Need help booking your trip?

Hotline: 400-650-8855

Enquiry: private-tours@tui.cn

For bookings
and more information
please contact us:

 

Tel:      +86 (0)10 8519 8999

Fax:     +86 (0)10 6517 1033

Email:  private-tours@tui.cn

Hotline: 400 650 8855

Follow the Ring – Hobbit Tour around New Zealand (self-drive)

Price: 
From RMB 11800
Travel days:  15 days
 /  14 nights
Min 2 pax

  • 14 nights’ accommodation based on ROOM ONLY below accommodation details and room types with private facilities
  • Dinner and Breakfast included during Farmstay in Matamata and Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Josef.
  • Breakfast included at Travelodge Wellington Hotel only.
  • Breakfast (B&B) included at Hotel St Clair Dunedin.
  • International Buffet Lunch included during Milford Sound Scenic Cruise.
  • Admission Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Matamata
  • Admission Te Puia
  • Admission Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
  • Half Day Rover Ring Tour Wellington
  • Interislander Ferry Wellington – Picton (clients only, car remains on both islands)
  • Half Day Scenic Cruise Abel Tasman National Park
  • Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
  • Thrifty Car Rental /Toyota Corolla 1.8l Automatic (or similar) / Rental Vehicle : 5 door, 1.4-1.5 litre, air conditioning, radio with CD player, air bag, central locking
  • Airport Fee included
  • Accident Excess Reduction included
  • One Way rental - Minimum length of rental 3 days on any sector
  • All one way rental sectors of 5 days or less will incur a one way fee of $57.50 payable directly by client at time of pick up (not payable if total hire period on both island exceeds 5 days
  • No remote location pick up/drop off fees - where there is a staffed branch
  • Includes unlimited km
  • International flight tickets. 
  • Visa fee. 
  • Tips.
  • GPS Navigation
  • Personal expenses. 
  • All expenses not mentioned above.
  • Auckland       Best Western New President  3*  Superior Sdutio
  • Matamata      Hobbiton Farmstay DBB         0*  Standard Room
  • Rotorua         Ibis Rotorua                             3*  Standard Room
  • Tongariro      Skotel Tongariro                       3*  Superior Room
  • Wellington     Travelodge Wellington             3*  Standard Room
  • Nelson           Quality In                                  3*  Studio Room
  • Franz Josef   Glenfern Villas                          3*  1 Bedroom Villa
  • Queestown   Tanoa Aspen Hotel                  3*  Standard Courtyard Room
  • Te Anau         Distinction Luxmore                3*  Standard Room
  • Dunedin         Quality Hotel Cargills              3*  Standard Room
  • Christchurch  Ibis Christchurch                    3*  Standard Room
  • The above mentioned rates are subjected to availability.
  • If you have any further ideas, please feel free to contact us. We will do our best to adjust the offer according to your wishes.
  • Min. 2 people

