New Zealand Lord of the Rings route

Arrival and transfer to Cambridge

Day 1 in Auckland

Travel to the peaceful, rural town of Cambridge to relax before you begin your Lord of the Rings adventure tomorrow.

Explore Rotorua and embrace your inner Hobbit

Day 2–3 in Rotorua

An eggy scent hangs over sulphuric Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island, which is home to spectacular geothermal springs, bubbling mud pools, geysers, and colourful geothermal terraces.

These natural features can be seen at various parks and open areas throughout Rotorua, but for a quieter experience, visit one outside the city. Orakei Korako, between Rotorua and Taupo, is a bit of a detour and requires a short boat ride to get across to the thermal terraces. If you’re driving a self-contained camper van, you’re allowed to park here overnight.

However, it’s not just the landscapes that attract visitors – 34% of Rotorua’s population is Maori, and cultural performances and banquets are worth seeing.

Get on the water at Lake Taupo and hike to Mordor

Day 4–6 in Lake Taupo

Vast Lake Taupo is as big as Singapore and was created 2,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption so huge it would have been seen from China.

Today, visitors come for the magnificent Huka Falls, Maori rock carvings and watersports. Lake Taupo is also an excellent base for exploring nearby Tongariro National Park, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike and skiing at Whakapapa.

Visit cultural Wellington

Day 7–9 in Wellington

Creative Wellington has a claim to be New Zealand’s most cultural city. From art galleries to theatre, craft beer to coffee, Wellington is a compact city packing a powerful punch. If you’re still looking for outdoor activities, try mountain biking or sea-water kayaking, or take a walk on the Makara Peak track for views across the west coast beach.

Discover local art in Nelson

Day 10 in Nelson

Nelson Tasman is known as one of New Zealand’s most artistic places, with painters, sculptor and jewellery makers are living here. Head to the local art market to discover what makes this such a creative place.

The mountains of the Nelson Lakes National Park mark the start of the Southern Alps mountains that run through the centre of the South Island.

Multi-day hiking is the only way to reach some of the 16 lakes in the park, including Blue Lake, thought to be the clearest lake in the world. But, Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa are easy to drive to. There are short (and longer) walks around these lakes, and water taxi services in season.

Ultimate Lord of the Rings Helicopter Tour

Day 11 in Kaikoura

Enjoy a three-hour Ultimate Lord of the Rings tour which includes a helicopter flight and a visit to Salisbury Falls.

Begin with a flight into Golden Bay to land on Mount Olympus — the location of the South of Rivendell — before flying towards Mt Owen. Marvel at the unspoilt terrain of Kahurangi National Park below, as you land to view the site of the exit from the Mines of Moria.

Next, you’ll visit Salisbury Falls in the Aorere River, located at the start of the Kahurangi National Park’s Heaphy Track; the site where Tauriel and Legolas meet before heading into Lake-town. The return flight takes you across spectacular views of Tasman Bay, before landing back in Nelson.

Explore outback New Zealand at Lake Heron

Day 12 in Lake Heron

Lake Heron Station is an authentic working sheep farm, making it the perfect place to experience high-country New Zealand life. This is a great place to stargaze in quiet farmland surrounded by mountain peaks.

Stargaze at Lake Tekapo

Day 13 in Lake Tekapo

A highland lake in the middle of New Zealand’s south island, Lake Tekapo is best known for its incredibly clear skies that are perfect for stargazing. However, visitors also come for hiking, boating, mountain biking and windsurfing on the water.

Visit Mount Sunday, a spectacular peak carved by glaciers with views of the Rangitata River. Set in the Haketere Conservation Park, the mountain got its name from the high country boundary riders who would meet at the mountain on Sundays. It’s also the film location for Edoras in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

The Lord of the Rings Adventure Safari and flight

Day 14–15 in Queenstown

From Queenstown you’ll embark on an adventure safari across the stunning scenery of Queenstown and Arrowtown. You’ll enjoy exhilarating 4WD river crossings, learn about the history of gold mining and visit Lord of the Rings film locations including Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the site of Isildur’s Fall, the Ford of Bruinen and the Pillars of the Kings.

You’ll drive to Glenorchy, the site of Isengard, before a helicopter flight will take you on a spectacular path over Cecil Peak Ledge (with views towards 12 Mile Delta (Ithilien camp), Skippers Range (Arwen), the Rees Valley (Lothorien Woods) and Earnslaw Burn (Rivendell). You’ll also experience two landings at Cecil Peak Ledge and Rees Valley, offering spectacular photo opportunities.

Cruise Milford Sound

Day 16 in Milford Sound

Even by New Zealand’s standards, Milford Sound is a truly spectacular sight. Located in the southwest of the South Island, the beautiful fjord is packed with jaw-droppingly beautiful natural features, including Mitre Peak, rainforests and stunning waterfalls, such as Stirling and Bowen Falls.

Explore the adventure capital of the world

Day 17 in Queenstown

New Zealand’s adventure sports capital is a surprisingly small town, famously the birthplace of bungy jumping, it’d be possible to spend days here hiking, biking, rafting, canyoning, zip lining or riding the luge.

However, if you’re after something less strenuous, it’s worth noting that Queenstown also has excellent vineyards and an exciting food scene. Tour nearby wineries, and enjoying the views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. It’s not a “typical” South Island town, but don’t let that get in the way of enjoying this pretty place.

Explore scenic Auckland

Day 18–19 in Auckland

Forget the city’s high-rise centre; the beauty of Auckland is the scenery surrounding it. From surf beaches to the islands of Hauraki Gulf, volcanic peaks to fertile farmland, it’s no surprise that the greater Auckland region features high in lists of the world’s most liveable places. This is the perfect introduction to New Zealand.