From volcanic peaks, lush native canopies and black sand beaches, to hip entertainment districts, contemporary art scenes and gourmet experiences, there’s something for everyone in this populous waterfront city, the largest in New Zealand!

Hotel Options

Auckland City Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Heritage Auckland – Opt 2

Room	Superior Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 2 - 4

Make your own way to the Auckland city center and pick up your rental car

Drive yourself from Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula in your rental car (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

Coromandel Peninsula

2 Nights

A binocular’s view across the gulf from Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula is everything that a big city isn’t. With a mountainous interior cloaked in native rainforest and more than 400 kilometres of dazzling white sand beaches, it is rustic, unspoiled and relaxed.

Destination Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand

Included Activities

Group Tour of Coromandel’s Natural Wonders
Discover Coromandel’s most famous natural attractions! Set off for Cathedral Cove, located in the Southern part of Mercury Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula. Take in the picturesque views from here of iconic cliffs and the rock archway. Head to Hot Water Beach next, where you can enjoy quality time in the sun. Enjoy the relaxing self-dug thermal spas here at your leisure during low tide, and relax into your own hot spring! (Full Day; Shared Activity; Please bring walking shoes, swimsuits, towels and sun protection).

Hotel Options

Aotearoa Lodge – Opt 1

Room	Superior Studio
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Guest house

Hahei B&B – Opt 2

Room	Garden View Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Guest house

Day 4 - 6

Drive yourself from Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua in your rental car (Duration: 3 hrs)

Rotorua

2 Nights

From geothermal wonders at Kuirau Park located within the city center, to fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and the pastel silica terraces of the Wai o Tapu valley, Rotorua is a haven for wellness enthusiasts.

Included Activities

Personalized Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Set off from The Shires Rest Café on this fascinating exploration of the magical movie set that has been immortalized in the blockbuster movies, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Drive across the sprawling sheep farm as you savor stunning views of the Kaimai Ranges that formed the backdrop for some of the most memorable scenes in the movie series. Accompany your guide in the footsteps of your favorite characters as you explore the Hobbit holes, the mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. Listen to the narration of how the scenic farmland was transformed into The Shire. Click plenty of photos of your memorable time spent in Middle Earth. As you wind up your tour, you could stop at the inn to refresh yourself with some of the specially brewed beverages on offer. Follow your guide back to the café from where you can head to The Shire Store and browse to your heart’s content through the collectibles on display. (Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Group Geothermal Wonderland Excursion
Experience the fascinating steam and sauna ambience of the North Island’s famed volcanic valley on this day tour of the geothermal activities at Rotorua. After an early morning breakfast at your hotel, set off to explore the wonders of the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Reach the spectacular Lady Knox Geyser in time to watch its daily morning performance. The valley’s boiling mud pools, volcanic fumaroles and towering geysers erupt daily in a powerful mist of sulphuric steam and fury. Discover the unique plant and animal life that have adapted themselves to this steamy world of hot springs and hissing lakes. Walk among the valley’s singular geological features and dense rainforests that are also home to flocks of exotic birds. Return to your hotel after a day of exploring brilliantly painted silica terraces, boiling crater lakes, pools and streams. (Shared Activity; Duration: 4.5 hrs; Time of Day: 0800 hrs; Fitness level: Moderate; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Hotel Options

BK'S Rotorua Motor Lodge – Opt 1

Room	Studio
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Guest house

The Regent of Rotorua – Opt 2

Room	Cutie Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 6 - 7

Drive yourself from Rotorua to Tongariro National Park in your rental car (Duration: 2 hrs)

Tongariro National Park

1 Night

Discover Tongariro National Park – a World Heritage site located on North Island and the oldest national park in New Zealand. It is home to three active volcanoes – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu – as well as several Maori spiritual sites.

