The Ultimate Middle Earth Road Trip: Auckland to Queenstown

Any visit to New Zealand is sure to be special but if you want the freedom to really discover Middle Earth, booking a motorhome rental is the only way to go. The main benefit of traversing New Zealand in a campervan is the fact that your transport and accommodation is all rolled up into one. No more packing and unpacking every time you need to move on to the next incredible destination, besides which you’ll have far more flexibility when it comes to the places you stay. While your head may be full of snowy mountains, coursing rivers and cute hobbit holes, the best place to start your journey into Middle Earth is actually the port city of Auckland. There will be no shortage of wilderness and natural beauty in your near future, so kicking off your quest in Auckland will give you the chance to experience the country’s cosmopolitan side. 
Auckland
Set as it is on an isthmus, you’ll never be far from the sea during your stay in Auckland. In many ways this is Auckland’s defining characteristic - it very much embodies the casual, breezy vibe that comes with a coastal location. It’s no accident that the City of Sails is Auckland’s most cherished nickname. This is also by far New Zealand’s largest city, though with less than 1.5 million inhabitants you can hardly call it a concrete jungle. Still, Auckland is more than large enough to offer visitors a taste of exciting and sophisticated city life.
For the quintessential City of Sails experience, there’s no better place to start than the Viaduct. This is a waterfront area directly adjacent to the CBD, which underwent an ‘ugly duckling’ type transformation in the 90’s from industrial wasteland to happening urban hub. Whether you’re hunting for a place to party after dark, somewhere to enjoy top notch fine dining or just a breezy stroll, this is the place to be. 
Those who’d like to indulge in fine food and wines in a more rustic setting may want to head out of the city centre to discover the wineries of West Auckland. There are are quite a number of guided winery tours available, which means you can leave the motorhome behind for a day and be chauffeured around from vineyard to vineyard, grazing your way through cheeseboards and sipping various delicious wines. 
If you’re impatient to experience New Zealand’s fabled wild side, drive a little further west and you’ll encounter the Waitakere Ranges. No matter whether you’re prepared for a multi-day hike or are simply looking for a half hour stroll through the primeval beauty of the New Zealand bush, “the Waitaks” will provide you with the perfect opportunity to have your breath taken away. 
If you’re bringing the whole family on this Middle Earth motorhome journey, there’s plenty to keep them occupied in the Auckland area. Rainbow’s End is New Zealand’s top theme park with adrenaline infused rides for the older kids and fun but more sedate experiences for the little ones. Auckland Zoo is also a popular choice amongst families - not only are there all sorts of exotic animals to look at, but the zoo’s Discovery and Learning Centre gets kids engaged and learning about the environment and the secrets of the animal kingdom. Another easy way to combine fun and learning is with a trip to the Auckland Museum - this is generally free too, although there may be a modest fee for some special exhibitions. If you’d rather take the family on an intrepid exhibition instead, a journey out to Rangitoto Island may be in order. The Volcanic Explorer tour will give you and the kids a firsthand glimpse into the Auckland area’s fiery volcanic past.
As attractive as the big city lights can be, the fact is that there’s very little in the way of Middle Earth locations to be found in Auckland. To discover New Zealand’s fantastical side, you’ll have to head south.
Heading out of Auckland toward Matamata is a fairly straightforward affair, but it does pay to be careful about what time you hit the road. The southern motorway can get pretty heavily congested during rush hours, so try to avoid leaving Auckland between 3pm and 7pm. Other than that, once you reach the end of the motorway you’ll be passing through rural and small town New Zealand, before reaching the first Middle Earth location on your trip: Matamata, home of the hobbits.
 

After kicking off your journey in the breezy, fast moving city of Auckland, arriving in Matamata marks another important beginning on your quest: this is where you can find Hobbiton, the heart of the Shire and home to Frodo, Bilbo and Sam. The Hobbiton set is located on private property, so you can’t just wander amongst the hobbit holes at will, but the good news is there are tours that will show you everything you could possibly want to see. Just make sure to pre-book well ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out on this essential piece of your Middle Earth Journey.
Matamata
One of the best places to get info on a New Zealand town or city is at the local i-SITE, and Matamata is no exception. This is where most visitors to the town will start their journey to Hobbiton. From there you’ll be transported to the Alexander family farm, the spot where the Hobbiton Movie Set has been preserved in all its glory. 
