LARP Travel

PRELIMINARY ITINERARY

DAY 1

Auckland

 

A sparkling coastal city of islands and harbours, Auckland is known for its beautiful scenery and laid-back vibe and is your gateway to Middle-earth.

 

Rangitoto

The dormant island of Rangitoto lies within the centre of Auckland’s harbour. A short ferry-ride away, climb to the top and be rewarded with 360degree views of the city and its islands.

 

The Viaduct

The Viaduct is the city’s buzzing harborside precinct, home to gourmet restaurants and busy nightlife. Enjoy quality food and wine and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

 

Auckland Central

This is the heart of Auckland, with a relaxed Pacific vibe by day and a night-time energy shared by the inner-city suburbs that surround it.

 

DAY 2

A day in Wellington

 

Middle Earth

Wellington is New Zealand’s movie-production hub, home to Weta Workshop and Weta Cave. All the post production for The Hobbit trilogy took place here, and the city also has a buzzing cultural and theatre scene. Discover nearby filming locations before taking in expansive city views with a cable-car ride to the Kelburn lookout.

Nearby filming locations: Nazgul, Rivendell, Isengard Gardens

 

DAY 3, 4 & 5 

New Zealand LARP

Details to Come

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DAY 6

A day exploring Nelson

 

Take this day to explore Nelson. Browse quirky galleries, visit Jens Hansen Jewellers - makers of The One Ring - or take a drive around Abel Tasman National Park. The region is also dotted with wineries, perfect for a day of tastings amongst the vines.

 

Nelson Wineries

Per hectare of vines planted, Nelson consistently wins more awards than New Zealand's other wine making regions. It's the perfect place for those who love a glass of sauvignon blanc, reisling or pinot gris. The area is also known for its pinot noir. 

 

DAY 7

Nelson - Franz Josef

 

Take your time driving down the West Coast from Nelson to Franz Josef today. Don't miss experiencing the famous Punakaiki Rocks on the way. Once you arrive in Franz Josef township, relax for the night and prepare to explore the surrounding glaciers the next day.

 

Punakaiki

Here, cliffs and ravines with hundreds of horizontal slices - resembling hotcakes - rise out of the rugged coastline. Columns of water shoot skywards, forced through tiny blowholes created over millions of years. Aim to arrive around high tide for the most spectacular show.

 

DAY 8

West Coast - Wanaka

 

A long drive today takes you to the quaint town of Wanaka in the Southern Lakes district. Take your time - the spectacular alpine scenery on the way is worth many photo-stops. 

 

Wanaka

Spend a night in the boutique lakeside town of Wanaka. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants and make sure to try the Pinot Noir that the region is famous for. You'll wake to a deep blue lake and soaring mountains - the similarities to Middle-earth here are endless.

 

DAY 9

Wanaka - Queenstown

 

A short, scenic drive from Glenorchy is the buzzing adventure town of Queenstown.

 

Queenstown

Ringed by mountains and a crystal-clear lake, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s top visitor destinations. There’s everything from adventure activities, winter skiing and gourmet food and wine on offer. Take a boat cruise or try bungy jumping if you're feeling brave.

Nearby filming locations: The Ford of Brunein, The Gladden Fields, Sindarin Pillars of the Kings, Isengard, Lothlorien

 

DAY 10

Overnight Boat Cruise, Milford Sound

 

The spectacular geography and wildlife of Milford Sound is best experienced up-close on an overnight boat cruise. Here, steep cliffs rise out of deep blue water and fur seals sunbathe on rocks. Your boat cruise may take you up to the Bowen Falls – which are 160m high – or the Stirling Falls, which cascade into the fiord like a giant shower. Some boats have underwater viewing observatories, and all provide panoramic photo opportunities. Look out for penguins and dolphins, as well as whales – the occasional one makes it all the way into the fiords.

Overnight cruises usually begin mid-morning and can include activities like kayaking, swimming with dolphins or diving.

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DAY 10

Flight back to Auckland and Explore Piha

 

Take a short flight back to Auckland and then spend the afternoon relaxing at one of New Zealands most iconic beaches.

 

DAY 12 

Auckland - Hobbiton - Waitomo Caves

 

THE FINAL QUEST - take a short two hour drive south to Waitomo Caves. Take your time and explore this magical Middle-earth location before driving to Waitomo. Here you'll find the valley where Trollshaw Forest & Staddle's Farm was filmed in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

 

Hobbiton

Hobbiton appears exactly as it did in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. See the Party Tree and Bag End close up, then quench your thirst with a handle of ale at the brand-new Green Dragon Inn.

 

Waitomo

Take a guided tour through Mangaotaki Valley and explore the exact place where the Troll Camp Fire scenes were filmed in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Journey to the base of towering limestone cliffs that look exactly like the real Middle-earth. 

Nearby filming locations: Hobbiton, Trollshaw Forest, Staddle's Farm.

 

Glow Worm Caves

A labyrinth of caves lies under the rolling green hills of Waitomo Valley. Twinkling glow worms light up the darkness, and a number of rivers and walking tracks wind through the caves. Take a walking tour or try blackwater rafting through the underground waterways. 

 

PRICE INCLUDES:

• All Ground Transportation

• All In-Country Flights

• 9 Gourmet Dinners at Unique Locations

• 9 Full-Breakfasts

• 7 Nights Accomodation in Luxury Boutique Hotels

• 2 Nights Accomodation in Larnach Castle