21 Day Middle Earth Lord of The Rings Tour
National Self Drive Tour
Auckland to Christchurch
Self Drive
Days: 21 days / 20 Nights
Accommodation: 4-5 star
Vehicle: Modern Toyota Rav4 + Full Insurance
Prices From: $545 NZD Per Person, Per Day (premium)
100% Customisable to Fit Your Budget!
All Inclusive & Customisable
Discover the magic of Middle-earth with this 21-day New Zealand tour that takes you through iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations. In Queenstown, experience a full-day 4WD safari featuring key locations like Isengard, Ithilien, and Lothlorien. Journey through Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to landscapes that inspired Minas Tirith and Lake Town.
The tour culminates in Christchurch, where you’ll explore Edoras, the cinematic home of the Rohan people. Each leg of the trip offers breathtaking scenery, and tours are accompanied by expert guides familiar with both the films and the landscapes. With daily breakfast and multiple lodging options, this tour combines the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty with a deep dive into the filming locations of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit series. Ideal for Tolkien fans and adventure seekers alike.
This tour is optimally enjoyed with a private guide, but we also provide comprehensive route notes, complete with GPS coordinates, for these iconic filming locations. This allows you the freedom to explore them at your own pace on a self-drive tour if you prefer. Rest assured, all our offerings are fully customizable and tailored to meet your specific preferences. Feel free to ask us to modify this itinerary to create the journey of your dreams!
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Weta Workshop Unleashed
Hairy Feet Waitomo 1 Hour Tour
Hobbiton 2 Hour Guided Tour + Lunch (Festive Feast)
River Valley Lodge Full Day Rafting Trip
Capital Personalised Tours Wellington Full Day Tour
Ferry Passage - Wellington to Picton (Includes Vehicle)
Hobbit Kayak Tour
Underworld Adventures Underworld Rafting
Franz Josef Glacier 3 Hour Heli-Hike
Cheeky Kiwi Tours - Te Anau Highlights & Lord of the Rings Small Group Tour
Nomad Safaris Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour
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20 nights in 4-5 star/best available motel, hotel, bed and breakfast or apartment featuring mountain, ocean and lake views (subject to availability)
21 days vehicle hire of a modern Toyota Rav4 or similar + GPS + full insurance
All meals as listed under each day's itinerary
All experiences as listed under each day's itinerary
All bookings and reservations + assistance for urgent matters during your trip via email and a free calling number
A digital travel guide APP outlining our top picks for what to see and do and where to eat along your route
The donation of 4 native trees – a sustainability initiative to offset carbon emissions and re-grow Aotearoa/New Zealand's forests
Arrival and departure flights not included
Detailed Itinerary - Day by Day
Day 1
Stay: Airedale Boutique Suites
Tour: Weta Workshop Unleashed
Your Day: Auckland Arrival
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 depending on your arrival time you have a full day to explore Auckland, with sights including a visit to one of Auckland’s inner city beaches; Mission Bay, where it is possible to see stunning Pohutukawa trees. The trip could also take in sights such as 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 favorites lookout spots that boasts great views of both Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island. This afternoon you will visit Weta 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.
Day 2
Driving time: 195 km, 2.5 hours driving
Stay: Woodlyn Park Motel
Tour: Hairy Feet Waitomo 1 Hour Tour
Meals: Breakfast Included Today
Your Day: Auckland to Waitomo - "Trollshaws Forest"
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." Stay near Waitomo 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
Day 3
Driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes (168km)
Tour: Hobbiton 2 Hour Guided Tour + Lunch (Festive Feast)
Stay: Regent of Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast & lunch included today
Your Day: Waitomo to Rotorua via Hobbiton
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
Day 4
Driving time:
2 hours, 45 minutes of driving, (216km)
Stay: Powderhorn Chateau
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Rotorua to Tongariro National Park
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.
Please note the Chateau Tongariro in Whakapapa Village has closed indefinitely - we usually would use this as a base for you to stay at and explore LOTR filming sites around Whakapapa but the nearest hotel accommodation is now on the South side of Mt Ruapehu in Ohakune (Powderhorn Chateau - where cast and crew stayed during filming of LOTR). Gollum's Pool is closer to this location but Emyn Muil, the Last Alliance Battle location, Mount Doom and Mordor are all on the North side near Whakapapa, which you can visit en route to Ohakune today).