There are a number of different ways you can experience this magical place. A standard tour will have you guided past hobbit holes and the charming mill before heading into the Green Dragon Inn, where you can enjoy a signature hobbit beverage. Hobbits are famous for loving food, so you can also savour an Evening Banquet Tour. This includes a dusk tour of the hobbit set with all the features of a standard tour, followed by a sumptuous Hobbiton-style feast in the Green Dragon Inn. There’s even the option of arranging for a private tour if you’re after a more intimate, personal experience. A standard experience will take around 3 hours, while for a banquet tour you’ll want to put aside a whole evening (about 4 hours). Remember: it's best to book at least a month in advance to guarantee you'll get a spot on this popular tour.
Of course, there’s more to Matamata than just Hobbiton. For example, if you’re hoping to soak away the tension of the road, Opal Springs might be just the ticket. These gloriously blue mineral hot pools will have you feeling relaxed in no time, and if you’d like to stay for a bit you can - there’s a holiday park attached to Opal Springs where you can park up your motorhome and unwind. Looking for a spot to enjoy a tasty bite to eat? Cheese lovers have to try the Kaimai Cheese Company - though they serve more than just cheese, you might find yourself ignoring everything else in search of the next variety of creamy, cheesy goodness.
Once you’ve seen the sights in Matamata and taken in your fill of hobbity fun, it will be time to head south again.
Tirau
You may not choose to stop in Tirau as it’s only about 20 minutes south of Matamata down State Highway 27, but at the very least it’s worth having a look around as you drive through. Tirau is well known for its quirky corrugated iron creations. Some pieces are just signs or statues, but the most notable Tirau landmarks are a couple of buildings which have been sculpted in the likeness of a corrugated iron dog and sheep respectively.
From Tirau, it will take a little over an hour to reach the final destination for this leg, passing through a number of small Kiwi towns before finally arriving in the scenic holiday and adventure sports town of Taupo. 
 

This leg of your trip contains all sorts of different highlights, attractions and activities, so it could be worth setting aside a few days to complete this. Not only are there all kinds of real world things to do, like fishing, bungy jumping, skydiving, soaking in natural thermal hot pools and much more, there’s also the chance to visit a number of different Middle Earth film locations - including the iconically ominous Mount Doom.
Taupo
This cute town is set on the shores of Lake Taupo. By far New Zealand’s largest lake, Taupo was created by an ancient volcanic eruption that flung ash into the sky which made its way as far as Rome. Today however the lake is considerably more serene and is used by locals and visitors alike for boating, fishing and swimming. 
It’s not all about the quiet life in Taupo however. Taupo Bungy provides thrillseekers with an excellent opportunity to test their mettle. It’s also a stunningly scenic place to jump so even if you’ve done a bungy jump before, you may want to enjoy the incredible river gorge views from a unique perspective. You can even choose to dip your hand or whole body into the river at the bottom of the jump for a refreshing twist on the bungy experience. 
If that’s not quite extreme enough for you, skydiving might scratch the itch. Both Skydive Taupo and Taupo Tandem Skydiving offer the chance to plummet through the air with a breathtaking land and lake tapestry stretched out beneath you. From a scenery point of view, this among the best places to skydive in New Zealand. 
Those who don’t feel the need to fling themselves from high places have plenty of other more relaxing activities in town. Taupo DeBretts is a popular choice for the whole family: there’s the mineral hot pools and jacuzzis for the adults and warm water hydroslides for the kids - you can even enjoy spa treatments if you’re in the mood to really be pampered. Another low key Taupo attraction is taking a stroll through the Lava Glass Sculpture Garden. Featuring more than 500 different glass sculptures, visitors can wend their way along 400m of boardwalk discovering delightful new creations all along the way. 
As for Middle Earth locations, there aren’t any to be found in and around Taupo itself - you’ll have to head a little further south along what’s known as the Desert Road.
Turangi
As you leave Taupo township you’ll drive along the shores of Lake Taupo itself for almost its entire length. This provides ample scenic opportunities but it also means that whoever’s on driving duties will need to pay careful attention - the road is narrow and winding. Navigating a large vehicle like a motorhome along this stretch of road is absolutely feasible but it is worth being a little cautious.
