Tekapo. Perhaps soak in the thermal pools on the lakeside (optional – extra cost) and see the famous Church of the Good Shepherd up close. Following this, you could drive to the top of Mount John to take in some of the most stunning 360 degree views New Zealand has to offer!
Please note: Accommodation is unable to supply breakfast
YOUR DAY
105km, 1 hour 15 minutes driving
Today you take the short drive towards Lake Pukaki and drive along it to reach Mount Cook Village, nestled in the Southern Alps near our tallest mountain.
Today you can explore the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. There are a number of fantastic walks to do in the local area! The Hooker Valley Walk is simply a must do with the best views of Mt Cook. Or for the largest glacier in New Zealand check out the short Tasman Glacier View/Blue Lakes walk! For those with the energy try Kea Point Track and the Sealy Tarns Walk also!
Tonight enjoy a buffet dinner with breath taking views of New Zealand’s highest peak.
YOUR DAY
209 km, 2 hours 30 minutes driving
This morning you will enjoy a Glacier Explorers trip. Experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier by boat as you weave in and out of floating icebergs. It’s a surreal and mesmerising experience in a totally unique environment. No two days are the same on the Tasman Lake with a constant shifting of conditions, which simply adds to the magic of this very special place.
Following this, head over the Lindis Pass (965m) to Central Otago, known for its Merino Sheep and wool industry. First perhaps stop at a local salmon farm and sample fresh or smoked salmon.
From there you head through to Cromwell where you can visit a local fruit shop for a chance to try ‘Real Fruit Ice cream’, take a tour of a local fruit orchard or sample a few of the New Zealand famous manuka honey products.
From here you head to Wānaka, a picturesque resort town on the shores of Lake Wānaka. The evening is free to spend as you wish.
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
260km, 3 hours driving
This morning your South Island tour takes you 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.
Your next stop is a visit to New Zealand’s famous Gibbston Valley underground wine cave. Look, smell and taste over 18 spectacular cool-climate wines, followed by a winery lunch.
This afternoon you will drive a further 2 hours to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
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).
Late morning you will experience all that the fjords have to offer with a 1 hour 45 minute boat 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 enjoy several short walks in the Fiordland National Park.
YOUR DAY
This small group, fully guided day trip combines Te Anau’s top highlights with a Lord of the Rings experience and the option to add on some of the areas amazing activities, making this the ultimate way to experience stunning Te Anau. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Highlights:
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that will be visited today:
Nen Hithoel
Fangorn Margins
Dead Marshes
YOUR DAY
175km, 2 hours driving
This morning in Te Anau you will take a tour by boat across Lake Te Anau to the glow worm caves to view the shimmering light of thousands of luminous glow-worms in a 12,000 year old grotto.
This morning 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.
Includes Return Accommodation Transfers
Please ensure you read the risk disclosure attached before agreeing to book
YOUR DAY
Today you will drive out to the head of Lake Wakatipu and experience the breath-taking scenery of the Glenorchy area. Surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, ancient beech forests and at the edge of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, the frontier town of Glenorchy has provided the backdrop for many films, including The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Enjoy a funyaks experience which combines the thrill of a wilderness jet boat ride, and allows you to get even closer to the untouched wilderness with an unforgettable float downstream on an inflatable canoe (Funyaks!). Explore the dramatic landscape of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Area – an untouched natural wonderland - with its pristine waters, hidden side streams and the ancient Rockburn chasm.
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.