Small Group Tour - Lord Of The Rings (14 days)
Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Ohakune, Wellington, Nelson, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Twizel, Queenstown, Te Anau
Tour Dates - 2019 - 2020
Sep 12th / Oct 7th / Nov 4th / Dec 2nd / Jan 6th / Feb 3rd / Mar 9th / Apr 13th
Tour Costs:
Cost @ NZD$5,750 / twin or triple share
Cost @ NZD$7250 / single
Day 1 Auckland
You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for the start of the tour. We gather informally this evening to meet each other and prepare for our early start tomorrow.
Accommodation: Takapuna, Auckland
You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for the start of the tour. We gather informally this evening to meet each other and prepare for our early start tomorrow.
Accommodation: Takapuna, Auckland
Day 2 Auckland - Rotorua
Be ready to depart at 08.00 ~ Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton. (A full cooked Breakfast is included from Day 2 to 13.) Prepare to be enchanted by Hobbiton - a very special site to visit. Have your camera batteries charged for photos of the tranquil Shire, Bag End, Sam & Rosie’s cottage, the Party Tree. Enjoy a cool drink at The Green Dragon followed by lunch in a Marquee beside The Green Dragon (included in tour cost).
In Rotorua later today you will have the option of the beautiful Polynesian Spa and / or a fantastic Maori Cultural evening, dinner and show ( cost additional). Overnight Rotorua.
Be ready to depart at 08.00 ~ Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton. (A full cooked Breakfast is included from Day 2 to 13.) Prepare to be enchanted by Hobbiton - a very special site to visit. Have your camera batteries charged for photos of the tranquil Shire, Bag End, Sam & Rosie’s cottage, the Party Tree. Enjoy a cool drink at The Green Dragon followed by lunch in a Marquee beside The Green Dragon (included in tour cost).
In Rotorua later today you will have the option of the beautiful Polynesian Spa and / or a fantastic Maori Cultural evening, dinner and show ( cost additional). Overnight Rotorua.
Day 3 Rotorua - Oakhune
Rotorua to Trollshaw Forest and a wonderful guided tour of this Hobbit location - stunning scenery. We will enjoy a picnic lunch (included) on our way to Mt. Ruapehu and the sites of Mordor, Emyn Muil and Mt Doom. Overnight - Where the Stars stayed !
Rotorua to Trollshaw Forest and a wonderful guided tour of this Hobbit location - stunning scenery. We will enjoy a picnic lunch (included) on our way to Mt. Ruapehu and the sites of Mordor, Emyn Muil and Mt Doom. Overnight - Where the Stars stayed !
Day 4 Oakhune - Wellington
Ohakune to Wellington. This morning a Hobbit location of the Secret Entrance to Erebor and Lotr location of Gollum’s fishing pool, where Andy Serkis was careful not to plunge over the waterfall! Then, it's on to Wellywood ~ Wellington City.
Tonight we dine at “The Green Parrot Restaurant” (Optional) - said to be a favourite of Viggo’s.
Accommodation: Wellington, for the next 3 nights.
Ohakune to Wellington. This morning a Hobbit location of the Secret Entrance to Erebor and Lotr location of Gollum’s fishing pool, where Andy Serkis was careful not to plunge over the waterfall! Then, it's on to Wellywood ~ Wellington City.
Tonight we dine at “The Green Parrot Restaurant” (Optional) - said to be a favourite of Viggo’s.
Accommodation: Wellington, for the next 3 nights.
Day 5 Wellington
Wellywood Day, Miramar - New Zealand's movie capital ! Weta Workshop, Weta Cave, The Roxy and studio visit with artists who did freelance work on LOTR & Hobbit. Dinner tonight? Perhaps “Strawberry Fare” - specializing in delicious desserts and just up from the Embassy Theatre, where the ROTK and The Hobbit World Premiere were held.
Wellywood Day, Miramar - New Zealand's movie capital ! Weta Workshop, Weta Cave, The Roxy and studio visit with artists who did freelance work on LOTR & Hobbit. Dinner tonight? Perhaps “Strawberry Fare” - specializing in delicious desserts and just up from the Embassy Theatre, where the ROTK and The Hobbit World Premiere were held.
Day 6 Wellington
Presentation day with LOTR / Hobbit Calligrapher Daniel Reeve. In the winter months we add a special movie guest presentation. Later today you have time to explore more in Wellington. Te Papa Museum is highly recommended. Maybe see a movie at the Embassy Theater or explore the streets and local street sculpture that is scattered throughout the city.
Presentation day with LOTR / Hobbit Calligrapher Daniel Reeve. In the winter months we add a special movie guest presentation. Later today you have time to explore more in Wellington. Te Papa Museum is highly recommended. Maybe see a movie at the Embassy Theater or explore the streets and local street sculpture that is scattered throughout the city.
