'Not all those who wander are lost...' Explore the South Island and experience its role in creating Tolkein's Middle Earth. See why it was perfectly cast as Middle Earth and integral to bringing Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to life in film.
During your 2 week adventure you’ll explore a variety of landscapes from the films, including Beorn’s House, the Anduin River and the Misty Mountains to name a few. With many guided tours, scenic flights and jet boat rides, this is a thrilling way to discover Middle Earth for yourself.
Family touringThe Hobbit & LOTRWildlife & natureThis Tour Also Features
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Included transfer(s)- Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation- Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Train Station
- Meals included: Meals included: 13 breakfasts, 1 dinner
On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.
Christchurch New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore the city or easy way to see the sights or ride the historic trams across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral, that's right it is built of cardboard!
Your accommodation: The George Hotel
The George is the essence of supreme comfort. The award-winning 5 star hotel is opposite Hagley Park and just a few minutes stroll from the Botanic Gardens. It also has an award-winning restaurant, 50 Bistro onsite.
Journey to the remote and beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday. See how this spectacular mountain was transformed into Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Marvel at its rugged unspoiled beauty and breathe in the clear mountain air, while you indulge in a gourmet sparkling wine picnic.
Your accommodation: The George Hotel
The George is the essence of supreme comfort. The award-winning 5 star hotel is opposite Hagley Park and just a few minutes stroll from the Botanic Gardens. It also has an award-winning restaurant, 50 Bistro onsite.
A private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the Christchurch train station in time for your train journey.
Your early morning departure is rewarded with incredible scenery today onboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, considered one of the world's great train journeys. It travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through the lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth, a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the West Coast glaciers.
Our rental car range includes the latest vehicles from the top suppliers. We have a fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige sedans and SUVs. Insurance can often be included with a small excess or deductible.
Leaving Greymouth you will head south into Glacier Country. Pass through Hokitika and be sure to take a detour to the spectacular Hokitika Gorge, the famous turquoise-coloured river surrounded by native bush-clad cliffs.
Continue on through Ross, a historic gold mining town where several buildings still remain intact and still to this day one of New Zealand's working gold mines. As you travel further down the coast you’ll also go through Hari Hari, the town where Guy Menzies, the first person to fly solo over the Tasman crash landed. Heading south along the mighty West Coast highway you pass through ancient temperate rainforests while getting sneak peeks of the wild west coast beach occasionally. Whataroa is the next town where you can see one of the world's rarest birds, the New Zealand white heron or Kotuku nest at the Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve, and guided tours from October to March will take you there. Arriving in Franz Josef township is a lively place with a great atmosphere, restaurants including Blue Ice and Snakebite are worth a meal. This small town is packed with walks, adventure, and scenic activities, something for everyone.
Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Only a breath away from the Franz Josef Glacier, Scenic Hotel is located in the heart of Franz Josef Village. Here you will find all of the amenities you would expect, as well as being close to the shops, restaurants and activities on offer in the beautiful Westland region.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 167 kms / 104 miles : 2.0 hours
Heading south you will climb over the Fox hills before arriving at the small town of Fox Glacier. If it's a nice day enjoy spectacular reflections of snowcapped mountains in Lake Matheson, located just 5 minutes west of Fox. Heading south from fox enjoy the amazing scenery of the Southern Alps, and sneak peeks of the rugged beaches while winding through ancient temperate rainforests. Paringa Salmon Farm is worth a stop to stretch your legs, feed the fish, and stop for lunch and refreshments. At Knights Point Lookout, elephant seals can often be seen basking on the sandy beaches at the far end of the point. Crossing the Haast River you’ll turn inland and through the mountainous valley littered with waterfalls. A great suggested stop along this route is the Blue Pools. Continue on past lakes Hawea and Wanaka into the alpine township of Wanaka.
Your accommodation: Edgewater
Edgewater is Wanaka's leading hotel located right on the edge of Lake Wanaka. A short stroll to the town centres shops, cafes and restaurants and close to many walking trails the resort is ideal to explore this wonderful Alpine setting.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 283 kms / 176 miles : 3.3 hours
Experience an exclusive 5 hour guided tour over Lord of the Rings country. Get an Eagle's eye view of Middle Earth! Your Helicopter follows the Eagles flight with a landing on glaciated Fog Peak, to admire Mt Aspiring (3033m) and its surrounding glacial panorama of the breath-taking Southern Alps. From this vantage point you'll see 3 Trilogy film sites. Skimming the razor back ridges, you'll fly and land on Treble Cone's "The Towers Ridge." Soak in the view between the Towers and then walk the very footsteps that the legendary Dwarves, Wizard, and little heroic Ring carrier traversed in their quest over the top of the Misty Mountains, as seen in the Hobbiton movie. On your quest, you will descend 2 hours of guided hike from 2000m, traversing the ridge line, revealing huge rock pillars, canyons, cliffs and glaciers thundering into rivers which join the beautiful jewel blue Lake far below. This downhill walk has amazing diversity, revealing unexpected wonders and is home to the fearless Falcon, and the curious Kea, a unique and inquisitive mountain parrot. Turn your fantasy into reality and traverse the Misty Mountains! This is a truly alpine experience made easily accessible, a real adventure!
