Lord of The Rings Tours
Step Into Middle Earth: Your Gateway to Lord of the Rings Tours in New Zealand
Unlock the enchanting world of Tolkien with our curated Lord of the Rings Tours across New Zealand's spellbinding landscapes—your very own Middle Earth. These customisable itineraries offer you unparalleled access to iconic filming locations like Isengard, the Misty Mountains, and Lothlorien. From guided expeditions with knowledgeable local drivers to self-driven adventures equipped with detailed maps and GPS coordinates, we offer five distinct tours tailored for the ultimate Lord of the Rings fan, But we can make something unique for you! Don't settle for standard; experience the lore, luxury, and the natural beauty of New Zealand on your exclusive private journey. Ready for your epic adventure? Your passage to the magical realms of Middle Earth starts here at The Road Trip—'Where Your Journey Begins.'
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THE PRIVATE LORD OF THE RINGS TOUR ADVANTAGE
These packages includes:
Exclusive Tour Leader
Expert Lord of the Rings knowledge, personalised planning, and all inclusive transportation with our guided tours
Modern Comfortable Vehicle
To take you deep into Middle Earth Including full insurance and fuel with our guided tours
Unique Middle-earth Encounters
Curated experiences such as exploring the iconic Hairy Feet filming location, exclusive helicopter tours of breathtaking film sites, behind-the-scenes tours of Hobbiton, and more can be seamlessly included in your itinerary.
Second Breakfast (Meal Options)
We understand the art of second breakfast, the magic of cooking potatoes, and more! Whether you prefer to boil 'em, mash 'em, or stick 'em in a stew, we’ll ensure your meals and dietary needs are perfectly catered to suit your preferences.
There and Back Again (Planning)
We’ll handle all the logistics, timings, and support to ensure your quest runs smoothly, guiding you to every secret spot along the way!
Lodging
From Hobbit themed options to locations where the film crew stayed, choose from 4-star to 6-star accommodations to suit your comfort and style
Forge Your Journey in 4 Easy Steps
1
Map Out Your Middle-earth Dreams
Dive deep into what you envision – from the landscapes you want to explore to the experiences that call to you. Our experts are here to listen and transform your aspirations into a tangible itinerary for your fellowship
2
Receive Your Tailored Journey Through Middle-earth
Receive a personalised road trip plan crafted just for you. Our detailed itineraries are designed to match your interests perfectly, offering a seamless blend of iconic sights and hidden gems
3
Set the Course for Your Adventure
Review your custom itinerary and feel free to request any modifications. We're committed to refining your journey until it aligns flawlessly with your expectations, ensuring your adventure is nothing short of perfect
4
Choose the Fellowship's Guidance or the Ring Bearer’s Route
Begin your adventure with confidence, choosing the path that suits you best. Travel alongside a dedicated guide who will be with you every step of the way, sharing insider knowledge and exclusive insights into Middle-earth. Alternatively, take the reins with our app-based self-drive option, featuring a meticulously planned route that includes all the iconic filming locations for an independent yet immersive experience!
Tailor Your Dream Journey
Customisable Aspects Include:
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- Lodgings with a Touch of Magic: From cozy 4-star stays to luxurious 6-star retreats, select accommodations to suit your adventure.
- Choose Your Vehicle Style: Whether it’s a stylish convertible or a spacious van for your fellowship, we’ve got you covered.
- Personalised Itineraries: From accessible tours to honeymoons, corporate escapes, or family adventures, your journey will be uniquely yours.
- Enrich Your Experience: Include highlights such as jet boat rides or lakeside dining, inspired by the stunning vistas that make New Zealand Middle-earth.
If you are looking for a group tour with set departure dates, check out: Lord of the Rings Premium Small Group Tours | The Road Trip New Zealand
Your Journey, Your Way
Experience Middle-earth like never before with a tour tailored entirely to you. Whether you choose the freedom of a self-drive adventure or the expertise of a guided tour, our bespoke approach ensures a truly unforgettable journey through the landscapes that inspired The Lord of the Rings.
The advantages of private touring with us:
- Total Flexibility: Say goodbye to rigid schedules and crowded buses. Whether you prefer a leisurely morning or spontaneous stops, you’re in charge of your adventure.