Day 7 Wellington - Nelson
Our North Island Adventure concludes and our South Island Adventure begins! We catch the Inter-Island ferry from Wellington, sail to Picton in the South Island (approx. 4 hrs). After lunch , we drive to Nelson City, stopping along the way to view the famous river, where the Dwarfs escaped from the Elves, in barrels!
How about a fantastic 1 hour easy kayak down this amazing river and movie location!! (optional extra) Accommodation tonight: Nelson.
Our North Island Adventure concludes and our South Island Adventure begins! We catch the Inter-Island ferry from Wellington, sail to Picton in the South Island (approx. 4 hrs). After lunch , we drive to Nelson City, stopping along the way to view the famous river, where the Dwarfs escaped from the Elves, in barrels!
How about a fantastic 1 hour easy kayak down this amazing river and movie location!! (optional extra) Accommodation tonight: Nelson.
Day 8 - Nelson - Blenheim
Nelson day : This morning, weather permitting, there is a two hour ‘optional extra’ helicopter ride to the LOTR sites of "South of Rivendell", at the top of Mt Olympus . More than highly recommended! We head back into Nelson city to meet and chat with the makers of the "One Ring". There, we meet Jens Hansen's son, Halfdan Hansen and see his wonderful LOTR and Hobbit jewelry.
Accommodation tonight: Blenheim.
Nelson day : This morning, weather permitting, there is a two hour ‘optional extra’ helicopter ride to the LOTR sites of "South of Rivendell", at the top of Mt Olympus . More than highly recommended! We head back into Nelson city to meet and chat with the makers of the "One Ring". There, we meet Jens Hansen's son, Halfdan Hansen and see his wonderful LOTR and Hobbit jewelry.
Accommodation tonight: Blenheim.
Day 9 - Blenheim - Christchurch
An early start south along the East Coast this morning, stopping at a beautifulseaside cafe for 2nd breakfast. We'll make stops for photographs of Fur Seals basking and at play along the rocky shoreline, before arriving in picturesque Kaikoura for lunch and some souvenir shopping. We then travel on south to Christchurch. An early night tonight for a big day tomorrow.
Accommodation: Christchurch.
An early start south along the East Coast this morning, stopping at a beautifulseaside cafe for 2nd breakfast. We'll make stops for photographs of Fur Seals basking and at play along the rocky shoreline, before arriving in picturesque Kaikoura for lunch and some souvenir shopping. We then travel on south to Christchurch. An early night tonight for a big day tomorrow.
Accommodation: Christchurch.
Day 10 Christchurch - Twizel
It's time to head for the magnificence that is EDORAS - a very spiritual experience! It’s a 30 minute trek to reach the summit . The 360 degree views are breathtaking! You will stand where the Golden Hall once stood and survey the mountain panorama all around you as you fly the Rohan flag! You will be reluctant to leave. Refreshment awaits us at the Lodge, before we drive south past Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Keep a lookout for our highest mountain; Aoraki, Mt Cook – the Cloud Piercer of 12,000 ft.
Overnight; Twizel. (Buffet Dinner included tonight.) This is a great place to study the night sky - and see the Southern Cross. Special Guest a local Hobbit inspired seamstress - you may like buy your own cloak.
It's time to head for the magnificence that is EDORAS - a very spiritual experience! It’s a 30 minute trek to reach the summit . The 360 degree views are breathtaking! You will stand where the Golden Hall once stood and survey the mountain panorama all around you as you fly the Rohan flag! You will be reluctant to leave. Refreshment awaits us at the Lodge, before we drive south past Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Keep a lookout for our highest mountain; Aoraki, Mt Cook – the Cloud Piercer of 12,000 ft.
Overnight; Twizel. (Buffet Dinner included tonight.) This is a great place to study the night sky - and see the Southern Cross. Special Guest a local Hobbit inspired seamstress - you may like buy your own cloak.
Day 11 Twizel - Cromwell
The Pelennor Fields ~ an area that once rang to the thunderous sound of 250 horses on the charge, as King Theoden’s battle speech roused men to battle. Moving on, we visit the stunning location of Laketown and enjoy a guided tour there, then head to Omarama for lunch. After lunch we make time to try your archery skills - perhaps we have a budding Bard or Tauriel amongst us?
Overnight - Cromwell. The Golden Gate Lodge.
The Pelennor Fields ~ an area that once rang to the thunderous sound of 250 horses on the charge, as King Theoden’s battle speech roused men to battle. Moving on, we visit the stunning location of Laketown and enjoy a guided tour there, then head to Omarama for lunch. After lunch we make time to try your archery skills - perhaps we have a budding Bard or Tauriel amongst us?
Overnight - Cromwell. The Golden Gate Lodge.
