Holiday Overview
Embark on an epic self-drive adventure through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, a journey tailor-made for fans of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings. Your unforgettable expedition will take you through lush forests, rolling hills, and dramatic fjords, mirroring the enchanting backdrops of the beloved film trilogy. Starting in Auckland, you'll wind your way south, visiting iconic filming locations such as the ethereal Hobbiton in Matamata, the majestic Tongariro National Park, which doubled as the ominous Mount Doom, and the enchanting Fiordland National Park. Along the way, immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the Maori people, savor local cuisine, and experience the magic of New Zealand's breathtakingly diverse landscapes, all while retracing the footsteps of Frodo, Gandalf, and the Fellowship in their epic quest to save Middle-earth. This self-drive holiday promises an adventure that will resonate with fans and nature enthusiasts alike, forging unforgettable memories in the heart of Middle-earth.
New Zealand Middle Earth Self Drive includes:
- International Flights
- 13 nights Accommodation
- Car Hire
- Interisland Ferry
- Sightseeing tours as detailed
Day 1 - Auckland
Arrive in Auckland, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Featured accommodation
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
Day 2 - Auckland
Enjoy a full day exploring Auckland at your own pace - speak to your consultant with regard to the many day trips and tours that are available
Featured accommodation
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
Day 3 - Hobbiton
Collect your rental vehicle and drive South to Matamata and the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. After your included buffet lunch at the Green Dragon Inn, continue to your accommodation
Unmissable Experiences
Hobbiton
Day 4 - Tongariro National Park
This morning take a "Hairy Feet Waitomo" tour covering filming locations in the region, in the afternoon visit Mount Ngauruhoe in Tongariro National Park, which was used as a filming location for Mount Doom.
Featured accommodation
The Powderhorn Chateau
Day 5 - Wellington
Perhaps spend the morning exploring more of Tongariro National Park before driving to the worlds coolest little capital - Wellington
Featured accommodation
Rydges Wellington
Day 6 - Weta Workshop
Today enjoy a full day tour of the famous Weta Workshop and various filming locations in the area. You will also stop at the Mount Victoria lookout for a panoramic view of the city.
Featured accommodation
Rydges Wellington
Day 7 - Blenheim
Catch the scenic Interislander Ferry, from Wellington to Picton and continue onwards to Blenheim in the heart of the Martinborough Wine Country, perhaps visit a vineyard and savour some of the local produce.
Featured accommodation
Scenic Hotel Marlborough
Day 8 - Christchurch
Travel along the South Islands East Coast to the largest city on the island, Christchurch. En-Route stop of at the town of Kaikoura.
Featured accommodation
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Day 9 - Christchurch
Today your day tour takes you on a journey to the remote and beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday. Take a short guided walk to stand on the summit of Edoras and enjoy the breathtaking 360 degree views. See the Misty Mountains and the area that formed the backdrop to Helms Deep.
Featured accommodation
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Day 10 - Lake Tekapo
Half way between Christchurch and Queenstown lies the pretty town of Tekapo, picturesque by day the town is also a wonderful location for stargazing.
Featured accommodation
Peppers Bluewater Resort
Day 11 - Queenstown
Take the lovely drive to Queenstown, Perhaps detour via Wanaka for some extra breathtaking scenery.
Featured accommodation
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown
Day 12 - Queenstown
Today your Safari of the Scenes full day tour offers goldpanning, 4WD river crossings in the Arrow Gorge and a great overview of the diverse scenery of the Queenstown/ Arrowtown area - from towns, to rolling farmland, rugged Skippers Canyon, and mountains, to the famous Kawarau Gorge bungy bridge. You will view the film locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), the site of Isildur's fall, and the Ford of Bruinen. You'll also overlook Deer Park Heights, where the Rohan refugees and the battle with the Wargs were filmed.
Featured accommodation
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown
Day 13 - Queenstown
Today we have left as a blank canvas, enjoy a lazy day at leisure in Queenstown, or maybe take a day tour to the stunning Milford Sound Fjord
Featured accommodation
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown
Day 14 - Queenstown
Say goodbye to Middle Earth, return your hire car to the airport and catch your onwards flight.
