Fellowship of the South

Day 1: Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru to Dunedin – "the Edinburgh of the South". Arrive early afternoon. Overnight in Dunedin.

Day 2: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning is free for optional tours. Continue across the rolling hill country of South Otago and Southland. After the farming community of Gore, head across the Waimea plains towards Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau.

Day 3: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound. Climb out of Milford Sound back to Te Anau, then turn north, following the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. An alternative option (at extra cost) is to travel by 4-wheel drive to the Mavora lakes, used as the location for Fangor Forest and the Dead Marshes. Continue alongside the remote and isolated Thompson Mountains to emerge at Walter Peak, join the historic steamer Earnslaw to travel across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown.Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 4 & 5: In Queenstown
You have two days to enjoy this fabulous Alpine resort. We have included a half-day 4-wheel drive safari, which will take you to locations such as: Lothlorien, Isengard, Ithilien Camp Amon Hen. Another half day tour is available (at extra cost) which includes: Ford of Bruinen, Misty Mountains, Pillars of the Kings, Road to Mordor. We have also included the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic movie in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities, from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, and bungy jumping.

Day 6: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Travel north through the Lindis Pass to the MacKenzie Country. Here you will see the spectacular country used to portray the Pelennor Fields, Misty Mountains, and the foothills of the White Mountains. Continue to Mt Cook where you can enjoy an optional lunch at the Hermitage or perhaps a ski plane. Continue north through Burkes Pass, Fairlie and Geraldine to Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch

Day 7: Christchurch - Greymouth - Nelson
Board the famous TranzAlpine train for an awesome journey through Arthur’s Pass, traversing the Southern Alps to Greymouth. Travel north through the rugged and spectacular Buller Gorge to Nelson. Artisans and craftspeople from Nelson provided a number of items for the film trilogy, including the ‘Ring’ itself, and the beer drunk by partying Hobbits. Stay 2 nights in Nelson

Day 8: Nelson – Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson
Today we have included a full day excursion by coach and cruise that takes in the spectacular scenery bounded by the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, which provided filming sites . You will have the opportunity to walk amongst the native bush or swim from golden beaches during the cruise departing from Kaiteriteri. Alternatively you may wish to upgrade (at extra cost) to a 2 hour tour by helicopter that will take you to the otherwise inaccessible sites of Dimrill Dale, Chetwood Forest, and Eregion Hills. (Includes a landing at Dimrill Dale –weather permitting)

Day 9: -Nelson – Blenheim - Christchurch
Coach from Nelson past vineyards built on rich alluvial plains to Blenheim. Board the TranzCoastal to skim the coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch arriving approximately 7.00pm.