16-Nights New Zealand: A Journey Through Middle Earth from $6,614

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland and All Blacks Experience

Transfer: Auckland Airportto Auckland - City Centre

Hotel: MSocial Hotel Auckland (4 Star Rating)

Functionally chic, this boutique hotel features 190 rooms and suites and overlooks the vibrant Princess Wharf which is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences.

Choose to stay connected both online and offline. Enjoy free Wi-Fi during your stay, relieve the stresses of the day at the 24-hour gym or treat yourself to some of the best cuisine from around the world at M Social Restaurant. Alternatively, catch up with friends - both old and new - over a drink at M Social Bar while watching the ships come in.

Located near Auckland's main strip, the hub of the city centre with its abundance of designer fashions, lively nightlife, shows, theatre and live music, this vibrant hotel exudes youthful energy. Don't miss a visit to the Sky Tower for the best views in town or wander through the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, with its world-class collections and exhibitions from New Zealand and around the world.

Learn the story, feel the passion and experience the All Blacks story close and personal. The All Blacks Experience is a state-of-the-art guided encounter that showcases the All Blacks, and New Zealand's national teams in black, through exceptional innovation and technology. This full sensory and interactive experience allows you to celebrate New Zealand's rugby heritage, achievements and culture. Experience first-hand the excitement and emotion of game day. You will feel awe-inspired by the full force of the Haka as it takes place centre stage in a crowded stadium. But this isn't just any Haka - it's a four metre high screen experience that draws you in from the first moment. You will be a part of the jaw dropping, knee trembling event that is the Haka! Test out your rugby abilities with the chance to match your kicking, catching, line out and accuracy skills against All Blacks, Black Ferns and others. Experiencing how you stack up in the "hands on" interactive zone will leave you energized and excited.

This isn't just about the All Blacks. It's a homage to all those that wear the black jersey and represent New Zealand with the dignity, strength and the skill required to be the best of the best.

Day 2: Best of Both Worlds Small Group Tour

Let Bush and Beach take you on a day tour to experience the best of Auckland sightseeing. We combine an Auckland city tour in the morning with an afternoon nature tour to the black sand beach and rainforest at Piha - a day of variety and a great introduction to Auckland and New Zealand.

Your morning Auckland city tour is designed to explore the history and sights of the city. Discover the Maori history of the city and as see what makes our city a vibrant place to live. Auckland City is built around the beautiful Waitmata harbour and it is known as the "City of Sails". This city tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as The Auckland Domain, Mount Victoria in Devonport and Westhaven marina. There is also a stop at a cafe by a beautiful beach and lots of photo opportunities all day.

Your afternoon eco tour is spent in the Waitakere Ranges. In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquility of the rainforest. Travel to the Arataki Centre, an information centre built high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges. From here you get breathtaking panoramic views across the rainforest to Auckland's two harbours. The visitors centre is also home to some traditional Maori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and silver ferns.

Move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand of Piha beach beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. The perfect Auckland day trip. During the afternoon we also include a New Zealand style afternoon tea including biscuits and tea and coffee or juice.

Day 3: Bay of Islands Small Group Tour

This full day tour starts by picking you up from Auckland city. You will arrive in Paihia following a 3 hour scenic drive into The Far North District. Spend 4 hours on a guided cruise on a catamaran, cruising between the bays and islands in search of dolphins and other marine life. You will have a stopover in Urupukapuka Island where you can relax on the beach or walk to the top of the island to enjoy 360° views of this beautiful region. Visit the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island as the boat sails right to the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula. Following your cruise the tour makes it's way to the Whangarei Waterfalls where you can take a 30 minute hike around the falls with plenty of amazing photo opportunities. From there you will continue your return journey to Auckland downtown along the scenic roads of the Northland.

Day 4: Auckland to Rotorua with Waitomo & Hobbiton Small Group Tour

This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for an exciting journey in a spacious mini coach, with comfortable leather seating and legroom. Through your windows you will be treated to views of New Zealand's iconic farmland and Waikato Dairy country. During the day you will visit the Waitomo caves known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glow-worms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history. You will also visit the Hobbiton Movie set. This movie set has the feeling of being a real historic village, and is fascinating to lovers of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies as well as people who have not seen the movies. In 2009, Sir Peter Jackson returned to film The Hobbit trilogy, and he left behind the beautiful movie set you’ll see today. Following your guided tour you will finish your Hobbiton Movie Set experience with a refreshing beverage from the Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ - Lunch today will be at Hobbiton - After experiencing two of New Zealand's Most Iconic attractions we will take you Rotorua with it's active geysers and thermal activity and rich cultural Heritage. You will arrive at your accommodation between 4pm and 5pm.