Once you’re past Lake Taupo you’ll soon find yourself in Turangi. This small town makes for an excellent base of operations for those who are keen to discover all that the Desert Road has to offer. One of the greatest things to do in this visually striking area is to strap on your hiking boots and set out to conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 
The Desert Road
Although the name might sound a little intimidating, you don’t have to be a mountain climber to tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. All you really need is a reasonable level of fitness and some decent hiking boots. This is one of the most iconic walks in New Zealand, boasting an astonishingly varied procession of landscapes. And if the prospect of strolling through rugged valleys, traversing volcanic terrain and stopping to rest beside turquoise lakes isn’t enticing enough, you’ll also walk right along the base of Mount Ngauruhoe: the active volcano that stood in for Mount Doom itself. You can even climb to the summit and circumnavigate the crater, although throwing in golden jewelry is not advised. For those still stuck on “active volcano”, don’t worry: the last eruption was in 1974 and Volcanic Alert Level has since been reduced to zero. One important thing to be aware of when planning your Tongariro Alpine Crossing is that this is not a round trip - you’ll be ending your journey far from where you began, so driving yourself to the start of the trail isn’t a viable option. That’s okay though because whether you’re staying in Turangi or somewhere closer like National Park, there are bus services that you can book to pick you up from your accommodation, take you to carpark at the beginning of the Crossing and meet you at the other end for the return journey. After a day of walking, you’ll be glad to leave the driving duties to someone else for a change.
Another opportunity to enjoy New Zealand’s great outdoors while ticking another Middle Earth landmark off your list is taking a trip to Whakapapa Ski Field. This is one of two major ski fields set on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, and offers a range areas suitable for many different skill levels. Whakapapa is an excellent destination for families introducing kids to the joys of snow as well as more proficient skiers and snowboarders. Even if you’re not visiting in winter, there’s another reason for Lord of the Rings fans to come to Whakapapa. If you drive to Iwikau Village, fifteen minutes up the slope from the stately Grand Chateau, you can find the desolate volcanic landscape where the ancient hero Isildur cut the One Ring from Sauron’s finger, ending a great battle and the Second Age of Middle Earth. It’s not hard to get to, but sturdy shoes are definitely recommended.
As you continue your journey south you’ll be able to see an expanse of dry ravines and tussocky grassland that characterises the land around the Desert Road. This is where the scene in front of the Black Gate of Mordor was shot - when the Mouth of Sauron lost his head, and preparations were made for the final battle. Unfortunately the exact location is not open to the public as this area is used for training by the New Zealand Army, making it forbidden and unsafe for civilians to explore. 
Waiouru
At the southern end of the Desert Road you’ll find the small town of Waiouru. The primary reason that Waiouru exists is the New Zealand Army base located there, and if you’re looking for somewhere to stop, stretch your legs and take a break from the road, this is one of the best spots to do so. The National Army Museum is a fantastic little attraction to while away a bit of time in Waiouru - it’s arguably the best place in the country to gain an understanding of what the servicemen and women of New Zealand’s defence force have done for this country.
The road to Palmerston North
Just 20 minutes south of Waiouru is the gumboot capital of New Zealand: Taihape. That’s right, this is a town that prides itself on its connection to iconic Kiwi footwear. There’s a large Gumboot sculpture that you’ll be able to spot as you drive through, and if you arrive in town at the right time, you might even be able to watch the festivities of Gumboot Day which includes gumboot throwing, gumboot 3 legged racing and gumboot art. 
From Taihape it should take you a little under an hour and half, winding your way past a handful of tiny towns, to reach your final destination for this leg: Palmerston North.
 

The road from Palmerston North to Wellington isn’t a very long one, but don’t let that fool you: there’s more than meets the eye to this trip. Spoiler warning: a certain stretch of this leg will lead you to one of the most bizarre Middle Earth locations that New Zealand has to offer.
Palmerston North
This city, affectionately dubbed ‘Palmy’ by the locals, isn’t renowned for its many attractions (which isn’t to say it’s wholly without them) but it is situated nicely to break up your trip and position you to discover some truly astonishing corners of the country. 
During your time in Palmy you might want to pop along to the New Zealand Rugby Museum which hosts all kinds of memorabilia and stories about New Zealand’s unofficial national sport. There’s even a kids area where they can get hands on and practice their kicks, tackles and other footie techniques. 