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
Simple, sophisticated, and designed for comfort. Copthorne Hotel Auckland City is centrally located, making it the perfect base to explore the city or attend conferences. Nearby you’ll find Queen Street shopping, the Central Business District, and University of Auckland. This hotel is just a 10-minute walk away from the Viaduct Basin and Spark Arena.
Rydges Wellington, Wellington Holidays
Rydges Wellington is centrally located on downtown Featherston Street with a unique combination of harbour and city outlooks. This Wellington accommodation is within walking distance to Lambton Quay, Sky Stadium, Queens Wharf and Wellington Railway Station making it ideally positioned in the heart of the capital.
Scenic Hotel Marlborough, Blenheim
Located in the heart of sunny Marlborough,the Scenic Hotel Marlborough is just minutes walk from the centre of Blenheim with some of New Zealand's finest food and wine virtually on your doorstep. Scenic Hotel Marlborough offers guests the ultimate in modern comfort and service.
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Enjoy luxurious accommodation at the Rydges Latimer Christchurch hotel surrounded in stunning natural beauty. This 4.5-star hotel has been built to ensure a top-of-the-line experience, features and amenities, with 100 percent compliance to the latest building code requirements.
Peppers Bluewater Resort
Peppers Bluewater Resort is set amongst the purest natural landscape. Romantic and secluded, your accommodation in Lake Tekapo reflects the beautiful landscape surrounding you.
Copthorne Hotel Queenstown
Experience tranquility all year round. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Popular ski areas such as Coronet Peak is a 20 minutes drive and Remarkables is a 45 minutes drive away.
Image Gallery
Middle Earth Self Drive
Middle Earth Self Drive - Hobbiton
Middle Earth Self Drive - Weta Workshop
Middle Earth Self Drive - Blenheim Vineyard
Middle Earth Self Drive - Mountains
Middle Earth Self Drive - Queenstown
Middle Earth Self Drive - Hobbiton
Middle Earth Self Drive - Auckland
Middle Earth Self Drive - Tekapo
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2024, 2025 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0009 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
New Zealand’s Movies, Mountains & Maori
- Auckland
- Rotorua
- Christchurch
- Hokitika
- Fox Glacier
- Queenstown
- Lake Tekapo
- Visit Hobbiton
- Travel on the TranzAlpine train
- Climb the Fox Glacier
- Ride the Skyline Gondola
12 Nights from £3805pp
Natural Wonders of Australia & New Zealand
- Christchurch
- Lake Tekapo
- Queenstown
- Sydney
- Cairns
- Melbourne
- Stunning Mountain Scenery in New Zealand
- See Sydney and the Blue Mountains
- Visit the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical Rainforest
- Get up close to Koala's and Penguins on Phillip Island
14 Nights from £4430pp
New Zealand’s Islands, Geysers & Glaciers
- Auckland
- Bay of Islands
- Rotorua
- Napier
- Wellington
- Marlborough Sounds
- Kaikoura
- Christchurch
- Franz Josef
- Wanaka
- Queenstown
- Hibiscus Coast
- Maori cultural experience
- Wellington cable car
- Cruise Milford Sound
21 Nights from £5475pp
Golf New Zealand
- Auckland
- Rotorua
- Taupo
- Christchurch
- Hokitika
- Franz Josef
- Queenstown
- Jacks Point Queenstown
- Millbrook Resort Queenstown
- The Kinloch Club Taupo
- Explore Rotorua and its volcanic plateau
14 Nights from £1300pp
Snapshot of North Island
- Auckland
- Rotorua
- Taupo
- Tongariro National Park
- Martinborough
- Wellington
- Matamata for Hobbiton Movie Set
- Mount Victoria lookout
- Rotorua’s geothermal parks
- Tongariro National Park
9 Nights from £1385pp
South Island’s Mountain Explorer
- Christchurch
- Franz Josef
- Queenstown
- Mount Cook
- Lake Tekapo
- Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown
- Spectacular rail journey through the Southern Alps
- Mount Cook National Park
- Coloured Lake Tekapo
9 Nights from £1630pp
