Middle Earth Discovered – 9 Day New Zealand Tour by Bus

Step into the world of Middle-earth on this unforgettable tour, exploring the iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Trip Details

  • This is hosted by one of our tour supplier partners
  • Independent tour (bus & coach)
  • Starts in Auckland, finishes in Queenstown
  • 9 days/8 nights
  • 4-star hotels
  • Price: from USD$3,238 per person (twin share, low season)

Price is based on sample itinerary and subject to change with further customizations.

Day 1: Journey to Rotorua

Travel from Auckland to Rotorua and visit the famous Waitomo Caves along the way. Discover Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal activity and rich Māori heritage. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and explore the geothermal wonderland of Te Puia. Your journey concludes in Rotorua.

Day 2: Hobbiton Day Tour and Flight to Christchurch

Take a journey from Rotorua (by bus) to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, located inside a picturesque 1,250-acre sheep and beef farm near Matamata.

Here, take a guided tour of the village of Hobbiton, which was carefully created in amazing detail as a film location for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies. During your guided tour of this amazing location, you’ll see sights like Hobbit holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, enjoy a tasty lunch in the Party Marquee and then return to Rotorua. You will thenbe collected from your accommodation and transferred to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Christchurch.

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Day 3: Explore the Canterbury countryside brought to life in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy

For your full day in Christchurch you’ll have a Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour lined up. Step into the world of Middle-earth on the Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour and visit the stunning filming location of Edoras at Mt Potts High Country Station. Explore the remote and breathtaking Mt Sunday, transformed into the capital city of Rohan for the iconic trilogy. Immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of this incredible area, surrounded by crystal-clear lakes, vibrant blue rivers, and crisp mountain air. A must-do experience for any Lord of the Rings fan!

Afterwards you’ll able to enjoy Christchurch at your leisure. Take a stroll through the beautiful botanic gardens, pay a visit to the Canterbury Museum or the Christchurch Art Gallery, or walk along the Avon River.

Day 4: Christchurch to Queenstown via Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park

What better way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown than a small group, fully-guided day trip that combines all of the key southern highlights, such as the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier.

Queenstown is home to many adrenaline-inducing activities, most of which can be accessed year-round. It is home to jet boating, bungy jumping, rafting, skydiving, paragliding, and even indoor thrills. If you want that rush – head out on the Shotover Jet, dive off the Nevis Bungy, freefall on the Canyon Swing, or Zip line the Gondola.

While arguably the brightest gem in New Zealand’s crown, Queenstown offers far more than an action-packed getaway. If you’re looking for a slightly slower pace, there are plenty of recreational activities, including hiking and biking trails to explore, guided tours, boat cruises, scenic flights, or spa and wellness options to help you get away. Head to the lakefront, eat at one of the al fresco eateries, and soak up the local vibes; catch a ride on the iconic 100-year-old steamship the TSS Earnslaw; or take the Skyline Gondola and enjoy bird’s-eye views of the Remarkables mountain ranges and Lake Wakatipu.

In winter, Queenstown becomes a world-class winter resort, with four ski areas and a range of activities, bars, restaurants, and ways to relax and unwind. 

Day 5: Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour 

Take a journey deep into Middle Earth and visit Lord of the Rings filming locations. This half-day Lord of the Rings tour starts from Queenstown and visits Glenorchy, Paradise, The Dart River Valley and Mt Aspiring World Heritage Area.

On your scenic guided tour, you will explore Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains and Ithilien. You will also visit a location featured in The Hobbit.

Day 6: Free day! Explore Queenstown or take a Lord of the Rings Safari Jeep tour

Enjoy a thrilling Lord of the Rings Queenstown Safari, combining breathtaking filming locations with exhilarating 4WD action. Discover the magic of Middle-earth as expert guides bring Tolkien’s world to life with fascinating facts and tales. Visit iconic sites like the Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), and more. Travel along a historic gold mining road, try your hand at gold panning, and soak in spectacular panoramic views of Queenstown’s stunning landscapes. A must for any Lord of the Rings fan and adventure seeker!

Day 7: Travel to Te Anau and then explore ‘River Anduin’ by Jet boat

Today you arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. This is the perfect base to visit Piopiotahi-Milford Sound. The Milford Road originates here, and this is arguably one of the most scenic stretches of highway in the country. While here, you can go kayaking, lake cruising, fishing, or explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

Pure Wilderness Jet Boat with Fiordland Jet

Jet boat down the Waiau river, across Lake Manapouri, to the ancient forest of the Fiordland National Park. Your jet boat ride includes a number of stops at the exact locations of the filming the “Fellowship of the Ring” on the Waiau or “Anduin River”, including the inside story of the filming the Lord of the Rings on this river.

Day 8: Head into Milford Sound, take a cruise and then return to Queenstown

From Te Anau, you’ll travel by coach along the spectacular Milford Road to the Milford Sound, where you will join a leisurely cruise of the full-length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time to enjoy the waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife.

Day 9: Farewell from Queenstown

Bid farewell to New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures.

Ready to book this tour? Have questions? Send me a message to get started!

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