Journey through a winter Middle-earth!
This 12 day The Lord of the Rings New Zealand adventure is designed for a Middle earth Winter. Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Middle-earth, traveling from Auckland to Queenstown via LOTR filming locations, movie studios, and movie guests.
This is our New Zealand Winter 12-day The Lord of the Rings Tour. Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Middle-earth, travelling from Auckland to Queenstown via LOTR filming locations, movie studios, and special Movie Guest presentations. This Tour is the ultimate adventure for an avid Tolkien fan!
You will also meet those involved in the making of the movies, and travel off the beaten track into the breathtaking landscapes and natural attractions New Zealand has to offer.
Along the way, there are opportunities for helicopter flights and landings on iconic mountains used in the films, extended Wellington (Wellywood) movie behind-the-scenes experiences with special film guests, Bungy jumping or 4-wheel drive tours to amazing and remote film locations. All within a small fellowship of like-minded travellers, led by our passionate The Lord Of The Rings guides.
Highlights
- Explore The Shire and enjoy a feast fit for any Hobbit!
- Have a pint in The Green Dragon Pub
- Meet artists involved with both The Lord Of The Rings & The Hobbit Trilogies!
- Auckland Weta Workshop Unleashed experience
- Wellington Behind-the-scenes Weta Workshop tour and exclusive discounts for Red Carpet Tours passengers!
- Domestic flight between the North and South Islands
- Explore Trollshaw Forest
- Tour the famous Waitomo native Glow Worm Caves
- Experience the beautiful Queenstown - the fun and adventure capital of New Zealand
- Step inside Fangorn Forest
- Experience the 'Calling up of Shadowfax"
What people have said!
"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 were carefully balanced to ensure interesting content, no dull bits, but not over tiring. There were some silly times too which could be enjoyed as a participant or observer. We joined the tour purely to see the amazing New Zealand landscape but we were quickly drawn into the fascinating business of making the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. The locations were amazing including some that aren’t available on all tours. The tour guides had so much background knowledge about the filming and those involved it added a wonderful richness to the tour. This is a tour for any fan of the films, or anyone who wants a wonderful New Zealand holiday." - Judith, UK (June 2023 fellowship)
- Private bus transportation
- Welcome pack for direct bookings
- All guiding services
- Special Movie Guest presentations in Wellington
- Hotel Accommodation
- 11 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches & 2 buffet Dinners
- Entry Fees to private The Lord Of The Rings New Zealand sites
- Department of Conservation fees
- Auckland Weta Workshop Unleashed experience
- Entry fees for Hobbiton and festive feast lunch
- Weta Workshop extended Tour and workshop
- Domestic Airfare Wellington - Queenstown
- Special presentations from movie guests
Being in the Southern Hemisphere, our seasons here in New Zealand may be at different times of the year to yours (depending on where you live). Therefore, we have found it necessary to have seasonal itineraries to enhance your experience of Middle Earth. These comprise of the following months, please email us for a copy of your chosen New Zealand season itinerary.
2024 Winter Tour months
2025 Winter Tour months
2026 Dates Coming Soon...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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