A real LOTR actors shows you his Middle Earth! You'll have seen the astonishing Lord of the Ring trilogy or read Tolkien's books! You have dreamed about Middle Earth and now you want to see where it all happened!
Combine the Lord of the Ring film locations with some of the best sights that New Zealand has to offer. Middle Earth is in New Zealand! Visit with us the stunning landscapes that play a main role in this imaginary movie. Any New Zealand Lord of the Ring tour itinerary may be taken as is, adapted or taken in reverse. Simply contact us with your travel dates and inform us about your preferred level of accommodation. Exclusive Luxury & Customised Tours
All tours are private, depart daily, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules. Please contact us info@arohatours.co.nz or 0064-21-890611 for more information about our Luxury New Zealand tours. Our Vehicles Travel Guide Profiles
14 Day - Traditional Highlights Tour
15 Day - Nature & Wilderness Tour
Day 1: Auckland (meat host and LOTR actor Bruce Hopkins)
You will be greeted by your tour host on arrival in Auckland Airport. Your private tour guide “Actor” Bruce Raymond Hopkins will show you his hometown of Auckland with all the highlights of the “City of Sails”
Bruce Hopkins is regarded as one of New Zealands most versatile film, television, radio and stage performers. A highlight of his acting career was playing the featured role of 'Gamling', King Theodens general, in 2 of Peter Jacksons trilogy of films, The Lord Of The Rings. In Nov 2010 Bruce won the Best Nationwide Master of Ceremonies Award at the Corporate Events Guide Peoples Choice Awards. Accommodation: Auckland City
Day 2: Auckland – Matamata-Taupo (Hobbiton) driving distance 3h
We take you through the Waikato district, passing lush grass for raising cattle, thoroughbred horses and a vast stand of exotic timber. The Waikato region of the North Island is one of the richest farming areas in New Zealand. We stop at the tranquil pastoral setting of 'Hobbiton' in Matamata. A Tour guide will escort you through the remains of the original Hobbit Village. Take a walk up to Bagshot Row to Bag End, to stand outside the most famous Hobbit hole in Middle-Earth. This is the only location left in NZ were you can see remains of the original set of LotR! We pass the centre of Maori culture “Rotorua” and take a journey through a world of unique thermal formations at Waitapu Thermal Wonderland. See the fascinating 'Champagne Pool” with the panorama of vividly colourful hot and cold pools, steaming fumaroles and boiling mud. We stop at the Huka Falls - these spectacular falls roar through a 15-m wide chasm before plunging a further 11-m. The destination for the day is the township Taupo. From here you have spectacular views over New Zealand largest lake onto the Volcanic Plato. The town is based in the middle of a magical geothermal area and is world renown for trout fishing, hunting and outdoors adventures. Accommodation: Lake Taupo
Day 3: Taupo-Tongariro National Park-Mokai Valley (Volcanic area) driving distance 3h
After breakfast we take you to the Volcanic Loop to view New Zealand's most accessible live volcano, magnificent Mt. Ruapehu. Take a walk around the pristine native forest of Tongariro National Park and experience the desolate Landscape and sites of Emyn Muil. Pause at the Tawha Falls (The Henneth Annum). We will walk with you over lava stones fields! You’ll have views over magnificent valleys, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. With blasted volcanic rock, steep bluffs and ash, little imagination is required to envisage Modor. After exploring Mt Ruhapehu we reach the next film location, and have a stop at Mangewhero Falls to imagine Column’s catching a fish in the cold water. We travel deep into farming country to the remote Mokai Valley, where the picturesque Rangitikei River meets the rugged Ruahine Ranges. For thrill seekers, we pass the highest North Island bungy jumping bridge and the largest flying Fox in the world, travel in an exhilarating speed up to 160km in hours through the stunning valley, on our was to our accommodation. (Highly recommended) Accommodation: Matai Valley Farm-stay
Day 4: Rangitikei River (Soft rafting trip in Mokai Valley)
Relax in the morning, swim in the pool or take a 4wheel drive with the hosts through their farm property. At midday we take you on a rafting trip through the gentle rapids and the crystal clear waters of the Rangitikei River, which is located near our accomodation. We pass secret waterfalls and unbelievable scenery as you float quietly through Middle Earth and pass places where scenes from the Movie were shot. Here you can stop to fish, swim or have a picnic. (3 hour rafting trip!) For our thrill seekers! We can organize instead of a soft rafting experience a 5 grade adventure rafting ride through the same valley. Unwind and relax with a home cooked dinner at this magical place. Just before settle back in your Tree house, take a soak in a hot pool, which overlooks this remote valley. Accommodation: Matai Valley Farm-stay
