Red Carpet Tours
Red Carpet Tours
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
We offer 14, 10 and 6 Day Lord of the Rings™ Tours. Red Carpet Tours are the premier tour company for fans of The Lord of the Rings™ and Hobbit™ trilogies. Operating since 2002, we are the only multi-day tour company to be endorsed by Saul Zaentz (owner of the rights to Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit). Our aim is to bring people from all over the world to join a fellowship of like-minded people and experience the breathtaking landscapes and movie locations. Let us take you on a journey of the real Middle-Earth™, walk in the foot steps of your favorite Tolkien characters, experience behind the scenes exclusive experiences and meet stars of the films! Red Carpet Tours will take you there and back again on an adventure of a life time.
Auckland Central, New Zealand

Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023

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(123 reviews)
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5.0
410 reviews
Excellent
409
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
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Rahima A
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Had the most amazing time. Everyone involved including our tour guides were so lovely and knowledgeable. We managed to fit in many locations and activities. I can't praise them enough!
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Manda D
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Solo
I had a wonderful trip with Red Carpet Tours that honestly I am appreciating even more with hindsight. You get to see some extraordinary sights and meet lovely people. I loved the South Island especially, but it also was so cool to be at Hobbiton on International Hobbit Day.

As a somewhat shy introvert/lone wolf happy in my own company, I was also able to carve out plenty of solo recharging time without any problem. Julie, Josh and Melissa are all great guides and take good care of you. You’ll spend long hours on the coach but you will never go too long without a snack or bathroom stop. I was really nervous about climbing Mount Sunday/Edoras but there’s no pressure to charge up there, and everyone can take it at their own pace.

Just really glad I did this. If you’re a LOTR fan but can’t find someone to do the tour with you, don’t let that stop you. It’s just as fun going on your own and being part of the Red Carpet Fellowship.

I was able to rewatch the trilogy on the big screen at a cinema not long after I came home, and it was amazing to realise/recognise how much we saw on our adventure.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stay04377481684
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Solo
I'm a solo traveler who prefers self guided tours wherever I go. But I wanted a LotR experience that could get me places I otherwise wouldn't be able to go on my own. This tour is perfect. Not only for the Lord of the Rings fans but also for those who wish to explore the beautiful majesty that is New Zealand. The tour guides are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and kind. The lodging throughout was more than exemplary. The included meals were plentiful as well as considerate, offering both vegan and gluten free options everywhere. At no point did the tour ever feel rushed or sluggish. It was perfectly paced with tear jerking scenery, fun side excursions, secluded nature walks, and shopping opportunities. This tour has taken extra care to ensure that everyone in the group, no matter age or activity level, has the opportunity to see and experience everything that they offer. They also cater very well to both couples/families and solo travelers. This wonderful group of people are dedicated to ensuring that you not only have the experience of a lifetime but that you want for nothing during your time with them. I will gladly take this tour again and bring along as many friends as I can
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Erin D
Memphis, TN1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
Without a doubt could not have chosen a better way to get to travel through New Zealand and also see several amazing Middle Earth locations. I was honestly kind of skeptical to the thought of traveling with a large group of people and not being able to experience this with just family/friends. Man.. am I glad I went against that and chose to go with Red Carpet Tours. It was so awesome to be able to be surrounded by so many Tolkien/LOTR fans and make life long friendships. Julie, Melissa, and Josh were all great tour guides. They were so friendly, accommodating, and absolutely delightful to be around. I loved having Melissa and Josh accompanying each other for our guides to the South Island as their personalities and the way they collaborate together was awesome. Seriously, when you see good reviews about this tour company AND the tour guides.. we are not over exaggerating it. Definitely a trip that I will never forget. When I am able to come back to New Zealand, I will definitely use Red Carpet Tours again.
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gerilyn
Oceanside, CA1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Solo
5 stars doesn’t seem like enough. I can’t begin to tell you how much their tour exceeded my expectations. I’ve always know they’re the only company I’d use, since they’ve cared about these films and this style of tour since the movies were being filmed. I hadn’t realized when I decided 20 years ago I’d go with them that the business has remained family run the whole time. That makes it even better. I was finally able to afford the time and money to go, and they created an experience that surpassed my dreams. They literally took us from the south of the South Island to the north of the North Island in 12 Days, seeing places only they have permission to go, and with an elite top-tier fan status everywhere we went. There is no way I could have seen as much without their connections, guidance, and transportation. If you’ve ever wanted to see Middle Earth, book Red Carpet Tours. You won’t regret it. I’m leaving with some physical souvenirs, over a thousand photos, new friends, and memories to last a lifetime. I’m a very lucky little Hobbit.
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Drew P
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Solo
Do you like Lord of the Rings, amazing views and traveling with a fantastic group of passionate travelers/guides? If you answered yes then Red Carpet Tours, a small family run company, has you covered. I just returned from the 12 day tour and my only complaint is that it is over! Julie, Melissa and Josh took our fellowship of 36 on an unforgettable journey across both islands of New Zealand to see the amazing natural beauty of New Zealand and experience Middle Earth like you could only dream of. Extremely passionate and knowledgeable not just about Lord of the Rings but New Zealand itself, Red Carpet Tours has forged close relationships with locals across the country to provide a unique experience that you cannot get if you travel on your own. While Lord of the Rings does take primary focus on the tour, there is time to experience additional things like Maori culture, wineries, local restaurants and more. In short, if you are considering Red Carpet Tours for your next vacation you will not be disappointed. 100% recommend!!
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Grace B
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Solo
Where to start with this trip...Firstly, if you're considering going - GOGOGO! 🫶🏼 this review is about the 12-day winter tour.

