The Lord of the Rings & Hobbit Ultimate New Zealand Explorer

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your private driver and transferred to your premium accommodation in the heart of Auckland. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring New Zealand’s largest city, with its vibrant waterfront, excellent dining and beautiful harbours.

Activities

• Private Airport Transfer
• Free afternoon in Auckland

Your Stay
Four Points by Sheraton Auckland (4 Nights)

Step into the incredible world of movie magic at Wētā Workshop Unleashed. Discover how award-winning artists create breathtaking creatures, costumes, props and special effects using many of the same techniques that helped bring Middle-earth to life. This immersive experience offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of New Zealand’s world-famous film industry.

Activities

• Wētā Workshop Unleashed Experience

Your Stay
Four Points by Sheraton Auckland

Today is every Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fan’s dream. Journey into the lush Waikato countryside to visit the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set, where you’ll wander through the Shire, explore Hobbit Holes, stroll past Bagshot Row, visit the Mill and enjoy lunch at the iconic Green Dragon Inn. Step inside an authentic Hobbit Hole before continuing to the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the underground caverns like a star-filled night sky.

Activities

• Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour
• Lunch at The Green Dragon Inn
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Your Stay
Four Points by Sheraton Auckland

Discover the geothermal heart of New Zealand on a full-day adventure to Rotorua. Marvel at the colourful geothermal landscapes of Wai-O-Tapu, witness the powerful Pōhutu Geyser at Te Puia and immerse yourself in authentic Māori culture through traditional performances, storytelling and the famous haka.

Activities

• Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
• Te Puia Geothermal Valley
• Māori Cultural Experience & Haka Performance

Your Stay
Four Points by Sheraton Auckland

Travel south aboard the spectacular Northern Explorer Scenic Plus, one of New Zealand’s most iconic rail journeys. Sit back and enjoy panoramic views of rolling farmland, volcanic landscapes and dramatic river gorges while indulging in premium regional cuisine and beverages served at your seat. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Wellington.

Activities

• Private Transfer to Auckland Strand Railway Station
• Northern Explorer Scenic Plus Rail Journey
• Private Transfer to Hotel

Your Stay
Rydges Wellington (3 Nights)

Spend today exploring Wellington’s legendary Lord of the Rings filming locations. Visit the original Wētā Workshop where the weapons, armour, costumes and creatures of Middle-earth were created before heading to Mount Victoria, where Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin hid from the Black Rider in one of the trilogy’s most memorable scenes. Continue to Kaitoke Regional Park, transformed into Rivendell, before discovering filming locations representing the Great River Anduin and the Gardens of Isengard. Throughout the day, your passionate guide will share behind-the-scenes stories, production secrets and fascinating insights into the making of the films while you enjoy a Hobbit-inspired lunch.

Activities

• Wētā Workshop Tour
• Mount Victoria Filming Locations
• Rivendell (Kaitoke Regional Park)
• Great River Anduin Filming Locations
• Gardens of Isengard Filming Location
• Hobbit-inspired Lunch

Your Stay
Rydges Wellington

Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in Wellington before travelling to the Kāpiti Coast this evening for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Join expert guides in a protected sanctuary to observe New Zealand’s iconic kiwi in its natural nocturnal habitat while learning about the country’s remarkable conservation efforts.

Activities

• Free Day
• Kāpiti Kiwi Night Encounter

Your Stay
Rydges Wellington

Cross the spectacular Cook Strait aboard the Bluebridge Ferry, relaxing in the Premium Pōhutukawa Lounge as you cruise through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds. Continue aboard the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train, travelling beside rugged coastlines, vineyards and dramatic mountain ranges before arriving in Christchurch.

Activities

• Private Transfer to Ferry Terminal
• Bluebridge Ferry Premium Lounge
• Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus Rail Journey
• Private Transfer to Hotel

Your Stay
Rydges Latimer Christchurch (4 Nights)

Discover Christchurch at your own pace aboard the city’s beautifully restored vintage tram. Hop on and off throughout the day as you explore the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, Cathedral Square and the revitalised city centre.

