Beyond the Shire - Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington & Queenstown
11 Days | 10 Nights
Price per person from
$4,799pp
*Based on double occupancy
Land Only
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Venture beyond Hobbiton and discover the landscapes, culture and cinematic magic that make New Zealand unforgettable. From Auckland's Wētā Workshop Unleashed and the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set to Rotorua's geothermal wonders, Māori traditions and scenic floatplane flight, every experience reveals another side of Middle-earth. Continue to Wellington to explore legendary filming locations before ending in Queenstown, where alpine adventures, Milford Sound and spectacular Lord of the Rings landscapes bring this epic journey to a memorable close.
- 10 Nights Superior Accommodation
- 8 Experiences including Weta Workshop, Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, Safari of the Scenes and more
- Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton including lunch
- InterCity Coach between Rotorua and Wellington
- Private arrival transfer Auckland, and airrval/departure transfer in Queenstown
- Breakfast daily
Description
Some journeys simply visit New Zealand. Beyond the Shire invites you to step inside the landscapes that inspired one of cinema's greatest fantasy worlds while uncovering the country's extraordinary natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Your adventure begins in Auckland with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at movie magic during the Wētā Workshop Unleashed experience before travelling to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Wander through the charming Shire, explore hobbit holes nestled into lush green hills and enjoy the atmosphere that captivated millions of fans before continuing to Rotorua.
Rotorua reveals another side of New Zealand, where steaming geothermal valleys, pristine lakes and living Māori traditions create unforgettable memories. A spectacular floatplane flight showcases Mount Tarawera and the colourful geothermal landscapes of Orakei Korako, while an evening at Te Pā Tū offers an authentic cultural celebration through storytelling, performance and exceptional cuisine.
Travelling south to Wellington, discover New Zealand's creative capital and the birthplace of many of Middle-earth's legendary creatures. Explore iconic filming locations on a dedicated Lord of the Rings tour before discovering the city's vibrant waterfront, historic neighborhoods and panoramic viewpoints.
Your journey concludes with the dramatic alpine landscapes of Queenstown. Venture deep into remote valleys during a Safari of the Scenes tour, paddle crystal-clear waters on the unforgettable Funyak Safari and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound, where towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and ancient rainforest create one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.
Blending blockbuster film locations, Māori culture, extraordinary landscapes and unforgettable adventures, Beyond the Shire offers the ultimate New Zealand experience for travelers seeking far more than a vacation.
Price
Travel Dates |
Price* | |
|---|---|---|
| *Based on double occupancy | ||
| Jul 15, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026 | from $4,799pp * | |
| Sep 21, 2026 - Nov 30, 2026 | from $5,099pp * | |
| Dec 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 | from $5,299pp * | |
| Jan 1, 2027 - Mar 31, 2027 | from $5,499pp * | |
*Prices are quoted in USD and are ‘from’, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplements apply. Valid for weekday departures and weekend returns July 15 - September 20, 2026. Advertised pricing reflects low season pricing. Seasonal surcharges apply for travel outside this season. Must be booked by August 31, 2026. Black-out dates and surchargeble dates apply. Prices are current at time of posting (7/7/2026) and may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed, due to fuel surcharges and currency fluctuations. All pricing is strictly subject to availability. All prices, itineraries and routing are subject to change without notice. Please call for our current prices. CA CST: 2076233-40 | WA ID: 601 684 531 | PC-1282498.
Inclusions
- One-way private arrival transfer Auckland Airport/Hotel
- 1-night Auckland, M Social Auckland, Social Room including early-check-in
- Weta Workshop Experience Admission
- Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton
- 2-nights Rotorua, Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Deluxe King Room
- Mt Tarawera/Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer Floatplane Experience
- Te Pa Tu Māori Evening
- Intercity Coach from Rotorua to Wellington
- 3-nights Wellington, Bolton Hotel, Classic Suite
- Half-day Wellington Highlights Tour
- Full-day Lord of the Rings Tour
- 4-nights Queenstown, Millennium Hotel Queenstown
- Full-day Safari of the Scenes Tour
- Funyak Safari
- Milford Sound Coach/Cruise/Coach including picnic lunch
- One-way private departure transfer Queenstown Hotel/Airport
- Breakfast daily
Exclusions
- International and Domestic Airfares
- New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) NZ$17 on free App or NZ$23 if completed online PLUS the IVL of NZ$35 (NZ$100 from 1 Oct 2024). Payable on application.
