This 5 day tour of the North Island allows you to see the New Zealand landmarks made famous by the Lord of The Rings Trilogy.

Day 1: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
Travel south through lush Waikato farmland, past Hamilton, to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Attend a Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 2: At Rotorua - Auckland
This morning – see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon journey to Matamata, set amongst the rich, rolling countryside which was the location and background for the Shire, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. Visit the site of Hobbiton, where some remnants of the ‘Hobbit Holes’ are still present.

Day 3: Rotorua - Tongariro National Park
Travel from Rotorua to the Tongariro National Park - in the movies this volcanic landscape became Emyn Muil, the black land of Mordor and Mt Doom itself. Stay 2 nights at Mt Ruapehu.

Day 4: In the Tongariro National Park
Today is at leisure to explore the harsh volcanic landscape used to evoke the bleak surroundings of the climatic end to Sam and Frodo’s epic quest. We recommend a full day guided walk of The Tongariro Crossing, often described as the best one-day walk in New Zealand. (Reasonable fitness level required.)

Day 5: Tongariro National Park - Wellington
Travel on the Overlander train from National Park to Wellington, the capital city and home to many of the trilogy actors during filming. Peter Jackson continues to produce feature films from his studio – Three Foot Six. Your tour ends on arrival.

We recommend extending your tour by adding 2 nights accommodation in Wellington and a Full day tour featuring some of the ‘Rings’ sites around this area