• Wellington - COLLECTION

The adventure begins with the safe collection of all guests as they board the vehicle.

For those arriving by cruise ship, collection is directly from the port. There’s no need to take a shuttle or head into the city, as accreditation allows collection right as guests disembark.

For hotel pickups, guests should wait in the reception area or just outside where the friendly guide can easily spot them. Patience is appreciated as traffic or other factors may cause slight delays.

For those being picked up from the iSite, head to the tour bus stop located just outside or beside the iSite. Look for the Ka Rawe signage on the vehicle, and the journey will begin shortly!

• Embassy Theatre - A stunning cinema with a rich history.

Located at the eastern end of Courtenay Place, beneath Mount Victoria, the Embassy Theatre gained international fame when it hosted the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King on December 1, 2003. Nearly 120,000 people lined Courtenay Place to witness the procession of actors and filmmakers entering the theatre.

The theatre also hosted the Australasian premieres of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers, as well as a red carpet screening of Peter Jackson’s King Kong in 2005 and the 2012 world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

• Mount Victoria Lookout - Experience the best views in the city.

Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the central business district, the harbor, and the ocean to the south. Simply stunning!

Legend has it that Wellington harbor, once a land-locked lake, was home to two large and active taniwha (sea monsters). One created a passage to the open sea, forming the harbor entrance. The other, Whataitai, attempted a different route, became stranded, and died. Tangi-te keo (Mt Victoria) is believed to be named after Whataitai’s soul.

This spot offers the best photo opportunities on the tour, and the guide/host is happy to be the personal photographer for the day.

What a beautiful city!

• Mount Victoria - HOBBITS HIDEAWAY

Mount Victoria not only offers the best views in Wellington but also served as the filming location for the first day of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in 1998.

Some of the trilogy’s most iconic scenes were filmed here, and the guide will use imagery from the films to bring those scenes to life.

Hide from the Black Riders and move swiftly to Buckleberry ferry. Perhaps some scenes will be recreated… Don’t forget, the guide loves taking photos!

The guide will share insider knowledge gained from training by Lord of the Rings experts and hours of behind-the-scenes documentaries.

Get off the road!

• Wellington - WETA CAVE

Don’t be misled into thinking this is about New Zealand’s native insects…

While the Weta is a native New Zealand cricket-like insect, it’s also the name of a world-famous film and special effects company based in Wellington!

Weta is renowned for its incredible work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but its impact on the industry is much broader.

Included in the tour cost is a 90-minute behind-the-scenes Weta Cave experience. The guide will handle check-in.

This is also an opportunity to purchase memorabilia, view items in the mini museum, and take photos with the Cave Trolls! At Ka Rawe, guides are excellent photographers too.

After leaving the Weta Cave, the tour checks out the Wellington sign, famously copied by Hollywood!

• Oriental Bay - Returning to the city around the bay, the guide provides insights along the way.

Oriental Bay is known for its popular beach and as a center of affluence in the city. It’s a bit pricey here!

Guests will see amazing architecture and perhaps the only “man-made” beach they’ll ever encounter! Don’t miss Carter Fountain.

Originally named Duppa Bay after its sole resident George Duppa, it was renamed Oriental Bay after one of the first settlers to arrive in Wellington.

Spectacular!

• Upper Hutt - HUTT VALLEY & QUARRY

A short journey to the Hutt Valley region reveals more movie magic.

Though it looks different today, the Dry Creek Quarry housed some of the most impressive sets from the movie. This is where the epic Battle of Helm’s Deep was filmed.

The guide brings these scenes to life with historic pictures and movie images, sharing lesser-known facts about the movie related to this site. For instance, some crowd noise for the Battle of Helm’s Deep was sourced from an international cricket match held during filming. Genius!

Remember to bring your imagination!

• Poet’s Park - Known locally as Poets Corner, Ka Rawe presents it as part of the River Anduin!

Like the Dry Creek Quarry, much has changed here over 25 years, but Poets Corner served as part of the River Anduin where the Fellowship traveled in boats after leaving Lothlorien.

The guide shares interesting facts about this location, bringing them to life with supporting imagery.

• Upper Hutt - ISENGARD

The journey continues deeper into the Hutt Valley, where Harcourt Park is recognized as Isengard!

A great chance to recreate a movie shot where the background remains largely unchanged from 25 years ago.

The tour showcases Peter’s ingenuity in shooting scenes and how they transformed into the final images seen on screen.

As always, the guide is happy to act as photographer and shares images to fuel imagination, along with insider knowledge.

• Kaitoke Regional Park - Experience the stunning scenery and nature New Zealand is famous for at Kaitoke Regional Park, also known as Rivendell!

Marvel at Peter’s ingenuity as the tour explains how composite scenes are created and discusses the use of miniatures and bigatures.

Kaitoke Park’s role in the Lord of the Rings filming is unmistakable, with many items and landmarks showcasing this fact.

Fantastic photo opportunities abound as guests escape the van to soak up the serenity and imagine the setting 27 years ago.

The guide shares little-known facts, film imagery, and acts as a personal photographer.

Magic!

• Wellington - DROP OFF

The journey concludes with a return to the city, celebrating the day’s success and enjoyment for all!

• Admission to the 90 minute Weta Cave Experience is included in your cost
• Licensed guide/ driver

• Lunch

One tour to experience it all…

Explore the enchanting filming locations of the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy and enjoy a stroll through our picturesque city, all led by our knowledgeable guides!

The tour features sites such as the Outer Shire, Helm’s Deep, Minas Tirith, Isengard, and Rivendell. Relive some memorable scenes and take in breathtaking landscapes along the way!

Included in your tour is the 90-minute Weta Cave experience, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Weta Workshop.

• Please note that the order of the itinerary items may vary
• Note that we visit filming locations not movies sets. Please bring your imagination!
• Lunch venue & duration of break time varies depending on traffic & other timings
• Please stay flexible regarding travel times & itinerary times
• There is some track walking required up & down a mild incline

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.