New Zealand Discovery Lord of the Rings & Beyond

Day 1: Auckland

Arrive in Auckland, where a private transfer will take you from the airport to your centrally located accommodation. Settle in for three nights and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 2: Auckland

Discover Auckland on a guided small-group tour, beginning among the historic streets, shops and landmarks of the city centre. Continue through the Domain and characterful Ponsonby before crossing the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore. Visit a local beach, explore Devonport and admire panoramic views from its extinct volcanic cones before stopping at Westhaven Marina.

Day 3: Auckland – Matamata – Waitomo – Auckland

Journey through rolling countryside to the Hobbiton Movie Set, where a guided walking tour reveals 44 Hobbit Holes, the Party Tree, Bag End and the Green Dragon Inn. Step inside a fully furnished Hobbit Hole before enjoying a buffet lunch in the Party Marquee. Continue to Waitomo for a guided cave tour and boat ride beneath thousands of luminous glowworms, subject to water levels.

Day 4: Auckland – Wellington

Transfer privately to Auckland Airport and fly to Wellington. On arrival, another private transfer will take you to your central hotel, where you will stay for two nights.

Day 5: Wellington

Spend the day exploring Wellington’s celebrated Lord of the Rings locations. Visit Mount Victoria and the Hobbit Hideaway before discovering the filmmaking artistry of Weta Workshop. After lunch beside the coast, continue through the Hutt Valley, following the cinematic River Anduin to locations used for Helm’s Deep, Isengard and Rivendell.

Day 6: Wellington – Christchurch

Transfer to Wellington Airport for your flight to Christchurch. A private transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your accommodation overlooking Latimer Square.

Day 7: Christchurch – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch

Board the TranzAlpine for a memorable journey towards Arthur’s Pass. Watch rolling farmland give way to dramatic river valleys and snow-capped peaks as the train travels into the Southern Alps. Return to Christchurch later in the day.

Day 8: Christchurch – Aoraki / Mount Cook

Travel across the Canterbury Plains on a guided small-group journey to Aoraki / Mount Cook. Stop beside the brilliant turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before reaching New Zealand’s highest mountain. Settle into your alpine hotel for two nights, surrounded by the scenery of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.

Day 9: Aoraki / Mount Cook

Enjoy a free day amid the mountains, with time to relax and appreciate the remarkable alpine setting. In the evening, you may choose an optional stargazing experience beneath the skies of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 10: Aoraki / Mount Cook – Queenstown

Journey south through alpine passes, turquoise lakes and fruit-growing valleys on a guided small-group transfer to Queenstown. Arrive at your lakeside hotel overlooking Lake Wakatipu, your base for the next five nights.

Day 11: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown

Travel by glass-roofed coach through Fiordland, stopping at locations including Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes and Monkey Creek. Cruise the length of Milford Sound beneath immense peaks and waterfalls, watching for seals, dolphins, native birds and seasonal penguins. Return to Queenstown in the evening, with an overnight option available for a supplement.

Day 12: Queenstown

Spend the day at leisure in Queenstown. Explore the lakefront, relax at your hotel or choose from the town’s many optional outdoor experiences.

Day 13: Queenstown

Venture into the Wakatipu Basin on a thrilling four-wheel-drive exploration of Lord of the Rings filming locations. Discover landscapes used for the Misty Mountains and Pillars of the Kings while hearing behind-the-scenes stories from the trilogy. Follow a historic gold-mining road and try your hand at gold panning along the way.

Day 14: Queenstown

Enjoy a final free day in Queenstown, with time for independent exploration, optional activities or a relaxed afternoon beside Lake Wakatipu.

Day 15: Departure

Your New Zealand journey comes to an end today. Depart Queenstown according to your onward travel arrangements.

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