- Hidden Gems: Our guides or app-based self-drive itineraries take you beyond the main highlights to explore New Zealand’s hidden wonders—places coach tours simply can’t access.
- A Journey at Your Pace: Take the time to truly savor the magic of Middle-earth, from breathtaking photo opportunities to quiet, off-the-beaten-path locations.
- Exclusive Attention: With us, you’re never one of a crowd. Every detail of your trip is designed with your preferences in mind, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Self-Drive Itinerary: Embark on your own epic quest with our personalised app-based itineraries, packed with insider tips, iconic filming locations, and secret spots. Perfect for adventurers who crave independence and the thrill of discovery at a more budget-friendly price.
- Privately Guided Tours: Let our dedicated guide bring Middle-earth to life. With insider knowledge, local expertise, and a focus on your unique interests, they’ll ensure you experience the best of New Zealand without missing a moment.
Self-Drive Freedom or Guided Expertise—The Choice is Yours
Every journey we craft is as unique as you are—designed to showcase not just the beauty of Middle-earth but the unparalleled magic of New Zealand. Your adventure is waiting, and we’re here to make it extraordinary.
Check out some example LOTR itineraries below
But Remember... These Are Just the Beginning!
Real and Independent Traveller Feedback
Read reviews on Tripadvisor
The experience of our lives
We chose New Zealand as our honey moon emphasizing in visiting some Lord of the Rings filming locations as well as experiencing other NZ wonders. The team of The Road Trip made a great job in designing a perfect itinerary for us. First, Alex worked with us for months during many backs and forwards, never forcing us towards any set or standard itinerary, but always adapting the itinerary to our preferences and making sure we made the most of our time. We finally settled a part guided and part self-driven itinerary. We also indicated that we where not willing to spend a lot of money in fancy hotels, and he made sure our accommodation was always nice but affordable. The time and effort he put into it was really remarkable. The whole booking process was smooth and straightforward, and we always received all the help we needed from them, always keeping quick and easy communication.
Once there, our guide Bruce was really kind and helpful. We learned a lot about NZ with him and he was always willing to do all in his power to make sure we could do all our planned activities, even when we needed to react to unfavourable weather conditions. Also, Shani from the reservations team was always reachable to make any changes or adjustments needed. We constantly felt cared and supported, and we don't have any doubts that they all did their best to help us enjoy our time. It was truly a memorable trip and we need to thank all of them for it. We fallen in love with New Zealand. We will return there, and we will definetly do it with The Road Trip.
Alfredo LL M
Nov 2024
New Zealand North Island Lord of the Rings Tour
Pick these guys if you are interested in a great tour of New Zealand - they know what they are doing. Had a fantastic time in the North Island tour that started in Auckland and ended in Wellington. Our group visited many Lord of the Rings film locations, including Hobbiton, Helms Deep, etc. and special effects wizards Weta Workshop. We learned about Maori culture and traditions. We went white water rafting and enjoyed sumptuous meals at River Valley Rafting. Our guide, Bruce, was very knowledgeable and accomodated our various requests ("Can we get ice cream?"). I am already planning to use them for a tour of the South Island. Highly recommended.
sn-traveller-AUS
Oct 2024
Exploring New Zealand aka Middle Earth
"It has been a dream of ours to visit New Zealand for many years and The Road Trip exceeded all of our expectations. From the start of planning our trip, months prior to visiting New Zealand, Road Trip answered all of our questions and concerns. The Road Trip put our minds at ease through the organization of creating our 12 day itinerary, providing transportation from and to each airport, and by booking each hotel and tour. Through booking each daily activity for our stay in New Zealand, Road Trip also took the time to cater the tour to focus on our interests and our love for Lord of the Rings movies (filming locations).
Furthermore, we cannot be remiss in thanking our tour guide, David, who went above and beyond to ensure we were able to see and experience as much of ‘Middle Earth’ as possible. We will forever be grateful for David as he truly brought our dream holiday to life. His recommendations and knowledge of local restaurants, trails to hike, wineries, and cafes were spot on. It was unbelievable that each day seemed better than the last.
