Private Driver-guided, Self Drive Or Escorted Coach Tour Customised Itineraries

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Auckland, Auckland, North Island

INCLUDED - Fullers Auckland scenic harbour cruise

Today cruise the sparkling waters of Auckland's beautiful Waitemata harbour. You'll learn about the most well-known city landmarks, including a stopover on dormant volcano Rangitoto. You'll see spectacular views of the harbour bridge, the city skyline and Devonport's historic naval base as well as enjoying the Bean Rock Lighthouse with a complimentary hot drink and sandwich. Each tour includes a complimentary return ticket to Devonport, that can be used on a day and time convenient to you. The harbour cruise lasts one and half hours and departs daily from the Downtown Ferry Terminal at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Hobbiton Movie Set, 501 Buckland Road Matamata, Hinuera 3472 New Zealand

INCLUDED - World-famous Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.
Become immersed in The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films when you visit the actual Hobbiton movie set. Located just outside of Matamata - in the heart of the lush Waikato farming region, your two-hour tour will begin with a drive through a picturesque sheep farm. You'll then be taken through Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and the Party Tree while your guide shares behind-the-scenes tales and fascinating insight into the making of the films.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Waitomo District, Waitomo District, Waikato Region, North Island

INCLUDED - Hairy Feet Scenic Film Location Tour
Visit the stunning farm location at Mangaotaki Rocks Piopio - near Waitomo - where the troll and campfire scenes in 'The Hobbit' were filmed. You'll see the towering limestone cliffs, massive rock formations and primaeval forest that make up the location for Staddle Farm and Trollshaws. You can also have your photo taken in the exact spot where Bilbo received his magical sword 'Sting' from Gandalf. You'll join a personally guided tour of several key filming locations including the site where the Orcs and Wargs began attacking and the 'exit from the cave' containing the troll hoar

Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Wellington, Wellington, Greater Wellington, North Island

INCLUDED - World famous Weta Caves and Windows into the Workshop Tour.
Visit The Weta Cave, a mini-museum filled with props, characters and displays from well-known movies including Avatar, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Hear stories of how these figures were brought to life and learn about the artists who created them. Watch behind-the-scenes interviews from Weta co-founders Sir Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk - and gain insight into the creativity and imagination that comes with crafting the art of Weta.

You'll also take a guided tour through the inner workings of Weta Workshop and learn about its processes and design elements. Please keep in mind that many of the projects Weta Workshop has been involved in contain graphic scenes and special effects that may not be suitable for everyone.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Wellington, Wellington, Greater Wellington, North Island

INCLUDED - Guided Tour of famous Te Papa The Museum of New Zealand - like no other.
A guided 60-minute tour of Te Papa's highlights, Maori treasures, and New Zealand history. Ideal for visitors with limited time or wanting an introduction for an extended visit. New Zealand's national museum tells the great stories of New Zealand's past, present and future. Over 20 galleries house imaginative exhibitions and interactive experiences that explore New Zealand's unique natural environment, the triumphs and tragedies of colonial history, and the warmth and vitality of the Maori people.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Wellington, Wellington, Greater Wellington, North Island

INCLUDED - Middle-Earth Film Locations Half Day Tour -
In a small group, you will head out to the Valley to explore the filming locations for Rivendell where Frodo recovered from his knife attack; the River Anduin where the Fellowship voyaged to Amon Hen; the Gardens of Isengard, where Gandalf rode to see Saruman and the site of the orcs felling the trees; see the quarry used for the filming of Helms Deep in Rohan and Minas Tirith in Gondor. Then back to the City to visit the Mount Victoria lookout and Buckland Forest where you can take a "shortcut to mushrooms", "get off the road" and hide where the Hobbits hid from the Black Riders before taking a run to the Buckleberry Ferry and discovering Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment along the way.

Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, South Island

INCLUDED - Christchurch Gondola Mount Cavendish.
In the Heathcote valley, just fifteen minutes from the heart of Christchurch city, ride the Christchurch Gondola for nearly a kilometre to the collapsed rim of an extinct volcano - which exploded six million years ago. Take in the spectacular panoramic 360-degree views of the central city, Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury Plains and the distant peaks of the mighty Southern Alps. Wander the summit complex and choose one of many nature walks or visit the fascinating Time Tunnel - a dramatic reconstruction of the early history, Pilgrims of the Port Hills and Christchurch.

Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, South Island

INCLUDED - Ko Tane Maori Experience.
Welcome to Ko Tane Living Maori Village at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, where Maori culture and conservation meet to give you a unique glimpse into the way of life of the South Island Ngai Tahu Maori people before the arrival of the Europeans. Experience the thrill of the wero, the traditional challenge to visitors, as you are brought into the sacred precinct of Tane, Maori God of the Forests. Hear the haunting traditional call, the Karanga, performed by a wahine (woman) as the powhiri (ritual of arrival) begins, allowing you to enter our hidden enclave. You will be invited to take part in a performance of the haka (men) or the poi dance (women) and be entertained by the songs and games performed by the kapa haka (Maori cultural performance) group. You will dine and enjoy our four-course hangi cooked dinner (earth oven), experiencing a hangi is another great way to interact with our unique culture and the Ko Tane performers while dining with family.

Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, South Island

INCLUDED - Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour.

Journey to the remote and beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday (Southern Alps). See how this spectacular mountain was transformed into Edoras - the capital city of the Rohan people from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Marvel at its rugged unspoilt beauty and breathe in the clear mountain air, while you indulge in a gourmet sparkling wine picnic.

This amazing day out includes four-wheel drive access onto Mt Sunday/Edoras itself, a gourmet champagne picnic lunch, full running commentary from the friendly and knowledgeable Kiwi tour guides and spectacular scenery you will never forget. You don't have to be a Lord of the Rings fan to enjoy this day out!

Duration: 8 hours

Stop At: Mt. Cook Village, Mt. Cook Village, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island

Suggested Activity- Experience 500-year-old icebergs up-close on the Mt Cook terminal lake. The Glacier Explorers tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand - and one of only three in the world! Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer of them are accessible. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat. These boats provide a safe way to view unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier - The Tasman.

Departing from Mount Cook Village outside The Hermitage Hotel you'll travel to the Tasman Valley, then embark on an easy 30-minute stroll through the National Park before heading out on to the lake. The 2.5-hour trip (45 min to 1 hour on the lake) enjoys a commentary throughout by an experienced guide.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island

INCLUDED - Lord of the Rings Great Forests Scenic Helicopter Flight.
Today you'll take a flight with the crew who were exclusively contracted for the filming of The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Trilogies. Learn intimate knowledge about the area from your pilot and take in some of the most memorable sights of Middle-earth on this spectacular 75-minute flight. Leaving Queenstown you'll climb over the Misty Mountains to Dimrill Dale and the great Gates of Khazad-Dum. See Mirrormere, the source of the River Silverlode then cross Lake Wakatipu towards Amon Hen, where the Breaking of the Fellowship scene was filmed. You can also see the forest where Lurtz fought his final battle as well as the site of the Illithien camp where Frodo and Sam hid from the battle.

Continue west landing atop Dol Baran, fly over the outskirts of Lothlorien. We travel east towards Skippers Canyon, scene of the desperate encounter between Arwen and the Black Riders, before heading back to Queenstown Airport.

Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Queenstown, New Zealand

INCLUDED - Onsen Hot Pools - located high on a cliffside overlooking the magnificent Shotover River canyon, breathtaking alpine scenery and the perfect to watch the Shotover Jet boats on the river below. The experience is all about unwinding and soaking-up Queenstown's spectacular scenery, enjoying the pure waters and the fresh mountain air as your mind and body surrender to the deep penetrating warmth and gentle massage of the private pools. At the touch of a button, you can have complete privacy. Water temperature is set according to the day - between 37.8C on a hot day, to 39.8C during a snow-storm. In summer we keep one of our pools cold for those who relish the thought of a cold plunge! Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before your booking time to ensure you're not starting your period of blissful relaxation in a hurried stress

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island

Nomad Safaris 'Safari of the Scenes' Wakatipu Basin tour.

For those keen on the Hobbit and Lord of The Rings films, come with us for an unexpectedly delightful journey. In safari-equipped 4WD vehicles, you will be taken on a true off-road adventure. Experienced guides will take you on a breathtaking excursion through diverse scenery around the Wakatipu Basin. See historic Arrowtown and go over the Arrow River, as well as experiencing the truly remarkable views of the lake and mountain surround from the Skippers Canyon Saddle. Although no sets remain intact, the landscapes are instantly recognisable. Some of the sites you will visit during this tour include the Misty Mountains, Pillars of Kings and the Ford of Bruinen.

Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island

Suggested Activity - Follow a trail of vines through the famous Gibston valley as you sample the region’s best world-class wines. We recommend stopping at the Chard Farm cellar door, visiting the architecturally award-winning Peregrine vineyard or taking a cellar cave tour at Gibston valley winery. Cruise to Walter Peak station sheep farm for dinner on board a 100-year-old steamship - the TSS Earnslaw. While you're there, a farm tour is a must do for those not familiar with our famous outdoor rural living.

Duration: 6 hours