The Lord of the Rings: Middle-earth Trail (New Zealand)

501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472, New Zealand

💡 Wander the exact movie set used for the Shire; the guided tour concludes with a complimentary themed beverage at the famous Green Dragon Inn.

48 Broadway, Matamata 3400, New Zealand

💡 Located in the nearby town of Matamata, this local favourite is perfect for a dedicated sit-down lunch before your drive south towards the volcanic plateau.

Wairakei, Taupō 3384, New Zealand

💡 Stretch your legs at this phenomenal natural attraction; the sheer volume and crystal-blue colour of the water rushing through the gorge is breathtaking.

Mangatepopo Road, Manawatū-Whanganui Region 4691, New Zealand

💡 Walk the early stages of this world-renowned trek, which passes directly beneath Mount Ngauruhoe—the real-world filming location for Mount Doom.

Whakapapa Village, Manawatū-Whanganui Region 3989, New Zealand

💡 Warm up with a hot flat white and hearty savoury pie after a brisk morning on the volcanic slopes of the national park.

Scheduled Downtime

💡 Transfer to Taupō or Rotorua Airport for a domestic flight to Queenstown (South Island) to position for Day 3.

Scheduled Downtime

💡 Transfer to Taupō or Rotorua Airport for a domestic flight to Queenstown (South Island) to position for Day 3.

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Southland Region, New Zealand

💡 Take a scenic boat cruise through this majestic glacier-carved fjord; the towering Mitre Peak and cascading waterfalls provided the vast visual inspiration for the cinematic universe.

124 Town Centre, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand

💡 Perfect for a leisurely sit-down lunch in Te Anau after your fjord cruise; order the Southland lamb shoulder.