Self-drive Lord of the Rings New Zealand tour (South Island)

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Christchurch
• 1 night Lake Tekapo
• 3 nights Queenstown    

Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch      

Upon arrival at Christchurch airport, pick up your rental vehicle before driving to your first hotel, where you’ll check in for your two night stay.

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest city with an abundance of things to do and see. The remainder of your day is free to spend time discovering some of its highlights; perhaps a walk around the botanical gardens, or a stroll through the city to take a look at the RE:Start shopping mall made of shipping containers.  

Day 2: Christchurch   

Today you will be collected from your hotel to start your full day Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour. You will be driven in a 4WD vehicle to the remote Mt Sunday on Mt Potts High Country Station, the location of Edoras in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. From here, a short guided walk to the summit allows you to stand where the capital city of Rohan once stood, where you can take in the breath-taking 360 degree views of rivers, lakes and mountains including the Misty Mountains and the area that formed the backdrop to Helms Deep.

To top off this amazing tour, you will be able to handle movie replicas of Aragorn’s Sword, Gimli’s Axe, Eowyn’s Sword, Gandalf’s Staff, the Flag of Rohan and a map of Middle Earth. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to Christchurch where you will be dropped off at your hotel. 

Day 3: Christchurch – Lake Tekapo      

You will set off today and drive to Lake Tekapo, approximately a three and a half hour drive. You can take your time today and have a leisurely morning in Christchurch, and find a nice stop for lunch during your drive to the lake.

Upon arrival at Lake Tekapo, ensure you pay a visit to its popular landmark, the pretty stone Church of the Good Shepherd and also look for the bronze statue of a sheepdog. Check in to your hotel for your one night stay.   

Day 4: Lake Tekapo - Queenstown       

Make your way south to Queenstown, which is about a three hour drive. If you have time on route, take a slight detour to Wanaka and stop to admire the gorgeous lake and have a bite to eat.

Continuing on to Queenstown will take you on a route through Cardrona, offering up some fantastic scenery. Once you arrive in Queenstown, check into your hotel for your three night stay before heading out and exploring this amazing alpine and lake resort.

Day 5: Queenstown    

Your day will comprise of a morning or afternoon safari of the Scenes tour, depending on which you choose. This scenic Lord of the Rings tour is based around the Wakatipu Basin and combines an off road adventure with visits to several filming sites, including The Remarkables (The Misty Mountains), Deer Park Heights (The Battle of the Wargs) and the Kawarau Gorge (Argonath/Pillars of the Kings).

You will then head out to Arrowtown where the loss of The One Ring at Gladden Fields was filmed. Experience some true off roading by following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River before crossing to her to the Ford of Bruinen. At this point it is time for a rest and some tea, where you can try your hand at a spot of gold panning.

Afterwards, the tour continues to the entrance of Skippers Canyon for spectacular panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin. It’s then time to head back to Queenstown where you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Day 6: Queenstown    

We have left a whole day free for you to fill, which will be hard as there is so much to squeeze in! Why not add in a tour to Milford Sound, brave the famous AJ Hackett Bungy Jump, go jet boating on the Shotover and Dart Rivers, or hike around the lake. These are just a few ideas as there is an endless amount of things to do in Queenstown.

If you would like us to include an extra tour for today just let us know, we could even add in an additional Lord of the Rings Tour!

Days 7: Depart Queenstown

Your adventure through Middle Earth to come to an end, so it is time to drive to Queenstown Airport to drop off your car hire and board your onward flight.