Middle-earth Explorer

Encircled by three harbors totaling 18,000 miles of coastline, hundreds of Auckland’s beaches are within easy reach. And they’re all so different, from idyllic white-sand beaches to wild black-sand surf spots. Get into some of the countless activities on and off the water or just unwind and soak up the views. Or opt to see modern and traditional works from around the world at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Visit smaller local galleries to pick up a special painting, sculpture or carving to take home, stroll through modern sculpture parks, or join an intimate art appreciation tour.

Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Wētā Workshop Unleashed is your chance to explore interactive and immersive make-believe film sets, focusing on the worlds of horror, fantasy, and sci-fi. It's your chance to get up-close and hands-on with enchanting environments, resident creatures, hyper-realistic giants, a galactic robot, and much more.

Enjoy a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy for a fascinating guided tour. Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Travel through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. From here, the journey continues through undulating green hills, reminding you that you are approaching Hobbiton Shire. On arrival at Shire's Rest, embark on a Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest 'green set' in the world and the only place where you get an emotional response with a movie set in a natural setting. There are 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, the party tree and the Green Dragon Inn. At this stunning location, guests may take photographs at the door of Bilbo's house, 'Bag End', and look out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. After the tour, lunch is available for purchase at the Shire's Rest Cafe before joining the shuttle to transfer you to Rotorua.

A local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic and geothermal processes of Rotorua and New Zealand on a fully guided tour. See volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and many multicolored hot springs on their journey around volcanic landscapes and farmland, through native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colorful hot springs and moon-like landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Knox geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley the guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886. 

In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Te Puia cultural center and then take a scenic drive to see stunning views of our beautiful lakes including Lake Tarawera and volcano, and also the Blue/Green lakes. Spend an afternoon gaining an appreciation of New Zealand’s Maori culture and nature. Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural center. Includes visit to the wood carving school, arts and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving, boiling mud pools and New Zealand’s largest geyser Pohutu. Tour departs at around 1pm, returning at around 4.15pm. Your guided tour today includes entry to Te Puia.

Takeoff to Wellington and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Experience the magical world around the capital of ‘Middle-earth’ Wellington with a full-day tour of wider Wellington’s scene locations and take a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the creative, multi-award winning world of the Weta Workshop.

Wander through the enchanting location of the Elven village of Rivendell, view the Fords of Isen, walk alongside Gandolf the Grey and Saruman the White’s footsteps in the Gardens of Isen, view the location for Helms Deep, River Anduin, hide from the Nazguls at the ‘Shortcut to…Mushrooms’ and ‘Get off the Road’ scenes on Mt Victoria, take in the majestic view of the city and harbor from Mt Victoria, discover the beauty and charm of the Eastern suburbs on a scenic drive and much more! All entry fees and refreshments are included.

Takeoff to Queenstown and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Transfer from Queenstown by coach to Glenorchy and the mouth of the Dart River to board the 18-foot specially prepared jet boat. The Wilderness Safari takes you on a spectacular 90-minute jet-boat journey through the Dart's ever-changing braided river system where you'll be surrounded by snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys and waterfalls.

The tour includes an easy guided 30-minute bush walk at Rockburn at Paradise where your knowledgeable guide will enliven your walk with an informative and entertaining commentary about the native forest, the unique flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating Maori and colonial history of the area. Rejoin the jetboat for the ride back to Glenorchy where you will board the coach for the transfer back to Queenstown.

The Lord of the Rings Day Tour covers much ground to deliver the signature scenes shot around the Queenstown region. The morning tour travels along the Wakatipu Lake edge to the small hamlet of Glenorchy. This is a scenic drive with many photo stops along the way. In the Paradise region of Mount Aspiring National Park, short walks on flat forest track are easy and the road is a mixture of seal and gravel. The afternoon section is more rugged with short periods of rough ground and river crossings. The tour visits Gibbston Valley area, Arrowtown and the Skippers Canyon Road which is high and windy but with very dramatic scenery. Walks are on well-managed surfaces and the opportunity to pan for elven gold is beside the river on uneven ground.

Content of the tours includes the settings for The Ford of Bruinen, Gladden Fields, The Pillars of the Kings, the exodus from Edoras, Warg Battle, Misty Mountains, Ithilien Camp, Oliphants, Caradhras, Lothlorien, Fangorn, Gap of Rohan, Isengard, Dunharrow and many backgrounds to the scenes. While the film sets have been removed, many of the movie locations are recognizable and your guide will give you insights into the stories behind them.

Depart Queenstown and travel by Great Sights tour coach through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Otago. Cross the Lindis Pass into Mackenzie Country to visit Mount Cook Village at the base of New Zealand's highest mountain - Aoraki (Mount Cook). There are 17 peaks over 10,000 feet in Mount Cook National Park including Mount Cook itself at 12,349 feet. To one side of Mt. Cook is the mighty Tamsan Glacier, a 30 kilometer (18 mile) giant, and one of the longest outside the Himalayas. At Mount Cook Village, there is time to experience an optional scenic helicopter or ski plane flight (weather permitting and additional cost) which may be booked in advance or on the day. Lunch is included today. From Mount Cook, head back to the highway to continue north along the Tasman River, to Lake Tekapo, where you may view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd - a historic church dedicated to the early pioneers of this area, and the sheepdog - a statue that is a tribute to high country farmers' best friend. The tour continues through diverse farmland before arriving in Christchurch. Tour duration is around 12 hours, and stops may be made along the way to collect and drop off additional passengers.

Join the Lord of the Rings Tour and journey to the LOTR filming location: remote and beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday. See 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, unspoiled beauty of this breathtaking area with its sparkling clear lakes, glistening blue rivers and fresh, crisp mountain air.

You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flights.