Mangatainoka
About 45 minutes southeast of Palmerston North lies the town of Mangatainoka. This would be like pretty much any other rural New Zealand town if it were not for one outstanding feature: Tui HQ. Tui is one of the most loved beer brands in the central North Island, and this is where all that beer originates. Tui HQ is far more than just a brewery though. Although the Tui brewery forms the heart of the place, this is also a cafe, museum, bar and event centre. You can even take a guided tour of the brewery, complete with beer tasting of course. Just be sure you have a designated driver sorted before sampling a Tui or two.
Masterton
Less than an hour down State Highway 2 from Mangatainoka you’ll pass through Masterton. This is the central hub for the Wairarapa region, but its still a relatively sleepy town. There are a number of intriguing things to see and do in the area though, so if you’re planning to break up the leg and stay a while in the Masterton area you don’t have to be bored. 
A road trip out to the east coast can bring you to Castlepoint, with its dramatic bay, historic lighthouse and community of seals. The seals are wild animals so it pays to stay a respectful distance away, but if you follow this simple rule you’ll get to see these characterful creatures frolic, fight and sun themselves firsthand. 
There are also quite a number of winery tours that you can enjoy from Masterton, although to really get to the heart of Wairarapa wine country you’ll want to take a short side trip southeast to Martinborough. 
Greytown
As you continue south you’ll come across the quaint little settlement of Greytown. This is a lovely place to stop for a bite to eat or wander through the boutique shops on the main street. One spot that chocolate lovers will not want to miss out on is Schoc Chocolates. If you thought you knew what chocolate could taste like, be prepared to reevaluate. Schoc infuses their creamy confectionary with flavours that really shouldn’t work but somehow magically do. Earl Grey, Curry, and Lime and Chilli are just a few of the more adventurous tastes that still hit the spot. Best of all, you can try before you buy, so prepare your tastebuds for a new awakening.
Putangirua Pinnacles
It’s probably been a while now since the last Middle Earth location you visited, but don’t despair - this next one is going to make up for the wait. You might remember the towering, tortuous pillars of rock that surround Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli as they ride up to the Paths of the Dead. That’s where you’re going! In the real world they’re known as the Putangirua Pinnacles, and they’re located in Palliser Bay, about 50 minutes southwest of Greytown. 
There are a couple of different options when it comes to experiencing the Pinnacles. The easiest way is to take the bush walk which starts about 10 minutes up the streambed from the car park - this will end up leading you to a lookout above the Pinnacles and while you don’t get to walk among them, you’ll have a spectacular view of these eerie rock formations in all their bizarre glory.
There’s also the option of walking up the streambed to stand dwarfed among the twisted Pinnacles, just like the brave companions did in the Lord of the Rings. If you’ve got decent shoes and are happy to get your feet a bit wet, then this is definitely the best option. Walking down the jagged, winding canyons will have you feeling as though the Paths of the Dead are just around the next bend. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for falling rocks, especially after heavy rain. Even those who have no connection to Middle Earth whatsoever will leave in awe of these alien-looking natural formations.
Once you’ve explored the Putangirua Pinnacles to your heart’s content, it’s less than a two hour trip to get to the trendy city of Wellington. It’s worth noting that the Rimutaka Ranges lie between the Wairarapa and Wellington, and the road is fairly steep and winding. Extra caution is required, especially if weather conditions are less than ideal.
Before you reach windy Wellington though, there’s one more Middle Earth location to see. Kaitoke Regional Park, set about 12km north of Upper Hutt, is where they filmed Rivendell, the place where Elrond’s Council was held and a plan was made to destroy the One Ring. The actual Rivendell set was dismantled after filming but you’ll still find signs pointing you to exact location, with displays outlining the construction and final set.
 

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city, but that’s the least of the reasons to visit this buzzing cultural hub. There’s a bit of something here for everyone, not to mention some excellent Middle Earth related opportunities. This leg will also have you making land in the South Island for the first time in your trip, where all kinds of fantastical vistas and experiences await.
Wellington
Situated right at the end of New Zealand’s North Island, Wellington is arguably the nation’s premier urban destination. Cafe culture is alive and well in this city: stepping out for brunch, you’ll have have a bounty of excellent options to choose from, each more enticing than the last. Dining in the evening is just as promising, with top notch restaurants catering to every kind of taste.
There’s more to Wellington than just its food of course. The nightlife here is some of the best you’ll find in the entire country. Courtenay Place and Cuba Street are the two spots that you’ll want to check out if you’re looking for somewhere to have a great time after the sun goes down. Even if you’re not into the typical party scene, you’re certain to find a spot that makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re curled up with a book and a drink at The Library lounge bar or taking in the psychedelic vibe of Alice, there’s no need to turn in early when you’re in Wellington. 
