Into the World of Lord of the Rings: A Family Adventure

From the towering alpine ranges that envelop Queenstown, to its laidback lakeside sister Wanaka, this is easily one of the most spectacular regions of the country. Seek out one of the endless thrills on offer here from skiing, white water rafting, canyon swinging, jet boating, mountain biking and bungy jumping, or slow down to the cosmopolitan pace of life in Queenstown and cool Wanaka and you’ll discover its flourishing arts scene, excellent vineyards, fine dining and quiet lakeside shores where you can take in the incredible scenery.

Experience the landscape of Queenstown and the Southern Alps from the air. Every moment is breath-taking - every direction a Lord of the Rings location. Touch down in hard to reach locations and fly over otherwise inaccessible terrain, before the land-based second half of the day where you'll get up and close at a final location getting hands on time with weapons and costumes used in the film.

Explore the rugged country terrain at Walter Peak on an electric trail bike. Start by boarding the historic TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak, where you’ll meet your guide who will go through everything you need to know about the bikes.

This unique experience is exciting and provides a fun, low-impact activity in peaceful and stunning surroundings. You will be guided through gentle rolling farmland, then climb 'The Hill' and take in the views of the Colonel's Homestead and beautiful Lake Wakatipu below. Then ride the undulating tracks towards the lakeside peninsula at Beach Point reserve. Here there is a stop for refreshments and time for you to learn about the history of Walter Peak and high country farming. Your guide will also update you on the conservation efforts to remove the invasive wilding pine trees, replacing them with pockets of native plant and bush.

Return back to the farm after riding the flat natural terraces overlooking the lake, soaking in the stunning alpine scenery. There's time to visit the gift shop and take photos before boarding the TSS Earnslaw for your return cruise to Queenstown Bay.

Get up close to the natural beauty of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery. On this wilderness tour, your local guide will take you on a thorough exploration of the history-rich gold rush hot spot of Arrowtown, to the vast wilderness of Glenorchy and Paradise. Begin the day meandering through the charming cobblestone streets of Arrowtown. A quaint township with a vivid history, you'll explore an old Chinese settlement and enjoy browsing local boutiques and shops. You'll also enjoy a spectacular scenic drive, in the comfort of your Land Rover Discovery or Mercedes van, as you then make your way towards Glenorchy. The road hugs the bright blue waters of Lake Wakatipu as it winds through valleys and around mountain peaks, its not hard to see why it is known as one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

You'll stop at the famous Bennett’s Bluff Lookout for panoramic views across Lake Wakatipu before lunch at a charming local café in the iconic Glenorchy shed. After indulging you'll hop aboard an exhilarating and authentic Dart River Jet Boat, where you'll delve deep into the world-famous Mount Aspiring National Park. Your guide will teach you the region’s rich history before you wander among ancient beech tree forests, a hidden location you might recognize from The Lord of the Rings films. Heading back along the breathtaking Glenorchy Road, enjoy take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque and historic Bob’s Cove, before journeying back to Queenstown.

Nestled on rolling green hills that spill down to a charming harbour, New Zealand’s capital is an epicentre of culture and creativity - renowned for its arts, gastronomy, heritage and bohemian character. The CBD is a creative hub and easy to get around by foot. Wander pedestrianised Cuba Street to get a taste of what makes this city tick with its theatrical street performers, colourful sculptures, cafes spilling out into the road, boutique shops and numerous watering holes to sample the local craft beers and coffee that the city is renowned for. Wellington is also home to New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, which is well worth a visit for an interactive account of the country's history and insight into Maori culture and traditions.

Operated by an expert Lord of the Rings guide, this half-day tour explores the very best filming locations the Wellington region has to offer. Leave the city behind and seek out the beautiful, natural settings that made New Zealand into Middle Earth. Although no sets remain on any of the locations, you will be astounded how these places were transformed into some of your favourite scenes from the films. Starting at the Hutt River, see where the Fellowship voyaged down the Great River Anduin towards Amon Hen after leaving Lothlorien. Then the Gardens of Isengard where Gandalf sought advice from Saruman the White about the Ring. Continuing up Highway 2, you'll then visit Kaitoke Regional Park, a stunning New Zealand rainforest that became Rivendell. Wander the paths walked by Elrond and Arwen, and the newly formed Fellowship of the Ring.

You'll then pause for a moment with a refreshing morning/afternoon tea before heading back to the city, passing by the quarry used for Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith on the way. Making your way up Mt Victoria, stop to see the Outer Shire. You'll also see where Aragorn and Theoden overlook their troops at the Dunharrow Encampment before finishing the tour at the fantastic Mt Victoria lookout with breathtaking views of Wellington City, region, and 'Wellywood', the home of the Wellington Film Industry.

A must for any film lover, this tour allows you to get up close to the props, weapons, armour and vehicles crafted for The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, District 9, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia and more.

You'll also enjoy a three-course meal at CoCo at the Roxy and dine among incredible artworks, movie memorabilia and sculptures.

Steaming mud pools, erupting geysers and Maori traditions all make this a special area to visit and one that is distinctively unique to the rest of New Zealand. Explore geothermal parks before heading into nearby native forests for hiking or mountain biking the numerous world-class trails. Lake Taupo is actually a volcano crater, the lake’s deep blue waters draw visitors with its idyllic swimming holes, reputable fishing and adventure sports. On a clear day the views stretch out over the glassy water to the snowcapped volcanoes of Tongariro National Park in the distance.

With your guide, you will trek across a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts - steaming vents, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, alpine vegetation and vivid crater lakes, all with stunning views.

Rated as one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular hiking tracks. The Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage site which has the distinction of dual status, as it has been acknowledged for both its natural and cultural significance

Visit the Hobbiton movie set near the rural town of Matamata, made famous as the original setting of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your tour gives an astonishing insight into how these movies were made and which parts were filmed here. You will see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, the iconic double arched bridge and other structures and gardens built for the films. Spectacular views extend across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and cattle farm.