16 Day Lord of the Rings Highlights

Your self-drive Lord of the Rings adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Collect your rental vehicle from Ezi Car Rentals upon arrival.

The afternoon is free to explore the 'City of Sails' at your own pace. Consider visiting the waterfront, taking in views from the Sky Tower, or exploring the vibrant neighborhoods that make Auckland such a dynamic destination.

Today brings one of the journey's highlights: a visit to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set. Explore this 12-acre working farm as it appeared in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Wander past 44 hobbit holes, visit the Mill and Green Dragon Inn, and immerse yourself in the magic of the Shire. Continue to Rotorua for the evening, where an optional geothermal tour showcases the region's bubbling mud pools and steaming vents.

Drive south through the heart of the North Island, pausing at the stunning Lake Taupo and the powerful Huka Falls.

Journey through dramatic volcanic parks before arriving in Wellington, New Zealand's creative capital city. Settle into your accommodation and explore the compact, walkable city center.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at Weta Cave Workshop, home to the creators of props and costumes for The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and numerous other films.

Discover the artistry and innovation that brought Middle-earth to life, viewing original pieces and learning about the filmmaking process from expert guides.

Board the Interislander ferry with your rental vehicle for the spectacular 3.5-hour crossing of Cook Strait.

Enjoy stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds as you sail from the North Island to the South Island, arriving in the picturesque port town of Picton.

Drive south through the renowned Marlborough wine region, with endless vineyards stretching across the landscape.

Continue along the spectacular Pacific coast to Kaikoura, where mountains meet the sea. An optional whale watching cruise offers the chance to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the beach or visiting scenic coastal lookouts before continuing south to Christchurch.

Consider taking the optional inland route via Hanmer Springs for a different perspective of the Canterbury region. Settle into your Christchurch accommodation for a two-night stay.

Today's highlight is a full-day guided Lord of the Rings tour to the Edoras filming location at Mount Potts High Country Station.

Stand where the Golden Hall of Rohan once stood and take in the sweeping landscapes that provided the backdrop for key scenes in The Two Towers. Your guide shares fascinating insights into the filming process.

Travel across the Canterbury Plains through the charming town of Geraldine to the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo.

Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing to the Aoraki/Mount Cook region. An optional scenic flight offers breathtaking aerial views of New Zealand's highest peaks and glaciers. Overnight in Twizel.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before driving through the spectacular Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's most scenic alpine routes.

Consider optional stops at local vineyards to sample the region's renowned pinot noir and Riesling before arriving in the lakeside resort town of Wanaka.

Experience a half-day eco-adventure with a 30-minute cruise to Mou Waho Island in the center of Lake Wanaka.

Enjoy a guided walk on this unique island, which features a lake within an island within a lake. The afternoon is free to explore Wanaka's charming town center and lakeside trails.

Choose your route to Queenstown: take the dramatic Crown Range Road (New Zealand's highest main road) for spectacular mountain views, or the scenic State Highway 6 through the Clutha River valley and Kawarau Gorge.

Settle into your Queenstown accommodation for a four-night stay in New Zealand's adventure capital.

Join the Glenorchy Safari of the Scenes tour, visiting filming locations for Isengard, Lothlorien, and Ithilien Camp from The Lord of the Rings.

The tour also includes sites from X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The Chronicles of Narnia, showcasing the dramatic landscapes around Glenorchy and Paradise that have attracted filmmakers from around the world.

Full day at leisure to explore Queenstown and its surroundings at your own pace.

Consider an optional tour to spectacular Milford Sound, often described as the eighth wonder of the world, or simply enjoy the town's vibrant atmosphere and stunning lakeside setting.

Another day to enjoy all that Queenstown has to offer. Optional activities include a ride on the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views, an adrenaline-pumping Shotover Jet boat ride, or wine tasting in nearby Gibbston Valley.

Alternatively, simply relax and soak in the magnificent mountain and lake scenery that makes Queenstown unforgettable.

Your self-drive Lord of the Rings adventure concludes today. Return your rental vehicle to Ezi Car Rentals at Queenstown Airport.

Depart with incredible memories of Middle-earth's most iconic locations and the freedom of exploring New Zealand's stunning landscapes at your own pace.