If you’re hunting for something the whole family can do during the day in Wellington, look no further than the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa (most people just know it as Te Papa). Calling this place a museum hardly does it justice though - it’s more of an exhibition space / art gallery / museum. Many of the displays change, so it may be worth checking ahead of time to find out what you might be interested in. 
But you didn’t come all this way just to miss out on Wellington’s Middle Earth attractions, right? Your first port of call should be Mount Victoria. This wooded hill set in the midst of a busy metropolitan centre was where a couple of the Lord of the Rings’ most iconic scenes were filmed. Frodo yelling to his companions to “Get off the road!” and the hobbits cowering beneath tree roots from a sinister Black Rider were both shot right here. You can drive all the way up to the summit of Mount Victoria, but if you look out for a carpark on your left about halfway up the slope at the end of a wide right hand turn, you can walk down the track on your left and easily recognise the leafy tunnel where Frodo first sensed the Black Rider. 
Mount Victoria may be one of the only outdoor Middle Earth locations in Wellington but what many people don’t realise is that all the studio shots (making up a surprisingly high portion of the footage) were shot in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. To get an unparalleled view of how movie magic made Middle Earth you can head to the Weta Cave. Here you can discover all kinds of movie memorabilia, life size Lord of the Rings sculptures and even watch an exclusive documentary. But to really take your behind-the-scenes experience to the next level, you’ll want to book a Weta Cave Workshop Tour. Weta Workshop is the company that was responsible for creating the props, armour and costumes that brought the places and people of Middle Earth to life, so this really is a must-do on any Middle Earth itinerary. The tour leaves from the Weta Cave, but tours often sell out so it’s highly recommended that you book online well ahead of time. There is free on-street parking near the Weta Cave but it can sometimes be tricky to find a park, so make sure to arrive in plenty of time to catch your tour.
Across Cook Strait
Once you’re ready to continue the journey south, you’ll have to park up your motorhome and take to the water: it’s time to cross Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. To be clear, there’s no need to abandon your motorhome rental - the Interislander takes both people and vehicles, and as soon as you reach the ferry terminal you’ll see signs indicating where you should go. The 3 hour ferry ride is among the most beautiful in the world, with much of the journey taking place through the crystal calm waters of the Marlborough Sounds. When you make landfall, you’ll have arrived at the picturesque little town of Picton - South Island here you come! Most people opt to pass through Picton pretty quickly, but if you do feel like sticking around for a bit there are some lovely spots to eat - you could even order fish and chips and picnic down by the water for an iconically Kiwi experience.
Once you leave Picton it should take you less than an hour to reach Havelock. For the best scenic potential, take Queen Charlotte Drive - it’s winding and narrow in places so care is required but the views are gorgeous. 
 

While many South Island itineraries head directly for one coast or another, this Middle Earth trek will lead you straight into the heart of the island. Not only will you find filming locations, but plenty of opportunities for thrills, spills, adventure and relaxation as well.
Havelock
Havelock is more of a village than a town, so you probably won’t end up spending too much time here before heading on. However, if you love seafood you may want to stick around long enough to try the green lipped mussels. Havelock is known as the greenshell mussel capital of the world, and you can taste these delicacies taken direct from the pristine Pelorus Sound. Try popping along to The Mussel Pot to sample these fresh morsels - there’s plenty of other options too for those who aren’t as keen on shellfish.
Pelorus Bridge
Just 15 minutes west of Havelock along State Highway 6 you’ll come across Pelorus Bridge. The scenic reserve in this area is where Bilbo and the dwarves escaped down Forest River in barrels. It’s also a lovely spot to take a leisurely kayak tour, with stops at various streams, waterfalls and of course the above mentioned Middle Earth location. Once you’ve taken in your fill of this serene place, continue north then east along State Highway 6 until you reach Nelson.
Nelson
Nelson is one of those places in New Zealand that seems almost too good to be true. The skies are almost always blue, there are all kinds of wineries waiting for you to come visit and nearby are some of the country’s most beautiful trails, bays and beaches. 
