South of Rivendell
Nelson is one of New Zealand's sunniest regions with three National Parks that extend from the mountains to the sea, forming some magnificent Middle-earth locations.
Nelson is the home of the 'One Ring'. The region is renowned for its boutique foods, wine and the unique and creative arts and crafts produced by its skilled artisans. Many important articles were found here for the films, including the 40 prototypes of the One Ring, crafted by jeweller Jens Hansen. Nelson is also one of New Zealand's sunniest regions with picturesque countryside and three National Parks that extend from the mountains to the sea, forming some magnificent Middle-earth locations.
Between Blenheim and Nelson is the river that provides the enchanting setting for the Dwarves' barrel ride in the Desolation of Smaug. The crystal waters of the river cut through a solid rock gorge surrounded by layers of the green forest. To the west of Nelson, the scenes from Chetwood Forest were filmed at the top of Takaka Hill. It was through this woodland that Aragorn led the Hobbits as they fled Bree to escape the Black Riders. Part of a range of hills separating Golden Bay from Nelson, Takaka Hill is made of marble, riddled with limestone caves and sinkholes, dotted with weirdly weathered rock outcrops and pockets of beech forest.
Deep in Kahurangi National Park is the location of upper Dimrill Dale on the glacier-scoured Mt Owen. At 1875m it's the highest mountain in Kahurangi National Park and with a giant marble cap, pitted and fractured, it's a striking sight. Also in Kahurangi are the strange rock formations of Mt Olympus that portrayed an area of the rugged country south of Rivendell. The group are forced to hide among these spectacular, ancient granite spires away from Saruman's spying black crows. These summits are among New Zealand's most remote and dramatic landscapes and can be challenging to access on foot but are well worth seeing. We have a special optional helicopter tour here, highly recommended.
What people have said
Red Carpet Tours is a fabulous company - been with them 3 times. I agree with others posted here that it is the BEST way to see New Zealand, especially if you are a "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" fan - and even if you're not! From all the Magnificent New Zealand...
John N
Just concluded my third trip with Red Carpet Tours. 5 stars for the 3rd time running! Excellent planning and attention to detail by the James Family and fabulous guiding by Julie. Once again, a very lovely, friendly ‘Fellowship’ of travellers with a common interest. You might expect...
Sue B
Everything about this tour was amazing! Our tour guide Julie is a true LOTR fan, and made sure everybody was looked after. The locations were well researched and meaningful. Even after the tour ended, Julie has kept in touch as we all went our separate ways and travelled home to various parts of...
Jody R
Traveling New Zealand with RCT and Julie was amazing. It was the trip of a lifetime (but I hope to do it again!). It was very well put together and we got to see such amazing sites and do so many awesome things. I can't even name what my favorite part of the whole tour was because it was...
Lynn S
With Julie James as our guide (Feb. 2018) on the 14 day tour... it was excellent! She always took every effort and opportunity to see to everyone's requests. The hotels we stayed in were wonderful. The meals were delicious. But the tour itself??? Awesome!!! We had big LOTR and the Hobbit...
Katherine C
There is a reason that this company is the premier in its field. I’ve been home for almost a week now and I’m still struggling to comprehend how incredible my experience with Red Carpet Tours was. This was hands down one of the best things I ever have, and likely ever will do in my...
Taylor K
This is the best and ONLY way for a LOtR/Hobbit fan to experience New Zealand. Julie and her team are fantastic, knowledgeable people who, you can tell, put so much time and effort into making sure your experience with them is an amazing one! You will not regret choosing them as your guides...
Stephanie B
Amazing and so well worth it! Days in a row of just being excited for something alone was something special to me but also meeting like-minded people who were so accepting and fun was fantastic! Julie James is a treasure - handles everything with grace and was just everything you want in a tour...
Tracy E
I went solo and am a bit of an introvert, but Julie and the rest of the tour members made this an unforgettable experience and made me feel right at home. This was number one on my bucket list and it exceeded my expectations across the board. If you're contemplating booking this tour, just...
Jordan M
Just returned as part of the February 2023 Fellowship with Red Carpet Tours and it was one of the best trips of my life. I've been wanting to do this for years and was worried my expectations might be too high, but it was amazing and I wish it didn't have to end! Love the family...
Emily V