Destination Tongariro National Park in New Zealand

Included Activities

Volcanic Explorer Scenic Flight
Buckle in as you take off from Chateau airport on this thrilling flight over the three awe-inspiring active volcanoes in Tongariro National Park. Settle in to enjoy panoramic views of the stunning landscape as your flight climbs up high in the air. Savor breathtaking visuals of Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and the summit of Mount Ruapehu, noticing volcanic rock formations and the stark landscape made famous by the Lord of the Rings movies. From your vantage point, take a good look at serene Lake Taupo, the country’s largest lake, as you listen to the informative commentary. Keep your camera ready as you fly over Ketetahi hot springs, Emerald Lakes, Red Crater, Tama Lakes, and popular tramping trails. On clear days, you may be able to see up to Mount Taranaki in Napier and beyond! (Duration: 35-min flight; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that this tour is subject to availability and weather conditions. Departures are on demand. Please check-in 15 mins before flight time.)

Hotel Options

Tongariro Suites @ The Rocks – Opt 1

Room	Ruapehu Suite
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Guest house

Chateau Tongariro Hotel – Opt 2

Room	Heritage Tongariro Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 7 - 9

Drive yourself from Tongariro National Park to Wellington in your rental car (Duration: 5 hrs)

Wellington

2 Nights

Discover Wellington, a cosmopolitan harbor city brimming with art, culture, entertainment, and natural wonders. Wellington is also home to the protected Matiu/Somes Island reserve, and the Zealandia Ecosanctuary that conserves rare native flora and fauna.

Included Activities

Group WETA Cave Workshop and Miniature Stage Tour
Discover the world of WETA, which prides itself on the film sets of Hollywood gems such as ‘The Lord of the Rings’, ‘Avatar’, and ‘The Planet of the Apes’. Welcomed by statues of the three trolls from The Hobbit, step into the exciting gift store of WETA. A haven for movie franchise enthusiasts, browse through highly-detailed replicas, props, and merchandise including the Jen Hansen ring from ‘The Lord of the Rings’! Enjoy the framed movie posters that adorn the ceiling and a fantastic showcase of lifesize memorabilia. See scaled down versions of movie characters and unique collectibles at the mini-museum in the adjoining room. Wandering through Manufacture Alley, learn about the creative processes involved, and understand the various roles in the film industry from costume design to robotics. Go behind the scenes of the 2015 TV series ‘Thunderbirds Are Go’ miniature stage set. As your guide shares facts and anecdotes, witness original storyboards, character pieces, and the unique methods used to breathe life into the characters and stories! (Duration: 2 hrs; Shared Activity; Fitness level: Easy)

Hotel Options

Travelodge Wellington – Opt 1

Room	Guest Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Distinction WLG – Opt 2

Room	Studio Suite
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 9 - 12

Drive yourself to Wellington airport and drop off your rental car

Pick up your rental car from Queenstown airport

Queenstown

3 Nights

Queenstown is where adventure seekers head out to for a shot of adrenalin! The region’s dramatic landscape is wrapped around the scenic lakes, velvety mountains and valleys of the Southern Alps.

Included Activities

Group Sky Gondola Ride Over Queenstown
Watch the dramatic landscape of Queenstown with its lakes, mountains, and valleys unfold before you on this extraordinary sky gondola ride over the city’s skyline. Walk over to the Skyline Gondola Terminal, located in the center of Queenstown, to catch your exhilarating ride to Bob’s Peak. Arguably the steepest climb in all of the Southern Hemisphere, this sky gondola lets you soar above Queenstown. Sit back and enjoy the panoramic sights of the picturesque Lake Wakatipu, the Coronet Peak and the velvety cliffs of The Remarkables mountain range spread out beneath you. (Duration: 10 mins; Time: From 0900 hrs daily; Shared Activity; Fitness level: Easy)

Hotel Options

Kinross Cottages – Opt 1

Room	Studio Cottage
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Novotel Lakeside – Opt 2

Room	Lakeside Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 12 - 13

Drive yourself from Queenstown to Wanaka in your rental car (Duration: 1 h)

Wanaka

1 Night

Wanaka is a spectacular highland lake town in South Island filled with exhilarating possibilities for adventure lovers as well as endless panoramic vistas for leisure travelers.

