The heart of Middle Earth awaits, or as we non-mythical folk call it, New Zealand. Ancient, striking and beautiful around every bend, we’re not awestruck Peter Jackson chose Aotearoa as ground zero for his cinematic fantasy epic. Although shoot locations are scattered across both the North and South Islands, we’ve nailed down three New Zealand tours to please even the most passionate Tolkien fan.
Hobbiton
Gentle rolling hills; puffy white sheep; chimney pipes; curious clothes and a round yellow door, slightly ajar and framed with sunflowers, perched somewhere below Bag-End. Visitors are invited to relax at The Shire’s Rest for a warming drink before boarding a white bus and exploring 12 acres of lush, lovely Shire land. While the Hobbit Holes alone are worth the price, you’ll be invited to sample a Hobbit South farthing cider or ale at the iconic Green Dragon Inn following a delightful two hours of information, inside secrets and Hobbit-sized revelations.
Lord of the Rings Tour
Follow in the Footsteps of Hobbits, Dwarfs, Elves and Men with this full day tour. Start off with a visit to the OUTER SHIRE where the ‘Get off the road’ scene, the ‘shortcut to mushrooms’ and the Black Rider scenes where filmed. Spend the afternoon exploring the Hutt Valley with stops that include the Hutt River (Great River Anduin) and Harcourt Park (Gardens of Isengard and where the Orcs felled the trees). And finally you will visit Kaitoke Regional Park or better known as Rivendell. Situated in a thousand year old New Zealand Native rainforest, you will see why the Elves chose to live here!
Safari of the Scenes
Explore the magical side of New Zealand and understand why this beautiful country was chosen to portray Middle-earth. Combine the thrills of an off road 4WD adventure, with locations from the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. You’ll follow the Dart River to the spectacular filming location for ‘Isengard’then heading to Paradise to discover the location for the ‘Forest of Lothlorien’. Leaving Glenorchy and returning towards Queenstown, you will stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the ‘Ithilien Camp’ to round out the trip.
…
Are you ready for your own unexpected journey? Eager to see Mount Doom? One does not simply walk into Mordor – we have your back. Visit middle earth with us!