LORD OF THE RINGS
Itinerary based on shooting location
DAY 1 Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Today is yours for optional activities.
DAY 2 Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Travel south through lush Waikato farmland to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glowworms enjoy lunch onboard and continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert.
DAY 3 At Rotorua
This morning see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at Te Puia thermal area, tame trout at Rainbow Springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon you will be taken to visit the set of ‘Hobbiton’.
DAY 4 Rotorua – Wellington
Continue south to Wairakei – wreathed by steam, then to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, and cross the volcanic landscape of Desert Road past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Continue across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington.
DAY 5 At Wellington
A full day Lord of the Rings tour to Wellington’s film set locations including Rivendell, Minas Tirith, Helms Deep and much more. Visit the Weta Cave, find out about New Zealand’s five time Oscar winning digital production company.
DAY 6 Wellington – Queenstown
Be transferred to Wellington Airport for your flight to Queenstown (flight not included). On arrival in Queenstown the rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 7 Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown
An early start around the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, then into Fiordland National Park. Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls while enjoying lunch aboard a cruise on the Sound. Depart Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening.
DAY 8 At Queenstown
Today travel by 4WD to many of the sites used for the filming of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ including: Ford of Bruinen, Misty Mountains, Pillars of the Kings. Your afternoon is at leisure, or at an extra cost add an afternoon tour including: Lothlorien, Isengard, Ithilien Camp.
DAY 9 Queenstown – Mt Cook – Christchurch
Travel north through country used to portray the Pelennor Fields, Misty Mountains, and the foothills of the White Mountains. Continue north to Christchurch where your tour ends in the evening.
DAY 10 Depart Back
Departure to airport for the flight.
