Swain Destinations and Tourism New Zealand have started a joint marketing campaign to promote New Zealand and increase its exposure with travelers and advisors across North America. For the campaign, our Destination Experts have put together three itineraries, one for each campaign theme.
Middle-earth Explorer
Middle-earth Explorer runs 10 nights and begins at Weta Workshop Unleashed in Auckland. From there it follows the filming locations south, from the 44 hobbit holes at Hobbiton to a full day among Wellington's locations and Weta Workshop, a jetboat through the Dart River valley near Glenorchy, and a final day at Mount Sunday in the Canterbury high country, where Edoras stood. A day in Rotorua's geothermal valleys and at Te Puia brings MÄori culture into the route, and the 25th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring falls on December 19, 2026.
Breathe In New Zealand
Breathe In New Zealand is our wellness itinerary, a 16-night trip built around rest. It begins with a forest bathing walk on Waiheke Island led by an accredited practitioner, then moves to Rotorua, where the Tiaki Promise tour is followed by an afternoon at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, and a floatplane lands on Lake Rotoiti beside geothermal hot pools. On South Island, travelers soak in a private onsen above the Shotover River and spend an evening with an astronomer in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Kiwi Adventure
Kiwi Adventure is our active itinerary, a 16-night trip that gives every region an active day. Travelers go black-water rafting through the Waitomo glowworm caves, kayak to the Manupirua Hot Springs on Lake Rotoiti, hike the Queen Charlotte Track from Bay of Many Coves and swim with Hector's dolphins at Akaroa, before taking a boat among the icebergs on Tasman Lake, a jetboat up the Dart River and a guided day on the Routeburn Track.
Working with Swain
Our Destination Experts have stayed at these lodges and adjust the routing, pace, and room categories around each traveler, while our own team in New Zealand supports travelers around the clock once they arrive.
The Lord of the Rings and its marks are the property of their respective owners. Swain Destinations is an independent travel company and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the rights holders.
