Why Choose Us?
Red Carpet Tours operates the original tour of Lord of the Rings (LOTR) New Zealand, providing the most comprehensive tours available. Established in 2002, our constant refinement means we now offer the very best of both The Lord of the Rings and New Zealand in one compelling package.
Here are 7 reasons why you should let us take you on an adventure through Middle-earth.
1. Make Life-Long Friends
Be part of a fellowship from the moment you arrive until the time you leave. Our small groups allow you to easily mix with like-minded people and form friendships that last a lifetime.
2. Discover Exclusive Movie Locations
We will take you off the beaten track to locations closed to the public, where you will experience not only awe-inspiring scenery and sets but also meet some of those who were involved in making the films.
3. Passionate Guides
Your tour will be led by our passionate guide, giving you access to their in-depth knowledge of all things LOTR and New Zealand. Our staff make meaningful and lasting friendships with their groups through shared interests and traveling NZ together.
4. The Original and the Best!
As the longest established The Lord of the Rings tour operator in Middle-earth, we have built connections and relationships over many years to create the optimal experience for you. We constantly refine our tours based on our guides and tour members’ feedback.
5. 100% Authentic
Red Carpet Tours was born out of genuine interest and passion for Tolkien and LOTR. We put the fans first and provide depth of knowledge and detail that will be beyond your expectations. We like to get as ‘behind the scenes' as possible - imparting interesting and little known facts, personal interactions with people involved in the production and a chance to bring the scenes to life by acting out a chosen part. This is no “theme-park” experience!
6. Amazing Testimonials
Check out our faultless feedback on Trip Advisor and Rankers.co.nz and you will see what we mean!
7. A Life-Changing Pilgrimage
Many of our customers comment on the life-changing, awe-inspiring nature of the tour in its entirety. The personal and almost sacred aspect of your own personal journey, quest or pilgrimage - has different levels of significance and meaning for each person.
Our Promise to You
“From the moment you arrive in Middle-earth, we will strive to exceed your expectations. We will take you off the beaten track, to remote locations, the very best sets and scenes, and impart our in-depth knowledge about both The Lord of the Rings and New Zealand, creating an inspiring experience you won’t forget. Your journey with Red Carpet Tours will be an adventure of a lifetime!”
What people have said
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
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
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
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
From first contact with the James family, and the Lord of the Rings-Red Carpet Tours, you are in the best of hands. You expect so much on the tour but you receive so much more. I came back from my first tour believing I'd never have a better, truly satisfying experience, and they could...
Barbara S
"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 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
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
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