Travel Itinerary

  • Day 1:
    Auckland Arrival
    • Arrival in Auckland, transfer to the hotel.
    • Overnight in Auckland
  • Day 2:
    Auckland - Hobbiton (B)
    • In the morning you make your way to the rental car depot (own arrangements or shuttle can be prebooked) to pick up your rental car.
    • After leaving the motorway south of Auckland, the Waikato River will accompany you for much of your journey through the green countryside. Places of interest along the way include the wine growing area of Te Kauwhata and the coal mining town of Huntly.
    • Enjoy your way through farmland to the Waitomo Caves, where huge limestone caverns are filled with stalactites and glow worms.
    • Our next destination is “Hobbiton”. Discover the real Middle-earth on the most picturesque private farmland near Matamata, where you will visit the “Hobbiton” Movie Set from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” film trilogy in a fascinating two-hour guided tour.
    • Overnight in Hobbiton
  • Day 3:
    Hobbiton - Rotorua (B)
    • Today you will make your way to Rotorua and experience the Maori culture.
    • (Optional) Mitai Maori Village:
    • Come and meet the People of the Land at Mitai Maori Village. The Mitai Family endeavour to bring you the most authentic Maori Cultural experience in NZ today. This experience includes the world famous Fairy Spring, the Maori war canoe (waka) paddle-by, Maori song and dance (haka), traditionally cooked hangi meal, glow worm tour and an evening bush walk and talk about Maori medicines.
    • We are proud to be Maori and honored to share with you the stories, trial, tribulations and teachings of the ancient Maori. The ancient village has gone but its people remain. We take you from the present to the past so please remember this ‘there’s more than meets the eye. A truly unique and awe inspiring experience.
    • (Optional) Polynesian Spa:
    • Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s leading international day spa, providing a unique thermal spa experience on the shore of Lake Rotorua.
    • In a picturesque, tranquil setting overlooking Lake Rotorua, visitors can enjoy a wonderful fusion of relaxing hot spring pool bathing, sumptuous spa and massage therapies and picturesque lake views.
    • The water in the pools is hot mineral spring water.
    • Overnight in Rotorua
  • Day 4:
    Rotorua – Tongariro National Park
    • The road from Rotorua to the Tongariro National Park leads through the active geothermal area to Taupo. On the way you could have a stop at the Aratiata Rapids just off State Highway 1 north of Taupo, which were used for a scene in Peter Jackson’s latest movie – “The Hobbit” - in which film crew dropped 20 to 25 barrels down the rapids from a dam's spill gates each time there was a dam release. The scene is part of an escape where Bilbo Baggins rescues the dwarfs from elves by hiding them in barrels which float downstream. Taupo city on the north-eastern shore of Lake Taupo, which is actually a large crater filled with water. It is with 616 km New Zealand’s largest lake. You follow the road along the east side of the lake towards Tongariro National Park.
    • (Optional) Huka Falls Jet:
    • Hukafalls Jet in Taupo offers a unique combination of excitement and natural beauty. A 30-minute thrilling jet boat ride in the hands of a Page 5 down-to-earth, funny professional jet boat driver who can make a jet boat do things you would never believe possible.
    • The half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and natural hot springs.
    • Combine 360° spins and passing nature by incredibly close at disorientating speeds for an amazing must-do visitor experience, before even reaching the awe inspiring majesty that is the Huka Falls. From the unique vantage point on the boat you have the best water level view of Huka Falls
    • Overnight in Tongariro
  • Day 6:
    Wellington (B)
    • Today you are going to follow the Hobbits on their way. A half day Lord of the Rings location tour will bring you the best 7 locations in both the North and South of Wellington. This is the best way to show you Wellington's Lord of the Rings locations in half a day with the experience of knowledgeable Lord of the Rings specialist guides.
    • We cover a lot of ground, but there is enough time to explore, recreate scenes for yourself and work out how the movies were made. The first location is exploring Mount Victoria and the 'recreation greenbelt' where the Hobbits hid and were chased by “Ringwraiths”.
    • From Mount Victoria you will drive north to explore the Hutt Valley. Stops include the Hutt River (“Anduin”) and Harcourt Park (“Isengard”). In Kaitoke Regional Park we include morning/afternoon tea under the elevish trees of the Rivendell location. We also spend time at “Minas Tirith” and “Helms Deep” at an old quarry closed to general visitors.
    • Overnight in Wellington
  • Day 7:
    Wellington - Nelson (B)
    • Ferry crossing to South Island from Wellington to Picton with the Interislander ferry.
    • The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. The drive to Nelson first takes you to the town of Havelock, which is known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. Nearby Canvastown is a place to explore old gold mining fields – thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s.
    • Overnight in Nelson
  • Day 7:
    Wellington - Nelson (B)
    • Ferry crossing to South Island from Wellington to Picton with the Interislander ferry.
    • The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. The drive to Nelson first takes you to the town of Havelock, which is known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. Nearby Canvastown is a place to explore old gold mining fields – thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s.
    • Overnight in Nelson
  • Day 8:
    Abel Tasman National Park
    • Today you are going on a half day scenic cruise. You'll get a chance to see and photograph the world-famous Split Apple Rock from close up, native fur seals (Kekeno) in their natural habitat, golden sands and the crystal-clear waters of Anchorage and Medlands Bay beaches all before you return to Kaiteriteri.
    • If you want, you can find “Chetwood Forest” near “Bree”, where the Hobbits first flee, which was filmed on Takaka Hill, between Golden and Tasman Bay near Nelson. From Motueka, you head toward Kaiteriteri which is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, but instead of entering the park, you climb up the 972 metre summit of Takaka Hill. You can also access Takaka Hill by road when heading toward the Totaranui end of Abel Tasman National Park. Takaka Hill is the only place in the world except for Italy where you can find rocky marble outcrops.
    • Overnight in Nelson
  • Day 9:
    Nelson – Franz Josef Glacier
    • On your way you will pass Murchison, where you can learn about 1929’s massive earthquake. Pan for gold in Lyell Creek before you navigate the awesome Buller Gorge. Westport is known as a coal mining town and a base for outdoor adventures.