Hotel: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (4 Star Rating)

Next to mystical Lake Rotorua and just a short stroll from the city centre, Millennium Hotel Rotorua is an eco-friendly destination offering comfort and convenience in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. Perfect for leisure and business travellers, our hotel is within walking distance of Polynesian Spa, Rotorua’s vibrant dining scene, and local attractions.

Day 5: Elite Rotorua Small Group Tour

Learn about Rotorua’s huge colourful hot springs, erupting geysers and active boiling mud pools, spectacular volcanoes and lush native forest.

Enjoy a pick up from your accommodation then drive through forestry and farmland to New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool. Your guide shows you a series of colourful hot springs and volcanic features at Wai-O-Tapu. Then see the Lady Knox geyser eruption at 10:15 am.

Next, a short drive to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley where your guide explains the Mt. Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush covered, geothermal park. This award-winning eco tourism adventure is one you won’t want to miss!

Day 6: Restoration Journey & Cultural Evening Experience

Drawing on mineral rich, deeply restorative waters directly from the earth, Wai Whakaora (the Restorative Journey) delivers a unique therapeutic, relaxing and rejuvenating experience, with every element drawing on the centuries-old legacy of Maori practices and culture. It is a carefully planned journey to revitalize and invigorate your senses and restore tired muscles through the transformative effect of hot and cold experiences, massaging jets, cleansing geothermal mud and medicinal herbs native to New Zealand.Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pa (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.
Te Pa Tu shares Maori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar.

Winter: Tu Te Ihi includes the time in the earth’s cycle when Matariki stars are high and bright in winter skies. Te Ihi references the energy and passion stirred by the Matariki cluster and the promise they herald.

These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.

Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hangi remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Maori delicacies, prepared fusion style.
Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques.
Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hakari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New ZealandFeast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pa (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.
Te Pa Tu shares Maori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar.

Summer: Tu Te Ra - Across this lunar phase, the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tu Te Ra celebrates abundant harvest and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace.

These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.

Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hangi remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Maori delicacies, prepared fusion style. Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques.
Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hakari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New Zealand

Day 7: Depart Rotorua for Wellington

Transfer: Rotorua - City Centre to Rotorua Airport

Transfer: Wellington Airportto Wellington - City Centre

Hotel: QT Wellington (3 Star Rating)

Surprise yourself at QT Wellington, a significant fusion of expressive and luxurious art, technology, and indulgence. Loosely based in the new creative capital of the South, QT Wellington is a warm invitation to explore and define one of New Zealand’s most eclectic collections of art and character. This is the ideal hub for cultural connoisseurs from around the world, framed in designer opulence and showcased at a gallery opening that never closed. We’re eager to see what you will bring.

Day 8: Middle Earth Experience Full Day Tour

An entertaining journey of discovery through the Wellington region’s many Lord of the Rings filming locations. Visit the Middle Earth film locations used for the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin, and where the hobbits raced to the ferry and hid from the Nazgul. Explore Rivendell and the riverside spot where Aragorn was washed ashore. We also visit Miramar - home to the production studios and to many of the stars while they were filming, and home to the world-famous Weta Cave. This tour includes the comprehensive Workshop and Miniatures tour giving a unique behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Weta Studios.

Day 9: Depart Wellington for Picton

Transfer: Wellington - City Centre to Wellington Ferry Terminal

Transfer: Wellington Ferry Terminal to Picton Ferry Terminal

Hotel: Edit Picton Hotel (Formally Picton Yacht Club Hotel) (3 Star Rating)

With spectacular vistas over Marlborough Sounds, you’re just a short stroll to the Waikawa Bay Marina, ferry terminal and the picturesque Picton township. Enjoy relaxed and comfortable accommodation, an on-site restaurant and bar and superb meeting facilities.

Contemporary and relaxed, the Edit Picton Hotel is designed around its alluring swimming pool and its spectacular vistas of Marlborough Sounds, putting you at the heart of this charming waterfront town.

Day 10: Marlborough Icons Small Group Tour

Marlborough is best known for wine and the unique Marlborough Sounds - explore both with our exclusive Marlborough Icons Tour. A Marlborough wine tour visiting two wineries in the morning is followed by a delicious waterside village lunch (own cost), then a seafood cruise for the afternoon, featuring fresh local seafood and Marlborough sauvignon blanc while exploring the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
Includes return transfers to/from Picton.

