Meet the Red Carpet Tours Team
Passionate and knowledgeable, our family team is here to make your dream of visiting Middle-earth a reality!
Join one of our Tours and let us lead you in the footsteps of your favourite Hobbits through the lush green fields of the Shire, to gaze upon the shorelines of unspoiled lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and to epic battle grounds, in an experience so compelling you will almost hear the distant thud of hooves and swords clashing.
You will start your New Zealand tour with strangers, and depart as friends, bound by the memories from an adventure of a lifetime on a journey exploring the length and breadth of the country that has become Middle-earth.
Vic James
Company Founder
With over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry, Vic was inspired to create a unique tour for fellow fans when the first film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy began production. Through close collaboration with individuals involved in the films and with permission from private landowners of key filming sites, he crafted a comprehensive and unforgettable two-week tour across New Zealand.
Vic takes great joy in sharing his deep knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories with each fellowship, bringing the magic of Middle-earth to life.
Raewyn James
Company Founder
Along with Vic, Raewyn was involved in setting up the company from day one, which initially involved some intrepid journeys to remote locations as they created their unique and stunning New Zealand-wide tour itinerary.
Raewyn brings a world of experience to the business and loves sharing her country and passion with the fans.
Raewyn is married to Vic and is the mother of Julie.
Julie James
Sales Manager and Tour Leader
"It gives me great pleasure to share my country with like-minded The Lord of the Rings fans from around the world, and to guide them to the magical film locations that Sir Peter Jackson and his team lovingly put together."
Julie is Red Carpet Tours’ dedicated Tour Leader, guiding you on your journey through Middle-earth. A true Hobbit at heart, she holds a Diploma in Tourism and Business Management and brings a wealth of travel experience and a deep passion for all things Lord of the Rings.
With exceptional communication skills and a warm, friendly approach, Julie is your main point of contact for bookings and tour-related queries. She’s committed to upholding Red Carpet Tours’ renowned standard of service—ensuring your experience is seamless, enjoyable, and unforgettable, there and back again.
Keep in touch with Julie and all updates at Red Carpet Tours on our Facebook page.
Melissa James
Head of Marketing and Operations
Melissa is the Head of Marketing at Red Carpet Tours, wearing many hats within the company. She oversees social media, manages day-to-day operations, maintains key business relationships, and handles all graphic and digital design. With a strong background in marketing and a degree in Psychology, Melissa brings creativity, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of audience engagement to every aspect of the business.
She enjoys bringing her creativity and people skills to the family business. Melissa is Julie's youngest daughter.
Sasha James
Office Manager
Sasha plays a key role in managing the administrative side of tour bookings. She connects with passengers to coordinate meals and arrange optional activities during the tour. With a background in management and hands-on experience working on film sets, Sasha is also trained in Special Effects Makeup—bringing an extra touch of movie magic to the team. She’s your main point of contact for optional activities, both during and after your adventure.
Sasha is Julie's eldest daughter.
What people have said
This tour changed my life, Julie and Josh were amazing tour guides, everywhere we went was stunning. I could not have asked for anything more from them. Even where there were some hiccups outside of anyone’s control Julie and the team worked tirelessly to ensure we had the best experience...
Jon
Red Carpet Tours truly delivered something special. From the moment it began, everything felt smooth and easy. I never had to worry about logistics or timing, which let me fully enjoy the experience. Julie guided us through the North Island with incredible knowledge of Aotearoa and Māori...
Bradley S
My second tour through Middle Earth (New Zealand) was just as wonderful as the first, the locations you are taken to are just amazing. Best suited for people with interest in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, you make so many friends throughout your journey that you become your own...
Lisa S
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
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
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
I don’t have enough good things to say about this incredible experience. Our guide Julie is so knowledgeable and fun about everything LOTR AND New Zealand in general! My husband and I went for our belated honeymoon and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. You’re fed like Hobbits...
Taylor & Nick L
I will start my review by saying it was the best trip I’ve ever had. The Red Carpet Tours can offer you the best about Lord of the Rings in New Zealand. Julie is so knowledgeable and passionate about the movies and that makes our experience unforgettable. I loved listening to her talk...
Isabele P
"Exceptional! Marvellous! Outstanding! Just a few of the words I could use to describe how fabulous the Red Carpet Tours winter Lord of the Rings tour was. The organisation from beginning to end couldn’t be faulted. Hotels were carefully selected for location and quality. The days...
Judith S
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