Lord of the Rings 7 day North Island Grand tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  Meet and Greet at Wellington or Auckland Airport with delivery to a local 4 star standard hotel. Delivery time in 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 2

  Stay overnight at a local 4 start hotel which will include a cooked breakfast to fuel your busy day ahead. Lunch and Dinner are not included on day one. Please be ready at 6am for an early pickup.

  12 hours • Admission ticket included
• 3

  After breakfast we will be departing the Hotel at 6am sharp for a 3 hour drive to our first activity

  3 hours • Admission ticket included
• 4

  Experience the world of the Hobbit through the lenses of Peter Jackson on our first stop on the "Unexpected Journey". Visit a working farm owned by third generation local's Warrick and Suzie Denize and walk through many of the film locations seen in the Hobbit when the royal company of dwarfs and Bilbo encountered Mountain trolls. The Company of hobbit Bilbo Baggins, wizard Gandalf the Grey, dwarf prince Thorin Oakenshield & 12 dwarf companions arrive on their ponies at Staddle Farm, an abandoned farmhouse in Trollshaws Forest. Gandalf leaves The Company after he & Thorin argue Bilbo discovers, with Fili & Kili, that some ponies are missing - 3 mountain trolls are going to eat them! After Gandalf saves the day, The Company find the cave containing the Trolls hoard Gandalf bestows the sword "Sting" upon Bilbo - have your photo taken in this exact spot! Radagast the Brown arrives on his Rhosgobel Rabbit sleigh Orc scouts riding wargs attack The Company

  2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 5

  Lunch and a Pint The Tomo Bar & Eatery was established in 2017 having stood the test of time and servicing the locals as ‘Curlys Bar’ for 13 years. The Tomo Bar & Eatery is a modern, casual establishment owned by kiwis and run by kiwis. If your stopping in Waitomo or just passing by, the caves are not the only epic thing in Waitomo, please try our menu;

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 6

  See Glowworms right up close in this magical cave. Journey down through the spectacular spiral entrance, marvel at the limestone formations and crystal tapestries in this uniquely sustainable experience (this is a solar powered cave) Major features of the Ruakuri Cave tour include; Holdens Cavern, named after James Holden who first opened the cave to the public, The Drum Passage, The Pretties, and The Ghost Passage.

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7

  90 minute drive to Cambridge scheduled to arrive and check between 7-730pm. The kitchen will be open late with room service available Hidden Lake is a luxe new Hotel with a broad palette of natural, sustainable and design aesthetics. Comfort is defined in its leisurely manner. Rooms and apartments reflect the woodland setting with floor to ceiling windows and splashes of colour. Features and facilities show creative flair and a commitment to sustainability. Organic produce is a passion. The expansive barn-like shops, cafes and heritage spaces of Lakewood characterise this astonishing and unique new destination, with pathways leading into the Waikato right outside the door.

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 8

  Cooked Breakfast and departure to Hobbiton at 8am D’Arcy’s Garden Restaurant, Club Lounge & Bar The hotel’s central dining, lounge and bar takes its name from Glenda’s Uncle D’Arcy, whose lifelong passion for growing plants organically with his own compost is well known in the Cambridge district. D’Arcy didn’t sell any of the flowers, fruits and vegetables he produced in his gardens, preferring to give it away to friends and neighbours. He liked to know exactly where his food was coming from and we plan to carry on this tradition by sourcing produce from D’Arcy’s garden, adding to his compost and filling any gaps with other local suppliers in the region, including the Waikato Farmers Market

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 9

  Day Tour Experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. You will be fully-guided around the 12-acre set: past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Finally, you will arrive at the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn where you will receive a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth™ adventure.

  2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 10

  An optional 3-4 hour native bush walk with a packed lunch. Please bring walking shoes or boots with sunscreen and a hat. A spectacular view of the falls can easily be seen from Old Te Aroha Road. From the car park, a wellformed track leads through moss-covered rocks and tree roots. It meets up with the river and crosses a number of bridges. There is a steady climb up the steps to the base of the cliff, through a grove of nīkau, pūriri and kohekohe, before leading to a lookout platform with a spectacular view of the falls (45 minutes from road end). The falls drop 153 m over the steep escarpment, which is part of the Okauia fault line. In spring, watch out for the apricot-coloured flowers of the taurepo plant on the rocky valley walls. The track then climbs further, with plenty of steps and staircases in the steeper section. At the top of the hill, the track passes through forest before reaching the falls lookout after about 90 minutes.

