| Outline Itinerary [1/3] >> |
| Day 1: |
Auckland
On arrival you will be transferred by private car to your hotel in the city for overnight stay at Aachen House. |
| Day 2: |
Auckland-Matamata-Rotorua (280 km)
Your rental car will be delivered to your hotel then drive south to Matamata in the Waikato Region and visit the original Hobbiton village set. Take a guided tour before continuing south to Rotorua for two-night stay at Accolades Boutique Hotel. |
| Day 3: |
Rotorua
At leisure. You may like to visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, the Rainbow Trout Springs or the Agrodome Sheep Show. |
| Day 4: |
Rotorua-Tongariro National Park (200 km)
Drive south via Lake Taupo to the Tongariro National Park. Spend two nights in the area. at Bayview Chateau Tongariro. |
| Day 5: |
Tongariro National Park
Explore at leisure visiting the area used to portray Mordor. With blasted volcanic rock, steep bluffs and ash, little imagination is required. |
| Day 6: |
Tongariro National Park-Wellington (315 km)
Continue south to Wellington for a two-night stay at Rawhiti Boutique B&B. |
| Day 7: |
Wellington
At leisure, you may like to visit Mt Victoria that was turned into Outer Shire, or the Embassy Theatre where the Australasian premieres were shown. Nearby, visit the site of the film set for Helm's Deep (set has been removed). |
| Day 8: |
Wellington-Picton-Nelson (110 km)
Drop off your rental car and take the InterIslander Ferry across Cook Strait to Picton, where you collect another vehicle for the drive to Nelson for overnight stay. Spend the afternoon at leisure perhaps visiting Jens Hansen Gold and Silversmith - designers of the One Ring. Overnight at Kershaw House. |
| Day 9: |
Nelson-Collingwood (131 km)
Drive to Collingwood via unspoilt beaches, striking mountain landscapes and dramatic holes in the earth on route to the 972m summit of Takaka Hill. This area was used as a location for general filming. Continue to Collingwood Homestead for two nights. |
Northland