Map
Itinerary
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Day 1 – Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand. On arrival in Auckland, make your way to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. This vibrant harbour city offers an ideal introduction to New Zealand, with its waterfront precincts, excellent dining and relaxed atmosphere. Later, step behind the curtain of moviemaking with the immersive Wētā Workshop Unleashed experience, where creativity and cinematic magic come to life.
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Day 2 – Auckland – Hobbiton – Rotorua (B,L)
Depart Auckland aboard the Hobbiton Express, travelling through the rolling green countryside of the Waikato to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set. Wander among the picturesque hobbit holes, visit the Green Dragon Inn and experience the enchanting setting where Middle-earth became reality. Continue through the lush countryside to Rotorua, New Zealand's geothermal and cultural heart.
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Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
(Superior)
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Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
(Superior)
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Day 3 – Mount Tarawera, Orakei Korako and Maori Cultural Evening (B,D)
Experience Rotorua from an unforgettable perspective as a floatplane carries you above sparkling lakes, the dramatic summit of Mount Tarawera and the vibrant geothermal terraces of Orakei Korako. This unique aerial adventure showcases some of New Zealand's most spectacular volcanic landscapes before landing back in Rotorua. In the evening, immerse yourself in Māori culture with an unforgettable Te Pā Tū cultural experience featuring storytelling, performance and a seasonal feast.
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Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
(Superior)
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Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
(Superior)
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Day 4 – Rotorua – Wellington (B)
Travel south by comfortable InterCity coach, enjoying ever-changing scenery as rolling farmland gives way to rivers, mountain ranges and picturesque towns. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital, where colorful waterfront precincts, lively cafés and creative energy provide the perfect setting for the next chapter of your Middle-earth adventure.
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Bolton Hotel
(Deluxe)
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Bolton Hotel
(Deluxe)
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Day 5 - Wellington Middle-earth locations
Today is dedicated to the legendary world of Middle-earth. Visit some of the region's most recognizable filming locations while learning behind-the-scenes stories that transformed New Zealand into Tolkien's iconic realm. From peaceful forests to dramatic hilltops, discover how Wellington became one of the creative homes of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
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Bolton Hotel
(Deluxe)
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Bolton Hotel
(Deluxe)
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Day 6 – Discover Wellington (B)
Discover the highlights of New Zealand's capital on a half-day sightseeing tour. Explore panoramic viewpoints overlooking the harbour, stroll through historic precincts, admire the city's vibrant street art and waterfront, and gain insight into Wellington's fascinating history and contemporary culture. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace.
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Bolton Hotel
(Deluxe)
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Bolton Hotel
(Deluxe)
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Day 7 – Wellington – Queenstown (B)
Fly south to Queenstown (not included), dramatically nestled beside the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the towering Southern Alps. Frequently described as New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown also serves as the gateway to some of the country's most breathtaking Lord of the Rings film locations.
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Millennium Queenstown
(Superior)
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Millennium Queenstown
(Superior)
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Day 8 - Safari of the Scenes (B,L)
Embark on the acclaimed Safari of the Scenes tour, venturing into spectacular backcountry landscapes featured throughout The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Journey through remote valleys, historic gold-mining trails and breathtaking alpine scenery while hearing fascinating stories about the films and the region's rich history. Included is a light lunch (NZ$20 voucher) for use at a local café.
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Millennium Queenstown
(Superior)
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Millennium Queenstown
(Superior)
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Day 9 – Funyak Safari, Glenorchy and Dart River (B,L)
Today's Funyak Safari combines adventure and spectacular scenery. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu before travelling into the wilderness by jet boat, then paddle inflatable kayaks through the serene waters of the Dart River surrounded by ancient beech forests and towering mountain peaks. This is one of the most immersive ways to experience the landscapes of Middle-earth.
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Millennium Queenstown
(Superior)
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Millennium Queenstown
(Superior)
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Day 10 – Milford Sound (B,L)
Travel through the magnificent Fiordland National Park to world-renowned Milford Sound. Board a scenic cruise beneath towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and rainforest-covered mountains while watching for seals, dolphins and native birdlife. The return coach journey provides countless opportunities to appreciate one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural landscapes.
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Millennium Queenstown
(Superior)
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Millennium Queenstown
(Superior)
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Day 11 – Depart Queenstown (B)
Your journey through New Zealand's extraordinary landscapes comes to an end today. Depart Queenstown with unforgettable memories of cinematic locations, rich Māori culture, geothermal wonders, alpine adventures and the breathtaking scenery that truly lies Beyond the Shire.