Activities

• Christchurch Vintage Tram Pass

Your Stay
Rydges Latimer Christchurch

One of the absolute highlights of your Middle-earth adventure awaits. Travel deep into the Canterbury high country to Mount Sunday, transformed into the magnificent city of Edoras, capital of Rohan. Walk to the summit where King Théoden’s Golden Hall once proudly stood while your guide shares exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, production photographs and fascinating filming secrets. You’ll also have the opportunity to pose with replica swords, Gimli’s axe and the flag of Rohan before enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch surrounded by one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

Activities

• Lord of the Rings Journey to Edoras Tour
• Mount Sunday
• Replica Movie Props
• Picnic Lunch

Your Stay
Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Journey through the stunning Mackenzie Country to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook. Visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, admire the brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and enjoy lunch surrounded by the spectacular Southern Alps.

Activities

• Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour
• Church of the Good Shepherd
• Lunch

Your Stay
Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Travel aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine through the magnificent Southern Alps before joining a guided journey along New Zealand’s rugged West Coast. Pass dramatic river gorges, ancient rainforest and wild beaches on your way to Franz Josef Glacier.

Activities

• TranzAlpine Scenic Rail Journey
• Guided Journey to Franz Josef

Your Stay
Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef (3 Nights)

Experience one of New Zealand’s greatest alpine adventures as you soar above Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers before landing high in the snow-covered Southern Alps for unforgettable panoramic views.

Activities

• Three Glaciers Helicopter Flight
• Snow Landing

Your Stay
Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef

Today is yours to enjoy the spectacular surroundings of Franz Josef at your own pace. Wander through lush rainforest, visit the famous mirror reflections of Lake Matheson, relax in the Glacier Hot Pools or simply soak up the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand’s glacier country.

Activities

• Free Day

Your Stay
Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef

Travel one of New Zealand’s most scenic roads through Haast Pass and the Southern Alps. Stop beside the crystal-clear waters of Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea while enjoying an included lunch before arriving in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Activities

• Guided Journey to Queenstown via Wānaka
• Lunch Included

Your Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown (4 Nights)

Travel by 4WD into some of the most spectacular Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand. Visit Glenorchy and Paradise, where the breathtaking landscapes became Isengard, Lothlórien, Ithilien, Amon Hen and Beorn’s House. Stand in the very places where the Fellowship travelled through Middle-earth as your expert guide reveals how these pristine valleys and forests were transformed into Tolkien’s legendary world.

Activities

• Glenorchy 4WD Lord of the Rings Tour
• Paradise
• Isengard Filming Location
• Lothlórien Filming Location
• Ithilien Filming Location
• Amon Hen Filming Location
• Beorn’s House Filming Location

Your Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown

Take to the skies for one of New Zealand’s most spectacular experiences. Fly over the Southern Alps to magnificent Milford Sound before enjoying a scenic cruise beneath towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and rainforest-covered peaks. Return to Queenstown by air along a different scenic route, providing an entirely new perspective of Fiordland National Park.

Activities

• Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Experience

Your Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown

Finish your Middle-earth journey with the ultimate full-day Lord of the Rings experience. Visit filming locations including the Ford of Bruinen, where Arwen defied the Ringwraiths, the Gladden Fields where Isildur lost the One Ring, the Pillars of the Kings, Isengard, Lothlórien, Ithilien, Amon Hen and Beorn’s House. Travel through Arrowtown, Skippers Canyon, Glenorchy and Paradise while your passionate guides bring the stories of Middle-earth to life with fascinating behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive filming locations and unforgettable scenery.

Activities

• Full-Day Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit Tour
• Arrowtown
• Skippers Canyon
• Glenorchy & Paradise
• Ford of Bruinen
• Gladden Fields
• Pillars of the Kings
• Lothlórien
• Isengard
• Ithilien
• Amon Hen
• Beorn’s House

Your Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown

After breakfast, your private transfer will take you to Queenstown Airport for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable Middle-earth adventure through New Zealand to a close.

Activities

• Private Transfer to Queenstown Airport

Your Stay
Your journey concludes today. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure with Journeys Down Under.