  4 hours • Admission ticket included
• 11

  Dinner with a glass of wine or beer Alpha Street Kitchen & Bar is a modern eatery in the heart of Cambridge, Cambridge restaurant offers one of the Waikato’s best dining experiences for lunch, dinner and everything in between.

  2 hours • Admission ticket included
• 12

  The technical description for this remarkable place is that it’s part of an 18-sq. km active geothermal park at the northern perimeter of the Reporoa Caldera (a collapsed volcanic crater) formed 230,000 years ago within the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The ‘wow’ factor is evident at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, the place we love to share with visitors from all corners of the globe.The Lady Knox Geyser is presented daily at 10.15am. This unique geyser can reach up to heights of 10-20 metres. See and learn about the magnificent workings of the Lady Knox geyser from our wonderful team.

  2 hours • Admission ticket included
• 13

  Atticus Finch Local sisters Cherry and Kay (previously Lime Caffeteria) have again joined forces to open “Eat Streats” Atticus Finch. Atticus Finch was created with your enjoyment in mind! The Atticus Finch team will turn your dining experience into more than just a meal – a destination to linger over lively conversation, playful plates and thoughtful concoctions. The vibe of Atticus Finch is speakeasy meets metropolitan bistro. Our house was made for entertaining – situated in the middle of “Eat Streat”, taking advantage of the geothermal under floor heating of the concrete outside, retractable awning and covered walkway.

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 14

  Check in before we head to Te Pa Tu cultural experience including dinner. Check in to 4.5-star comfort with the lake at your doorstep at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel. Rejuvenate in the spa's natural geothermal mineral pools and experience a delicious dinner in our Atlas Restaurant. Then retire to your room - a calm haven with earthy colours, wood furniture and picture windows - and soak in the spectacular scenery at Novotel

  12 hours • Admission ticket included
• 15

  Tamaki Māori Village is proud to present, TE PĀ TŪ and its Matariki feast, Tū Te Ihi. This is a uniquely Māori celebration of culture and cuisine which spans the time of year when the Matariki cluster of stars sit high and bright in our winter skies.

  3 hours • Admission ticket included
• 16

  Lunch in Turangi

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 17

  Visit the staging ground for the last battle at the conclusion of "The return of the King" The Lord of the Rings location of Mordor, home to the Dark Lord Sauron was shot on location on and around the rocky slopes of the Tongariro National Park. The area's jagged volcanic rock formations and eerie barren landscapes were ideal location for creating Mordor's hissing wasteland

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 18

  Tokaanu is a small village situated in a very pleasant quiet spot with a stream running through it. Boasting a Thermal bathing area a taonga of the Ngati Kurauia people a hapu of Ngati Tuwharetoa, which for generations has been recognised as having the ‘wai ora (healing waters)’.

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 19

  A major film location for LOTR This track will take you to Mead's wall located in Tongariro National Park near Iwikau Village. It's a short, rocky, and fun trail with amazing views over very steep cliffs. Be mindful of the heights (although secure) if you have a fear of them. Start from the Whakapapa ski area and head past the base of the Rangatira Express chairlift to see this famous movie filming location (including Lord of the Rings).

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 20

  The Forbidden Pool However, the rest of the park must not be ignored!! We spent a few days in the park exploring what else there is to enjoy. One of our mornings brought us to Tawhai Falls, where yet another famous Lord of the Rings scene was filmed: Gollum's Pool, where he fishes and sings!!

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 21

  Gollum's Pool & Ithilien Mangawhero Falls is roughly a 20 minutes' drive away from Ohakune Village or 50-60 minutes from National Park Village. The road surface is always sealed. From Ohakune travel north on Goldfinch St, which becomes Mangawhero Terrace and finally becomes Ohakune Mountain Rd. Stay on this road for 16 km. There is a well-signposted parking at Ohakune Mountain Rd (on your right). There are no facilities there. A walking 20-minutes return Mangawhero Falls track starts from the parking and leads to the waterfall's top, then to the upper viewing platform. There is no official way to reach the waterfall's base, so please enjoy the view from the proper lookout.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 22

