Three-City New Zealand Vacation Including The Hobbit Trilogy Filming Locations

To celebrate the release of ‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ which opens in theaters on December 17, experience a trip to New Zealand, the home of Middle-earth! New Zealand’s breathtaking mountains, meadows, and beech forests made it the perfect location to film The Hobbit Trilogy . From the gently rolling countryside of the Shire to the desolate-and-craggy fortress of Isengard, the country’s terrain made a mythical world come alive. On this 13-day, 10-night vacation in New Zealand, you’ll visit some of the most famous filming locations from those movies as well as three cities: Auckland, Rotorua, and Queenstown. This vacation includes:

• Round-trip airfare through Air New Zealand from LAX or SFO to Auckland, returning from Queenstown
• Airfare between Auckland, Rotorua, and Queenstown on Air New Zealand
• 4 nights’ accommodations at Mercure Auckland
• 2 nights’ accommodations at Sudima Lake Rotorua
• Half-day Hobbiton movie set tour, Rotorua
• 4 nights’ accommodations at Mercure Queenstown Resort
• Half-day guided Safari of the Scenes tour in Queenstown
• US and foreign taxes and fees, including Sept. 11 Security Fee
• Applicable airline fuel surcharge

An optional tour is available for purchase at time of booking from $249 per person. The tour includes an Auckland city tour, a Maori heritage experience in Rotorua with dinner and show, and a day trip and cruise on the spectacular Milford Sound from Queenstown.

Days 1–6: Flight and Auckland

You’ll depart the United States on day 1, cross the International Date Line on day 2, and arrive in Auckland on day 3.

Beautiful beaches, volcanic hills, and harbors filled with brightly colored sailboats surround Auckland, a bustling city in northern New Zealand. Since several harbors and bays border the downtown area, boating is a popular pastime—Auckland is often called the “city of sails” for having more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world. The city is also home to the world’s largest Polynesian population. Learn more about Polynesian history and culture at the Auckland Museum, home to an extensive collection of Maori and Pacific Islander artifacts.

You’ll have 3 full days to explore Auckland on your own. While here, you can visit Parnell, a historical neighborhood lined with boutiques and antique shops, and take a scenic drive along Waitemata Harbor. Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park has panoramic views of downtown Auckland and Waitemata Harbor.

Days 7–8: Rotorua

Geothermal activity abounds in the city of Rotorua, including geysers, boiling mud pools, and cartoon animals with steam coming out of their ears. Te Puia, a geothermal valley a few minutes outside of the city, encompasses many of these wonders. The valley’s Pohutu Geyser erupts 10–25 times a day. Te Puia is also the site of the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, where you can see cultural performances and artwork and visit a kiwi conservation facility that takes in injured birds.

Day 8 brings you a half-day tour of Hobbiton in the Waikato region, where several scenes from The Hobbit Trilogy were filmed. There, you’ll see Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and other parts of the Shire.

Days 9–12: Queenstown

Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown plays host to a number of outdoor activities all year long, including skiing and snowboarding, whitewater rafting, and hang gliding. Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the South Island, the city contains dozens of wineries that offer tours and tastings of the region’s famous pinot noir.

On day 10, head about 30 miles outside of the city for a half-day tour of Glenorchy. The tour whisks you through the filming locations of Isengard, Ithilien Camp, and the battle of Amon Hen. The next 2 days are yours to explore Queenstown on your own before you head back home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?
Departures from additional airports may be available for a supplemental cost. Contact Air New Zealand Vacations at 1-855-550-8802 for availability and pricing.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?
Yes, you may extend your trip for a supplemental fee at the time of booking. Extensions are subject to availability.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?
View the departure dates listed in the deal options above. If there are multiple dates listed in a deal option, call Air New Zealand Vacations at 1-855-550-8802 for the most up-to-date availability.

4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?
We suggest calling to redeem your vouchers as soon as possible so that you do not run into this problem. If Air New Zealand Vacations is unable to book the stay you want during the available dates and before the book-by date, Groupon will refund your purchase.

5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room?
Please call Air New Zealand Vacations at 1-855-550-8802 to discuss the price of bringing a child on this vacation.

6. Is the price advertised available on every date?
Airfare and hotels subject to availability. Additional fees may apply for some departure dates. Contact Air New Zealand Vacations for details.

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