9-DAY INDEPENDENT NEW ZEALAND HOLIDAY

Land of the Rings – A Journey Through Middle-earth

Discover the landscapes that brought The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to life on a 9-day journey from Auckland to Queenstown.

Visit Hobbiton, explore the dramatic filming location of Edoras, journey into the landscapes surrounding Glenorchy and experience the spectacular wilderness of Fiordland.

Travel independently using guided small-group tours, private transfers and a domestic flight, with your accommodation and key experiences arranged along the way.

Follow in the footsteps of Middle-earth. Discover New Zealand. Leave the driving to someone else.

Start Planning This Holiday
View the Itinerary

Your Journey at a Glance

Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights

Travel Style
Independent travel with guided day tours

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Start
Auckland

Finish
Queenstown

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From
NZ$6,875 per person twin share

Accommodation
3 Star Hotel Accommodation

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Includes Hobbiton, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Edoras, Lord of the Rings filming location tours, Fiordland jet boating and a Milford Sound cruise.

Pricing is indicative and may vary by season, availability and selected experiences.

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Your 9-Day Route

Auckland → Hobbiton → Waitomo → Rotorua → Christchurch → Edoras → Aoraki/Mt Cook → Queenstown → Glenorchy → Te Anau → Milford Sound → Queenstown

Begin your journey in the North Island with Hobbiton and Waitomo before flying south to Christchurch. Explore the remote landscapes of Rohan, travel through the Southern Alps and discover the filming locations around Queenstown and Glenorchy.

Finish your adventure in Fiordland, where the Waiau River and Milford Sound provide a spectacular conclusion to your Middle-earth journey.

Why You’ll Love This Journey

Explore some of New Zealand's most memorable landscapes through a collection of guided experiences, with transport and accommodation carefully planned for you.

Edoras & the Kingdom of Rohan

Travel through Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Country to the dramatic alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

Fiordland & Milford Sound

Travel along the Waiau River, which featured as the River Anduin, before exploring the dramatic waterfalls, mountains and waterways of Milford Sound.

Hobbiton & Waitomo

Walk among the Hobbit Holes of the Shire, enjoy a drink at The Green Dragon Inn and discover the glowworms of Waitomo Caves.

Queenstown & Glenorchy

Discover the locations used to portray Isengard, Lothlórien, the Misty Mountains and other memorable scenes from the films, accompanied by knowledgeable local guides

Your 9-Day Itinerary

Each day combines memorable filming locations, spectacular New Zealand scenery and thoughtfully arranged travel connections, leaving you free to enjoy the journey.

  • Your Middle-earth adventure begins in Auckland as you travel south on a guided tour towards Rotorua.

    Your first major highlight is Hobbiton, the famous movie set nestled among the rolling green hills of the Waikato countryside. Explore the Hobbit Holes, discover the stories behind the films and enjoy a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn.

    Continue to Waitomo, where you will venture underground to explore ancient limestone caves and enjoy a boat journey beneath thousands of tiny glowworms.

    Arrive in Rotorua and settle into your accommodation for the evening.

    Included today: Guided Auckland to Rotorua journey, Hobbiton Movie Set tour, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and lunch.

    Accommodation: Rotorua – Sudima Lake Rotorua or similar.

  • Begin your day with a unique sightseeing experience aboard the Rotorua Duck Tour.

    Travel through the city before heading towards the surrounding lakes, where your amphibious vehicle takes to the water. Enjoy views of the lakes district and learn about Rotorua's history, landscape and geothermal heritage.

    Later, a private transfer takes you to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Christchurch.

    On arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore the Garden City.

    Included today: Rotorua Duck Tour, private airport transfers and domestic flight to Christchurch.

    Accommodation: Christchurch – Scenic Hotel Cotswold or similar.

  • Today is a highlight for Lord of the Rings fans as you journey into the spectacular Canterbury high country.

    Travel through wide river valleys and beneath the Southern Alps to Mt Sunday, the dramatic location used to portray Edoras, the capital of Rohan.

    Surrounded by towering peaks and sweeping landscapes, you will have the opportunity to walk to the filming location and discover how this remote mountain setting became one of the most recognisable places in the trilogy.

    Your guide will share stories of the filming while you experience the natural beauty of this remarkable region.

    Return to Christchurch in the evening.

    Included today: Guided Lord of the Rings Edoras tour.

    Accommodation: Christchurch – Scenic Hotel Cotswold or similar.

    Please note: The walk to the Mt Sunday filming location involves an approximately 20-minute uphill ascent and requires a reasonable level of fitness.

  • Travel south from Christchurch on a fully guided small-group journey through some of the South Island's most beautiful scenery.

    Cross the Canterbury Plains and continue into the Mackenzie Country, famous for its turquoise lakes and wide-open landscapes.

    Journey past Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, where New Zealand's highest mountain rises above the surrounding Southern Alps.

    Your journey continues through the changing landscapes of the South Island before arriving in Queenstown, your base for the next three nights.

    Included today: Guided small-group journey from Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mt Cook, including lunch.

    Accommodation: Queenstown – Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront or similar.

  • Today takes you deep into some of the landscapes that made New Zealand famous as Middle-earth.

    Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy, with spectacular views of mountains, valleys and native forest along the way.

    Your guided Lord of the Rings tour explores the Glenorchy and Paradise regions, visiting locations associated with Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlórien Forest and the Misty Mountains.

    Hear behind-the-scenes stories, discover how the natural landscapes were transformed for the films and enjoy the extraordinary scenery of the Dart River Valley.

    Return to Queenstown with the remainder of the day at leisure.

    Included today: Guided Lord of the Rings scenic tour with Pure Glenorchy.

    Accommodation: Queenstown – Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront or similar.

