Tour title bar

14 Day Journey to Middle Earth

14 days 13 nights
Christchurch to Christchurch
from NZD$6,455pp
Breadcrumb
Tour summary and feature with map

'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 & nature

This Tour Also Features

Tour full itinerary
Itinerary
Day One - Arrive Christchurch City, transfer to accommodation and rest of day at leisure
Tour day 1
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 1
Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Welcome to Christchurch City

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!

Accommodation: The George Hotel
Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & Hotels
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.

Return to Top

Day Two - Explore the Canterbury High Country on a full day Lord of the Rings Edoras tour
Tour day 2
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 2
Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour

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.

Accommodation: The George Hotel
Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & Hotels
Meals included: Breakfast
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.

Return to Top

Day Three - Take the stunning TranzAlpine scenic train across the Southern Alps, then drive to Franz Josef
Tour day 3
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 3
Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Train Station

A private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the Christchurch train station in time for your train journey.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train Christchurch to Greymouth

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.

Collect your rental car

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.

GPS navigation

Navigating New Zealand can be done easily in two ways. If you have a smartphone, you will be able to connect it to the USB of your rental car and your maps and other apps will display on the screen in the centre console of your vehicle, with the sound coming through the car speakers.
If you don't have a smartphone, chat to us to ensure we book you a car with a portable GPS system. Your portable GPS features a simple touch screen interface, with automatic route calculation and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions, which announces street names. The automotive-grade GPS unit is easy to use and has multiple language options.

Greymouth to Franz Josef

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.  

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast
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

Return to Top

Day Four - Continue south and across the Haast Pass to Wanaka
Tour day 4
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 4
Franz Josef to Wanaka

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.

Accommodation: Edgewater
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast
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

Return to Top

Day Five - Today you'll follow in the footsteps of Hobbits in the Misty Mountains near Wanaka
Tour day 5
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 5
Misty Mountains Traverse Heli-Hike

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.

Accommodation: Edgewater
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast
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.

Return to Top

Day Six - Today you cross New Zealand's highest sealed road to Queenstown
Tour day 6
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 6
Wanaka to Queenstown

Leaving Wanaka you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Queenstown. This drive should be planned as a whole day to really enjoy the scenery and to allow time to explore the walks and many stops en route, including the Cardrona Distillery, Arrowtown and the wineries in Gibbston.

Accommodation: Hidden Lodge
Accommodation type: Boutique Lodges & Hotels
Meals included: Breakfast
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

Return to Top

Day Seven - Today journey to Paradise Valley where Beorn's house and many LOTR locations were filmed
Tour day 7
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 7
Safari of the Scenes Glenorchy Tour

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.

Accommodation: Hidden Lodge
Accommodation type: Boutique Lodges & Hotels
Meals included: Breakfast
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.

Return to Top

Day Eight - Today you'll fly with the helicopter crew used for filming the trilogies, to breath-taking Earnslaw Burn as seen in the Hobbit
Tour day 8
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 8
Earnslaw Burn Scenic Helicopter Flight with Heliworks

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.

Accommodation: Hidden Lodge
Accommodation type: Boutique Lodges & Hotels
Meals included: Breakfast
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.

Return to Top

Day Nine - Journey to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and many spectacular film locations
Tour day 9
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 9
Queenstown to Te Anau

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.

Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Accommodation type: Hotel 3 star
Meals included: Breakfast
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

Return to Top

Day Ten - Journey up the River Anduin as seen in the Fellowship of the Ring opening aerial shot
Tour day 10
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 10
Pure Wilderness Jet Boat

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.

Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Accommodation type: Hotel 3 star
Meals included: Breakfast
The perfect base for all your Fiordland travel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Te Anau.

Return to Top

Day Eleven - Head north to Dunedin through rolling Southland countryside
Tour day 11
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 11
Te Anau to Dunedin

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.

Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast
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

Return to Top

Day Twelve - As you enter the MacKenzie country you'll pass Twizel, a film location for both Hobbit and LOTR movies
Tour day 12
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 12
Dunedin to Mt. Cook National Park

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.

Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
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

Return to Top

Day Thirteen - Take a scenic drive to Laketown from the Hobbit (Lake Pukaki), then on to Christchurch
Tour day 13
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 13
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Christchurch

Leaving Aoraki Mount 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.

Accommodation: The George Hotel
Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & Hotels
Meals included: Breakfast
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

Return to Top

Day Fourteen - Explore Christchurch before you leave Middle Earth for home
Tour day 14
14 Day Journey to Middle Earth - Day 14
Return your vehicle to Christchurch Airport

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

Return to Top

Tour quick quote
Get an Instant Quote
Step 1: Select a chosen start date
Step 2: Select a preferred vehicle for New Zealand
No pricing loaded - please make sure you have selected a car type or contact us
Step 3: Select number of passengers and room configuration
Select the number of adults per room type
Double room (based on 2 adults in 1 room, 1 bed)
Twin room (based on 2 adults sharing 1 room with 2 beds)
No pricing loaded - please choose another date or contact us
Your quote for this tour:
Start date:
End date:
Guests:
Rooms:
Car type
The total cost for this tour package is: NZD$0
This quote is based on vehicles to accommodate your party in the vehicle type. We suggest changing the car type or contacting us for the best options.
Save and send a copy of this quote to

NOTE: Quotes are subject to the availability of specific accommodation and other inclusions. Our touring experts will be in touch with you regarding this. Costs quoted in currencies other than New Zealand dollars (NZ$) are estimated on today's exchange rate and are subject to change and may fluctuate. The NZ$ value will not change. Terms and Conditions apply.

Remember - we can create this itinerary with any style of accommodation or customise it to suit your interests and timeframe. Just contact us here.

Contact form
Enquire about this tour
Subscribe to our Regular Newsletter for Inspiring Holiday Ideas
Tour recommendation
Other tours you might like
14 days Map
14 Day Southern Circle Day Walks
View Tour
 
12 days Map
12 Day Southern Circuit
View Tour
 
8 days Map
8 Day Taste of the South
View Tour
 
Can we help?
Call us on +64 3 443 0812

Our friendly support team is just a phone call away.

Contact Us Today