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7 Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Our new 7-day tour features the new Hobbiton Behind-the-Scenes tour, key North Island movie locations, Weta Workshop activities and an authentic Māori cultural evening!
We have been working hard behind the scenes to create an exclusive new 7-day Tour next August, unlike any other we’ve offered before!
This unique itinerary will feature the brand new Hobbiton Behind-the-Scenes tour! So not only will you get to explore the Shire and have a Pint in the Green Dragon, but you will also have a lavish banquet lunch in the fully themed Millhouse, step inside Hobbiton's very own Art Department workshop and savour a Hobbit-style cheese platter at a hidden lookout with breathtaking views across Hobbiton.
As we journey through the North Island, we will visit key Middle-earth locations and take part in an authentic Māori cultural evening and dinner together, giving you the chance to experience New Zealand’s rich Māori heritage up close.
On top of our usual Wellington Weta Workshop tour and activity, you will also get to experience movie-making magic up close at Weta Workshop's 'Unleashed' tour in Auckland as well!
All within a small fellowship of like-minded travellers, led by our passionate Kiwi guides.
Highlights
- Explore The Shire at Hobbiton and have a Pint in the Green Dragon
- Go behind the scenes in Hobbiton's Art Department and enjoy a banquet lunch in Millhouse
- Weta Workshop's 'Unleashed' Tour in Auckland
- Experience an authentic Māori cultural show and dinner
- Step into the stunning Trollshaw Forest movie location
- Behind-the-scenes Weta Workshop tour and activity in Wellington
- Exclusive discounts at Weta for Red Carpet Tours passengers!
- Hide from the Ring Wraith as we 'Get off the Road'
- 2 guest presentations from talented artists involved in the making of the films
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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 2–7), we set off to discover Wētā Workshop Unleashed, Auckland’s immersive film-making attraction. Step behind the scenes and experience the creativity, artistry, and movie magic that bring imaginary worlds to life. Then later this evening, you will get to experience an enchanting Māori culture show with traditional performances, a hangi dinner, and a guided forest walk to see glow worms, all set in Māori village under the stars. Accommodation: Rotorua
Today we depart Auckland at 8am sharp and journey to one of the most magical locations in New Zealand — Hobbiton! Step into the enchanting Shire and explore iconic sights such as Bag End, the Party Tree and even go behind the scenes into Hobbiton's very own art department! This new experience also includes a lavish banquet lunch in the fully themed Millhouse! This evening you may choose to unwind at the beautiful Polynesian Spa (optional, additional cost). Accommodation: 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 New Plymouth. Overnight: New Plymouth
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Today is a travel day with stunning scenery as we journey to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. We’ll stop for breaks along the way, pass through charming small towns, and enjoy The Fellowship of the Ring on the coach for those who’d like to watch. There’s also a fun LOTR/Hobbit trivia quiz on board—with prizes! Accommodation: Wellington (3 nights)
This morning we “Get off the Road” at an iconic LOTR film location so get ready for some fun re-enactments! Then we will visit the amazing Weta Cave, full of precioussss treasure for some retail therapy! We will have a group lunch, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour at Weta Workshop, followed by a drive past Stone Street Studios and Park Road Post Production. What production can we spy happening this time?
Today, we are thrilled to host two legendary film guests: Daniel Falconer – Concept designer for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, expert map-maker and artist extraordinaire. Chris Menges – Senior Swordsmith at Weta Workshop. He'll share fascinating stories and showcase collectible swords—many of which were the original movie used swords! Both guests will have items for sale, this is a great opportunity to get very special movie souvenirs that are one of a kind!
Today you still have a cooked buffet breakfast included before you check out of the hotel. And so, our journey through Middle-earth comes to an end. Thank you for joining us—there and back again!
- Private bus transportation
- Welcome pack
- All hotel accommodation throughout the tour
- All guiding services with Kiwi Guides
- 7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 3 buffet Dinners
- Māorii Cultural evening
- Entry Fees to private The Lord Of The Rings movie locations
- Department of Conservation fees
- Entry fees for Hobbiton,additional behind-the-scenes tour and a banquet lunch
- Tour fees at Trollshaw Forest
- Auckland Weta Unleashed Tour
- Weta Workshop extended Tour in Wellington and hands-on activity workshop
- Two Special guest presentations from artists of the films
2026 Dates:
What people have said
This is the best and ONLY way for a LOtR/Hobbit fan to experience New Zealand. Julie and her team are fantastic, knowledgeable people who, you can tell, put so much time and effort into making sure your experience with them is an amazing one! You will not regret choosing them as your guides...
Stephanie B
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
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
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
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
"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
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