As we continue to reminisce about our trip by looking back at photos and sharing our experiences with family and friends, our hearts are full. With beautiful weather each day during our stay (which many shared with us is unusual during winter months), we were able to take in all of the beauty New Zealand holds. David said it best, “you guys had the picture-perfect brochure every day,” and he couldn’t be more accurate. Thank you, Matt, David, and The Road Trip for your unwavering efforts in creating the perfect holiday!"
With grateful hearts,
James and Lindsey
Lindsey B
Jul 2024
Trip of a lifetime!
We can’t say enough positive things about The Road Trip. From our initial contact with Alex we (group of four) felt well taken care of, like we were the only ones they were assisting. Other companies were happy to provide plans but The Road Trip were the only ones to develop a plan that captured our interests (i.e. culture, landscape, wine, culinary), in other words, they listened. The unique dining in Christchurch was a special treat – it was such a fun evening. In retrospect there is not a single accommodation, dining, or tour we would have changed, a testament to the great planning The Road Trip team did. Of note is the great job they did in providing support, the Reservation Team (thanks Denina!) were on top of every detail (hotels, transfers, car rental, meals, excursions …) and subsequently the trip was seamless, we just focused on enjoying ourselves. The app used for the trip plan included all our itinerary and reservation information (with links) and worked extremely well. It included information on dining, activities, and shopping that we consulted many times for dining and hikes.
Our trip was spectacular with great memories, The Road Trip was a key reason why!
Tom C
Jul 2024
Fantastic Road Trip in the South Island
Just had 21days in NZ south island. The Road Trip crew organised everything and it was faultless! The tour was tailored to our wants and what we were into. The App was just great so we were never concerned about if we were on time or what to see on the way.Cannot recommend this crew enough! The month of May is perfect for what we wanted to do. Again thanks to the Road Trip crew for a great holiday. There is not enough room here to write about all the great things we saw and did. The Kiwis are great!
Ian S
Jun 2024
Wonderful time touring the South Island of New Zealand. Highly recommend The Road Trip Tour Company!!!
A little late in posting this review, but it was such a wonderful experience I wanted to make sure I let Alex and our guide Constance know what a great time we had. Kudos to Alex for putting together a fantastic itinerary on such short notice and to Constance for her knowledge, wit, and patience with the four of us spry 60+ year olds. She was an amazing host who loves her country and loves to share its history, she was a fantastic driver as well, she knew when we needed to get on the road and knew so many short cuts during rush hour traffic, she made us so happy we weren’t driving. As a side note, being from the States, I would highly recommend not driving, we’ve driven NZ and Australia before and having a driver is sooo much more enjoyable. We highly recommend The Road Trip!!! Thank you again Alex for making our vacation amazing!!!
AliT-SoCal
May 2024
The Road Trip is the best way to organize a great trip to New Zealand
The Road Trip team did an outstanding job organizing and scheduling our recent visit to New Zealand. There were no issues communicating with them from the States and they made it easy to schedule a video call and discuss what would best match our interests and priorities. Alex and the team then sent us a first draft itinerary to review .They had excellent suggestions and many great options. Lastly, they sent a final itinerary and an app to use throughout our trip.
Communication throughout the process and the trip was easy and the app was fantastic --it had all the information we needed each day – hotel reservations, activities, meals etc. and we appreciated the many suggestions in the app for places to visit and activities so we could tailor each day to our liking.
Because our trip was so successful, we’re planning to use The Road Trip to return to New Zealand in 2025. It’s by far the best way to organize a great trip to New Zealand that is tailored for you.
Janet S
May 2024
Wonderful trip
I had a great trip with my friends. New Zealand is beautiful. This time I experienced it. The views and scenery were spectacular. I hope I can comeback to NZ again.
Tiến H
Apr 2024
Wonderful, custom made New Zealand road trip with "The Road Trip"
If you are looking for a bespoke tour of New Zealand's South Island, I would recommend going with the Road Trip. Other than for day trips, my wife and I avoid bus trip tours. We want my own agenda and dislike waiting for a large group of people to assemble and don't like being part of herd following a flag around and having to be rushed to the next place. After doing extensive research about the places we wished to visit and after looking at several companies, We decided to go with the Road Trip. We were able to talk directly with Matt about our interests and he put together a two week tour agenda. After reviewing, I added some things and changed others to get exactly the route and agenda we wanted.
