Elves prefer a holiday of beautiful, peaceful places complete with ethereal woodlands, dewy native forests and sparkling waterfalls. Explore the real Middle‑earth™ from 'Rivendell' to the glittering Waitomo Caves and let our lands refresh you.

Explore enchanting forests and woodlands

Enjoy ancient native forests, delicate ferns and alpine tussock in New Zealand's scenic national parks. Be revived beneath waterfalls or picnic beside mirror-smooth lakes and imagine you're in Rivendell. Head to the Redwoods Treewalk(opens in new window)(opens in new window) to walk high above the forest floor on a magical adventure at dusk.

Rotorua
Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua, Rotorua

Highlights

  • Ancient Whakarewarewa Forest
  • Flora and fauna
  • Native bird life

Proximity

Sparkling cities with plentiful vineyards

A glistening coastal city of islands and harbours, Auckland is known for its beautiful scenery as well as an international hub. Start your Middle‑earth™ journey by taking a ferry or a seaplane to Waiheke Island, one of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious wine-growing regions. Explore more than 27 boutique vineyards and wineries, enjoy beautiful local produce and soak in views of Auckland’s skyline from afar.

Auckland
Cable Bay Vineyard, Auckland

Highlights

  • Vineyards and cellar doors
  • Sailing on the Hauraki Gulf
  • White sand beaches

Proximity

Brighter than the light of Eärendil's star

Twinkling glow-worms light up the darkness in a labyrinth known as Waitomo Caves. Beneath the rolling green hills of Middle‑earth™ you can explore the depths of the underground while being guided by the glittering rooftops. Nearby filming locations include Hobbiton, Trollshaw Forest & Staddle Farm.

Waikato
Waitomo Caves, Waikato

Highlights

  • Glowworms
  • Blackwater rafting and abseiling
  • Stalagmites and stalactites

Proximity

Drift through remote rivers and valleys

Pelorus River's crystal clear waters cut through a rocky gorge shrouded in the subtle green layers of native New Zealand forest, an ethereal protected wilderness inhabited by giant trees and native birds. This is arguably one of New Zealand's most beautiful rivers and the filming location for the 'Barrel Run' scene in The Hobbit Trilogy. Join a fully guided eco-adventure(opens in new window) down the river and explore by kayaks or comfortable inflatable canoes.

Marlborough
Pelorus River, Marlborough

Highlights

  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Queen Charlotte Track
  • Over 150 vineyards

Proximity

Soak up the serenity

Settle into a slower pace of life at one of New Zealand’s many spas and thermal pools. Sink into the blissful Onsen Hot Pools(opens in new window) and take in the beauty of your natural surroundings, with uninterrupted views. Alternatively, seek out one of the many hot pools(opens in new window) dotted throughout the country and feel your worries melt away.

Queenstown
Onsen Hot Pools, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Adventure capital of the world
  • Skiing and snowboaring
  • Picturesque peaks

Proximity

Soar like an eagle above vast fiords

Your journey through the real Middle‑earth™ wouldn't be complete without a trip to Milford Sound, one of the country’s most stunning destinations. Capture the stunning beauty of the surrounding lakes and fiords, inhale the scents of lush native rainforest, and feel the fine mist of nearby waterfalls. Nearby filming locations include Takaro Rd (Fangorn Forest), Norwest Lakes (South of Rivendell), Waiau River and the Kepler Track (River Anduin).

 

Fiordland
Milford Sound Scenic Flights, Fiordland

Highlights

  • Milford and Doubtful Sounds
  • Te Anau Glowworm Cave
  • Great Walks tracks

Proximity

Journey as another character