Day 5: Rangitikei River-Waiarapa (Putangiua Pinnacles) driving distance 4h
We pass the River Anduin and travel to the lower East Coast of the North Island. One of the most unusual geographical landscapes in New Zealand the Putangirua Pinnacles. We hike along the steam bed to the Pinnacles, have lunch and imagine “Legolos” telling the story of the army of the dead. (2 to 3 hour hike). In the afternoon get close with our fur seals and walk between these beautiful creatures, one of the largest colonies of native seals in the country. Take the opportunity to visit the renowned Martinborough wine-growing region, an easy drive from your lodge. Martinborough's wines are internationally acclaimed, particularly its Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Why not have dinner in the vineyard cafe or check out the boutique stores and galleries in the area? Accommodation: Waiarapa
Day 6: Waiarapa Wellington (Weta Cave) driving distance 4h
On a very windy and high-elevated road we drive you from the Waiarapa region to the Hutt Valley and the East Coast. Not far from there is the Kaitohe National Park and the site of the set of Rivendell and the Fords of Isen. We reach the capital of Wellington in the afternoon. We take you on a brief tour through town and to the Parliament building. In the centre of the metropolitan area is Mt. Victoria which provided the perfect location for the out “Shire”. A green tunnel of trees will take you to the spot where the Hobbits take refuge from “Nazgul”. If you like visit the Weta Cave in Miramar. The Weta Cave screens a first-ever behind-the-scenes look at Weta and interviews with Weta co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk. We give you exclusive insight into the creativity and imagination that goes into crafting the art of Weta. As an evening entertainment you can watch one of our new movies in the Embassy Theatre which held the world premier of the third Trilogy 'The Return of the Kings. Accommodation: Wellington City
Day 7: Wellington-Marlborough Sounds-Nelson (Ferry crossing) ferry 3,5h - driving distance 3h
This morning we board a Ferry to cross the Cook Strait; encounter a glorious world as the ferry enters the Marlborough Sounds, from the Tory Channel into the Queen Charlotte Sound. You will see a region of myriad inlets and bays, with dramatic hills that plunge steeply into the sea. Apples, cherries and classic wine varietal grapes are well suited to the mild climate and sunshine in the Marlborough and Nelson areas. Many vineyards have opened retail and food outlets here; we will take you on a wine tour. Nelson is also known for its vibrant arts and handcrafts scene. 300 Artisans are based in the Nelson area, so it is no wonder that the “One Ring” was created by one of the local jewellers in City Centre. In Richmond you find the Harrington Brewers that brew a special beer for Hobbiton. Accommodation: Nelson area
Day 8: Nelson–Able Tasman Park (hike or scenic flight Able Tasman Park) driving distance return 2h
We take you further West to the Able Tasman Park and climb the summit of Takata Hill, with rocky marble outcrops. Just a short distance from here you pass a stand of trees where “Aragorn” led the Hobbits into the wilds after leaving the “Bree”. In the afternoon join a small Water taxi that will take us into one of the many beautiful bays and to a golden sand beach into the centre of the Abel Tasman National Park and hike back through on a small coast trail in the rainforest. Or Experience the Abel Tasman National Park from both the air and the water. The flight departs from the Motueka airfield taking in the coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park before landing at Awaroa. If you choose you can extend the flight out over Golden Bay and Farewell Spit. Discuss this with Abel Tasman Air prior to departure.(extra charges) Awaroa beach is your pick up point for your boat journey south along the stunning coastline, or if you like you can take the 1 hour walk from Awaroa to Tonga Beach, and meet the boat there. The boats depart at a number of times during the day. Timing for the boat transfer is arranged on the day so you can spend some hours relaxing on the beach, or catch the next available boat. A short bus trip from Marahau or Kaiteriteri Beach gets you back to your vehicle at the Motueka Airfield. Eat at the smoked fish restaurant or enjoy the best green lipped mussels in the world from one of the restaurants at Mapua. Optional and for extra costs: Helicopter flight to Mt Olympus in the Kahurangi National Park. Which is one of the most spectacular landscapes in “The fellowship of the Rings” (very highly recommended). Accommodation: Nelson area
