New Zealand Highlights: Middle Earth Tour

The ultimate trip for Lord of the Rings fans! Discover the Hobbiton Movie Set, tour the production studio behind the films, and immerse yourself in gorgeous Middle Earth scenery.

The Middle Earth Tour was curated for the adventurous traveler who wants to delve deep into the Lord of the Rings history, and enjoy the “middle of the earth” like scenery that New Zealand has to offer. Our team of luxury travel agents hand-crafts vacations around your interests, timeframe, and budget; one couple in particular wanted to venture to New Zealand to experience the Middle Earth Tour for themselves.

The two Lord of the Rings fans wanted to explore as much of the country in relation to the movie as they could. They went “there and back again,” visiting both the North and South Islands to see amazing film sites, the real-life Hobbiton, and more. They loved feeling like they had stepped into Middle Earth!

They began their New Zealand Highlights: Middle Earth Tour in Queenstown, where beautiful Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range make you feel instantly immersed in nature. In Queenstown, they took a full-day scenic tour of several Lord of the Rings filming sites, including the locations for Isengard, Lothlorien, and the Seat of Seeing. Then, they had some leisure time to spend in New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Next for their New Zealand Highlights: Middle Earth Tour, they flew to the charming town of Wellington, Peter Jackson’s hometown. While in Wellington, our clients toured more film locations, including the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, and Minas Tirith. They also visited Weta Workshop, where many of the special effects and props for the movies were created, and saw the Windows into Workshop exhibition.

Their New Zealand Highlights: Middle Earth Tour continued in Taupo, home to fascinating geothermal sites and the most accessible Maori cultural experiences. They saw a fun sheep show, complete with a sheepdog demonstration at the Agrodome and had an immersive Maori culture tour that finished with a traditional hangi feast where the food is cooked slowly in underground ovens. The next day, they continued their Lord of the Rings experience with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. They even had a pint at The Green Dragon Inn!

At last, it was time to say goodbye to Middle Earth and head back to reality. They spent a night in Auckland before heading to the airport to begin their journey home.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival in Queenstown, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Superbly positioned in a spectacular mountain lake setting within walking distance of Queenstown attractions, The Rees Hotel is a unique place of majestic beauty and legendary experiences. The hotel embodies the spirit of its alpine surroundings.
The Rees Hotel

Day 2
Today, embark on a fantastic journey through Lord of the Rings scenery with Nomad Safaris. You will be taken on a scenic tour that offers breathtaking mountain and forest views along the shores of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and on into Paradise. See the film locations of Isengard and Ithilien Camp, plus beech forests near those used for Lothlorien. You can also visit the area used to film the Seat of Seeing/the battle of Amon Hen.
The Rees Hotel

Day 3
Today spend the day at Milford Sound. Take in the epic scale of the Southern Alps and The Divide on the way to Milford Sound. Fly over secluded alpine lakes, sky-high waterfalls, lush pristine rainforest, ancient glaciers and rugged peaks before the thrill of a remote alpine landing.
The Rees Hotel

Day 4
Today, make the short flight to Wellington on the North Island, with private transfers to and from the airport. Your modern and comfortable hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Wellington, just minutes from the Cable Car, Parliament, and Lambton Quay’s shopping district and nearby to Te Papa museum and Westpac Stadium.
QT Wellington

Day 5
Get the ultimate Lord of the Rings experience today from our mates at Flat Earth ToursVisit the Wellington film locations used for the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin, Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith, and where the Hobbits raced to the ferry and hid from the Nazgul. Explore Rivendell and the riverside spot where Aragorn was washed ashore. Then, visit the famous Weta Cave, where you can see life-size sculptures of Lord of the Rings characters, prop replicas, and a mini museum. See the Windows into Workshop exhibition and get a unique behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Weta Workshop, where many of the props for the movies were made.
QT Wellington

Day 6
Today, you’re free to explore New Zealand’s capital city. Known as the world’s “coolest little capital,” Wellington is full of creativity and is known for its fabulous farm-to-table food. Visit the Te Papa National Museum, an innovative and interactive museum located on Wellington’s spectacular waterfront. If you wish, we can arrange a private tour for you. Or, take a nighttime tour of Zealandia, a nature sanctuary that has been carefully restored to the way New Zealand looked thousands of years ago.
QT Wellington

Day 7
Enjoy a private transfer to the airport and take a short flight to Auckland, where you’ll pick up your rental car and head to Taupo. Set in private landscaped grounds, only 10 minutes’ drive from Taupo town center, this boutique lodge features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, wide terraces with lake and mountain views.
Acacia Cliffs

Day 8
Journey to the Māori Rock Carvings in comfort and style with a stunning tour of Taupo’s bays. With live commentary and spectacular viewing platforms, your cruise starts aboard a large comfortable boat. Get great views of Lake Taupo and the surrounding mountains. Want to try your hand at fishing? One of the guides aboard can assist. Free homemade muffin and a hot drink included.
Acacia Cliffs

Day 9
Today, drive to Matamata for a fantastic tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your tour starts with a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the 10-acre set of the Shire, recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. See how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle Earth, complete with unique Hobbit holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, and more. After your tour, enjoy specially brewed beverages at The Green Dragon Inn. When you’ve had your fill, drive to Auckland and spend the night in a luxury hotel, overlooking the sparkling Waitemata Harbour and the Viaduct Basin.
QT Auckland

Day 10
It’s time to say goodbye to New Zealand and its beautiful Middle Earth scenery. Make your way to the airport, where you’ll drop off your rental car and catch your flight back home.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
10 day stay
2 travelers

You might also be interested in

13 days

Romantic Luxury Private Vacation: Fly, Sail, and Savor New Zealand

Discover New Zealand’s pristine wilderness with the utmost luxury and exclusivity. Enjoy private boat charters and helicopter excursions to explore some of New Zealand’s most dazzling scenery, from active volcanoes to icy blue glaciers to golden beaches.

19 days

Australia and New Zealand Highlights

  • Explore street art, cafe culture, and wine tasting in trendy Melbourne
  • Enjoy Sydney highlights, including a gourmet harbor cruise
  • Discover New Zealand’s iconic scenery in Queenstown and Milford Sound
12 days

Ultimate Golf, Wine, and Wildlife + Great Barrier Reef

In Tasmania, golf Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm before wine tasting and wildlife viewing. Fly to King Island for golf at Cape Wickham, followed by legendary Kingston Heath and Royal Melbourne Golf Clubs. Finish with 3 days in Port Douglas for a reef and indigenous walkabout.

21 days

Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji: Ultimate South Pacific Vacation

Travel to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji with the ultimate South Pacific vacation package.