Lord Of The Rings Tour - From Auckland to Queenstown

Auckland, a city nicknamed “‘the City of Sails”. Sprawling across two large harbours, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and is surrounded
by expansive parklands and water. The sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping, glistening harbours and modern city environment creates an unbelievable lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world.

Approximately 233km (145 Miles)

A couple of hours south of Auckland lies the lush farmland of the Waikato. Famous for dairying and fine thoroughbred horses, it’s easy to see why these green pastures and rolling hills were chosen to portray Hobbiton and The Shire.

Daily tours are available to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the amazing village created for the movies. Continue onto the heartland of Maori culture, to the centre of New Zealand’s spectacular geothermal wonderland and discover the spirits of Rotorua. This evening you could enjoy a traditional
Maori concert and hangi (at extra cost).

Approximately 186kms (116 miles)

Today travel down past Lake Taupo and onto the volcanic central plateau to Mt Ruapehu, the largest mountain in the North Island in the heart of the Tongariro National Park. Lake Taupo is famous for its trout, year-round water sports and stunning views across the water towards those mystical Middle-earth volcanoes. Take a side road to a geothermal park, where you’ll discover geysers, silica terraces and craters of boiling mud.

Today is at leisure for you to explore Tongariro National Park. The Tongariro World Heritage National isn’t just legendary for its dramatic and eerie scenery. Thanks to a geologically turbulent past, the area provided The Lord of the Rings crew with the perfect raw materials to create vivid scenes of
Mordor, Emyn Muil, Mount Doom and the Plains of Gorgoroth.

Approximately 345km (214 Miles)

Just a short drive from Mt Ruapehu is Ohakune, home to Ithilien camp, which was filmed in the nearby bush; continue on towards Wellington, the capital of New Zealand and film base for Lord of the Rings. The city is renowned for it’s arts, heritage, culture and natural beauty. It is also home of Peter Jackson and production company Weta Studios, Wellington provided lots of scope for locations. Visit Weta Workshop where you can get a behind the scenes look at movie making magic.

A day to relax in Wellington, although there is plenty to do. You could visit the Parliament Buildings, Te Papa - New Zealand’s new national museum or a ride up the cable car for great views over Wellington.

Approximately 104kms (65 miles) Picton to Nelson

Board the Interislander Ferry for the scenic journey to Picton on the South Island. Continue west to the Nelson. The region is known for its year-round sunshine, golden beaches, three national parks, 300-plus working artists and craftspeople, boutique wineries, fresh local produce and seafood, historical
streetscapes, waterfront cafes and restaurants, and a thoroughly relaxed lifestyle.

Today is at leisure for you to explore the wonderful beaches and national parks. Abel Tasman National Park is highly recommended for walking and kayaking.

Approximately 265kms (165 miles)

Continue through the Victoria Forest Park and along the spectacular west coast to Punakaiki in Paparoa National Park. See Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, distinctive geological formations formed over tens of thousands of years of pummeling from the Tasman Sea.

Approximately 217km (135 miles)

Travel onwards with awe-inspiring coastal scenery to the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier region. It is an area of mountain peaks, impressive glaciers, tranquil lakes, raging rivers and lush rainforest.

Approximately 391kms (243 miles) via Cromwell
Approximately 350kms (217 miles) via Cardrona & Crown Range Road

Experience the scenic wilderness of Haast Pass, stopping along the way to take advantage of many short nature walks and picnic spots, pass crystal clear Lake Wanaka before continuing to Queenstown. Queenstown is snuggled into a picturesque valley beside Lake Wakatipu and with the Remarkables Ranges towering alongside. Known for the wide range of adventure and outdoor activities that make the most of the scenery and the environment, Queenstown also offers a wide range of shopping and dining options in and around the township.

A day at leisure for you to explore Queenstown and surroundings. You may want to consider an optional excursion - Lord of the Rings Tour or a cruise on magnificent Milford or Doubtful Sound.

A day at leisure for you to explore Queenstown and surroundings. You may want to consider an optional excursion - Lord of the Rings Tour or a cruise on magnificent Milford or Doubtful Sound.

Depart Queenstown.