  • Discover more of Middle-earth on a private guided journey through the spectacular landscapes surrounding Queenstown.

    Visit filming locations used in The Lord of the Rings, including areas associated with the Misty Mountains and the Pillars of the Kings. Your knowledgeable local guide will bring the scenery to life with fascinating stories from the films and the region's rich history.

    Continue to the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown, where you'll have free time to wander the charming streets, explore the boutique shops and cafés, and discover its gold-rush heritage.

    Visit the famous Kawarau Bridge, home of the world's first commercial bungy jumping operation, where you can watch thrill-seekers take the plunge above the turquoise Kawarau River.

    Return to Queenstown with the remainder of the day free to relax, explore the waterfront or enjoy one of the many lakeside restaurants.

    Included today: Private Queenstown Lord of the Rings & Arrowtown Tour with Remarkable Scenic Tours.

    Accommodation: Queenstown – Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront or similar.

  • Journey deeper into Middle-earth today on a private guided tour from Queenstown to Te Anau, travelling through the spectacular landscapes of Southland.

    Venture into the remote Mavora Lakes region, where peaceful lakes, ancient beech forests and dramatic mountain scenery provided the backdrop for several memorable scenes from The Lord of the Rings.

    Visit North Mavora Lake, which featured as Nen Hithoel, where the Fellowship ended their journey along the River Anduin and the hobbits hid from the Uruk-hai. Nearby, the Mararoa River was used to portray the Silverlode and Anduin rivers as the Fellowship departed Lothlórien. The surrounding landscapes also featured as the edge of Fangorn Forest, where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli followed the trail of Merry and Pippin.

    Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, before enjoying an exciting jet boat adventure along the Waiau River and across Lake Manapouri.

    The Waiau River also featured as the River Anduin in The Fellowship of the Ring. Your guide will share fascinating filming stories as you explore this beautiful wilderness, with thrilling jet boat manoeuvres and a short forest walk along the way.

    Return to Te Anau for a relaxing evening beside the lake.

    Included today: Private Queenstown to Te Anau transfer via Mavora Lakes with Remarkable Scenic Tours, including Lord of the Rings filming locations, and Pure Wilderness Jet Boat experience with Fiordland Jet.

    Accommodation: Te Anau – Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau or similar.

  • Today, journey into one of New Zealand's most remarkable natural landscapes.

    Travel from Te Anau along the famous Milford Road through Fiordland National Park, passing towering mountains, ancient rainforest, alpine valleys and cascading waterfalls.

    On arrival at Milford Sound, board your scenic cruise and travel the length of the fiord towards the Tasman Sea.

    Admire the dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and iconic Mitre Peak while keeping watch for wildlife, including seals and dolphins.

    After your cruise, return to Queenstown for your final evening, bringing your Middle-earth adventure to a memorable close.

    Included today: Guided Milford Sound coach journey, scenic cruise, lunch and return transport to Queenstown.

    Accommodation: Queenstown – Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront or similar.

  • Your 9-day Middle-earth journey comes to an end today.

    As you prepare for your onward travels, take with you memories of Hobbiton, the mountains of Rohan, the forests of Lothlórien and the extraordinary landscapes of Fiordland.

    From the Shire to the Southern Alps, this journey brings together the magic of the films and the natural beauty of New Zealand.

What’s Included

Your journey brings together accommodation, transport and key experiences, so the major parts of your holiday are arranged before you arrive.

Accommodation

  • 8 nights in comfortable 3-star hotel accommodation

  • Rotorua – 1 night

  • Christchurch – 2 nights

  • Queenstown – 4 nights

  • Te Anau – 1 night

Transport

  • Guided Auckland to Rotorua transfer via Hobbiton and Waitomo

  • Private transfer to Rotorua Airport

  • Air New Zealand domestic flight from Rotorua to Christchurch

  • Private Christchurch Airport arrival transfer

  • Guided Christchurch to Queenstown small-group journey

  • Private Queenstown to Te Anau transfer

  • Milford Sound touring transport, returning to Queenstown

  • Pick-ups and drop-offs associated with included touring

Experiences

  • Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves experience

  • Rotorua Duck Tours City & Lakes Tour

  • Lord of the Rings Edoras guided tour

  • Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mt Cook scenic touring

  • Glenorchy Lord of the Rings filming locations tour

  • Queenstown Lord of the Rings Private Tour

  • Fiordland Pure Wilderness Jet Boat experience

  • Milford Sound scenic cruise

  • Selected meals on guided touring days

Not Included

International flights, travel insurance, meals not specified, optional activities and personal expenses are not included unless stated otherwise.

Planning & Support

  • Coordinated travel itinerary

  • Confirmed travel documents

  • New Zealand-based support during your journey

Where You’ll Stay

Stay in comfortable 4-star accommodation selected for location, quality and how well it fits the journey.

Christchurch

Scenic Hotel Cotswold or similar
A comfortable hotel close to Hagley Park and Merivale, providing easy access to Christchurch and your guided Canterbury adventures.

Rotorua

Sudima or similar
Located beside Lake Rotorua and within easy reach of the city centre, this hotel provides a convenient base for your North Island stay.

Te Anau

Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau or similar
Situated near the shores of Lake Te Anau, this comfortable hotel provides a convenient base for exploring Fiordland and Milford Sound.

Queenstown

Queenstown - centrally located hotel
Comfortable accommodation within easy reach of central Queenstown and local touring.

Accommodation may vary depending on availability. If a listed hotel is unavailable, we will use a similar standard and location.

Make This South Island Journey Your Own

Use this 8-day itinerary as your starting point, then we can adjust the route, accommodation and experiences to suit your travel dates, interests and budget.

We’ll bring the transport, accommodation and touring together into one carefully planned New Zealand holiday.