Includes: 2 4WD trips, 2 scenic helicopter flights, 2 alpine landings, lunch and refreshments
A moderate fitness level is required for this activity.
Your accommodation: Edgewater
Edgewater is Wanaka's leading hotel located right on the edge of Lake Wanaka. A short stroll to the town centres shops, cafes and restaurants and close to many walking trails the resort is ideal to explore this wonderful Alpine setting.
Leaving Wanaka, you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road, before dropping into Queenstown. This drive only takes about an hour, but you should allow more time to enjoy the magnificent scenery and explore the walks and many stops en route, including the Cardrona Distillery, wonderful views from Crown Range's highest point over Queenstown, the picturesque town of Arrowtown, and if time allows, even the wineries in Gibbston.
Your accommodation: Hidden Lodge Queenstown
Comfort, relaxation and good company is just a standard offering at Hidden Lodge. Overlooking Lake Wakatipu to the mountain ranges, Hidden’s unobstructed views will mesmerise all. The property prides itself on providing an under-stated luxurious accommodation, allowing you to embrace the local environment on the outskirts of Queenstown.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 60 kms / 38 miles : 0.9 hours
For those keen on Lord Of The Rings this is the tour for you. Go on a scenic adventure through some of the iconic locations used in the filming. Although none of the sets are left behind, the landscapes will be instantly recognisable. Follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the small town of Glenorchy and enjoy the spectacular views of the Remarkables Range as you drive. From Glenorchy you'll head into the beech forests of Paradise, located on the outskirts of Mount Aspiring National Park - before heading up the dart valley and back. Film locations you'll see include Isengard, Lothlorien, Ithilien Camp and the Seat of Seeing.
Your accommodation: Hidden Lodge Queenstown
Comfort, relaxation and good company is just a standard offering at Hidden Lodge. Overlooking Lake Wakatipu to the mountain ranges, Hidden’s unobstructed views will mesmerise all. The property prides itself on providing an under-stated luxurious accommodation, allowing you to embrace the local environment on the outskirts of Queenstown.
This is the top pick from the Heliworks team. Lift off from Heliworks for a flight across the Richardson Mountains; fly over schist covered slopes and views of historical gold mining sites on your way to this exclusive landing site. Just after the Dart and Rees rivers meet near Lake Wakatipu you will see Mt Earnslaw (also known by its Maori name of Pikirakatahi) with the Earnslaw Glacier its crowning glory! Fly along the valley before the breath-taking vista of cascading waterfalls and the hanging glacier opens up before you. Enjoy a landing at this magnificent spot; explore the valley with the Earnslaw Glacier towering above you and an astounding number of waterfalls spilling down the valley walls. Return to Heliworks with views of Coronet Peak and Queenstown itself. Trip Duration is 1 hour.
Your accommodation: Hidden Lodge Queenstown
Comfort, relaxation and good company is just a standard offering at Hidden Lodge. Overlooking Lake Wakatipu to the mountain ranges, Hidden’s unobstructed views will mesmerise all. The property prides itself on providing an under-stated luxurious accommodation, allowing you to embrace the local environment on the outskirts of Queenstown.
As you traverse the shores of Lake Wakatipu you'll see The Remarkables mountain range towering over your approach to the small township of Kingston. Continue towards Southland before crossing the rolling tussock lands of Mossburn (deer capital of New Zealand) and shortly arriving into Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Your accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
The perfect base for all your Fiordland travel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Te Anau.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 164 kms / 102 miles : 1.9 hours
Jet boat down the Waiau river, across Lake Manapouri, to the ancient forest of the Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the thrill of jet boating down the majestic trout-filled Waiau River, to the serene Lake Manapouri. Step foot into the Fiordland National Park and go for a short walk while learning about the ancient beech forest and ferns. Your jet boat ride includes a number of stops at the exact locations of the filming the "Fellowship of the Ring" on the Waiau or Anduin River, where the driver will tell you the inside story of the filming the Lord of the Rings on this river. The trip will also include some thrilling 360 degree turns and spins as well as interesting interpretation about the flora and fauna and the local European and Maori history.
Your accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
The perfect base for all your Fiordland travel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Te Anau.
