Today’s coach tour takes you through rolling green hills to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set—one of New Zealand’s must-see destinations. Explore the filming locations of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit as your guide shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. Stroll past Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and discover how ordinary farmland was transformed into the magical world of Middle-earth. After your Hobbiton experience, enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing to Rotorua.

Overnight: Rotorua

Included LOTR Activity:

• Hobbiton Movie Set Tour – Explore Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Optional Activities:

• Redwoods Nightlights – The towering trees of Redwood Forest provided a mystical atmosphere in Pete’s Dragon. This lush forest added an ethereal feel to the movie.
• Polynesian Spa Deluxe Lake Spa

Overnight: Rotorua

Rotorua is surrounded by a remarkable geothermal landscape, where steam vents, spouting geysers, and bubbling mud pools sit alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. The region is also steeped in rich Māori myths and legends.

This morning, you’ll visit Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland for a two-hour guided experience. Known as New Zealand’s most colorful and diverse geothermal attraction, Wai-O-Tapu offers an unforgettable glimpse into nature’s artistry.

In the evening, you’ll head to Te Puia for the Indigenous Evening Experience, featuring a buffet dinner and cultural performance. The night concludes with hot chocolate and pudding served on the geyser terrace.

Overnight: Rotorua

Included Activities

• Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland

• Te Pō (Indigenous Evening Experience)

Optional Activity

• Skyline Gondola Ride

You’ll be transferred to Hamilton to board the Northern Explorer train to Wellington through Tongariro National Park, filming site for:

• 🌋 Mount Doom (Mount Ngauruhoe)
• 🏞️ Emyn Muil landscapes

Along the way, take in the dramatic contrasts of New Zealand’s landscapes—from fertile farmlands to volcanic peaks and sparkling coastlines. A highlight of the journey is passing through Tongariro National Park, home to three spectacular volcanic mountains. This remarkable region is full of surprises, where snow-covered fields, ancient lava flows, and dense beech forests sit side by side.

Overnight: Wellington

Set between a sparkling harbor and rolling green hills, the compact city of Wellington is best explored on foot. Boutique shopping, vibrant arts and culture, and a lively café and restaurant scene are all just minutes from the city’s unspoiled natural escapes. Explore at your own pace with a charming cable car ride offering stunning views of the city and harbor, and don’t miss Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum.

Overnight: Wellington

Included Activity:

• Full-Day Lord of the Rings Tour

Enjoy a unique, in-depth journey through iconic filming locations around the Wellington region. Step beyond the city into the breathtaking natural landscapes that inspired Sir Peter Jackson to bring The Lord of the Rings to life in New Zealand.

Explore key sites from the filmmaking process, then ascend Mt. Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbor. Discover the River Anduin, the Gardens of Isengard, and Rivendell, set within lush native rainforest. Visit the famous Outer Shire, where the Hobbits found a “Shortcut to Mushrooms” and were warned to “Get off the road.” Conclude your adventure with a behind-the-scenes tour at the world-renowned Wētā Workshop.

Tour Includes:

• Round-trip transportation from select Wellington hotels
• Café lunch
• Expert guided commentary
• Duration: 7.5–8 hours

Highlights:

• 🌲 Mount Victoria: Forest scenes with the Black Riders
• 🏞️ Kaitoke Regional Park: Rivendell
• 🏰 Harcourt Park: Isengard
• 🏞️ Hutt River: River Anduin
• 🏜️ Putangirua Pinnacles: Paths of the Dead
• 🛠️ Wētā Cave & Workshop: Props and effects from LOTR

New Zealand’s North and South Islands are separated by three hours of sensational scenery and fresh ocean air. You’ll transfer to the Wellington Ferry Terminal, where your ship will carry you across the Cook Strait, past the golden beaches, tranquil bays, and sheltered coves of the Marlborough Sounds, before arriving in the historic port town of Picton. Here, you’ll be met and transferred to the train station to board one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand’s railways.

Following the Pacific Coast, the Coastal Pacific Train travels breathtakingly close to the sea, where the roaring Pacific Ocean meets the towering Kaikōura mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass rolling vineyards, idyllic countryside, and rugged coastlines. This timeless journey showcases the very best of New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Overnight: Kaikōura

Included Activity

• North to South Island Ferry Crossing

The seaside town of Kaikōura sits between the Pacific Ocean and majestic mountain ranges. Its unique marine geography creates the perfect environment for sperm whales and an abundance of other marine life.

This afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Kaikōura Railway Station to continue your journey on the Coastal Pacific Train to Christchurch. Nestled between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the snow-capped Southern Alps, Christchurch is a vibrant, ever-evolving city where lush parks and gardens are beautifully interwoven with the meandering Avon River.