Day 11: Picton to Christchurch

Transfer: Picton Ferry Terminal to Intercity-Christchurch Bus Exchange, Lichfield Street

Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (4 Star Rating)

The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions

Day 12: Lord of the Rings Edoras Small Group Tour

Join the Lord of the Rings Tour and journey to the LOTR filming location: remote and beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday. See how this peaceful mountain was transformed into Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Immerse yourself in the natural, unspoilt beauty of this breathtaking area with its sparkling clear lakes, glistening blue rivers and fresh, crisp mountain air.

Day 13: Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook Small Group Tour

Today, transfer from Christchurch to Queenstown while exploring some of New Zealand's most spellbinding landscapes. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the region, including the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier, making it the ultimate way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown. Your tour is led by passionate tour guides notorious for bringing the journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge.

Hotel: QT Queenstown (5 Star Rating)

QT Queenstown is a stylish and modern hotel in the heart of Queenstown, offering spacious rooms and fabulous dining options. Experience stunning views of the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and the breathtaking peaks of the Southern Alps This luxurious lakeside resort offers stylish accommodation infused with the signature QT charm.

For those with adventurous palates, the vibrant Bazaar Marketplace beckons with its enticing aromas. Watch as chefs craft dishes right before your eyes in an interactive, lively atmosphere, drawing inspiration from fresh, local ingredients.

Visit Reds Bar, where locals and guests come together to share stories of their day over expertly crafted cocktails or boutique brews.

Each room is equipped with a TV featuring cable channels, and some rooms offer views of the mountains or the lake. Every room includes a private bathroom, complete with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer for your comfort.

Day 14: Lord of the Rings Full Day Small Group Tour

This tour combines the thrill of an off-road adventure with exploring Lord of The Rings filming locations. The morning offers breathtaking mountain and forest views along the shore of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and the Paradise Valley. Beyond Glenorchy, travel up the Dart Valley to the filming location for Isengard, set amongst snow-capped mountains beside the turquoise waters of the Dart River. This setting offers views of Mt Earnslaw and its hanging glacier, used in the first instalment of The Hobbit trilogy. Explore the Paradise Forest, the location for the Forest of Lothlorien. Returning towards Queenstown you will stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the Ithilien Camp. The morning also includes locations from X-men Origins: Wolverine, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and more Lord of the Rings locations yet to be revealed.

Following a light lunch at one of the Queenstown’s cafes, your afternoon will be packed with gold-mining history, thrilling 4WD river crossings, and a great overview of the diverse scenery of the Queenstown and Arrowtown area. After travelling part of the way up The Remarkables mountain range, your tour will take you to Arrowtown where you will follow the Arrow River along an old mining road. You will cross the river at several points and have the opportunity to try your hand at gold panning. Over the course of the afternoon you will visit the filming locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), the site of Isildur’s Fall, the Ford of Bruinen, and more

Day 15: Milford Sound Small Group Tour

Experience unparalleled luxury and comfort for your Milford Sound adventure with this thoughtfully curated collaboration between Altitude Tours and RealNZ. You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation in custom-built Mercedes vehicles, featuring glass roofs designed specifically for long-distance touring and sightseeing. With high panoramic windows and bespoke seating, you’ll travel in a small, intimate group of no more than 15, ensuring a personalized experience. Your journey will be expertly guided, and additional amenities include in-seat multimedia and onboard care packages to enhance your comfort. Along the Milford Sound Road, you’ll enjoy breathtaking, crowd-free scenic stops before arriving at the eighth wonder of the world – Milford Sound.

Embark on a small-group cruise aboard the RealNZ Sinbad vessel, where you’ll be welcomed with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. This luxury vessel offers spacious seating and bespoke touches, making your journey even more special. As you cruise the stunning fiord, indulge in a selection of locally sourced culinary delights, with Maori cultural elements thoughtfully woven throughout, deepening your connection to this remarkable place. Throughout your journey, you’ll be treated to exceptional service and attentive hosts. Onboard commentary and a nature guide will share fascinating stories about Piopiotahi and help you spot local wildlife amid the awe-inspiring fiord.

Day 16: Day at leisure in Queenstown



Day 17: Depart Queenstown

Transfer: Queenstown - City Centre to Queenstown Airport