This was the most perfect trip for anyone into LOTR, whether you've been into it for years or minutes it doesn't matter.

Im a solo traveler from the UK & I met the most wonderful people whilst visiting the most beautiful places. Going on this trip helped me to find my people!

From Weta, to Trollshore, to Hobbiton, this tour has e v e r y t h i n g & m o r e ✨

Plus, you'll have the best guides you can wish for. Julie & Josh (& family) aren't just big LOTR fans, but they're the nicest people you could wish to look after you the otherside of the world.

New friends & incredible memories that will stay with me forever: what else can you wish for? 💫
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JDSH
5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We've never done an organized tour before. In fact, we had always avoided them. This was a special situation as we gave our daughter a Lord of the Rings Tour for her graduation. It turns out Red Carpet Tours was the perfect choice. It was the perfect combination of LOTR sites, beautiful scenery, organized activities, free time, excellent hotels, great food, etc. The tour guides were knowledgeable and fun, the other tour-goers were wonderful. We had a great time and we highly recommend this tour and this company.
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

William B
Irvine, CA140 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
I recently embarked on an unforgettable adventure with Red Carpet Tours that combined my love for the Lord of the Rings movies with an exploration of New Zealand's natural beauty and rich culture. As a LOTR fan, I couldn't have asked for a better way to immerse myself in both worlds. From start to finish, Red Carpet Tours exceeded my expectations and delivered an experience that was truly magical.

What initially drew me to Red Carpet Tours was their specialized expertise in LOTR filming sites. The website provided a clear and comprehensive itinerary that showcased a perfect blend of iconic filming locations and authentic New Zealand experiences. As much as I wanted to relive the cinematic magic, I also yearned to explore the stunning landscapes and immerse myself in the local culture. Red Carpet Tours brilliantly fulfilled both desires.

Our main tour guide, Julie, was an absolute gem. Her extensive knowledge about the filming of LOTR and The Hobbit, coupled with personal anecdotes and connections to the industry, brought an unparalleled depth to our journey. Every step of the way, Julie's storytelling prowess and genuine passion for the subject matter illuminated the behind-the-scenes details, making the filming locations come alive.

From the moment we arrived, Red Carpet Tours went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. Thoughtful touches like daily wake-up calls, comprehensive program books, and regular communications kept us informed and worry-free. It was evident that the team's meticulous planning and attention to detail were designed to provide a seamless experience, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the adventure.

