Journey into Middle Earth

Journey to a stunning and recognizable Lord of the Rings filming location in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, then enjoy a central Christchurch orientation drive. Departing Lyttelton by panoramic coach, you’ll travel through the patchwork green farmland of the Canterbury Plains, stopping in a country town for morning tea. Heading inland into the heart of the Alps, you’ll pause for a photo opp at Lake Clearwater, where the views across the lake to the mountain range that forms the South Island’s backbone are outstanding on a clear day. But that’s before you encounter this tour’s true showstopper vista – the terrain at remote and beautiful Mt Potts High Country Station. The moment you set eyes on this location you’ll understand why it was chosen as the setting of Edoras in the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Even if you’re not a Tolkien aficionado, you’ll be taken breathless by the unspoiled beauty of this landscape of rugged mountain ranges, sparkling lakes, blue rivers and brisk alpine air. After free time to explore and photograph this magical place, you’ll relax over a rustic lunch before heading for Christchurch city and an orientation drive covering its must-see sights.