The Ultimate Middle-earth itinerary | New Zealand Page 1 of 9

THE ULTIMATE
MIDDLE-EARTH
ITINERARY

3
HIGHLIGHTS PROXIMITY
Weeks Hobbiton Movie Set Start your adventure in Auckland
Lord of the Rings Filming Locations Total trip distance: 2645km
Stunning National Parks

Great Wizards are curious adventurers. This epic journey will guide you
through all New Zealand has to offer in three weeks or more. Experience
otherworldly landscapes and fascinating fiords and get to know the real
Middle-earth.

Week 1: Auckland to Wellington

DISCOVER MUST DO HIGHLIGHTS AUCKLAND

EXPERIENCES IN
Vineyards and Craft Beer Auckland
AUCKLAND Accommodation
Rangitoto Island - an Active
Volcano
Beautiful Scenery

A vibrant city of harbours, beaches and islands, Auckland is known as the

City of Sails. Catch a ferry to one of the islands dotted just offshore from the
city. See more must do experiences in Auckland.

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Waiheke is known for its vineyards, sandy white beaches and quirky galleries,
while Rangitoto is a dormant volcano laced with spectacular walking tracks.
Many of the islands are within a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown
Auckland.

HAMILTON - HIGHLIGHTS
WAIKATO
The Shire
Visit the Hobbiton
Movie Set Green Dragon Pub

From Auckland, head south to Matamata - home to Hobbiton, where The

Shire is brought to life. Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour now.

Take a guided tour and experience this magical piece of Middle-earth for
yourself - all 44 Hobbit-holes have been rebuilt exactly as they appeared on
film. Once you've worked up a thirst, stop for a handle of sobering thought ale
at the Green Dragon Inn or Good George Brewery (where Hobbiton
beverages come from).

HIGHLIGHTS PROXIMITY
Glowworm Caves 2hrs 40mins from Auckland

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DISCOVER MUST DO Blackwater Rafting

EXPERIENCES IN
HAMILTON

Journey by car to Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous

Glowworm Caves, which includes a magical underground boat ride to view
the millions of twinkling glowworms on the cavern roof. Continue driving over
the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the Thermal City of Rotorua.

RUAPEHU HIGHLIGHTS PROXIMITY

Discover the Volcanic Landscapes 2hrs 30mins from Waitomo
Tongariro Crossing
Lord of the Rings filming
Locations
Winter skiing and snowboarding

Explore the Central Plateau and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - often
described as New Zealand's greatest day walk. Take in the stark volcanic
landscapes and visit Mt Ngauruhoe which featured as 'Mt Doom' in the Lord
of the Rings Trilogy.

See more must do experiences in Ruapehu here.

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WELLINGTON HIGHLIGHTS PROXIMITY

Weta Cave and Movie studios 3.5hr from Ruapehu
Workshop Tour
Arts and Museums 1 hr from Auckland
Craft Beer Culture 8 hrs from Auckland

Located at the southernmost tip of the North Island, Wellington is home to

Weta Workshop and the Weta Cave. It's a city with a passion for art, coffee
and fantastic food & wine. From here, take the Interislander Ferry to Picton.

Week 2: Nelson to Aoraki Mt Cook

NELSON HIGHLIGHTS Abel Tasman Kayaking &

Visit Abel Tasman Marine Mammal Encounters Seals Pinnacle Island
National Park From
Kayaking and Cruising
Incredible Walking and Hiking
$
170NZD
Instant online bookings

Nelson is known as the sunniest region in New Zealand. Seek out Jens
Hansen Goldsmith, maker of the 'One Ring' and many other Tolkien-themed
items, before journeying deep into the Abel Tasman National Park. You won't
be disapointed by the stunning beaches and native forest.

See more top experiences to do in Nelson and Tasman.

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CHRISTCHURCH HIGHLIGHTS
- CANTERBURY
Unbeatable Seafood
See whales and
Dolphin and Whale Safaris
dolphins in Kaikoura
Earthquake Tourism

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Meet the NZ Fur Seals up

close 1/2 day Guided Sea
Kayak Tour
From
$
99NZD
Families most welcome

Spend a day whale watching in Kaikoura. Whales thrive close to the coastline
here because of its unusual submarine landscape. The continental shelf
drops quickly into a number of extremely deep underwater canyons. It's one
of the few places in the world that you can get up close to these magnificent
creatures. See more Whale-watching tours and Albatross watching tours.

See top experiences to do in Kaikoura.

CHRISTCHURCH HIGHLIGHTS Mt Cook/Queenstown tour

- CANTERBURY from Christchurch
Punting on the Avon River
Discover From
Street Art and Creative Culture
Experiences in
Christchurch International Antarctic Centre
$
294NZD
Instant Online Bookings

Drive down the coast to reach Christchurch, an eclectic city of elegance and
contemporary culture. Cycle along the picturesque Avon River, mountain bike
down well-worn tracks in the Port Hills and enjoy delicious dining options in
the central city.

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CHRISTCHURCH HIGHLIGHTS PROXIMITY

- CANTERBURY
Aoraki Mt Cook National Park 4hr from Christchurch
Visit Mt Cook and
Hooker Valley Track
Walk the Hooker
Valley Track Tasman Glacier

Visit Aoraki/Mt Cook, the highest peak in Australasia. Stop off at Lake Pukaki,
where the cerulean colour of the pure glacial waters are a photographer's
dream.

Heli skiing, heli hiking and aerial sightseeing provide visitors with amazing
memories. The surrounding country provided a slew of filming locations for
The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, and there are plenty of local
tours that will show you the highlights.

See more top experiences to do in Mackenzie region.

Week 3: Wanaka, Queenstown and

Milford Sound

QUEENSTOWN HIGHLIGHTS PROXIMITY

Visit top experiences Bungy Jumping and Jet-boating 2 hrs 40 mins from Te Anau
to do in Queenstown
and Wanaka. Middle-earth Filming Locations 1 hr and 20 mins from
Wellington
Snow Covered Mountains
6 hrs from Christchurch

Journey through the mountains via the Crown Range, the highest main road
in New Zealand. Plan to allow time to stop and admire the astounding views
along the way - the photo opportunities are magical.

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Surrounded by stunning mountains and a crystal-clear lake, Queenstown is

one of New Zealands top visitor destinations. Take a tour of local filming
locations with Lord of the Rings experts Nomad Safaris. Paradise, Glenorchy
at the far end of Lake Wakatipu lives up to its name and is a must-visit.

FIORDLAND HIGHLIGHTS Milford Track Guided Day

Journey to Milford Scenic Flights Walk
Sound Per adult only
Kayaking and Boat Cruises
Wildlife Encounters
$
201NZD
Departs Te Anau

While you're in Queenstown, a day trip to Milford Sound shouldn't be missed.

Fly in and out (or drive one way) to save time and enjoy a leisurely cruise
through the fiord. Nearby filming locations: Takaro Rd (Fangorn Forest),
Norwest Lakes (South of Rivendell), Waiau River and Kepler Track (River
Anduin), Te Anau Downs Station.

Discover more top experiences to do in Queenstown.

View the journey below

Auckland
Rated as the third most liveable city in the world,
Auckland is a thriving multi-cultural hub of cuisine,
music, art and culture.

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