Points of Interest
- Scenic Highcountry
- Akaroa & Surrounds
- Lord of the Rings
Description
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What you will visit:
Sightseeing Drive through Middle Earth
J. R. R. Tolkien's masterful "Lord of the Rings" trilogy was filmed entirely in New Zealand with as many as nine individual camera units capturing the remote and breathtaking vistas. Take in the pristine natural beauty of New Zealand's famous high country, Rangitata Valley and Mt. Potts Station, home to Mt. Sunday, also known as Edoras from the famed movies. Immerse yourself in the iconic landscapes and fill your camera with scenic splendor as well as a special photograph or selfie holding "Lord of the Rings" replica swords.
What you will see along the way:
Gaze out the window on a magical motorcoach ride over the farmland of the Canterbury Plains to the breathtaking Rakaia River. Drive inland toward the heart of the spectacular Southern Alps, arriving at Lake Clearwater to take in the panoramic vistas of mountains and forests dotted with holiday homes. Visit the remote Mt. Sunday, home of Edoras, and continue to New Zealand's famous high country. On the return, travel across the Canterbury Plains.
Photo Opportunities:
Pause at Lake Clearwater, where you'll find yourself surrounded by mountain ranges in the distance reflected in the glassine lake. As this area is renowned for serenity and peacefulness, no motorboats are allowed, but you may capture windsurfers making the most of the mountain air breeze. Then, keep your camera at the ready for your second stop, Mt. Sunday, or "Edoras" as it is known to "Lord of the Rings" film buffs.
Snack/Lunch:
Morning tea begins the day, served while you admire breathtaking views of Rakaia River. Later, a delicious picnic lunch, including a glass of New Zealand's finest bubbly, plus tea, coffee and juice, is served in the relaxed and beautiful setting of New Zealand's high country.
Special Notes:
Due to legal and conservation requirements, no film sets remain on location.The drive to the Mt. Potts Station is approximately three hours each way.
Wear flat, comfortable shoes; bring a waterproof jacket. Sunglasses and sunblock are recommended.
Due to the remote lunch location please advise the Shore Excursion office of any dietary requirements at least 48 hours prior to the tour departing.
Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.
Depart the pier and drive to the town of Rakaia for morning tea
- Transport type:
- Motorcoach
- Transport Capacity:
- 42
- Travel time:
- 01:40
- Time at site:
- 00:30
- Free time at site:
- 10
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Walking distance:
- 10
- Steps:
- 1
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Photostop at Lake Clearwater
- Transport type:
- Motorcoach
- Travel time:
- 01:20
- Time at site:
- 00:10
- Walking distance:
- 10
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Photostop at The Cutting
- Transport type:
- Motorcoach
- Travel time:
- 00:10
- Time at site:
- 00:10
- Walking distance:
- 10
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Photostop at Mt Sunday
- Transport type:
- Motorcoach
- Travel time:
- 00:10
- Time at site:
- 00:21
- Walking distance:
- 10
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Drive to High Country venue for lunch
- Transport type:
- Motorcoach
- Transport Capacity:
- 100
- Travel time:
- 01:00
- Time at site:
- 00:40
- Free time at site:
- 30
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Walking distance:
- 10
- Steps:
- 2
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- Yes
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Reboard your motorcoach and return to Akaroa
- Transport type:
- Motorcoach
- Transport Capacity:
- 42
- Travel time:
- 02:30
- Walking distance:
- 10
- Restroom available:
- Yes