It would be almost criminal to come to Nelson without going just a little bit further to experience the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Unlike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing that you may have tackled earlier, this is a relatively gentle walk. It can also be tackled in segments, so while the entire track goes for 51km you don’t have to do all of it. Water taxis can drop you off and pick you up at various points along the way. Lush native bush, secluded bays and the occasional ridge from which you can see the sparkling expanse of the sea far below… Walking Abel Tasman will gift you a vision of New Zealand that it’s hard to find anywhere else. 
Closer to Nelson’s city centre are the vineyards and wineries which have drawn many a visitor in over the years - if you have time to park up the motorhome for a little while and go on a guided winery tour, it’s one outing that you certainly won’t regret. Not only are the wines world class, the actual settings for many of these wineries are absolutely idyllic - perfect for sitting outside in the shade with a glass of vino and something light to snack on.
If you have time to take a bit of a detour from your Middle Earth quest, driving up to Golden Bay from Nelson is highly recommended. This is where Nelson locals often head for their holidays, so you know it has to be good. It’s a little out of the way, but that’s what gives this spot its low-key charm. Golden Bay also butts right onto the northern entrance for the Abel Tasman track, so you can use this as a launching point and save yourself some money on a water taxi.
Murchison
After you’ve experienced all that Nelson has to offer, it’s time to jump on State Highway 6 once more and head southwest down to Murchison. If you crave adrenaline, this is one stop you won’t want to miss. The Buller Gorge Swingbridge offers a few different adrenaline spiking options for daredevils: the Comet is a zip line that will have you shooting 160 metres across the Buller River - if you want to pair up, there’s a tandem option that goes even faster. For those who really want to push things to the next level, there’s the ‘Supaman’ experience which will have you launching into the air for a seatless thrill ride. You can also opt to take a spin on the Buller Canyon Jet, blasting down the Buller River canyons at up to 85kph. 
The road to Hanmer Springs
A little after you leave Murchison, you’ll be continuing south onto State Highway 65. The road follows the Maruia River for the majority of the way, and about an hour and a quarter after you depart from Murchison you’ll come across Mairua Hot Springs. This presents a fantastic opportunity to soak away the aches of the road in a pure geothermal mineral hot spring. Whether or not you choose to stop here, it’s only a little over an hour from this point to your well deserved rest in Hanmer Springs.
 

There are a few different places included in this leg which you might want to dedicate a bit of time to, so don’t feel like you have to rush through it all at once. From a wonderfully scenic alpine village to the South Island’s biggest city, there are ample opportunities to explore, unwind and adventure at will.
Hanmer Springs
This small town grew up around its eponymous hot springs in the mid 19th century and to this day visitors continue to flock to the warm waters of Hanmer Springs. Those keen to hit the slopes will have plenty of opportunities to do so, while indulgence and relaxation will be the order of the day for others.
If you’ve planned your trip during ski season (check season dates before booking your journey, as they vary from year to year) make sure you head to the Hanmer Springs Ski Area on Mount Patrick to get your share of time on the powder. There are easier areas for families to enjoy and advanced sections perfect for veteran skiers and snowboarders. 
On the other hand, if you didn’t get all the adrenaline fix you needed in Murchison, Thrillseekers Adventures can hook you up with all kinds of breathtaking experiences. Jetboating, bungy jumping and quad bike trekking are a few examples of the intrepid activities you could get up to.
Don’t forget to visit the springs themselves of course! Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is open 364 days a year (closed only for Christmas) and boasts water slides for the kids as well as sulphur and aqua therapy pools so you can set relaxation to maximum.
Waipara
About an hour south of Hanmer Springs you’ll discover Waipara, home of the finest vintages in the Canterbury region. Pinot noir, Riesling and Chardonnay are Waipara’s top specialties but whatever your preferred tipple, you’re sure to find something that pleases your palate. If you have a bit of time to spend in Waipara and enjoy the fruit of the vine, a wine tour is all but mandatory.
Christchurch
Christchurch is by far the largest city in the South Island - it exudes a fresh and innovative air, which emerged from the restructure of the city following the 2011/12 quakes. Whether you’re planning to say in Christchurch for a while or merely spend a few hours exploring, there’s something in this stately city for you. 
Families should seriously consider a trip to the International Antarctic Centre, where you can meet penguins, experience what it’s like to be caught up in a blizzard and learn all about the brave souls who first trekked across the frozen continent. The interactive displays and experiences are sure to draw in explorers of every age.