Chris M. was our guide and excellent driver and quickly learned what we liked and the types of things we wanted to do and see. We were able to make changes on the fly and spend as much or little time at each place as we wanted and arrive at our next lodging spot early - or later if we wanted more time someplace. When our whale-watch tour was cancelled, Chris suggested a steamboat tour and BBQ lunch as an alternative which was an excellent choice. He also knows interesting local and out of the way places to stop for views, walks, breakfast, lunch and coffee breaks, many which we likely would not have discovered on our own or at a convenient time. Chris was very personable, accommodating and polite and had a great sense of humor. He is well versed in NZ flora and fauna and can identify native birds and plants and provide a lot of info about them. He is also quite knowledgeable about Maori culture, history and lore. He is well travelled and has many interesting life experiences and stories to relate. We spent many hours in the car so I believe we got to know one another quite well.
Thanks again to the Road Trip and to Matt and Chris for taking good care of us and giving us a truly memorable experience!
usclapps
Mar 2024
An amazing service! Highly recommend!
Having never been to New Zealand before we wanted to self drive and asked the Road Trip to suggest an itinerary. We spoke to Matt via Zoom and discussed our interests, time lines and budget. Within a short period of time Matt sent us a suggested itinerary. We met again via Zoom and discussed the plan. Each day we looked forward to opening the App and following the suggested route as we explored NZ. Points of interests, suggested cafes and rest stops along the route did not disappoint. All of the accommodation and activities were excellent. Wonderful to arrive in a city and look at the suggested restaurants, etc. we followed the the Road Trips suggestions most evenings for dinner and were delighted we did! On a couple of occasions, timings for activities were altered by the provider and our App was immediately updated and a email was also sent to us.
We loved New Zealand, we thoroughly enjoyed The Road Trip’s staff and services. This is the way to travel!! Highly recommend! 10/10!!!
Vacationer588794
Mar 2024
Had the trip of a lifetime thanks to The Road Trip!
Highly highly HIGHLY recommend The Road Trip to plan your New Zealand adventure. Everything was planned perfectly between the hotels and the adventures. Their recommendations were spot on and we had the trip of a lifetime. There were 8 of us ranging from teens to late 60s and the adventures we had were perfect from climbing to jet boating to staying on the Milford Sound. We didn’t have any hiccups, everything was booked perfectly and made to be so easy! We just showed up and everything was good to go! We will be back one day and have The Road Trip team plan another vacation for us! Well done team and THANK YOU SO MUCH!
KCaissey
Mar 2024
Great trip planning !
Our itinerary was planned so well. There were 4 of us (2 couples) and the activities were just as we wanted which was a mixture of adventures, leisure time, variety of lodging including off the beaten path ones. They were accommodating and receptive to our wishes.
teeseeann
Feb 2024
Definitely use The Road Trip to plan your journey in New Zealand
We used The Road Trip to plan out our 18 day "Road Trip" in New Zealand and it was one of the best things that we did. We talked to them about what we wanted to see, where we wanted to go and they took care of everything. We spent 13 days in the South Island and 5 days in the North Island and it was basically "turn key" for us. We showed up at the airport in Christchurch and they took care of the car rental, all of our hotels / motels, the excursions that we wanted to go on, provided us points of interest along our drive including suggested hikes, things to do in the cities that we visited as well as restaurant recommendations. All of these I have typically done myself on other trips, but having them do it on this trip was worth every penny and made things much more enjoyable and significantly less stressful. Even after we started our journey they were very responsive to some changes that we made on the fly (because of weather). I would highly recommend them - in fact we asked if they provide these services in other countries because if they did we would definitely use them!
