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Lord of The Rings Tours

10-Day Classic South Island Lord of the Rings Tour

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Embark on the Ultimate South Island Lord of the Rings Adventure

Explore the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s South Island and visit iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings. Discover the enchanting Lothlorien Forest, the historic Ithilien Camp, and the eerie Dead Marshes. Cap off your journey with a magical tour of Edoras! Experience the magic of Middle Earth as you traverse treacherous terrain and see firsthand why Peter Jackson chose this breathtaking land for his award-winning trilogy.

This tour is best enjoyed with an exclusive guide, but we also offer comprehensive route notes with GPS coordinates for these iconic locations. This allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace on a self-drive tour. All our offerings are fully customisable and tailored to your specific preferences. Feel free to ask us to modify this itinerary to create the adventure of your dreams.

Customise Your Lord of the Rings Tour
These activities are just a taste of what’s possible! We specialize in crafting unique Lord of the Rings holidays tailored to your interests and preferences. If you have specific activities or destinations in mind for your Lord of The Rings South Island tour, let us know, and we’ll craft a custom itinerary just for you. Every Lord of the Rings journey is one of a kind, and we’re here to make yours truly unforgettable. Dream big – your adventure is waiting.
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Vineyards in Glenorchy at sunset

Top attractions in this Lord of the Rings South Island tour

Your 10-day LOTR itinerary

10-day journey exploring iconic Lord of the Rings destinations across New Zealand's South Island.
  1. DAY 1
    1. Queenstown Arrival
  2. DAY 2
    1. Queenstown Full Day Lord Of The Rings Tour
  3. DAY 3
    1. Queenstown to Te Anau
  4. DAY 4
    1. Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) Day Trip
  5. DAY 5
    1. Te Anau Lord of the Rings Small Group Tour
  6. DAY 6
    1. Te Anau to Wānaka
  7. DAY 7
    1. Wānaka
  8. DAY 8
    1. Wanaka to Aoraki/Mount Cook
  9. DAY 9
    1. Aoraki/Mount Cook to Christchurch via Edoras
  10. DAY 10
    1. Christchurch Departure Day
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 9
DAY 10
DAY 1
Queenstown Arrival

YOUR DAY

Guided: Upon arrival, a shuttle driver will be waiting for you as you clear customs. This driver will take you to your accommodation. The day and night are free to spend at your leisure and your private driver/guide from The Road Trip will meet you on day three (you will have a Nomad Safaris driver/guide tomorrow).

Self Drive: Upon arrival you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal and make your way to your accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Tonight you will take a trip to the top of the Skyline Gondola to see Queenstown, the surrounding mountains and Lake Wakatipu from the best vantage point. You will enjoy a buffet dinner atop the hill in Stratosfare restaurant with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu across to The Remarkables.

Full Itinerary
DAY 2
Queenstown Full Day Lord Of The Rings Tour

YOUR DAY

Today you’ll enjoy a safari packed with breathtaking Lord Of The Rings filming locations and thrilling 4WD action. Along this magical journey, you will travel along one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. As well as visiting the filming locations for Isengard, you will also discover the Ithilien Camp, Lothlorien & Fangorn forest, Battle of Amon Hen and many more. You will also travel the Skippers Canyon Road to Lighthouse Rock, gold pan in the Arrow River and have the opportunity to dress up and take photos in replica film props.

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that will be visited/viewed today:

Ithilien

Misty Mountains

Bruinen River

Amon Hen

Isengard

Argonath 

Lothlorien

Dead Marshes

Beorn’s House

Please note that if you choose a guided tour, today will be a full day off as legally required for your driver/guide and all transport will be provided by Nomad Safaris.

Full Itinerary
DAY 3
Queenstown to Te Anau

YOUR DAY

171km, 2 hours driving time

This morning you’ll be taken on a thrilling jet boat ride down the beautiful Shotover River! Enjoy twists, turns and spins through this remarkable landscape.

The rest of the morning and early afternoon is free to explore Queenstown at leisure and take part in some of the fantastic activities that this ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ has to offer. Options for the adventurous include: skydiving, bungy jumping, a canyon swing, white water rafting, flyboarding or paragliding. You could visit Arrowtown; one of New Zealand’s most important towns in the gold rush to Central Otago in the 1860s. Perhaps spend time looking around the historic Chinese gold-mining settlement which played a key part in NZ’s first gold extraction from the Arrow River.

Late afternoon you will drive a further 2 hours to Te Anau, situated on the shores of New Zealand’s 2nd largest lake. Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Here you can wander around the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to spot several of New Zealand’s rarest birds in captivity, including the famous Takahe, which was once thought to be extinct.