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:
Mount Doom, Emyn Muil, Last Alliance Battle/Mordor
Day 5
Driving time : 1 hour 10 minutes (79kms)
Stay: River Valley Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Your Day: Tongariro National Park to River Valley Lodge
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)
Day 6
Stay: River Valley Lodge Deluxe Rooms
Tour: River Valley Lodge Full Day Rafting Trip
Meals: Breakfast & dinner Included
Your Day: River Valley Lodge Full 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)
Day 7
Driving time: 4 hours 10 minutes (307km)
Stay: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: River Valley Lodge to Wellington via Putangirua Pinnacles - "Paths of the Dead"
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
Day 8
Stay: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Tour: Wellington Full Day & Weta Workshop
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Wellington Lord of the Rings Full Day Tour
Today you will be taken on a full day Lord of the Rings tour with Capital Personalised 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
Day 9
Driving time: 3.5 hour ferry ride + 180 km, 2.5 hours driving
Stay: Kimi Ora Eco Resort
Ferry Passage - Wellington to Picton (Includes Vehicle)
Hobbit Kayak Tour
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Wellington to Abel Tasman National Park
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. Fist activity in the South Island Join your expert guides on an eye-opening, fun kayaking tour paddling down the scenic Pelorus river, New Zealand, used in the filming of the second Hobbit movie, "The Desolation of Smaug". 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.
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today (if open)
Jens Hansen (Maker of The One Ring (in Nelson), The Forest River where the Bilbo and the Dwarves travelled in barrels
Day 10
Stay: Kimi Ora Eco Resort
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Abel Tasman National Park
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
Day 11
Driving time: 278 km, 4 hours driving
Stay: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Abel Tasman National Park to Punakaiki
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)
Day 12
Driving Time: 281km, 3 hours 45 minutes driving
Stay: Aspen Court Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast included
Tour: Underworld Adventures Underworld Rafting
Your Day: Punakaiki to Franz Josef Glacier + Underworld Adventures Caving
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
Day 13
Driving Time: 250km, 4 hours driving
Stay: Edgewater Resort Wanaka
Meals: Breakfast included
Tour: Franz Josef Glacier 3 Hour Heli-Hike
Your Day: Franz Josef Glacier to Lake Wanaka (with Heli-Hike)
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.
Day 14
Driving Time: 260km, 3 hours driving
Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Wānaka to Te Anau
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
Day 15
Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel
Tour: Te Anau Highlights & Lord of the Rings Small Group Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Your Day: Te Anau Lord of the Rings Small Group Tour
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:
Mavora Lakes
Lord of the Rings sites including - Dead Marshes, Fangorn Forest & The River Anduin
Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
Fiordland National Park, Rainbow Reach, Kepler Track & Waiau River
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that will be visited today:
Nen Hithoel, Fangorn Margins, Dead Marshes
Day 16
Driving Time: 175km, 2 hours driving
Stay: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Te Anau to Queenstown
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 (included). 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.
Day 17
Stay: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Tour: Nomad Safaris Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Queenstown Full Day Lord Of The Rings Tour
Today you'll enjoy a safari packed with breathtaking Lord Of The Rings filming locations and thrilling 4WD action around Queenstown. 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
Day 18
Driving time: 85km, 1 hour 10 mins driving (add 1 hour each way to visit Poolburn Reservoir/Rohirrim Village)
Stay: Olivers Central Otago Lodge & Stables
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Queenstown to Clyde with Optional Detour to 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.
Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:
Rohirrim Village (1 hour each way)
Day 19
Driving Time: 224km, 2.5 hours driving
Stay: Hermitage Hotel or Similar
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Clyde to Aoraki/Mount Cook
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.
Day 20
Driving Time: 357km, 4.5 hours driving
Stay: Fable Christchurch
Tour: Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Aoraki/Mount Cook to Christchurch via Methven - "Edoras"
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
Day 21
Meals: Breakfast Included
Rental Car Return
Your Day: Christchurch Departure Day
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.
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