If you’re visiting during a warmer part of the year, consider punting down the Avon River. All you have to do is sit back and relax as you glide downstream - this is the perfect activity for a lazy afternoon. Even if you’d prefer to stay on land, you can stroll along the banks of the Avon or visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens for an equally rejuvenating experience. 
Another top attraction in the Christchurch area is Orana Wildlife Park. Far from the traditional zoo experience, Orana is an open range zoo which allows you to get right up close to all kinds of majestic animals. Passing through the lion reserve in a specially modified vehicle will give you an exceptionally close view of these regal beasts feeding. Sometimes the big cats even climb onto the roof of the caged vehicle so you can literally come eye to eye with them. This is just one example of how Orana allows animals a freedom rarely afforded in zoo environments, and how visitors get an exceptional experience as a result.
Ashburton
About an hour and a quarter down State Highway 1 from Christchurch you’ll come across the farming town of Ashburton. Many people will choose to drive straight through or only stop for a quick break, but Ashburton is a popular skydive spot so if you want to tick this off your bucket list you’ll need to get in touch with Skydiving Kiwis. They’ll have you up in the air and falling down again in no time! There’s also the Ashburton Aviation Museum, for those who’d prefer their aviation experiences to be a little more grounded. 
Tekapo
Less than two hours down the road from Ashburton you’ll come into Tekapo. Set on the banks of milky blue Lake Tekapo, this is a great place for sightseeing of several different kinds. A visit to the rustic stonework Church of the Good Shepherd is a must, not just for the building itself but for its exceptional natural setting. Even the view from the window behind the altar has been designed to be literally picture perfect, with the lake and mountains framed artistically. If you can, try to visit the church early in the morning. Not only is the light gorgeous at that time of day but you’ll avoid the busloads of tourists who tend to crowd the place as the day goes on.
Tekapo is also an ideal place to turn your eyes upward. Due to its isolation, the night sky is exceptionally clear - in fact, the whole area is a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve. Take a tour of the Mount John University Observatory to lay your eyes on some of the most impressive starscapes you’ve ever seen.
If you haven’t had enough of hot springs yet, Tekapo Springs is definitely worth a visit. As a bonus to the usual hot water relaxation, in summer the springs plays host to the world’s largest inflatable waterslide, while in cooler months there’s a skating rink to enjoy - you can even take lessons or practice your curling.
About 45 minutes down the road, just past the shores of Lake Pukaki, you’ll reach the town of Twizel.
 

You may have noticed that there weren’t any Middle Earth locations in the last leg of your journey. This is something that will be more than made up for in this final section of your quest to discover Middle Earth. Not only are there all kinds of fantastical locations in store, you’ll discover dozens of exciting things to see and do that have little to do with Middle Earth.
Twizel
Twizel isn’t a large town but it’s certainly home to big vistas. This is where the dramatic Battle of the Pelennor Fields was shot, and to get the full Lord of the Rings experience you can book a OneRing tour. This will see you guided around the sheep station where all the action happened. There’s even an adult’s only tour which takes place at twilight and includes nibbles, wine and beer as you watch the sun go down over the magnificent landscape.
Wanaka
A little under two hours after you leave Twizel you’ll find yourself in Wanaka - just remember to take the right hand turn off just after Tarras onto State Highway 8A or you’ll end up in Cromwell instead. A lot of people talk about the beauty of Queenstown but in many ways Wanaka mirrors that beauty. It’s a smaller town and slightly less well known but there are an astounding amount of things to do in this stunning scenic town. 
For a start, the skiing opportunities here are among the best in New Zealand. Wanaka is within easy driving distance to both Treble Cone and Cardrona Alpine Resort - both internationally highly regarded ski fields. It only takes 35 minutes or so to get to either of these spots from Wanaka, so it’s simple to hit the slopes early and be back in town in time for a warm dinner.
For an outing that will appeal to the whole family, head out to Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World. All kinds of mind bending optical illusions await which will astonish visitors of all ages. Kids will find Puzzling World magical, but even adults will be delighted by the bizarre ways in which their eyes and minds are fooled.
You may or may not be a huge cinema goer, but regardless you should seriously consider catching a flick at Cinema Paradiso. There are no orderly rows of seats in this theatre. Instead you could opt for an armchair, snuggle up on a sofa or even step into an antique car. Plus, this is one of the few cinemas in New Zealand that still has intermission - and you can even buy ice cream or freshly baked cookies at half time!