The drive from Te Anau to Dunedin takes you through classic Southland farmland scenery but if you want to spend the whole day exploring a little off the beaten path than taking the Southern Scenic Route through The Catlins is highly recommended. Following the incredible Otago coastline to Invercargill the route passes through Manapouri and onto Tuatapere before Colac Bay and the fishing town of Riverton. From Invercargill the route hugs the coastline and there are many side-trips to secluded and deserted beaches and bays to explore before you arrive into the remarkable Edwardian City of Dunedin.
Your accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Distinction Dunedin Hotel occupies the grand Chief Post Office built in the 1930’s. This art deco inspired building has recently been transformed into a 4 star hotel with elegant décor, set in the heart of the city.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 285 kms / 177 miles : 3.3 hours
Heading north from Dunedin your first stop should be Moeraki to explore the famous and unique boulders strewn on the beach. Before heading inland along the Waitaki Valley you pass through the historic township of Oamaru and its Stone buildings. Take time to head into the old quarter and if your timing is right you may get to see some of the local resident little blue penguins. The Waitaki Valley makes a large contribution to New Zealand's electricity supply with its 3 hydro dams. Arriving into Omarama you are now truly in the high country but don't think these vast empty lands are useless, these are some of the country's most productive merino sheep stations. The turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki guide you the final 45 minutes to Aoraki Mount Cook Village.
Please note: There are no food shops at Mount Cook, and dinner options are limited to one restaurant. If you wish to self-cater, you must stock up before arriving in Mount Cook, or make dinner reservations in advance.
Your accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium
The Hermitage Hotel ringed by magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, is a world-renowned tourist destination and has been an icon of superior accommodation and dining since 1884.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 317 kms / 196 miles : 3.7 hours
Leaving Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, travel a short distance before stopping at the visitor centre on the southern shores of Lake Pukaki. Learn about the formation of the region and take in the spectacular views of Mount Cook. Lake Tekapo also displays the same reflective qualities of Lake Pukaki, making the waters a bright turquoise. You’ll go through the small town of Tekapo, home to some of the most photographed subjects in the country, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue. It's a great place to take a scenic flight, enjoy a guided horse trek, a boat trip on the pristine lake or just marvel at the magnificent views. From here you travel through Burkes Pass and into the rich farming valley that surrounds Geraldine. Continue on across the vast Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch City, your destination for the night.
Your accommodation: The George Hotel
The George is the essence of supreme comfort. The award-winning 5 star hotel is opposite Hagley Park and just a few minutes stroll from the Botanic Gardens. It also has an award-winning restaurant, 50 Bistro onsite.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 327 kms / 203 miles : 3.7 hours
Explore more of Christchurch before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 7 kms / 5 miles : 0.2 hours
Pure Journeys - Privacy Policy
Last review: 28 March 2024
1. About this Privacy Policy
1.1 This is the Privacy Policy for Inside Australia Travel Pty Ltd ABN 34 661 344 690 (IAT Inside Australia Travel, us, we, our). This Privacy Policy sets out Inside Australia Travel’s obligations in line with the Australian
Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR - Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council) - as it applies to persons in the
European Union who interact with us. A reference to ‘Personal Information’ in this policy is a reference to both ‘Personal Information’ as defined in the Privacy Act and to ‘Personal Data’ for the purposes of the GDPR (if it applies to you).
1.2 This Privacy Policy does not deal with IAT’s obligations under the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand), which are dealt with by New Zealand Fine Touring Ltd https://nzft.co.nz
1.3 This Privacy Policy sets out the different types of Personal Information we collect, why we collect it and what you can do if you would like to remove yourself from our mailing list, correct any details we may hold about you, or exercise other rights you have.
1.4 We will update this Privacy Policy from time to time at our discretion, and we will notify you of updates. You can visit our website to see the latest copy of the Privacy Policy.
1.5 By using our site or acquiring goods or services from us, you consent to us applying this Privacy Policy and to our website Terms of Use, if any.
2. What Personal Information Do We Collect?
2.1 We collect the following Personal Information:
(a) personal identification information including: name, email, address, telephone numbers, dates of birth, itineraries; and
(b) information you supply in emails, requests for services, information we must pass on to third party suppliers.
3. How Do We Collect and Store Your Personal Information?
3.1 We collect Personal Information in a number of ways, including:
(a) information submitted through our website;
(b) in some cases, through web analytics;
(c) being provided it by third parties who you deal with; and
(d) through communications with you, including emails, and voice calls.
3.2 We hold Personal Information:
(a) in systems that we use in connection with our business, some of which may be owned and operated by our suppliers; and
(b) in our hard copy files; and
(c) in the databases associated with our website.