Overnight: Christchurch

Included Activities

• Coastal Pacific Train

Optional Activities

• Whale Watch Tour – Ocean Cabin
• Dolphin Encounter (Watch)

Enjoy a half-day city sightseeing tour showcasing the historical landmarks and scenic highlights of Christchurch. Take in grand architecture, beautiful gardens, and picturesque surroundings on a guided morning or afternoon tour. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure.

Overnight: Christchurch

Included Activity

• Christchurch Sightseeing Tour

Optional Activity

• Christchurch Tram Dinner

Today, you’ll be transferred to Christchurch Railway Station to board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Traveling coast to coast across New Zealand’s South Island, the TranzAlpine is one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. Pass through fertile farmlands and take in the dramatic alpine landscapes as you follow the ice-fed Waimakariri River and wind through miles of native beech forest. Enjoy breathtaking vistas and the stunning beauty of the Southern Alps.

Upon arrival in Greymouth, you’ll be met and taken to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes for a short self-guided walk to explore the fascinating pancake-shaped rock formations. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation.

Overnight: Greymouth

Included Activities:

• TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

This morning, you’ll be transferred to Shantytown Heritage Park to experience what life was like in New Zealand during the gold rush. Afterwards, you’ll return to Greymouth for your transfer to Glacier Country.

Thanks to its temperate climate and low altitude, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are among the most accessible glaciers in the world. The steep valleys bear the marks of glaciers that have advanced and retreated over millennia, offering a glimpse of the ongoing effects of the ice age.

Overnight: Franz Josef

Included Activities:

• Shantytown Experience

This morning, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation for a scenic transfer through wilderness towns, waterfalls, and river valleys on the way to Queenstown. Majestic mountains and breathtaking vistas surround this compact alpine resort town. With such an impressive natural setting, it’s no wonder Queenstown is often called the Adventure Capital of the World.

LOTR Filming Locations Nearby:

• 🏞️ Deer Park Heights: Rohan refugees, Aragorn’s fall
• 🏞️ Kawarau Gorge: River Anduin
• 🏞️ Lake Alta (The Remarkables): Dimrill Dale
• 🏞️ Skippers Canyon: Arwen’s river rescue
• 🏞️ Glenorchy & Paradise: Isengard, Lothlórien, Ithilien Camp

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Skyline Gondola Ride
• Original Onsen Exclusive Indoor Pool

Overnight: Queenstown

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Today’s breathtaking tour takes you past mirror-like lakes and cascading waterfalls on the journey to Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Upon arrival, board your vessel for a cruise through the fiord, surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea. Feel the refreshing spray of waterfalls as you glide close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore. After an unforgettable day, relax on your coach ride back to Queenstown, reflecting on memories that will last a lifetime.

Overnight: Queenstown

Included Activities:

• Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown

Explore Queenstown or Take a Full-Day Lord of the Rings Tour to Glenorchy and Paradise

Included LOTR Activity:

• Glenorchy Lord of the Rings 4WD Safari
  Embark on an adventure-packed 4WD safari to iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations. This magical journey follows one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives to Glenorchy and Paradise, offering stunning vistas and panoramic views of the Southern Alps. Visit filming sites including Isengard, the Ithilien Camp, Lothlórien, Fangorn Forest, the Battle of Amon Hen, and more. Dress up and take photos with replica props along the way. Complimentary pick-up and drop-off from central Queenstown accommodations are included.
  Duration: 4.25 hours

Optional LOTR Activity:

• Glenorchy LOTR Guided Tour
  Journey deep into Middle-earth on this guided tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy, exploring breathtaking Lord of the Rings scenery. Discover iconic locations such as Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlórien Forest, the Misty Mountains, and Ithilien. Wander through ancient beech forests, braided rivers, and glacier-carved valleys within World Heritage–listed Mt. Aspiring National Park. Local guides share fascinating stories and behind-the-scenes insights from the LOTR films shot in Glenorchy and Queenstown. Take the chance to dress in costume in Lothlórien Forest and capture amazing photos. This tour has exclusive access to filming locations on private land for The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
  Duration: 4–4.5 hours

Overnight: Queenstown

Today’s journey departs Queenstown, traveling through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and the fruit- and wine-growing region of Cromwell. Follow the shores of beautiful Lake Dunstan and wind your way through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Continue across the vast plains of the Mackenzie District, passing magnificent turquoise lakes framed by Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps, arriving at Mt. Cook Village, where you’ll have some free time to explore.

As you leave Mt. Cook, you’ll see why this region was chosen for many Lord of the Rings scenes. Stop near the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, sitting serenely on the banks of Lake Tekapo, before continuing through the breathtaking countryside to Christchurch.

LOTR Filming Sites En Route:

• 🏞️ Twizel: Pelennor Fields battle scenes
• 🏞️ Lake Tekapo: Near LOTR filming locations
• ⛪ Church of the Good Shepherd: Iconic photo stop

Overnight: Christchurch

Your arrangements conclude today with a transfer to Christchurch Airport for your departure.