Day 12 Cromwell - Queenstown
We head out through Alexandra this morning to amazing Rohan country, where the Rohan village was burned and we walk through the canyon where the leaf brooch was dropped and 2 other sites. (Dwarves are "dangerous over short distances" here, or so Gimli tells us!) Lunch in Alexandra, then onto Arrowtown ~ a charming old settlement, historically significant in the gold rush days of the 1860s. Finally Queenstown , where the remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore this beautiful town.
Accommodation: Queenstown for our final 3 nights.
We head out through Alexandra this morning to amazing Rohan country, where the Rohan village was burned and we walk through the canyon where the leaf brooch was dropped and 2 other sites. (Dwarves are "dangerous over short distances" here, or so Gimli tells us!) Lunch in Alexandra, then onto Arrowtown ~ a charming old settlement, historically significant in the gold rush days of the 1860s. Finally Queenstown , where the remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore this beautiful town.
Accommodation: Queenstown for our final 3 nights.
Day 13 Queenstown
The breaking of the Fellowship. Buy a picnic lunch today to take to Mavora Lakes, where we visit several LOTR sites - The calling up of Shadowfax -The Silverlode bridge -The Orc funeral pyre -Fangorn Forest - Nen Hithoel -The log which concealed Merry & Pippin before Frodo left the fellowship, -And where Sam and Frodo paddled away on the next stage of their journey. Stunning scenery! We arrive back in Queenstown by late-afternoon. Enjoy more free time in this picturesque paradise!
The breaking of the Fellowship. Buy a picnic lunch today to take to Mavora Lakes, where we visit several LOTR sites - The calling up of Shadowfax -The Silverlode bridge -The Orc funeral pyre -Fangorn Forest - Nen Hithoel -The log which concealed Merry & Pippin before Frodo left the fellowship, -And where Sam and Frodo paddled away on the next stage of their journey. Stunning scenery! We arrive back in Queenstown by late-afternoon. Enjoy more free time in this picturesque paradise!
Day 14 Queenstown
Devote today to optional activities and / or last minute shopping. -A Dart River Jet Wilderness Safari past LOTR & Hobbit sites. -Take a helicopter flight to the Ford of Bruinen. -Perhaps a cruise on Lake Wakatipu. -A parasail over the lake. -A coach & cruise trip to Milford Sound. -A guided walk on the Routeburn Track? -A Nomad Safari LOTR 4 Wheel drive half day tour. -An adrenalin Jet Boat ride or a Bungy jump? -Para-sailing? Para-gliding? White water rafting? A hot air balloon ride? Trout fishing? Relaxation at Onsen Hot Pools? -Or retail therapy ~ shopping in Queenstown. The list "goes ever on" and your Guide will discuss the many options available and assist with bookings. Tonight we are having our farewell dinner at the Elements Restaurant, at our hotel (included in tour costs).
Devote today to optional activities and / or last minute shopping. -A Dart River Jet Wilderness Safari past LOTR & Hobbit sites. -Take a helicopter flight to the Ford of Bruinen. -Perhaps a cruise on Lake Wakatipu. -A parasail over the lake. -A coach & cruise trip to Milford Sound. -A guided walk on the Routeburn Track? -A Nomad Safari LOTR 4 Wheel drive half day tour. -An adrenalin Jet Boat ride or a Bungy jump? -Para-sailing? Para-gliding? White water rafting? A hot air balloon ride? Trout fishing? Relaxation at Onsen Hot Pools? -Or retail therapy ~ shopping in Queenstown. The list "goes ever on" and your Guide will discuss the many options available and assist with bookings. Tonight we are having our farewell dinner at the Elements Restaurant, at our hotel (included in tour costs).
Day 15 Queenstown
Alas ~ your journey through Middle Earth with Red Carpet Tours is at an end. Thank you for travelling with us ..... there and back again..... Haere ra ~ Good-bye from us all at Red Carpet Tours. "Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya: May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky"
Alas ~ your journey through Middle Earth with Red Carpet Tours is at an end. Thank you for travelling with us ..... there and back again..... Haere ra ~ Good-bye from us all at Red Carpet Tours. "Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya: May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky"
Tour Highlights
- Climb the magnificent Edoras.
- Explore Bilbo’s Shire!
- Experience breathtaking Mordor.
- Wellywood: Sir Peter Jackson’s Studios, Sir Richard Taylor’s Weta Workshop & meet freelance artists
- Relax and enjoy a scenic cruise between the North and South islands.
- Meet the makers of the ‘One Ring’.
- Watch fur seals at play
- Beautiful Queenstown; Lord of the Rings, fun and adventure capital of New Zealand.
- Visit beautiful Trollshaw
- View impressive Leaf Brooch Canyon.
- Special LOTR/Hobbit guest presentations
- Experience Pelennor Fields and Laketown !