Jim H
Feb 2024
New Zealand Trip of a Lifetime
Road Trip NZ helped us plan a 15-day independent tour of New Zealand and we can't say enough good things about them. We started with some ideas of what we wanted and they provided suggestions to improve the trip plan. During planning and during the trip itself they were easy to reach and responded quickly. They coordinated a rental car for us on the North and South islands and booked all accommodations and planned activities. For each stop, we chose the "level" of hotel (platinum, gold, silver). No matter what level was selected, the accommodations were excellent for that type of stay (roadside motels to big city hotels). The included meals, and activities were all first-rate and every time we walked into someplace new, they had our information and checked us in quickly. Road Trip NZ provided an easy to use customized phone app that had all of the needed trip information: directions, places to eat, interesting stops along the way, and additional activities at each location. For directions, activities, or food, the app never steered us wrong. Highlights of the trip included a wine tour of Waiheke Island, Heli-hike on Franz Joseph Glacier, Hobbiton, Waimangu Valley, and jet boating. I highly recommend that everyone visit New Zealand and use Road Trip NZ to plan your trip of a lifetime.
Sharon G
Jan 2024
Couldn't be better ......
Responding at very short notice for a trip over the Christmas period, The Road Trip pulled together a well balanced week of sightseeing and activities. Kinloch hotel and Lana Hotel were both first class and our driver/guide, Chris Martin was a good driver, always on time and came with a great sense of humor. Very happy with our week.
globalguy
Jan 2024
December NZ road trip : Spectacular scenery and memorable experiences.
We had a wonderful road trip with my family of 4 along with my mum and uncle. We were surrounded by beautiful scenery while en route, not just at the destinations.
The experiences and activities catered to the more active and sedate family members allowing each to experience NZ at their own pace .
Several parts of the route were windy, and each day required 2-5 hours of driving either in parts or in a stretch. We were fortuitous to have my husband, who is experienced driving long distances abroad and in NZ to take us from place to place. Even so, the Toyota Hiace was challengeng to manoeuvre around the few hundred kilometres of steep windy bends.
The weather was generally kind to us while we were there in NZ in Dec while we were there from 17-30 Dec 2023.
Jacqueline W
Jan 2024
Tasting Menu of New Zealand!
It was a most fabulous three week honeymoon in beautiful New Zealand! Our team at Road Trip (Matt and Denina) put together and booked an incredible itinerary. A true "tasting menu" of New Zealand. We decided on a self-drive option and presented Matt with a challenge (my husband's list was lengthy). After a couple of back and forths via email and a zoom call we ended up with one week on the North Island and two on the South. They booked everything; from the rental cars (Ezi Rentals - excellent), to the lodgings (all comfortable, clean, breakfast included and perfectly located), domestic airline tickets, and several things to do (kayaking, glow worm caving, etc). Except for our lunches and dinners everything was pre-paid which made it sooooo easy. Their detailed itinerary included so many suggestions for side trips, tips for the best photo opportunities, when to top off on gas and restaurant/cafes suggestions. Denina responded so quickly to our on the road requests to change times for certain activities or type of car (we wanted more trunk space). There is NO way we would have been able to enjoy this perfect "tasting menu" of New Zealand without The Road Trip. We wholeheartedly recommend using them for your trip to NZ! Thank you Road Trip team.
Jacalyn Y
Dec 2023
FAQs
Can I tailor my tour to include specific activities I'm interested in?
Absolutely! Our tours are fully customisable. Whether you're into hiking, wine tasting, or cultural experiences, we'll tailor your itinerary to include activities that match your interests.
How knowledgeable are your guides about local culture and history?
Our guides are local experts with a deep passion for New Zealand's history and culture. They're eager to share stories and insights that you won't find in guidebooks, making your experience truly unique.
What happens if there's bad weather during our tour?
We monitor weather conditions closely and can adjust itineraries for safety and comfort. If necessary, we'll substitute activities to ensure your experience remains unforgettable, no matter the weather.
Are meals included in the private guided tours?
Many of our tours include meals, especially when traveling to remote areas. We focus on providing a taste of local cuisine, highlighting New Zealand's culinary diversity. Specific meal inclusions can be tailored to your tour package.
What should I pack for a private guided tour in New Zealand?
We recommend packing layers, as the weather can change quickly. Include comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, a camera, sunscreen, and any personal items you need. We'll provide a detailed packing list based on your itinerary.