Day 9: Nelson-Lake Tekapo (Grand traverse scenic flight) driving distance 3h
We have a long drive ahead to get to our final accommodation for the night, Lake Tekapo. The beautiful coastal road to Kaikoura gets you in the right mood to enjoy watching wildlife, like seals and dolphins. We will pass Christchurch before we head for the tussocks wilds of the Mackenzie Country. The peaks of Aoraki ia situated in the Mt Cook National Park which is a vast contrast to the flat grass plains. Passing the Southern Alps, the backbone of the South Island, with every peak being at least 3000m high, the scenery was an obvious choice to portray the Misty Mountains. We will go over the Burkess Pass from Fairlie in the North into the Mackenzie Basin and across the tussock plains, where you have the first view of the turquoise-blue lake of Lake Tekapo. In the afternoon we take you on with another adventure! In an airplane that will take you on a spectacular scenic flight over Mt Cook and surrounding areas. You will see from the air Mt Cook, Mt Gunn, and our unique Glaciers on the rouged West Coast of New Zealand. The Mountain Range of Minas Tirith was shot just at the base of Mt Cook and The Lightening of the Beacon was filmed at our most famous Glacier “ Franz Josef Glacier”. A flight of a lifetime, called the 'Grand Traverse', is a spectacular scenic flight-seeing experience allowing you to explore the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks Beautiful turquoise glacial lakes, golden tussock lands and braided river systems of the Mackenzie basin. Glide high over remote High Country Sheep Stations, glacial valleys and landforms of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park – a magical world of permanent ice and snow. Accommodation: Lake Tekapo
Day 10: Lake Tekao-Mt Cook-Queenstown (Skippers Cannon) driving distance 3h
Leaving Lake Tekapo the road continues towards Lake Pukaki and a short trip later we reach the location of the Pelennor fields near Twizel. This was the place of the largest battle scene in the trilogy. In the morning we take you on a small boat trip to the bottom of Tasman Glacier. The only tour of its kind in New Zealand, and one of three in the world! Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer of these are accessible to the average person.On the way from lake Wanaka to Queenstown we take a shortcut and travel through the Cardrona Valley, the highest valley in the country. The views from this height are expansive. You can spot from here the River Anduin and Dimrille Dale. We stop at the most picturesque and best-preserved gold mining settlement in New Zealand “Arrowtown”. The old town and the nearby river was used to film the “Ford of Bruinen and “The gladden Fields”. In the late afternoon (very weather dependent) we drive you on a very rugged and tortures road deep into Skippers canyon, The Part close to the Bridge was used for one of the most dramatic scenes from the Fellowship of the Rings: (Arwen faces the Nazgul at the Ford of Bruinen) Accommodation: Lake Hayes near Queenstown and Arrowtown
Day 11: Queenstown - Glengorchy (Dart river wilderness jet boat safari)
Queenstown is the top adventure and activity centre in New Zealand. Most of the cast was based here and major movie parts were filmed in this region. Today we have planned a jet boat ride through Lothlorien country, and walk to Isengard, Nan Curunir (the Wizard's Vale) 'Methedras'Lothlorien'Amon Hen Forests reminiscent of the Old Forest or Mirkwood the Great Fanghorn Forest. Pause at the 12-mile Delta (Ithilien Camp) and at Closeburn (Amon Hen). It was in these hills Frodo Baggins, escaping Boromir, clambered up onto the 'Seat of Seeing' and was confronted by The Eye of Sauron. The forests at Paradise were the location for the golden wood of Lothlorien, home of the Elven Queen Galadriel for over 3500 years. We stop for a brief walk ithrough these ancient forests, which was also one of the locations for Amon Hen - the scene of that final dramatic action in the Fellowship of the Ring, where Boromir succumbs to the Orc attack where Merry & Pippin are captured. And all through the journey your safari offers great views of Nan Curunír the Valley of Saruman. An Additional option for early risers: Visit Deer Parks or the Remarkable’s for stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and the township of Queenstown. (Several scene were filmed in both areas) Accommodation: Lake Hayes near Queenstown and Arrowtown
Day 12: Queenstown - Milford Sound driving (Encounter cruise) distance 4h return