Full Itinerary
DAY 4
Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) Day Trip

YOUR DAY

240km, 4 hours driving

Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape! The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular in the world and certainly a highlight on any New Zealand tour. En route you will see spectacular valleys, breath taking mountains and hopefully spot the cheeky Kea (New Zealand’s mountain parrot).

Late morning you will experience all that the fjords have to offer with a 1 hour 45 minute boat cruise featuring pristine waterfalls and towering mountains plunging into the Tasman Sea.

Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and the Fiordland crested Penguin. On your trip back to Te Anau there is the opportunity to enjoy several short walks in the Fiordland National Park.

Full Itinerary
DAY 5
Te Anau Lord of the Rings Small Group Tour

YOUR DAY

This small group, fully guided day trip combines Te Anau’s top highlights with a Lord of the Rings experience and the option to add on some of the areas amazing activities, making this the ultimate way to experience stunning Te Anau. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Highlights:

  • Mavora Lakes
  • Lord of the Rings sites including – Dead Marshes, Fangorn Forest & The River Anduin
  • Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
  • Fiordland National Park, Rainbow Reach, Kepler Track & Waiau River

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that will be visited today:

Nen Hithoel

Fangorn Margins

Dead Marshes

Full Itinerary
DAY 6
Te Anau to Wānaka

YOUR DAY

227km, 3 hours driving

This morning in Te Anau you will take a tour by boat across Lake Te Anau to the glow worm caves to view the shimmering light of thousands of luminous glow-worms in a 12,000 year old grotto.

Skirting your way around Lake Wakatipu makes for some stunning photography and you will be amazed by the Remarkables Mountain Range, one of the most famous back drops for Lord of the Rings.

This afternoon is a chance to explore the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka. Options include: a walk up one of our favourite look out spots featuring 360 degree views of Lake Wanaka, Aspiring National Park and the Clutha River. There is also the option to take a skydive at 15,000ft, making a visit to some of the area’s fantastic wineries, a drive into the Matukituki valley to discover some hidden spots or even fishing on the lake to take a chance at catching fresh trout (all activities optional – extra cost).

Full Itinerary
DAY 7
Wānaka

YOUR DAY

Today you will experience the best in adventure tourism with Wildwire’s adventures. The “Lord of the Rungs” is the world’s highest waterfall cable climb. Reaching the top will take you through 450m of vertical terrain. You’ll attach yourself to a cable that is fixed to the rock and climb the path on a series of metal rungs, pegs and ladders. This enables those with no climbing experience to reach remote locations and enjoy places and sights that they might not otherwise be able to experience.

Following this, we also recommend a side trip to the Diamond Lake walk, which was used as the backdrop for Gandalf’s journey to Rohan with Gwaihir. Aside from this being an important filming location, the scenery on this walk is exceptional!

Tonight, relax in one of the many famous restaurants Wānaka has to offer.

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:

Backdrop for Gandalf’s Flight to Rohan with Gwaihir

Full Itinerary
DAY 8
Wanaka to Aoraki/Mount Cook

YOUR DAY

206 km, 2 hours 50 minutes driving

You leave Central Otago today and, cross the Lindis Pass to the Mackenzie Country and travel alongside the stunning turquoise Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mt Cook Village. Spend the afternoon in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, nestled in the Southern Alps. Here you can enjoy several nature walks in the national park such as the famous Hooker Valley track.

This afternoon you will enjoy a cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake and experience the enormity of NZ’s largest glacier. The towering ice wall is really quite incredible, with an astonishing history. On this tour you will explore and learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape as you journey across the terminal lake. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake, making every day different to the next. This is a unique opportunity to truly feel small as the lateral moraines rear up almost 200m, reminding us of the scale and greatness that the glacier has reached in previous times.

Enjoy a buffet dinner tonight with spectacular views of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Following dinner, take a mesmerising journey through the cosmos as you explore the wonders of the night sky; home to planets, stars and a whole other world we only dream about on a one hour guided stargazing tour.

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that can be visited today:

Minas Tirith Mountains

Lake Town

*Please note that the Pelennor Fields (near Twizel – en route today) is no longer accessible as tours here no longer operate and the site is on private land.

Full Itinerary
DAY 9
Aoraki/Mount Cook to Christchurch via Edoras

YOUR DAY

357km, 4.5 hours driving

Today you head to our final destination on your epic journey through Middle Earth; Edoras! The filming location for Edoras is at the remote and beautiful Mt Potts High Country station, home of Mt Sunday. Hassle Free Tours will show you how this peaceful mountain was transformed into Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Immerse yourself in the natural, unspoilt beauty of this breathtaking area with its sparkling clear lakes, glistening blue rivers and fresh, crisp mountain air.

Following this tour, you will travel to Christchurch.

