Journey beneath southern skies and discover a land reminiscent of JRR Tolkien’s fantasy world of lush lowlands barren wastelands, deep hidden valleys and remote mystical mountains. Experiencing New Zealand’s wide variety of landscapes from the green, rolling farmlands, enchanting woods and rivers, dramatic gorges and soaring mountains is a delight, as they are all within such easy reach of one another.

Discover the real Middle-earth with this extended 20-night vacation taking in numerous filming locations and iconic scenery.

Start your journey in the harbor city of Auckland before traveling south to the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata. Take a guided tour of this remarkable film set, get lost among the Hobbit-holes, visit the Green Dragon Inn, the mill and the Party Tree and listen to spell-binding tales of how Hobbiton came to be. Spend the night in the countryside at a farm-stay including dinner and breakfast.

Travel onto Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland and Maori cultural center. Enjoy a Maori cultural experience with a hangi dinner and dancing while you are here. Discover Tongariro and the stunning scenery that surrounds this very special part of the North Island. Make your way to Wellington and discover the Weta Workshop.

Travel by ferry across Marlborough Sounds and spend two nights in Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy a guided walk and kayak to appreciate the beauty of the region. Continue down the West Coast of the South Island, stopping at Hokitika and the Glaciers before spending two-nights at the amazing Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki. Join naturalist guides to explore ancient rainforest, kayak lakes and rivers, walk wild beaches, see penguins & other wildlife.

Continue to Queenstown where you can enjoy more film locations including Isengard and Ithilien Camp, plus beech forests near those used for Lothlorien and Fangorn. Glenorchy, Dart River Valley, Paradise and Chinamans Bluff. Take a scenic cruise to the spectacular Milford Sound and allow the beauty of this area to sweep over you.

View the Church of Good Shepherd in Tekapo and be sure to take in the dazzling night sky at the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve – the perfect spot for stargazing.

Your final stop is Christchurch where you can explore the many filming locations found here. See Mt Sunday, the peaceful mountain that was transformed into Edoras and immerse yourself the natural unspoiled beauty of the high country’s sparkling clear lakes, glistening blue rivers and fresh mountain air.