Today we have another long day ahead. We are heading for the spectacular “Milford Sound”, described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world, was carved out during successive ice ages and, at its deepest point off Mitre Peak, plunges to a depth of 265 meters. We take you on a day cruise into the magnificent wonder-world. View the Bowen Falls, hurtling 165 meters into the sea, and the Stirling Falls further down the sound, set amidst the towering cliffs and dwarfed by Mitre Peak (showcased in the film). Our bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals and Fiordland Crested Penguins are resident in the fiord and can be viewed up close from the launch cruises. An Additional option for early risers: Near Te Anau, the entrance of the Fiordland National Park we drive you into a wonderful forest of red and silver beeches, which seem untouched for millions of years. This bushy glade portrait the “Fangorn Forest” Optional and for extra costs: Helicopter flight over Glengorchy into Milford Sounds with landing at Skippers canyon! (Very highly recommended) Accommodation: Lake Hayes near Queenstown and Arrowtown
Day 13: Queenstown – Oamaru (Pollburn Lake) driving distance 3h
On our last day we take you from Queenstown along the Kawarau River to Cromwell. First we stop to take spectacular views of the Anduin and Agonath “The Pillars of the Kings. Although the pillars were computer-generated into each side of the river, the area is instantly recognizable. In the old days people were lured into this area by the hope to find gold. Today it is the center of stone fruit farms in New Zealand. A small road will take us to Poolburn and the location on “Rohan”. The Pollburn Lake gives an excellent view across the location of the small village where “Morwen send her children to safety before the attack. The area surrounding the Ida Valley was used to extensively portray “Rohan”. For a break we walk the streets of the main town of Otago, Oamaru. This town has the best-preserved collection of historical buildings in New Zealand. It is also known for its large blue penguin colonies and fur seals along the coast line. Your last evening in the Lord of the Rings Land! Accommodation: Oamaru
Day 14: Oamaru - Christchurch Departure (Late departure from Airport) driving distance 3h
Before midday we reach the capital of the South Island Christchurch. If time allows we will wonder around the art centre and shops in the city centre for your last presents you would like to take home. Reflect on your journey at your last meal in New Zealand in one of the many restaurants of the Inner city. Your guide brings you to your departure flight at Christchurch Airport.
Prices:
We are specialized in custom made tours for the desiring traveller. Each tour package will be tailored to your specific needs. Individual choices of accommodation style and the amount of activities you anticipate in will reflect on the general overall cost of the tour. Please make an enquiry.
Accommodation:
We use quality accommodations which are handpicked and have great hosts and are located in beautiful locations. All rooms are modern with private on suites or bathrooms! If you decide on 5 Star travel that we will offer you the best boutique lodging that New Zealand has to offer.
Dining:
We have decided not to include lunches and most dinners in the package (Exceptions’: Wilderness and Farm-stays and superior Lodges are inclusive private dinners), as we believe that each individual has different needs and tastes and that New Zealand had great restaurants in each area, that are within reach. It also allows you to choose places to your own budget. Your guide will advise you in each area about your best options. Special dietary needs can be catered for.
Activities:
We pride ourselves on a wide range of activities in your tour package. We chosen those that we feel will enhance your New Zealand experiences. You can participate in as many or as few as you like. If you are unable to participate in any activity or there are weather restrictions, alternatives will be provided where possible. Please check our activity list on 'Links' site
Transport:
All our vehicles are comfortable, luxury sedans (max 4 people) or luxury vans (max 8 people).
Support:
You will receive detailed pre-trip information. Including passport and visa requirements, packing tips and general travel information for New Zealand!
We have professional office staff to help you plan every aspect of your trip inside of New Zealand.
Guiding:
You will be accompanied throughout your visit by an experienced and trained Aroha NZ Tour guide. All our guides have a likened P endorsement driver licenses which means they have the legal approval to drive paying passengers and first aid certificate. They will take care of all your personal needs and basic details, leaving you the time to relax and enjoy this unique experience.