9 Day Lord of The Rings Explorer
South Island Self Drive Tour
Queenstown to Christchurch
Days: 9 days / 8 Nights
Accommodation: 4-5 star
Vehicle: Modern Toyota Rav4 + GPS + Full Insurance
From $635 NZD Per Person, Per Day*
Price: $5715 NZD Per Person, Twin Share *(low season)
All Inclusive & Customisable
Attention, courageous explorer! As you step onto the sacred grounds of our enchanting realm, prepare yourself for an extraordinary odyssey to the very core of Middle-earth. Traverse the hallowed sites where Isengard stood, where Ithilien's beauty unfolded, where Lothlorien's ethereal allure mesmerized, and where Fanghorn forest whispered its ancient secrets. Behold the Seat of Seeing, witness the epic Battle of Amon Hen, and stand in awe of the majestic city of Edoras. This journey shall ignite your spirit and immerse you in the realm of fantasy like never before!
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Unique local feast experience at Rata
Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Onsen Hot Pools Experience
Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door Degustation Lunch
Glowworm Cave Tour with Lake Cruise
Te Anau Highlights & Lord of the Rings Small Group Tour - Dead Marshes, Fangorn Forest & The River Anduin
Wildwire - Lord Of The Rungs Waterfall Cable Climb
Hermitage mountain view dining experience
Big Sky Stargazing tour
Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour
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8 nights in 4 or 5 star/best available motel, hotel, bed and breakfast or apartment accommodation featuring mountain, ocean and lake views
9 days vehicle hire of a modern Toyota Rav4 or similar + GPS + full insurance
All meals as listed under each day's itinerary
All experiences as listed under each day's itinerary
All bookings and reservations + assistance for urgent matters during your trip via email and a free calling number
A digital travel guide on the Travefy Trip Plans app with all our top picks for what to see and do and where to eat along your route
The donation of 4 native trees – a sustainability initiative to offset carbon emissions and re-grow Aotearoa/New Zealand's forests
Detailed Itinerary - Day by Day
Day 1
Stay: Rydges Queenstown
Meals: Deluxe Dinner Included
Your Day: Queenstown Arrival
Behold, brave adventurer! As you set foot upon the lands of our fair realm, thou shalt claim thy own chariot within the halls of the airport (rental vehicle). With thy vehicle in tow, thou mayest venture forth to thy lodgings, where the day and night shall be thine to prepare for the perilous journey ahead.
Verily, noble traveler, tonight shall be a feast fit for a king at the famed establishment of Rātā. Behold, as the culinary artisans of Rātā craft a meal of genuine New Zealand cuisine, balanced and inspired to titillate thy taste buds. The skilled team at Rātā shall attend to thy every need with generous service, making thy dining experience one to be cherished. Rātā's offerings are so delicious, inventive, generous, and adventurous, that our guests make it their favored destination when in Queenstown. Partake in this gastronomical adventure and be transported to a realm of culinary delight.
Day 2
Stay: Rydges Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Queenstown Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour & Onsen Hot Pools
Today's journey shall take thee to the very heart of Middle-earth. A Nomad Safaris half-day LOTR tour shall lead thee to the filming locations of Isengard, the Ithilien Camp, Lothlorien & Fanghorn forest, the Seat of Seeing/Battle of Amon Hen, and many other wondrous sites. Don a cloak and wield thy sword in a mock battle within the lush forests of Lothlorien! After thy return in the afternoon from this four-hour quest, the remainder of the day shall be thine to spend as thou wilt.
As the evening descends upon thee, indulge in a private bathing experience at the Onsen Hot Pools Queenstown. Thy experience shall begin with a 45-minute soak in a cedar-lined hot tub, where thou mayest savor a complimentary drink and snack, while gazing upon the quintessential southern landscape. Once thou art sufficiently relaxed, calm, and warm, a choice of face or body treatments shall be offered to thee in the peaceful day spa room of Onsen Queenstown, with one-hour spa packages available. Thou shalt surely feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and renewed after this blissful experience.
Day 3
Driving Time: 175 km, 2 hours driving
Stay: Lakefront Lodge Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast & experience dinner Included
Your Day: Queenstown to Te Anau (Amisfield & Glow Worms)
Behold, noble traveler, for this morn shall take thee on a journey through time to Arrowtown, a town of great importance during New Zealand's gold rush to Central Otago in the 1860s. Take thy time to explore the historic Chinese gold-mining settlement, which played a crucial role in the country's first gold extraction from the Arrow River.
Following this wondrous quest, thou shalt venture to the award-winning Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, where a 'trust the chef' degustation lunch shall be served, while thou gazest upon the glorious Lake Hayes.
As the afternoon descends, a further 2.5-hour drive shall lead thee to Te Anau, situated on the shores of New Zealand's second-largest lake. This wondrous place shall serve as the gateway to Fiordland National Park, a land of unparalleled natural beauty.
And as the evening draws near, a magical tour by boat across Lake Te Anau shall take thee to the glow-worm caves, a 12,000-year-old grotto adorned with thousands of luminous glow-worms, whose shimmering light shall leave thee enchanted and amazed.
Day 4
Stay: Lakefront Lodge Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast
Your Day: Te Anau Highlights & Lord of the Rings Small Group Tour
A small group guided day trip awaits thee! A journey filled with wondrous sights and experiences, melding Te Anau's top highlights with a Lord of the Rings adventure, all while offering the chance to add on additional activities for the ultimate experience.
Guided by our famously passionate tour guides, who are renowned for their ability to bring your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, this journey shall be taken in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras, ensuring thy comfort and safety throughout.