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit filming locations that will be visited today:

Edoras

Helms Deep Mountains

Full Itinerary
DAY 10
Christchurch Departure Day

Today you will transfer to your onward travel arrangements. We trust you have had a fantastic time in our beautiful country and wish you safe travels to your next destination.

Onward flight is not included.

Full Itinerary
What’s included in The Lord of the Rings tour?
Detailed Lord of the Rings travel guides & GPS Co-ordinates to take you to the filming locations
Your choice of accommodations. Silver, gold or platinum/luxury options
A choice of self-drive and privately guided transport
In-depth and detailed custom travel app
Listed activities (these are fully customisable)
Full insurance coverage on rented vehicles and parking
Custom tour creation with one of our travel experts
What’s not included?
Return international flights
Personal travel insurance
Some lunches and dinners
Individual shopping and souvenirs
Extra, optional activities

Why book a privately guided road trip

Bespoke Itineraries
Bespoke Itineraries
Personalised tours tailored to your preferences
Authentic Kiwi Experiences
Authentic Kiwi Experiences
Genuine insights into New Zealand's culture
Flexible Bookings
Flexible Bookings
Secure and adaptable travel arrangements
Private Travel Safety
Private Travel Safety
Safe, crowd-free, intimate exploration
Local Expertise
Local Expertise
In-depth knowledge from a Kiwi-owned business
New Zealand's Top Awarded Tours
New Zealand's Top Awarded Tours
Winner of Tripadvisor’s ‘Travelers choice’ over multiple years & our 100+ 5 star reviews
Come along with me to traverse the dramatic landscapes of the South Island which depicted Middle-Earth in Peter Jackson's award winning trilogy. Be transported into Tolkien's magical world, with visits to Edoras, the Lothlorien Forest, the Dead Marshes, the Ithilien Camp and more!
Alex
General Manager

Lord of the Rings South Island Tour FAQs:

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Traveller Feedback

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Sydney-Gold Coast Self-Drive Road Trip
Dear Yamila & The Road Trip Team Thank you for your making my Sydney-Gold Coast Road Trip a smooth one. I would say there wasn't any hiccup along the trip. Everything well taken care of; from airport transfer to hotel bookings to rental car and some tour bookings. My family really enjoyed the holiday. What I really love was the freedom to drive anywhere with recommendations to go. It was very comprehensive. My kids loved the hotels you booked for us, especially the Anchorage and Pepper Soul! You made our maiden road drive in Australia to a new level. It is definitely an memorable experience. We are already thinking of another road trip in Australia! Thank you once again!
Flyer786747
Jun 2024
21-Day Australia Trip
21-day Australia trip was fabulous. We didn't want to drive the Australian roads, so The Road Trip organized all of the hotels, transportation and guided tours. The Road Trip team, especially Yamila, had everything planned and they even helped make changes as new opportunities came up. The trip itinerary appealed to everyone as there was the perfect combination of beach, sightseeing, tours, downtime, and outdoor activities. Our favorites included: penguin parade, full-day snorkel tour, night walk tour in the rainforest, and the canyon hike through the Blue Mountain National Park. All six of us agreed that we couldn't have seen or done as much as we did if it wasn't for The Road Trip team. We will be contacting you again for our next trip!
Linda E
Mar 2024
They do all the work, you have all the fun!
I want to thank Road Trip Australia for planning and coordinating such a great itinerary. I wouldn’t have known where to start doing it on my own. They made it easy. The packet they provided was full of good information and allowed me to maximize the time that I had to tour. I definitely recommend them to plan your trip.
Elizabeth B
Nov 2020
21 Day Self Driving/Guided Australian Holiday
The Road Trip put together our recently completed self-driving tour of Australia. They were easy to work with and did an outstanding job of arranging our accommodations and travel in country (both driving and flying). We started in Melbourne with an excellent tour of the central city. We then heading over to the Yarra Valley for two nights. It’s an area known for its vineyards and wine making. Then it was off to the Great Ocean Road for two days of beautiful beaches and great stops recommended by The Road Trip. We spent two days in charming Port Fairy at a great boutique hotel. Then it was back to Melbourne to head to Sydney. Some weather issues prevented us from traveling as planned but we did spend a day and a half in Sydney with the highlight being a climb to the top of the Harbor Bridge. After Sydney we spent two days in the Blue Mountains. Our plans were limited by the recent fires which was disappointing. We spent one day in the Hunter Valley and if you are into wine another day would be appropriate. Then back to Sydney to fly up to the Great Barrier Reef. The rainforests and reef were magical. Wavelength did a great job with the reef snorkeling tour. It was then back to Melbourne for the Australian Open which was a blast. Then finally a trip to Phillip Island to watch the penguins come back to their burrows after a busy day in the sea. Overall a memorable trip and it was logistically very easy with The Road Trip.
JEPAZ
Feb 2020