16 Day Lord of the Rings Highlights

Head south across the Canterbury Plains, through the picturesque town of Geraldine until you reach Lake Tekapo. Admire the turquoise-coloured lake and home to the Church of the Good Shepherd. After a short lunch stop, travel inland along the edge of Lake Pukaki towards the small village of Mount Cook. We highly recommend purchasing an optional scenic flight that travels above the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park for the ultimate Southern Alps experience. Your rest stop tonight is the small town of Twizel, locally famous for its Salmon farms.

Enjoy this morning at leisure.

Your trip to Wanaka takes you through the beautiful Lindis Pass – just magic when there’s snow around. You might like to stop at one of the vineyards that have been established here in recent years (mainly pinot noir and Riesling) before you head inland to reach your destination of the peaceful and picturesque lakeside town Wanaka.

From the waterfront, look towards the Alps at the end of the lake and you will see the backdrop used for Gandalf’s flight to Rohan with Gwaihir, after his rescue from Orthanc.

Experience a half day eco adventure to Mou Waho Island, located a 30min cruise from Lake Wanaka, this tour combines nature, wildlife and panoramic views.

This afternoon explore the area by foot, walk around the edge of Lake Wanaka and photograph Wanaka’s most famous willow tree.

From Wanaka, we recommend you take the shorter route to Queenstown, 70 km by way of the Crown Range. The highest main road in New Zealand, with great views and gold mining history – it’s a unique trip not to be missed. The road zigzags up to the Crown Terrace and from there you can look down to Arrowtown in the Arrow Valley, and across at the end of the Remarkables and the road to the Remarkables skifield. More conservative drivers can take the State highway 6 route that runs beside the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan and the Shotover River and takes you through Cromwell and the scenic Kawarau Gorge and onto Queenstown.

Enjoy a four-night stay in Queenstown in order to experience the ‘home of adventure’.

For true Lord of the Rings fans, this scenic sightseeing tour includes recognisable filming locations and stunning natural scenery. The Glenorchy Safari of the Scenes takes you from Queenstown to Glenorchy stopping at breath-taking viewpoints. The route from Glenorchy follows the Dart River to the spectacular filming location for Isengard. This location offers stunning views of Mt Earnslaw. Heading to Paradise discover the location for the Forrest of Lothlorien. Leaving Glenorchy and heading towards Queenstown you will stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the Ithilien Camp. This tour also includes locations from Xmen Origins: Wolverine, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Enjoy today at leisure. You may wish to purchase an option day tour & cruise to New Zealand’s ultimate natural attraction – Milford Sound.

Enjoy today at leisure. You may wish to purchase a ticket on the iconic Skyline Gondola to see spectacular panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains. Alternatively, you may wish to purchase a ticket to the Shotover River for an exhilarating Jet Boat ride.

After check-out, make your way to Queenstown International Airport where you will drop off your vehicle at Ezi Car Rentals and proceed to check-in for your departure flight.