From the Shire to the Fires of Mordor

Travel towards the coast today, stopping first in the charming town of Cambridge. With its English country village ambience, Cambridge boasts delightful cafes, antique stores, and a picturesque village green. As the heart of New Zealand’s equine industry, the town also features an impressive bronze horse sculpture honouring its rich history. Along the way you’ll pass through Otorohanga known for its "Kiwiana" energy, from here it’s a short drive to the iconic limestone hills of Waitomo, home to its world-famous cave complex and breathtaking underground wonders.

In the heart of New Zealand, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Hobbiton is located just outside of Matamata in the heart of the lush Waikato farming region. Here you can visit such iconic Hobbit locations as Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and the Party Tree with a guide sharing behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films. Spend time wandering through Bagshot Row before being led inside a Hobbit Hole to view the detailed interior, designed to provide an authentic glimpse into the dwelling of a Hobbit.

Head southbound on State Highway one through the lush farmland and dairy pastures of the Waikato region. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of the greater Auckland area and its here you turn inland towards Matamata. This is the real Middle Earth, and you’ll see many locations used in the filming of The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit, as well as visiting the actual set of Hobbiton.

Explore a 30 million year old cave network spread across three levels. You’ll travel deep underground through the limestone caves viewing stalactites and stalagmites as well as hearing about the caves historical and geological significance. You’ll then hop into a boat and glide silently through the glow worm grotto - a galaxy of tiny living lights.

Visit the stunning farm location at Mangaotaki Rocks Piopio - near Waitomo - where the troll and campfire scenes in 'The Hobbit' were filmed. You’ll see the towering limestone cliffs, massive rock formations and primaeval forest that make up the location for Staddle Farm and Trollshaws. You can also have your photo taken in the exact spot where Bilbo received his magical sword 'Sting' from Gandalf. You’ll join a personally guided tour of several key filming locations including the site where the Orcs and Wargs began attacking and the 'exit from the cave' containing the troll hoard.

During the summer months you can take advantage of the skifield facilities and take the gondola over Mt Ruapehu’s otherworldly terrain. You’ll travel to an altitude of 2020 metres where you’ll be treated to magnificent views of Tongariro National Park, including the iconic peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, the latter featured as Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings movies.

Travel south into the heart of the Central Volcanic Plateau, Tongariro National Park. Leaving the limestone hills of Waitomo, follow the road through lush King Country pastures, named after the Maori King Tawhiao who lived here in exile during the mid 1800's. Continue on to arrive in this World Heritage Park, home to three active volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, as well as many walking tracks, adventure activities and the renowned Tongariro Crossing.

The Tongariro Crossing is New Zealand’s best 1 day walk taking you through Tongariro National Park and World Heritage Area. The park is dominated by three majestic volcanoes, Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu. During your 19 km hike, you’ll follow a well-formed track leading up the saddle between Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. The landscape on Tongariro is peppered with the different coloured and shaped craters, scoured volcanic rocks, mountain springs, and brightly coloured emerald lakes. During winter the tours offer you the chance to experience this magnificent landscape covered in snow. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.

The drive from Tongariro takes you through the central plateau before passing through the rural towns of Waioura, Taihape, Mangaweka and Bulls. Continue south where you will travel through Waikanae and Paraparaumu along the beautiful Kapiti Coast. The coastal seaside towns of Paekakariki and Plimmerton are also worth a short detour before arriving into the capital city of Wellington. Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. It sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush-clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre) and so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your city centre accommodation, you can easily stroll the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place or visit New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, which is also close by.

Taking a night tour of Zealandia wildlife eco-sanctuary is an unforgettable experience and one that comes highly recommended. A conservation success and safe haven for some of New Zealand’s rarest native animals, Zealandia is home to many remarkable species of birds, reptiles and insects living wild within a beautiful 225 hectare (one square mile) valley, just 10 minutes from the central city.

Explore the enchanting world of Wellington with a full-day tour of iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings. Begin with a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the award-winning Weta Workshop, where movie magic comes to life. Wander through Rivendell, stroll the Fords of Isen, and walk in the footsteps of Gandalf and Saruman in the Gardens of Isen. Visit the sites of Helm’s Deep and the River Anduin, and relive the moments from the "Shortcut to Mushrooms" and "Get off the Road" scenes on Mt. Victoria. Enjoy panoramic views of Wellington’s city and harbour from Mt. Victoria and take a scenic drive through the charming Eastern suburbs. A must-do experience for any fan of Middle-earth!