Why Choose Us?
Red Carpet Tours proudly operates the original and premier Lord of the Rings tour in New Zealand, offering the most comprehensive and immersive experience available. Since our founding in 2001, we’ve continually refined our tours to bring you the very best of both Middle-earth and New Zealand—blended into one unforgettable journey.
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 amazing 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, Google or Facebook and you will see what we mean!
7. A Life-Changing Pilgrimage
Many of our guests describe the tour as a life-changing and awe-inspiring experience from start to finish. Along the way, our fellowships not only form lasting friendships but in some cases, even more! Over the years, we've unofficially become a bit of a matchmaking tour, with dozens of past passengers meeting their future spouse during their Middle-earth adventure with us!
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
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
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
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
Passion has been forged into the Red Carpet tours. Years of relationships with the artists, land owners, and businesses has created an unforgettable experience. The Red Carpet team guide you on a journey that is not just visiting locations, but creating a sense of joy and wonder for New Zealand....
Joshua W
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
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
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
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
Genuinely the best guided trip I've ever taken! Julie and Josh are amazing and so welcoming! Red Carpet Tours were so accommodating, fun, and had everything well planned. Our bus drivers and peers in the tours were really really nice and fun. Would strongly suggest taking Red Carpet Tours...
Renin J
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