Southern Middle Earth Explorer
This 14 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.
**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.
Journey into the heart of Middle-earth, starting in Christchurch. Discover the landscapes that brought Rohan and Edoras to life, with rugged ranges and cinematic vistas. Board the iconic TranzAlpine train, traversing dramatic mountain passes and serene coastlines. In Franz Josef, immerse yourself in glacial beauty before continuing to Wanaka, where the Misty Mountains echo the footsteps of Hobbits. Arrive in Queenstown, and dine in style at Walter Peak after a scenic cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Experience a thrilling helicopter flight over the breathtaking Earnslaw Burn, a key filming location, and take in panoramic views from the Skyline Gondola. Travel to Fiordland, home to pristine wilderness and legendary filming sites. Cruise through Milford Sound, gazing at Mitre Peak. Jet boat across Lake Manapouri into Fiordland’s ancient forests, immersing yourself in scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring. Head to Dunedin for a gourmet dinner at the historic Larnach Castle, then journey towards Mount Cook National Park. Wake to the majestic sight of Mount Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak, and land on untouched glacial terrain. Conclude in Christchurch, reflecting on your bespoke Middle-earth adventure.
This tour also features:
Included activity:
Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App
Included activity:
Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation
Included activity:
Pure Wilderness Jet Boat with Fiordland Jet
Included activity:
Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle
Included activity:
Larnach Castle and Gardens
Included activity:
The Panorama Room 3-course Dinner with The Hermitage Hotel
Included activity:
Glacier Highlights - Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing
Included activity:
Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour with Hassle Free Tours - Lunch Included
Included activity:
Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Train Station with Christchurch Touring
Included activity:
TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth Scenic Plus with Great Journeys NZ
Included activity:
Misty Mountains Traverse Heli-Hike
Included activity:
TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Included activity:
Lord of the Rings Glenorchy Tour with Nomad Safaris
Included activity:
Gondola and Premium Buffet Dinner Experience with Skyline Queenstown
Included activity:
Earnslaw Burn Scenic Helicopter Flight with Heliworks
Included activity:
Mitre Peak Milford Sound Cruise
11 breakfasts, 2 dinners, 1 special dinner
Itinerary summary for: Southern Middle Earth Explorer
Day 1 : Arrive Christchurch City, then maybe go punting on the Avon River
Accommodation:
The George Hotel
Day 2 : Explore the Canterbury High Country on a full day Lord of the Rings Edoras tour
Accommodation:
The George Hotel
Day 3 : Take the stunning TranzAlpine scenic train across the Southern Alps, then drive to Franz Josef
Accommodation:
Westwood Lodge
Day 4 : Continue south and across the Haast Pass to Wanaka
Accommodation:
Edgewater Wanaka
Day 5 : Today you'll follow in the footsteps of Hobbits in the Misty Mountains near Wanaka
Accommodation:
Edgewater Wanaka
Day 6 : Cross New Zealand's highest sealed road, the Crown Range, to Queenstown
Accommodation:
The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi
Day 7 : Today you'll journey to Paradise Valley where Beorn's house and many LOTR locations were filmed
Accommodation:
The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi
Day 8 : Today you'll fly with the helicopter crew used for filming the trilogies, to breath-taking Earnslaw Burn as seen in the Hobbit
Accommodation:
The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi
Day 9 : Journey to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and many spectacular film locations
Accommodation:
The Cinema Suites
Day 10 : Journey up the River Anduin as seen in the Fellowship of the Ring opening aerial shot
Accommodation:
The Cinema Suites
Day 11 : Head north to Dunedin through rolling Southland countryside
Accommodation:
Camp Estate at Larnach Castle
Day 12 : As you enter the Mackenzie country you'll pass Twizel, a film location for both the Hobbit and the LOTR movies
Accommodation:
Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium
Day 13 : Take a scenic drive to Laketown from the Hobbit (Lake Pukaki), then travel to Christchurch
Accommodation:
The George Hotel
Day 14 : Explore Christchurch before you leave Middle Earth for home