Included Activities

Group Mou Waho Island Cruise and Nature Walk
Head out from your hotel in Wanaka for a fascinating lake cruise and nature walk to experience firsthand the bounty of nature in the region. Hop into a boat for a scenic cruise to remote Mou Waho Island, accessible only from the water. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular alpine views as the boat glides smoothly on Lake Wanaka. Step ashore at the island which is a nature reserve free of predators and home to the rare flightless Buff Weka, a species which has not been spotted on the mainland since 1920! Set off on an optional guided hour-long walk to the top of the island where you will come upon a beautiful lake sheltered from prying eyes. Savor high tea to the accompaniment of melodious birdsong while enjoying views of the lakes and the Southern Alps. Alternatively, you can lounge on the island’s beach and indulge in some bird watching while you relish your tea. Choose to plant a native tree as your way of giving back to this unique island and the environment. (Duration 4 hrs; Time of Day: 0900/1330 hrs; Shared Activity; Tea included; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear sturdy walking shoes/boots, appropriate warm clothing, and bring along a sweater or jacket depending on the weather. Please note that this activity involves a boat cruise and actual walking time of 1 hr each.)

Hotel Options

Edgewater Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Studio Hotel Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Wanaka Haven – Opt 2

Room	Superior King Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 13 - 14

Drive yourself from Wanaka to Mt Cook in your rental car (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

Mount Cook

1 Night

Explore Mount Cook, a dramatic alpine landscape bestowed with spectacular glacier lakes, rivers, meadows, and valleys that entertain horse treks, dinghy cruises, fishing trips, 4×4 drives, and scenic flights with glacier landings.

Included Activities

Group Trek up Hooker Valley
Witness some of highest peaks in the Southern Alps on this leisurely hike up the Hooker Valley. After an early breakfast at your hotel, reach the Hermitage Hotel Activities Desk in time for your guided walk along a comfortable track. Head towards the White Horse Hill camping ground, soaking in the majestic landscape surrounding you, including the Alpine Memorial and a swing bridge over the turbulent Hooker River along the way. Spot Aoraki, Mount Cook’s southern face, along with its surrounding glaciers and mountains. You’ll be awed at the sight of Mount Cook, which is the highest mountain in New Zealand. Having recorded your adventure through photographs, head back to the Hermitage Hotel from the camping ground. Learn all about the region’s local and natural history from your guide as you trek through the amazing landscape. (Half Day; Time of day: Morning & Afternoon; Duration: 3.5 – 4 hrs; Time of day: 0900/1330/1400 hrs; Shared Activity; Fitness level: Moderate; Please wear warm clothes & comfortable walking shoes; Day packs, rain jackets, sunscreen & insect repellent will be provided; Children below 9 can join if fit enough to walk with the group).

Hotel Options

Mt Cook Lodge and Motels – Opt 1

Room	Motel Studio
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Lodge

The Hermitage Hotel – Opt 2

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 14 - 15

Drive yourself from Mt Cook to Christchurch in your rental car (Duration: 4 hrs)

Christchurch

1 Night

Christchurch is a vibrant city with a rich English heritage nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, bordered by the Waimakariri River and the Pegasus Bay.

Hotel Options

The Quality Hotel Elms – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

The Classic Villa – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Drive yourself to Christchurch airport and drop off your rental car

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 3,790 /person
Option 2 From $ 4,690 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation & meals as specified in the itinerary
Activities & excursions as specified in the itinerary
Transportation services as specified in the itinerary
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact supporting you during your trip

Not Included

Entrance fees & meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
Tips & personal expenses
Visa & tourism fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare

Road Trip: Lord of the Rings Explorer

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Auckland

Coromandel Peninsula

Rotorua

Tongariro National Park

Wellington

Queenstown

Wanaka

Mount Cook

Christchurch

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included