    • Visit the local coal mining museum, then strap on your walking shoes to investigate the seal colony. The road to Punakaiki hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. Punakaiki is famous for its Pancake Rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park, which is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes. There are many excellent coastal and inland walks in this area. Greymouth has a long gold mining history. It’s the largest town on the west coast and is known for its awesome seascapes. The local brewery runs tours or you can catch up with west coast history at the museum. White water rafting, sea kayaking and gold panning are other things to do. From Greymouth you will drive on the State Highway 6 along the savage west coast, about 200 km through Hokitika to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.
    • Overnight in Franz Josef
  • Day 10:
    Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown
    • Leaving behind the lush vegetation of South Westland you will travel the hills and valleys of the Haast Pass where roadside walkways provide easy access to a number of waterfalls and mountain pools. Emerge into the tussock country of the Southern Lakes district as you pass lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. The “Ford of Bruinen” is located in Arrowtown which is twenty minutes from Queenstown. The Ford is a stone throw from the centre of Arrowtown. From the main street you just need to walk to the nearby river bank and walk up stream for about 200 meters. The scene where the river was flooded was filmed in a different location, namely the Shotover River at Skippers Canyon.
    • The fruit and wine growing region around Cromwell leads you to the craggy confines of the Kawarau Gorge famous for its historic bridge and some spectacularly located vineyards. Finish this full day of sightseeing in beautiful Queenstown.
    • (Optional) 30 Minutes Helicopter flight
    • The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glaciers and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier and experience the solitude of a landing in this natural alpine wonderland.
    •  (Optional) Heli Hike tour Duration 3 Hours
    • Franz Josef Glacier, found in the stunning Westland National Park, is one of the most spectacular glaciers in this region. Combine an awesome scenic helicopter flight over the glacier with a unique guided walk amongst the ice caves, pinnacles and seracs of this pristine, alpine environment. You'll see the extraordinary colours of the ice-flow from above and then up close, on an unforgettable guided walk.
    • Highlights are the 10 minute helicopter flight to Franz Josef icefall, Glacier landing and pickup, 2 hour hike amongst glacial ice formations and professional and experienced guides.
    • Overnight in Queenstown
  • Day 11:
    Queenstown
    • Optional) The Glenorchy Safari
    • The Glenorchy Safari of the Scenes takes you from Queenstown to Glenorchy stopping at breath-taking viewpoints along the way.
    • Beyond Glenorchy follow the Dart River to the spectacular filming location for “Isengard”. This location offers stunning views of Mt Earnslaw. Heading to Paradise to discover the location for the “Forest of Lothlorien”. Leaving Glenorchy and returning towards Queenstown you will stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the “Ithilien Camp”.
    • The Safari of the Scenes - Glenorchy also includes locations from Xmen Origins: Wolverine, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
    • (Optional) Wilderness Safari
    • On this safari you’ll explore little known areas inaccessible by other means and discover a unique and dramatic environment rich in both natural and cultural heritage and legend. You will explore the area of Glenorchy, Lake Wakatipu and spectacular Mt Aspiring National Park.
    • Overnight in Queenstown
  • Day 12:
    Queenstown – Milford Sound – Te Anau (B)
    • High country landscapes and trout fishing rivers are features on the road to Te Anau. The first part of the drive clings scenically to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. Te Anau Township sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau. From here, the delights of the Fiordland National Park are within easy reach, including the start of the Milford Track. Cruise on the lakes, walk the tracks and visit the Department of Conservation wildlife centre. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are an excellent adventure.
    • The Mavora Lakes was the location for “Fangorn Forest and Nen Hithoel”. The lakes are situated off the Te Anau Highway pass Mossburn or you can take an unpaved road near Te Anau which takes about 45 minutes by car. Just before the turn off to Mavora Lakes, you will see the “Fangorn Forest” to your left. Mararoa River, South Mavora close to the village of Mossburn near Te Anau was the location for “Silverlode River”. Mararoa River is a picturesque river abounding with Rainbow and Brown trout.
    • Overnight in Te Anau
  • Day 13:
    Te Anau - Dunedin
    • Leaving the stunning mountains and fiords of Te Anau, your journey along the main highways and motorways today will showcase the best of the Southern land and its scenery. Deep rivers, lush farmland and nature parks are just an appetizer for what this area of the South Island has to offer. Located at Mandeville Airport (on route to Gore) Croydon Aviation Heritage Trust offers flights in vintage and classic aircrafts, including the Tiger Moth, Fox Moth and Dragonfly. Located in Gore, Hokonui Moonshine museum celebrates the history of illicit whisky making in the southern region that stemmed from origins in Scotland. Or visit Lake Waihola. This tidal freshwater lake is located half an hour south of Dunedin. It is surrounded by wetlands, including the internationally renowned and protected Sinclair Wetlands that are home to many species of wading birds.
    • (Optional) Penguin Place:
    • Penguin Place is a private conservation effort aimed at saving one of the rarest penguins from extinction. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience the coal for of conservation. Via a unique system of hides, track and tunnels you can gain first hand information plus enjoy fantastic photographic opportunities of these wonderful birds from distances down to less than a meter.
    • Overnight in Dunedin
  • Day 14:
    Dunedin - Christchurch (B)
    • Your journey north is flavored with history. Oamaru has a population of around 12,000 and an impressive heritage. Many of the elegant historic buildings were made from the local sandstone. Visit the Harbour-Tyne area - the best-preserved collection of historic commercial buildings in New Zealand. You should also check out the penguin colony, the museum and the pretty public gardens. River crossings are a feature of the journey north. On the way you are passing Timaru a small but beautifully formed city, Waimate and Oamaru, where you can watch penguins. The main attractions at the way to Christchurch are the Moeraki Boulders. These ancient spherical boulders are up to four meters in circumference and are lying scattered along Moeraki’s beach. The flat, straight highway leads you into Ashburton, a large town that serves the local rural community.The route to Christchurch is about as straight and flat as roads get in New Zealand. On a clear day, the Southern Alps provide outstanding scenery. The town of Rakaia sits on the southern side of the Rakaia River, and it’s ‘the salmon capital of New Zealand’. The Rakaia Bridge spans 1.8 kilometers of one of the world's best examples of a 'braided' river system.
    • Overnight in Christchurch
  • Day 15:
    Christchurch Departure
    • Transfer to airport and take flights back.
    • End of service