Every single day was a gem, brimming with awe-inspiring activities and jaw-dropping vistas. Whether we were sharing a heartwarming dinner with the delightful Sarah McLeod (Rose Cotton), embarking on an adventure through the Shire and other iconic filming sites, or indulging in unique experiences like moonlit walks through the Redwood Tree Tops and unraveling the mysteries of Zealandia ecosanctuary, each instant felt like an exclusive treasure. The harmonious blend of immersive exploration and tranquil respites struck the perfect chord, allowing us to soak in the very soul of New Zealand without a hint of haste.

One of the standout moments was visiting the Green Dragon in the Shire, a dream come true for any LOTR enthusiast. But the tour wasn't limited to filming sites alone. Our time in Wellington and Queenstown provided opportunities to delve into city life, experience the Maori culture, and discover hidden gems. The behind-the-scenes tour of Weta Workshop and a captivating talk by Daniel Reeve, the artistic genius behind the series, were truly unforgettable.

What truly showcased Red Carpet Tours' exceptional service was a unique adventure they helped us organize even after the main tour concluded. Julie and her team facilitated a LOTR and glacier helicopter flight, ensuring that a small group of us could meet the minimum number of participants during the off-season. This level of dedication highlighted their genuine commitment to crafting a remarkable experience for each guest.

Red Carpet Tours isn't just a tour company; it's a family-run business that operates with heart and authenticity. Julie and her team's passion for both LOTR and New Zealand shines through in every aspect of the journey. If you're a fellow LOTR enthusiast who yearns to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Middle-earth while embracing the Kiwi culture, there's no better choice than Red Carpet Tours. My adventure with them will forever be etched in my heart and memory.

Prepare for an adventure of a lifetime with Red Carpet Tours – your gateway to the enchanting world of Lord of the Rings and the captivating wonders of New Zealand.
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Devin R
Houston, TX1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
My family and I just returned home from our 12 day winter fellowship with Red Carpet Tours and I'm still trying to find words and pictures to do justice to the amazing experience the four of us had.

Red Carpet Tours is family owned and run, and the pride they take in providing an unforgettable experience is obvious even months before the tour starts. Julie James, our Lady Gandalf, and her family are in regular email contact starting months prior to the trip up until the day before to keep you updated and to help you plan any extras that you want to participate in while you're in New Zealand. The tour itself is tailored to fans of The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings, with multiple days dedicated to visiting and touring prime filming locations from the movies, always with enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides who know every rock and tree from those scenes you love! But you can also just like the movies and not be a Tolkien fanatic and still enjoy every minute! Either way, Julie knows what you want to see and how you want to see it. Want to run down the path of Hobbiton with Thorin's contract trailing behind you? How about hiding from the Black Rider who is actually wearing metal gauntlets and a cloak? Or just sit on the shore where Frodo and Sam struck out on their own? You get to do all that and more. Julie and her family will make it happen and do it seamlessly.

Julie also happens to be a true wizard at keeping the group entertained during bus rides between locations - whether it's telling detailed behind the scenes stories from the filming of the movies, educating you on New Zealand history and culture, hosting a competitive trivia contest (pro tip - be on Larry's team!), or just letting you re-watch one of the movies. And if you need anything at all, your tour guides are happy to help. Need to know where to buy a new suitcase so you can actually get all your precious souvenirs home on the plane? Julie has you covered. Want to find the best burger in Queenstown that doesn't have a 30 minutes line to order? Follow Josh!

The tour itinerary is packed, but there is also down time during the tour. But don't worry, Julie and the Red Carpet crew will make sure you have every opportunity to sign up for so many potentially once in a lifetime adventures: bungy jumping, helicopter tours, all day 4x4 offroad safaris, jet boat excursions upriver, ziplining on canopy tours, wine tours, spa treatments...the list (like the road) goes ever on.

The hotels were nice, the food was delicious, and the fellowship of our group like-minded travelers was comfortable and refreshing. Red Carpet Tours made our 12 day experience one that I am already planning to repeat. I honestly don't know why you would even consider letting anyone else be your guide through Middle Earth.
Written 26 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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RED CARPET TOURS (Auckland Central) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go