15 Day Lord Of The Rings Tour

This morning we depart at 08.00. We take a 2 hour drive south of Auckland, through rolling farmland and small towns. Hobbiton is situated on a glorious working sheep farm – you will recognise the Shire immediately! It’s a great start to our tour of Middle-earth, so let it enchant you! Have your photo taken beneath the Party Tree where Bilbo celebrated his 111th Birthday and where the Hobbits set off fireworks! While you’re there, why not have a dance on the party field!! Visit Bag End and take a stroll through Bagshot Row. A pint in the Green Dragon and a buffet lunch on site follows. In Rotorua later today, we’ll show you some geothermal activity and suggest optional activities such as a relaxing soak in a hot mineral Polynesian Spa Pool. Perhaps this evening, experience traditional Maori Culture at it’s very best, with a Maori concert and Hangi meal at Mitai Village. This is also an opportunity to see live Kiwi birds.

Stay: The Millennium Hotel Rotorua, (B, L)

From Rotorua to Ohakune. Today we travel to the site of Trollshaw Forest, a wonderful guided tour of this Hobbit location – showcasing stunning scenery. We will enjoy a picnic lunch (included) on our way to Mt. Ruapehu and the film locations of Mordor, Emyn Muil and Mt Doom.

Stay: The Powderhorn Chateau – where the Stars stayed. (B)

This morning a Hobbit location of the Secret Entrance to Erebor and Lotr location of Gollum’s fishing pool, where Andy Serkis was careful not to plunge over the waterfall! Then head south to Wellington, New Zealands capital city.

Stay: The Amora Hotel, Wellington (3 nights) (B)

Weta Cave. We have a special ‘Red Carpet Tours’ programme arranged here, plus time for souvenir shopping. Later a quick ‘photo stop at Wellington Airport to see Weta Workshop’s giant sculptures, before checking out a movie site on Mt Victoria. The remainder of the day and evening is yours at leisure in Wellington.

After breakfast, we meet the Calligrapher, Cartographer and Artist, whose work on both trilogies will amaze you. After lunch, a special LOTR/Hobbit movie-related guest will share stories with us.
The remainder of the day and evening is yours at leisure in Wellington.

Our North Island Adventure concludes and our South Island Adventure begins. We catch the Interislander ferry from Wellington, sail (under 4 hrs) to Picton in the South Island and head across to Nelson on our coach. Weather permitting, there are exceptional optional extra activities planned over the next 2 days. A kayaking activity where the Dwarves floated away in barrels, escaping the Elves and Orcs and a helicopter flight to ‘South of Rivendell’ and Dimrill Dale. Fine weather requested !

Stay: Trailways Hotel, Nelson (2 nights) (B)

This morning, weather permitting, there is a two hour ‘optional extra’ helicopter ride to the LOTR sites of “South of Rivendell”, at the top of Mt Olympus. More than highly recommended! We head back into Nelson city to meet and chat with the makers of the “One Ring”. There, we meet Jens Hansen’s son, Halfdan Hansen and see his wonderful LOTR and Hobbit jewelry, with opportunities to purchase items.

An early start south through the very scenic central South Island, stopping along the way for second breakfast and lunch. This afternoon we visit the beautiful Hanmer Springs for an optional swim in the hot pools. We then travel on south to Christchurch. An early night tonight for a big day tomorrow.

Stay: Sudima Hotel, Christchurch (B)

It’s time to head for the site and magnificence that is Edoras! a very spiritual experience! It’s a 30 minute trek to reach the summit . The 360 degree views are breathtaking! You will stand where the Golden Hall once stood and survey the mountain panorama all around you as you fly the Rohan flag! You will be reluctant to leave. Refreshment awaits us at the Lodge, before we drive south past Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Keep a lookout for our highest mountain; Aoraki, Mt Cook – the Cloud Piercer of 12,000 feet. Overnight at Twizel. This is a great place to study the night sky – and see the Southern Cross.

Stay: Twizel (B, L, D)

We depart at around 8-00 a.m. for the Pelennor Fields, an area that once rang to the thunderous sound of 250 horses on the charge, as King Theoden’s battle speech roused men to battle. Moving on, we visit the stunning location of Laketown and enjoy a guided tour there. Time to try your archery skills – perhaps we have a budding Bard or Tauriel amongst us ? Then head to Omarama for lunch. This afternoon a special visit to Mrs Jones’s orchard.

Stay: The Harvest Hotel (B)

Further south today, to where the Rohan village was burned . Walk through the canyon where Pippin’s leaf brooch was dropped and to where Eomer demands “What business does an elf, a man and a dwarf have in the Riddermark ?” Later, we call in at Arrowtown ~ a charming old settlement, historically significant in the gold rush days of 1860s. We pan for Gold and enjoy second breakfast near the beautiful Arrow river. This afternoon there are opportunities for wine tasting or a visit to the Kawarau AJ Hackett Bungy bridge. Keen to jump above the river Anduin ? Finally Queenstown , where the remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore this beautiful town.

Stay: Novotel Lakeside Hotel, Queenstown (3 nights) (B)

The breaking of the Fellowship. Buy a picnic lunch today to take to Mavora Lakes, where we visit several LOTR sites – The calling up of Shadowfax -The Silverlode bridge -The Orc funeral pyre -Fangorn Forest – Nen Hithoel -The log which concealed Merry & Pippin before Frodo left the fellowship, -And where Sam and Frodo paddled away on the next stage of their journey. Stunning scenery! We arrive back in Queenstown by late-afternoon. Enjoy more free time in this picturesque paradise!

Devote today to further optional activities and last minute shopping. How about:

• A 4 wheel drive tour to Lothlorien country?
• A jet boat ride or bungy jump?
• Or a hot air balloon ride?
• Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
• Para-sailing?
• Retail therapy in Queenstown.

Your Guide will have circulated a booklet of activities highly recommended by past groups and will have discussed the many options. Your preferred bookings will have been made for you and you pay the provider on the day. Tonight Our Farewell Dinner at ‘Elements Restaurant’ (D)

Alas, your journey through Middle-earth is at an end. It time to give your final farewell to your newly made friends and make your own arrangements to the airport.