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
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
"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
This was a trip of a lifetime. I honestly couldn’t imagine seeing Middle Earth any other way. Julie is amazing and truly cultivated an experience that I will treasure forever. If you’re thinking about booking this trip—just do it. I promise that you will have the time of your life.
Brenna M
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
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
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
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
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
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
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