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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'
- A guest presentation from a talented artist involved in the making of the films
- Meet the makers of the original Fellowship cloaks for 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! Once in Wellington we “Get off the Road” at an iconic LOTR film location so get ready for some fun re-enactments! Accommodation: Wellington (3 nights)
This morning we visit the makers of the original fellowship cloaks from the films and tour their factory where they are still made today. 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 a legendary film guest who will share inside stories and knowledge of their time working on the films. We will finish the day with a farewell buffet dinner together.
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
- Māori 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 a hands-on activity workshop
- Tour of the Stansborough factory and shop where the original Fellowship cloaks were made
- A Special guest presentation from an artist of the films
2026 Dates:
2027 Dates:
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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