Wanaka has dozens of different things you can see and do, but with fabled Queenstown so close you may want to simply head on to the ultimate end point of your trip - and a handful more Middle Earth locations. 
Queenstown
You’ve finally made it. Queenstown is arguably New Zealand’s hottest tourism destination, and for good reason. If you took everything that’s beautiful and magnificent about New Zealand and distilled it down into one town and its surroundings, you’d get Queenstown. 
One of Queenstown’s biggest claims to fame is the fact that it’s the Adventure Capital of the World. Bungy jumping is one of the town’s most iconic adventure activities, and while there are a number of places around Queenstown that could see you plunging to earth at the end of a rubber cord, two in particular are worth noting. The Ledge is located in Queenstown itself so it will take you no time at all to get there, and it offers thrillseekers both bungy and swing experiences. You can take the plunge pretty much any way you like: backflip, twist, dive, handstand - it’s up to you! Sometimes in winter the Ledge even offers a night bungy option for the ultra daring - be sure to check ahead of time whether this is an option however, as it’s not offered every year. Then there’s the Nevis Bungy, the highest bungy jump in New Zealand. Set 134 metres above the Nevis River, you’ll be treated more than 8 seconds of freefall. You’ll be driven 45 minutes out of Queenstown to the jump location, so while Nevis takes a little more time to get to, even the drive is spectacular. If an 8 second freefall just doesn’t cut it for you, skydiving may be more up your alley. While the base experience of skydiving is the same pretty much anywhere (jump out of a plane, open a parachute, float down) doing this above Queenstown will offer you some of the world’s most picturesque scenery on the way down. There’s nothing quite like looking down at this breathtaking place from thousands of feet above ground. For those who prefer their adrenaline buzz to take place a little closer to sea level, Queenstown is more than happy to accommodate. Jet boating, whitewater rafting, river surfing… your choices for adventure here are almost unlimited. 
As attractive as Queenstown’s adventure activities may be for some, you haven’t come all this way on your Middle Earth quest to miss out on all the incredible locations around Queenstown. A little over 20 minutes northeast of Queenstown is the quaint little settlement of Arrowtown. Founded during a 19th century gold rush which brought an influx of immigrants and infrastructure to the South Island, today Arrowtown is mainly sustained by tourism. there are plenty of spots where you can learn about the town’s golden history (you can even pan for gold yourself) but to visit the local Lord of the Rings filming location you’ll want to head down to the Arrow River. If you park in the area behind the main street and walk down to the nearby riverbank, you’re almost at the Ford of Bruinen, where the Black Riders charged into the river toward Arwen and an ailing Frodo. To reach the exact spot where the 9 riders stepped into the river before being swept away by Arwen’s conjured flood, just walk upstream about 200 metres. You may have to get your feet wet, but it’s rarely more than ankle deep.
Getting a prime view of the River Anduin and the spot where the gargantuan Pillars of the Kings stood carved above Rauros Falls, will have you taking another quick trip out of Queenstown toward Kawarau River Bridge. The bridge is also a wonderfully scenic bungy spot, but if you continue over the bridge just for little, then take the first road on your right toward Chard Farm, you’ll soon see where the Pillars of the Kings might have stood. A nice spot to grab a bite to eat after sightseeing is Gibbston Valley Winery, just a few more minutes down the main road.
Exploring by motorhome and on foot will get you a long way, but if you want to really put the cherry on the top of your Middle Earth journey, taking a helicopter tour during your motorhome hire adventure in Queenstown is the way to go. There are several different tour companies to choose from, but regardless of which one you end up opting for, you end up with prime views of the real world locations for places like the Misty Mountains, the Gates of Khazad-dûm where the Fellowship mourned a fallen Gandalf, and Amon Hen, the place where Boromir died protecting the hobbits. This is all in addition to a slew of other New Zealand locations which will have you wishing you had even more time to spend exploring this amazing country. 
No itinerary could cover all of the many places in New Zealand that ended up onscreen as Middle Earth, but with the freedom afforded by a motorhome rental and the time to travel from Auckland to Queenstown, you can be sure to discover more of the real Middle Earth than most people could ever dream of.
 
Why not also grab an RV rental in Tauranga, in Nelson, in Greymouth, or in Wellington? And you will soon realise how Motorhome Republic brings you only the top deals in NZ, and the entire world.