3.3 Provided that it is lawful and practical, we will give you the option of not identifying yourself, using a pseudonym, or not providing Personal Information when you enter into a transaction or deal with us. However, if you elect not to provide us with Personal Information then it is unlikely we are able to provide you with the information, products, services or support that you may want.
3.4 We may receive other unsolicited Personal Information in the course of our business. We will deal with this unsolicited Personal Information in accordance with this policy.
3.5 We will retain your Personal Information for as long as needed or permitted in light of the purpose(s) for which it was obtained. The criteria used to determine our retention periods include:
(a) the length of time we have an ongoing relationship with you and provide services to you;
(b) legal obligations we may have to keep (or destroy) your data; or
(c) legal advice we receive (such as in regard to litigation, regulatory investigations or applicable statutes of limitation).
4. What Do We Use Your Personal Information For?
4.1 We collect, hold, use and disclose Personal Information for the following purposes:
(a) supplying you with goods and services;
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(c) improving the website experience of our visitors; and
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5. Do we share your information?
5.1 We may send Personal Information outside Australia in the following circumstances:
(a) where our website, or any hosting service we use to support our managed services, software or software as a service, is hosted by us or a third party, and the hosting facilities and/or the back-up/disaster recovery sites are located overseas. We have no control over where these third party providers host the website and it is impractical for us to be able to advise you of the countries where the Personal Information may be held or processed;
(b) where a third party application is being used in connection with our interactions with you, e.g. when we use email, help desk or VoIP providers, the third party providers of the relevant application may have their applications hosted overseas. We have no control over where these third party providers host their applications and it is impractical for us to be able to advise you of the countries where the Personal Information may be held or processed; or
(c) where we must do so to give you the benefits of what you have paid for.
When we send Personal Information outside Australia for processing we will enter into formal contracts with those processors, which will contain privacy terms and conditions that allow us to meet our privacy obligations to you.
6. Use of Social Media
Our website includes links to social media, including blogs, Twitter feeds, Facebook, Instagram, and similar services. The nature of social media is that these applications actively enable exchange and disclosure of any information, whether personal or otherwise, that is included within those applications. All information, including Personal Information that you enter in those applications may be used, stored, handled and disclosed in any way that is consistent with the privacy policies of the relevant applications, if any. We have no control over those interactions.
7. Cookies
7.1 Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard internet log information and visitor behaviour information. When you visit our website, we may collect information from you automatically through cookies or similar technology.
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7.3 If you do not allow cookies to be used some or all of the website or other applications or tools on it might not be accessible to you and you may not be able to purchase goods from us.
8. Your Rights Regarding Your Personal Information
8.1 You have the right to access your Personal Information that we hold, and request that it be rectified or erased. If you want to access your Personal Information we hold or you believe any of your Personal. Information that is held by us is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading or it is not necessary for us to continue to hold it, you can contact us, and we will either provide you with access to the Personal Information (in so far as we are required to do so by law,) or we will correct it, as applicable, within a reasonable period. We may make a reasonable charge for giving you access to your Personal Information, but we will not charge for you making the request, correcting Personal Information or making a statement as to why we are not correcting your Personal Information.
8.2 In certain circumstances if you raise a complaint on how we have handled your Personal Information, you may also request that we ‘restrict processing’ meaning that the data will be preserved from further processing ‘as evidence’ either while we investigate your complaint or to support your complaint to the Australian Information Commissioner.
8.3 Where you have provided your personal data directly to us that is processed by automated means and is done so solely on the basis of your consent, then you will have the right to obtain your personal data in an electronic format for your own purposes across different services.
8.4 You have the right to object any aspect of our processing of your personal data under certain circumstances under the GDPR. ‘Processing’ is the term under that law that describes all uses of your personal data. This will include the collection, sharing, storage, retention and destruction of your data.
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9. Complaints
9.1 If you wish to complain about a breach of any Australian Privacy Principle that binds us, a registered privacy code that binds us, the GDPR or this Privacy Policy, then you should contact us using the information in the Contact Us section of this Privacy Policy.
9.2 We will use our best efforts to respond to any complaint within 5 business days of the date of receipt. We will attempt to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction. If you are not satisfied with how we deal with your complaint you may contact the Australian Information Commissioner, whose contact details can be found at http://www.oaic.gov.au/.
10. Mobile APP location permissions
If you use our APP please be aware of the following. The APP collects location data to display real-time risk alerts and personalised assistance notification features, even when the APP is closed and not in use. This option can be changed in the settings on your own device.
11. Contacting Us
11.1 If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy or your information, we invite you to contact the privacy officer by :
(a) email at the following email address privacy@nzft.co.nz
(b) writing to: Privacy officer, 73 Brownston Street, Wanaka, Otago 9305, NEW ZEALAND.