New Zealand through the Lord Of The Rings

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND

Welcome to New Zealand!

Arrival in Auckland and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, situated between two large bays with craters of long extinct volcanoes, and is also the crossroads of many cultures. Not forgetting of course its All Back and America’s Cup! Also known as the “City of Sails”, you can’t miss the hundreds of sailing boats gliding in the wind in the magnificent Bay of Auckland!

Enjoy your first night on the other side of the world with dinner on top of the Sky Tower.

DAY 2 : ROTORUA

In the morning, you will pick up your rental vehicle.

Departure for Matamata for a wonderful trip to Middle Earth country where you will immerse yourself in the world of Hobbiton for the time of your visit.
Two-hour guided tour during which you will see the permanent sets of the film, including the no less famous Hobbit house. The tour will be followed by a glass of cider or a beer at the Green Dragon.

Road to Rotorua, capital of geothermal energy.

DAY 3 : ROTORUA

A day of immersion in the world of Rotorua, which will fascinate you with its unique geothermal phenomenon and offer you an incomparable cultural experience: geysers and foamy mud, marae, Hangi festival, etc..

You will discover the core of geothermal activity in the Pacific, an integral part of Rotorua’s past and present. The city is also home to the Te Arawa tribe, who have lived on the shores of this geothermal lake for over 600 years.

This afternoon, take a tree-top walkthrough Redwood Forest, before enjoying a traditional hangi at an ancient cultural dinner in Te Puia.

DAY 4 : WAI-O-TAPU / TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

Departure for the Tongariro National Park through Lake Taupo.
At the exit of Rotorua, visit the Wai-O-Tapu site, whose geyser can reach a height of 20 meters. Explore the whirlpools, geysers, and natural beauty of this geothermal wonder.

On the way, drive through pine forests to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Arrive at Tongariro National Park and explore the country’s oldest park. It was the setting for many scenes from The Lord of the Rings, including scenes from Mordor.

DAY 5 : TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

Visit Mount Ruapehu, the oldest of the 3 volcanoes in the region, dominates the northern island. The site is home to a unique flora of dense forests dotted with heather and desert areas. You can go alone or with a guide to discover the famous “Tongariro Crossing” and immerse yourself in the famous landscapes of the Trilogy. And to get even more, we recommend a panoramic flight… an experience you will never forget!

DAY 6 : WELLINGTON

Departure for the capital of New Zealand: Wellington, a small, colourful and charming town situated between hills and bays. On the road, north of Wellington, passing Kaitoke Regional Park and Rivendell. You will discover this famous place of the Lord of the Rings scenes. To get to Rivendell, follow the signs at the park entrance (20-30 minutes walk from the entrance).
Continue along the road and you will arrive in Wellington in the afternoon.

Don’t miss the Te Papa Museum, a national museum that offers a unique and authentic experience of the culture, history, and treasures of this country. The museum closes at 6 pm (admission is free). Pass by the historic Embassy Theatre which hosted the premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

DAY 7 : WELLINGTON

A day dedicated to visiting Wellington under the sign of the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings.
A visit to the Weta Workshop is a must for an experience in the heart of the film sets. 25 minutes of screening, followed by a guided tour through the workshops: props, sets and special effects on the program. Possibility to take a half-day excursion to admire some of the most famous landscapes of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films.

DAY 8 : MOTUEKA

Leaving early in the morning to leave the vehicle. After 3 hours on the ferry you disembark at Picton on the South Island. Upon arrival you will need to pick up your new vehicle.

During the crossing you will discover the Marlborough Sounds, dotted with small islands, bays, and forests. On the way to Abel Tasman National Park you will take the scenic Queen Charlotte Highway with a stop at Nelson… where you will find a Cote d’Azur atmosphere!

DAY 9 : ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

Free day to discover Abel Tasman National Park. You will be seduced by its forests, beaches with turquoise waters. Abel Tasman offers a wide range of activities: hiking along marked trails, kayaking, cruising, or you can simply lazing on the beach.

DAY 10 : HOKITIKA

You’re leaving the park for the West Coast. Follow the coastal road to Greymouth without missing the Pancake Rocks, pancake-like rock formations stacked on top of each other… where the Tasman Sea rages on.

There are many walks to make your day more enjoyable. Continue on the road to Hokitika and arrive in the evening.

DAY 11 : FRANZ JOSEF

Departure in the morning for the glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox.
In the early afternoon walk to the base of the glacier. Together with Argentina, New Zealand is one of the rare countries where you can see glaciers descending so low (250 m), and so close to the ocean, unusual in this universe of forests, rocks, and water.

We recommend a helicopter flight over the glacier area. Not far from Franz Josef’s glacier, you will have the chance to see Mount Gunn, where the famous scene “Lighthouse lighting” was filmed.

DAY 12 : QUEENSTOWN

Departure for Queenstown via Wanaka. Located on the southern tip of the lake of the same name, Wanaka is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Don’t forget the historic village of Arrowtown, including the Arrow River, where scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed.

Arrive late afternoon in Queenstown. Mountain resort, ideally located between lake and mountain. Well known for its extreme sports, but also for its gastronomy and wine, lake cruises, spa, shopping and golf.

DAY 13 : QUEENSTOWN

Today, make sure to stroll around the lake or take the cable car up to Bob’s Peak, one of Queenstown’s landmarks.

Tonight, enjoy breathtaking views of Queenstown while dining at the Skyline, or take a steamboat ride to a magical place for dinner and sheep shearing.

DAY 14 : TE ANAU

Morning departure in the direction of the Fiordland National Park via the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. The Milford Sound road is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. You will depart for a 1h45 cruise in the Fiordland Fjords.

DAY 15 : TWIZEL

Today you will cross the land through the fruit-growing region of Central Otago. Along Lake Pukaki you will enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Cook, the highest point in New Zealand, at over 3,700 metres above sea level.

In Twizel, we recommend you take a guided tour of the world of cinema. Accessories and costumes will be loaned to you for a photo with the plains of Rohan in the background!

DAY 16 : CHRISTCHURCH

Head towards the Mackenzie region and Lake Tekapo, whose turquoise waters are due to the rocky bottom of the glacier. Approach the lovely little chapel “Good Shepherd’s Church”, take a nice walk in the surroundings, or simply enjoy the enchanting panorama.

Take the scenic route from Lyttelton to Sumners and enjoy the beauty of the Banks Peninsula before reaching Christchurch.

DAY 17 : END OF ITINERARY

Day off to explore Christchurch.

You will deliver your rental car to the airport before your flight back to Europe.

End of our services, have a good trip!