  The Powderhorn Chateau is located in Ohakune, at the entrance to Tongariro National Park. Just 984 feet from Ohakune Station, the property offers a heated indoor swimming pool, a restaurant and free on-site parking. Free WiFi is available at the hotel. Featuring timber interiors, the guest rooms have a private bathroom with free toiletries and a bathtub. Each includes tea/coffee making facilities and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The property offers self-service laundry facilities

  12 hours • Admission ticket included
• 23

  A must while in Ohakune From our family to yours Authentic, fresh, flavourful. Osteria recipes are inspired by our family’s lifelong love affair with Italian cuisine. There’s something on the menu for everyone. Antipasti platters, ravioli made from scratch and mouth-watering pizzas and pasta. Osteria uses only fresh local produce and the highest quality imported ingredients from Italy.

  2 hours • Admission ticket included
• 24

  The Path of the Dead 3-4 hour walk (optional) The seriously spooky Putangirua Pinnacles are towering pillars of earth located at the very bottom of the North Island. Follow in the footsteps of Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli down the Dimholt Road in search of the Paths of the Dead!

  4 hours • Admission ticket included
• 25

  My Favourite Lunch venue with shared platters with wine tastings Enjoy a wonderfully leisurely lunch, a glass of wine in the sun or kickstart your weekend in style. A destination in itself, 3 Little Words is a special place to gather with your friends and family to celebrate, laugh and feast

  2 hours • Admission ticket included
• 26

  Organic Wine Tasting instead of hiking at a premium Burgundian destination

  40 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 27

  Wine tasting instead of hiking

  40 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 28

  Option instead of The Path of the Dead You're bound to spot more than a couple of seals here, as thefur seal colony at the cape is the North Island's largest. Watch the fur seals play in the surf and laze on the rocks. New Zealand fur seals have pointy noses, long whiskers, visible external ears and bodies covered with two layers of fur. The breeding season is from mid-November to mid-January. Pups start to feed on solid food before weaning, and spend a large proportion of their day playing with other pups and objects such as seaweed and reef fish.

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 29

  Filming for Rivendell and the Fords of Isen took place in the park. It contains the locations where Elrond says farewell to the Fellowship of the Ring, where Frodo looks out from the balcony during his recovery after being stabbed by a Nazgul blade, and where the iconic kiss between Aragorn and Arwen took place, among other recognizable moments. All buildings, walkways, and other structures were removed after filming was complete, but a half size replica of the archway was recreated so that visiting fans can imagine what the original would have looked like and take photographs. Likewise, visitors will not see the autumnal fallen leaves from the films, regardless of the season, because they were brought in by the truckload specifically in order to remain true to Tolkien’s vision.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 30

  Discover the allure of Rydges Wellington, centrally located on downtown Featherston Street. Here, you’ll experience a captivating blend of scenic harbour vistas and the vibrant cityscape, creating an ideal setting for your stay. During your stay, you’ll find yourself within a leisurely stroll of Lambton Quay, Sky Stadium, Queens Wharf, and Wellington Railway Station, immersing you in the heart of the capital. Our 4+ star hotel boasts 280 exquisite Wellington accommodation rooms, thoughtfully designed to cater to both business, family and leisure travellers. Modern comforts abound, including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring that you stay connected.

  12 hours • Admission ticket included
• 31

  Mount Victoria also served as an easily recognizable filming location for several scenes in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. It is such a popular destination for tours, tourists, and New Zealanders alike, that the filming locations’ trail has even been formally named Hobbit’s Hideaway and has several markers to denote its role in the popular 2001 movie.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 32

  Viewing platform The Massey Memorial at Point Halswell, Wellington, commemorates William Ferguson Massey, prime minister of New Zealand from 1912 until his death in 1925. The exterior is pale Tākaka marble, resting on a base of dark grey Coromandel granite. The memorial was unveiled in September 1930.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 33

  Wētā Workshop is your gateway to filmmaking creativity. Join our guided tours to learn about the making of movie effects; from armour to weapons, creatures to costumes, make-up to miniatures, and more! Get up close to fantastical physical effects and authentic props. Test your guide's knowledge. Immerse yourself in our incredible small-group tours and discover how imaginary worlds are brought to life.

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 34

  Mordor / Helms Deep and Minas Tirith Visit the film locations for Helm's Deep, Minas Tirith and Mount doom. Observe from opposite on top of the Taita levy where Peter Jackson filmed in his backyard.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 35

  Film location

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Travel time is included in the total duration.

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