Road Trip to New Zealand, 25 January – 09 February 2025

Hobbiton
This enchanting location, a sprawling 12-acre landscape, is a living, breathing tribute to a beloved literary world. It is a place where visitors can step in...
In the heart of the North Island, a magical realm exists, a place where fantasy meets reality. This enchanting location, a sprawling 12-acre landscape, is a living, breathing tribute to a beloved literary world. It is a place where visitors can step into the shoes of their favorite characters and explore the lush pastures, charming gardens, and quaint hobbit holes that have been meticulously recreated to mirror the descriptions in the books and the scenes in the movies.
The history of this enchanting place dates back to 1998 when it was discovered during an aerial search for the perfect filming location. The rolling hills, the large pine tree by the lake, and the overall serene atmosphere made it the ideal setting for the cinematic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. The original set was not built to last, but due to the overwhelming interest from fans worldwide, it was rebuilt in 2011 using permanent materials, allowing it to become a permanent tourist attraction.
The highlights of this magical realm are numerous. The Green Dragon Inn, a replica of the pub frequented by the characters in the books, offers visitors a chance to sample traditional hobbit fare and beverages. The Party Tree, a large, majestic tree under which many a hobbit celebration has taken place, stands tall and proud, a testament to the joyous spirit of the hobbits. The hobbit holes, with their round doors and windows, are scattered across the landscape, each one unique and full of character.
A guided tour of this enchanting place offers visitors a chance to learn about the intricate details that went into creating this world. From the artificial tree with hand-painted leaves to the hobbit-sized furniture, every element has been carefully crafted to transport visitors into the world of the hobbits. The attention to detail is astounding, making it a truly immersive experience.
This magical realm is not just a tourist attraction, but a celebration of the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of a beloved literary world. It is a place where fantasy comes to life, where visitors can step into a storybook and experience the magic firsthand. It is a testament to the creativity, imagination, and hard work that went into bringing a fictional world to life.
The history of this enchanting place dates back to 1998 when it was discovered during an aerial search for the perfect filming location. The rolling hills, the large pine tree by the lake, and the overall serene atmosphere made it the ideal setting for the cinematic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. The original set was not built to last, but due to the overwhelming interest from fans worldwide, it was rebuilt in 2011 using permanent materials, allowing it to become a permanent tourist attraction.
The highlights of this magical realm are numerous. The Green Dragon Inn, a replica of the pub frequented by the characters in the books, offers visitors a chance to sample traditional hobbit fare and beverages. The Party Tree, a large, majestic tree under which many a hobbit celebration has taken place, stands tall and proud, a testament to the joyous spirit of the hobbits. The hobbit holes, with their round doors and windows, are scattered across the landscape, each one unique and full of character.
A guided tour of this enchanting place offers visitors a chance to learn about the intricate details that went into creating this world. From the artificial tree with hand-painted leaves to the hobbit-sized furniture, every element has been carefully crafted to transport visitors into the world of the hobbits. The attention to detail is astounding, making it a truly immersive experience.
This magical realm is not just a tourist attraction, but a celebration of the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of a beloved literary world. It is a place where fantasy comes to life, where visitors can step into a storybook and experience the magic firsthand. It is a testament to the creativity, imagination, and hard work that went into bringing a fictional world to life.

Auckland
Known for its stunning harbours, it's a place where the urban environment perfectly blends with the natural beauty. The cityscape is a mix of high-rise build...

Queenstown
Known as the Mecca of outdoor leisure activities, this small town of 16,000 people offers over 220 different activities, including bungy jumping. It's nestle...

Fiordland National Park
This expansive reserve, one of the largest in the country, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It is a place where towering peaks mee...

Te Anau
Experience a thrilling jet boat ride across the River Shotover in Fiordland National Park. This high-adrenaline activity lasts about 3 hours, offering unmatc...

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
The park forms part of the Te Wahipounamu region, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

Milford Sound
Located in the heart of the Te Wahipounamu region, this area is rich in waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and mountains, filled with fjords. It boasts lush vegetati...

Pukaki
It's a village next to a lake of the same name, where a hotel is situated. It's a 5 1/2 hour journey, covering 358 km.

Castle Hill Park
Located on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, this area is known for its karst rocks and is historically significant for bouldering with nearly 6,000 cli...

Lake Tekapo
Known for its striking turquoise hue, the lake's color is a result of finely ground rock particles, known as rock flour, carried into the lake by the melting...

Paroa
Located on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, it's a small seaside village known for its hotel offering double rooms with bathrooms.

Pancake Rocks
A rocky shore of eroded limestone cliffs, underground caverns and strange formations. High tide compresses waves in the caves, creating natural fountains.

Cape Foulwind
This scenic spot on New Zealand's west coast offers a walking path with various stops to observe seals breeding.

Abel Tasman National Park
It's the smallest National Park in New Zealand, situated on the northern side of the South Island.

Motueka
The seaside village is a perfect overnight stop, offering accommodation at a 3-star garden motel. The motel provides 2-bedroom apartments equipped with a bat...

Wellington
The capital of the North Island is reached by a 4-hour ferry crossing from Picton port. The journey features impressive landscapes and turquoise waters.

Picton
A port town known for its ferry services to the North Island and the capital, Wellington. The ferry journey across the strait takes about 4 hours.

Te Papa Museum
Explore the rich history of New Zealand, captured in wonderful snapshots at a renowned cultural institution in Wellington.

Tongariro National Park

Lake Taupo
Situated on the south side of the country's largest lake, formed in a supervolcano crater, is the village of Turangi. It's a gateway to the spectacular Tonga...

Tongariro
Experience a full-day hike through a unique triple volcanic complex, passing through Soda Springs, the Devil's Ladder, and the rim of Red Crater. Weather per...

Wai-O-Tapu
In the heart of the Pacific, there exists a geothermal wonderland, a testament to the Earth's raw power and beauty.

Lake Rotorua
This picturesque body of water, the second largest in the region, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike

Pohutu Geyser
In the heart of the Pacific, there lies a natural wonder that has been a source of fascination for centuries

Hell's Gate Geothermal Field
The area is renowned for its unique geothermal features, including hot springs, mud pools, and steam vents. The landscape is a stark contrast to the lush gre...

Hobbiton
This enchanting location, a sprawling 12-acre landscape, is a living, breathing tribute to a beloved literary world. It is a place where visitors can step in...

Waitomo Cave
Known for the glowing fireflies Arachnocampa luminosa, endemic to New Zealand, it offers an impressive spectacle with live lights. Explore it by boat.