Behold the highlights of this journey, which include a visit to the magnificent Mavora Lakes, Lord of the Rings sites such as the Dead Marshes, Fangorn Forest, and The River Anduin, a visit to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, as well as a journey through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park, where thou shalt visit Rainbow Reach, the Kepler Track, and the Waiau River. Truly, an adventure of epic proportions!
Day 5
Driving Time: 227km, 3 hours driving
Stay: Edgewater Resort Wanaka
Meals: Breakfast
Your Day: Te Anau to Wānaka
Oh weary traveler, a journey of unparalleled beauty and adventure awaits thee! Behold the stunning Lake Wakatipu, its waters stretching far and wide, surrounded by the majestic Remarkables Mountain Range, one of the most famous backdrops for Lord of the Rings.
This afternoon, thou shalt explore the picturesque lakeside town of Wanaka, its charming waterfront boasting breathtaking views of the Alps at the end of the lake, the very same backdrop used for Gandalf's flight to Rohan with Gwaihir, after his rescue from Orthanc.
Choose from a myriad of options to further thy adventure, perhaps a walk up one of our favorite lookout spots featuring 360-degree views of Lake Wanaka, Aspiring National Park, and the Clutha River.
For the brave and daring, take to the skies with a skydive at 15,000ft, or indulge in a visit to one of the area's fantastic wineries, or take a drive into the Matukituki valley to discover hidden spots of natural beauty. For those seeking a more tranquil adventure, fishing on the lake to take a chance at catching fresh trout is also an option. All activities are optional and come at an extra cost.
Join us, and let us show you the beauty and wonder of this enchanting land.
Day 6
Stay: Edgewater Resort Wanaka
Meals: Breakfast
Your Day: Wānaka (Wildwire)
Today shall be a day of thrilling pursuits and daredevilry, as we embark upon the finest in adventure tourism with Wildwire's bold exploits. Prepare yourself for the "Lord of the Rungs", the world's highest waterfall cable climb, where you shall scale 450 meters of sheer, perilous terrain. Fear not, for a secure climbing path, affixed to the rock face, shall guide your ascent with metal rungs, pegs, and ladders. Even those who have never climbed before may now bask in the glory of remote locations and sights beyond compare.
As the sun sets upon our day's triumphant climb, let us retire to one of the many renowned restaurants of Wanaka. There, we shall regale each other with tales of our intrepid feats, and savor the delicious fare that this land has to offer.
Day 7
Driving Time: 206km, 2 hours 50 minutes
Stay: Hermitage Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Your Day: Wanaka to Aoraki/Mount Cook (Dinner at Hermitage + Stargazing)
Today's journey takes you from the rugged lands of Central Otago, across the majestic Lindis Pass and towards the fabled Mackenzie Country. Alongside the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, your path shall lead you to the village of Aoraki/Mt Cook, nestled deep within the heart of the mighty Southern Alps.
As the afternoon sun begins its descent, take time to immerse yourselves in the bountiful wonders of the national park, perhaps setting foot upon the renowned Hooker Valley track, or venturing forth upon the serene Tasman Lake for a boat ride amidst towering icebergs, all the way to the very terminus of the glacier!
As night falls upon this wild terrain, retire to the illustrious Hermitage Hotel, where you shall delight in a sumptuous 2 course meal, gazing out upon the lofty peaks of Aoraki/Mt Cook through the dining hall's wondrous floor-to-ceiling windows. And after your meal, embark upon a mesmerizing journey through the celestial cosmos, guided by an expert in the mysteries of the stars, and discover the secrets of a world we can only dream of, on a one-hour stargazing tour.
Day 8
Driving Time: 357km, 4.5 hours driving
Stay: Rydges Latimer
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Aoraki/Mount Cook to Christchurch via Methven (Edoras)
Your journey through the realm of Middle Earth draws nigh to its final destination! Today, you shall venture forth to the remote and wondrous Mt Potts High Country station, home of Mt Sunday, where the grandeur of Edoras awaits!
Led by the skilled guides of Hassle Free Tours, you shall witness the transformation of this peaceful mountain into the capital city of the Rohan people. Behold the unspoilt beauty of this land, with its sparkling lakes, glistening rivers, and the pure, crisp mountain air.
As you journey on, let your hearts be filled with the wonder of Middle Earth, for such sights and experiences shall be seared into your memories forevermore. And when your travels draw to a close, you shall journey to Christchurch, your hearts brimming with the adventures and wonders of this land.
Day 9
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Christchurch Departure Day
Hark, brave adventurer, your quest through Middle Earth draws to a close. As the final chapter of your journey unfolds, we hope that it has been a truly epic one, fraught with challenges and brimming with wonder.
Alas, the time has come to bid you farewell and release you from our grasp. You shall venture forth to your next destination, leaving behind the majesty of this land and the memories you have forged within it.
Though your onward flight is not included, we trust that you will carry with you the spirit of Middle Earth and all its magic as you continue on your path. May the road be kind to you, and may you forever cherish the adventures you have had in this enchanted realm.
Here's how it works.
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Step One.
Enquire by filling out our form with a few more details about your driving holiday plans. Our driving holiday experts will be in touch to discuss options and ideas with you.
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Step Two.
We will help match you to your perfect New Zealand driving holiday itinerary, complete with all the destinations you want to visit and any additional activities you would like to include.
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Step Three.
Once you are happy with everything, we can take a small deposit and you can get excited to hit the open road and explore New Zealand. With our 24/7 support, you can rest easy knowing that everything is arranged.
Plan your ultimate New Zealand driving holiday today with our expert travel agency.
Our team of specialists will help you create a seamless travel solution, tailored to your specific touring plans and desired duration.