Im going on an adventure!

This evening, we come together for a welcome buffet dinner — the perfect chance to get to know your fellow travellers and share the excitement of the journey ahead. Rest well tonight, as an early start awaits us tomorrow. Accommodation: Auckland City

After a hearty cooked breakfast (included daily from Day 2–14), we depart Auckland at 8am and journey south to one of the most magical locations in New Zealand — Hobbiton! Step into the enchanting Shire and explore iconic sights such as Bag End, Sam & Rosie’s cottage, and the Party Tree! Have your camera ready to capture every detail of this unforgettable location. Relax with a pint at The Green Dragon Inn before enjoying a delicious buffet lunch together. Later, we continue on to Rotorua, where you may choose to unwind at the beautiful Polynesian Spa or immerse yourself in a traditional Māori cultural evening featuring a captivating performance and dinner (optional, additional cost). Overnight: Rotorua

This morning we set out for Trollshaw Forest, where a wonderful guided tour brings this iconic Hobbit filming location to life amidst breathtaking scenery. Along the way, we’ll pause to enjoy a picnic lunch (included), before continuing our journey to the mighty Huka Falls — one of New Zealand’s most powerful and picturesque natural wonders. Our day concludes in the geothermal heart of New Zealand, Taupō, where we stay in lakeside accommodation. Overnight: Lakeside Taupō

This morning we explore The Hobbit filming location 'The Secret Entrance to Erebor' and the LOTR site of Gollum’s Fishing Pool, where Andy Serkis famously avoided plunging over the waterfall! Afterwards, we journey to “Wellywood” — Wellington City. Tonight, you may wish to dine at the charming Green Parrot Restaurant (optional), which was a favourite of Viggo Mortensen. Accommodation: Wellington (3 nights)

Today we dive into the heart of New Zealand’s film industry in Wellington! We will have an extended tour of Wētā Workshop, shop up a storm at the Wētā Cave, and enjoy lunch a group lunch at the beautifully restored Roxy Theatre (included). Later, we’ll visit the iconic ‘Get Off the Road!’ filming location from The Fellowship of the Ring, perched with stunning views over the city. Your evening is free to explore dining options, with your Guide on hand to recommend local favourites. You could also visit the historic Embassy Theatre, the venue for the world premieres of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and The Hobbit films.

This morning, enjoy an inspiring presentation by a LOTR artist or film guest, showcasing their incredible talents. It’s also a unique opportunity to purchase exclusive souvenirs. During the winter months, a second special movie guest presentation is also included. Later, the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure — wander through the Te Papa Museum, catch a film at the historic Embassy Theatre, or discover other highlights of Wellington at your own pace.

Our North Island adventure comes to a close as we board the Inter-Island Ferry from Wellington, sailing across the Cook Strait to Picton in the South Island (approx. 3.5 hours). After lunch, we travel to Nelson, pausing to admire the famous river where the Dwarves famously escaped the Elves in barrels. For the adventurous, there’s the option of a scenic 1-hour guided kayak along this iconic movie location, led by experienced local guides — a truly memorable way to experience Middle-earth! Accommodation: Nelson

This morning, we meet the creators behind the legendary “One Ring” and get the unique opportunity to speak with Halfdan Hansen, son of Jens Hansen, while exploring their exquisite range of Lord of the Rings and Hobbit jewellery. After lunch, weather permitting, you can take an optional 2-hour helicopter flight over stunning LOTR filming locations, including the ‘South of Rivendell’ — an experience highly recommended for breathtaking views and unforgettable memories. Accommodation: Nelson

We have an early start today as we travel south through the breathtaking South Island scenery, stopping along the way for second breakfast and to admire the fur seal colony along the coast. Our lunch stop will also be amid the stunning landscapes of the wild Kaikōura Coast, with time for a fun coach quiz to test your travel knowledge! Continuing south, we arrive in Christchurch, where we rest up for the adventures ahead tomorrow! Accommodation: Christchurch

Today we visit the awe-inspiring Edoras, a truly spiritual experience! Stand where the Golden Hall once stood, take in the sweeping mountain vistas, and proudly fly the Rohan flag — a moment you’ll long remember. After descending, we enjoy refreshments in the charming township of Geraldine, before continuing south past the stunning Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Keep your eyes peeled for Aoraki Mount Cook, the “Cloud Piercer”, rising to 12,500 feet. We will arrive in Twizel, with a buffet dinner included. This is also a perfect spot to gaze at the night sky and spot the Southern Cross. Accommodation: Twizel

Today we step onto the iconic Pelennor Fields, once echoing with the thunder of 250 charging horses and the stirring battle cry of King Théoden. Next, we visit the picturesque Laketown, where a guided tour brings this iconic LOTR location to life. Test your skills with a bit of archery — who knows, we might have a budding Bard or Tauriel among us! Afterward, we continue to Omarama for lunch, followed by a special visit to Mrs Jones’s Orchard, a hidden gem of the region. Overnight: Cromwell

This morning, thrill-seekers have the chance to bungy from the legendary Kawarau AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge — are you ready to dive over the River Anduin? Afterwards, we continue to Queenstown, the jewel of the South Island, where you’ll have time to visit a LOTR jewellery shop that also sells beautiful Maori Green Stone and pick up lunch for tomorrow’s big locations day. We settle in for our final three nights in picturesque Queenstown, with plenty of excellent restaurants and cafés to explore at your leisure. Accommodation: Queenstown (3 nights)

Today we journey to Mavora Lakes, visiting several iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations: the Calling up of Shadowfax, the Silverlode Bridge, the Orc funeral pyre, Fangorn Forest, Nen Hithoel, the log that hid Merry and Pippin before Frodo departed, and the spot where Sam and Frodo paddled onward on their epic quest. The scenery here is truly breathtaking — a perfect backdrop for your final LOTR adventure with us. Tonight, we gather for our farewell dinner at the hotel, feasting like Hobbits!

Today is yours to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace, with a wide range of optional activities to suit every taste. You could enjoy a guided walk on the Routeburn Track, a Nomad Safari 4WD LOTR tour, a wine and food experience, or a cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Thrill-seekers can try jet boating, bungy jumping, parasailing, paragliding, or white-water rafting, while those seeking relaxation may enjoy a hot air balloon ride, or a soothing soak at the Onsen Hot Pools.

Alas, your unforgettable journey through Middle-earth with Red Carpet Tours has come to an end. Thank you for travelling with us on this incredible adventure… there and back again. On departure day, your breakfast is still included before you need to check out.