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New Zealand Middle Earth Self Drive

  • Auckland
  • Blenheim
  • Christchurch
  • Tongariro National Park
  • Wellington
  • Lake Tekapo
  • Queenstown
  • 13 nights from
  • £4,325 per person

    • Trip Code: SD-1348

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Holiday Overview

New Zealand Middle Earth Self Drive

 

Embark on an epic self-drive adventure through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, a journey tailor-made for fans of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings. Your unforgettable expedition will take you through lush forests, rolling hills, and dramatic fjords, mirroring the enchanting backdrops of the beloved film trilogy. Starting in Auckland, you'll wind your way south, visiting iconic filming locations such as the ethereal Hobbiton in Matamata, the majestic Tongariro National Park, which doubled as the ominous Mount Doom, and the enchanting Fiordland National Park. Along the way, immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the Maori people, savor local cuisine, and experience the magic of New Zealand's breathtakingly diverse landscapes, all while retracing the footsteps of Frodo, Gandalf, and the Fellowship in their epic quest to save Middle-earth. This self-drive holiday promises an adventure that will resonate with fans and nature enthusiasts alike, forging unforgettable memories in the heart of Middle-earth.

New Zealand Middle Earth Self Drive includes:

  • International Flights
  • 13 nights Accommodation
  • Car Hire
  • Interisland Ferry
  • Sightseeing tours as detailed
1

Day 1 - Auckland

Arrive in Auckland, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Featured accommodation

Copthorne Hotel Auckland City

2

Day 2 - Auckland

Enjoy a full day exploring Auckland at your own pace - speak to your consultant with regard to the many day trips and tours that are available

Featured accommodation

Copthorne Hotel Auckland City

3

Day 3 - Hobbiton

Collect your rental vehicle and drive South to Matamata and the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. After your included buffet lunch at the Green Dragon Inn, continue to your accommodation

 

Unmissable Experiences

Hobbiton
4

Day 4 - Tongariro National Park

This morning take a "Hairy Feet Waitomo" tour covering filming locations in the region, in the afternoon visit Mount Ngauruhoe in Tongariro National Park, which was used as a filming location for Mount Doom.

Featured accommodation

The Powderhorn Chateau

5

Day 5 - Wellington

Perhaps spend the morning exploring more of Tongariro National Park before driving to the worlds coolest little capital - Wellington

Featured accommodation

Rydges Wellington

6

Day 6 - Weta Workshop

Today enjoy a full day tour of the famous Weta Workshop and various filming locations in the area. You will also stop at the Mount Victoria lookout for a panoramic view of the city.

Featured accommodation

Rydges Wellington

7

Day 7 - Blenheim

Catch the scenic Interislander Ferry, from Wellington to Picton and continue onwards to Blenheim in the heart of the Martinborough Wine Country, perhaps visit a vineyard and savour some of the local produce.

Featured accommodation

Scenic Hotel Marlborough

8

Day 8 - Christchurch

Travel along the South Islands East Coast to the largest city on the island, Christchurch. En-Route stop of at the town of Kaikoura.

Featured accommodation

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

9

Day 9 - Christchurch

Today your day tour takes you on a journey to the remote and beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday. Take a short guided walk to stand on the summit of Edoras and enjoy the breathtaking 360 degree views.  See the Misty Mountains and the area that formed the backdrop to Helms Deep.

Featured accommodation

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

10

Day 10 - Lake Tekapo

Half way between Christchurch and Queenstown lies the pretty town of Tekapo, picturesque by day the town is also a wonderful location for stargazing.

Featured accommodation

Peppers Bluewater Resort

11

Day 11 - Queenstown

Take the lovely drive to Queenstown, Perhaps detour via Wanaka for some extra breathtaking scenery.

Featured accommodation

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown

12

Day 12 - Queenstown

Today your Safari of the Scenes full day tour offers goldpanning, 4WD river crossings in the Arrow Gorge and a great overview of the diverse scenery of the Queenstown/ Arrowtown area - from towns, to rolling farmland, rugged Skippers Canyon, and mountains, to the famous Kawarau Gorge bungy bridge. You will view the film locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), the site of Isildur's fall, and the Ford of Bruinen. You'll also overlook Deer Park Heights, where the Rohan refugees and the battle with the Wargs were filmed. 

Featured accommodation

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown

13

Day 13 - Queenstown

Today we have left as a blank canvas, enjoy a lazy day at leisure in Queenstown, or maybe take a day tour to the stunning Milford Sound Fjord 

Featured accommodation

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown

14

Day 14 - Queenstown

Say goodbye to Middle Earth, return your hire car to the airport and catch your onwards flight.

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