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
Full view
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
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
442 reviews
Excellent
440
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Chris
19 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
I had the pleasure of joining the Red Carpet Tours July 2022 Fellowship, which was their first tour since COVID shut everything down, and it was one of the greatest, most memorable experiences I've ever had. From visiting so many amazing filming locations, to meeting Daniel Reeve (Middle Earth's official calligrapher) and Mark Hadlow (Dori), to learning fascainating details about NZ history and culture, to experiencing so much pure beauty in the countryside... I'll never look at the LotR movies or New Zealand the same way again. Being a winter tour, I was so worried about the weather before I came, but everything was very mild compared to winter in the American Midwest, and we only had some light sprinkles one or two days of the trip. Hobbiton is lush and green and just incredible even in the dead of Winter! And the Southern Alps in the South Island... the majesty of it all is just breathtaking.
Julie James and her family have crafted a wonderful tour that makes both the country and the movies accessible to people at any level of fandom. They are embedded in the New Zealand LotR industry and have great insider access and information to share with fans. Some days are fully planned, and others allow time for exploring whatever city you're in or doing other activities. It's the perfect mix of fun and adventure! I can't recommend Red Carpet Tours enough. Thanks Julie for the trip of a lifetime - I hope to be back one day!
Julie James and her family have crafted a wonderful tour that makes both the country and the movies accessible to people at any level of fandom. They are embedded in the New Zealand LotR industry and have great insider access and information to share with fans. Some days are fully planned, and others allow time for exploring whatever city you're in or doing other activities. It's the perfect mix of fun and adventure! I can't recommend Red Carpet Tours enough. Thanks Julie for the trip of a lifetime - I hope to be back one day!
Written 24 July 2022
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.
Brian B
13 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
A magnificent, unforgettable adventure into Middle Earth with the most excellent tour guide, Julie. We danced in Hobbiton, sang drinking songs in the Green Dragon, traipsed across snowy fields, scaled Mordor, and merrily explored many film locations for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit across both islands of New Zealand. I highly recommend this tour company to experience the magic of Tolkien's journey though Middle Earth.
Written 27 September 2022
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.
Winchester
8 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
This is an experience of a lifetime!
This is my first time to travel with a group and I'm grateful that I get to know so many like minded people from around the world, to share this amazing journey with them.
We are very well taken care of and well fed, like happy Hobbits. Thanks to Julie and Josh, who are very knowledgeable on all the LOTR stuff, they show us the best of New Zealand and tell us all the behind the scene stories of LOTR. We get to meet the crew, the calligrapher Daniel Reeves, go to the boardroom of Sir Richard Taylor, all these are exclusive to this tour only. No matter you are a hardcore fan who wants LOTR overdose, or just a casual fan who wants to travel in this beautiful country with stunning landscape, this is definitely the best tour to go.
This is my first time to travel with a group and I'm grateful that I get to know so many like minded people from around the world, to share this amazing journey with them.
We are very well taken care of and well fed, like happy Hobbits. Thanks to Julie and Josh, who are very knowledgeable on all the LOTR stuff, they show us the best of New Zealand and tell us all the behind the scene stories of LOTR. We get to meet the crew, the calligrapher Daniel Reeves, go to the boardroom of Sir Richard Taylor, all these are exclusive to this tour only. No matter you are a hardcore fan who wants LOTR overdose, or just a casual fan who wants to travel in this beautiful country with stunning landscape, this is definitely the best tour to go.
Written 28 June 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.
Zane F
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Solo
Hats off to Julie and the rest of the Red carpet family. You guys put on an amazing tour, with your knowledge of filming areas, amusing stories both of film cast and personal and the ease you all provided with moving a large group of LOTOR fanatics across the beautiful country that is New Zealand. A massive highlight was the behind the scenes meet and greet day with Daniel Reeve. Just seeing and hearing how he creates and brings to life the maps and written works of Tolkien’s characters.
Thanks again Red carpet team for the ease of travel, the hospitality and the great work. Will be recommending you all to friends and family who want to see New Zealand and the world of Middle Earth
Thanks again Red carpet team for the ease of travel, the hospitality and the great work. Will be recommending you all to friends and family who want to see New Zealand and the world of Middle Earth
Written 25 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.
Steve R
1 contribution
Feb 2023
Where to even begin to review a trip that I had wanted to take for 20 years and was somehow worth the wait?
I've wanted to visit New Zealand since I first watched the Appendices to the Extended Editions when I was eight. Roughly 6 years ago, I first discovered Red Carpet Tours and knew that was how I wanted to explore the country. I made a habit of reading the monthly 5 star reviews on Trip Advisor to hype myself up for the trip that I knew that someday I would take.
A few years and a pandemic later, having finally gone There and Back Again I can happily say it was everything I wanted it to be and so, so much more.
Red Carpet Tours is a wonderfully run family company, run by people who love the franchise as much as their guests and are absolutely dedicated to making sure you get the best experience possible. I saw more than I ever knew possible in two weeks, taking in not just the locations from my favorite films, but inarguably the most beautiful country I have ever seen. Hobbiton was fully built and it's *real*, Edoras is in a picturesque landscape that film does not even begin to do justice, the Pelennor Fields stretch for miles.
And yet the greatest part was the people that you took the journey with. You'll be on a tour with people who are as dedicated and committed to these stories as you, and the natural camaraderie that built over such a short but magical while felt true to the Tolkien spirit of Fellowship.
If you, like me, have wanted to visit New Zealand and explore Middle-Earth and so much more for yourself, Red Carpet Tours is the tour you want to take, bar none.
I've wanted to visit New Zealand since I first watched the Appendices to the Extended Editions when I was eight. Roughly 6 years ago, I first discovered Red Carpet Tours and knew that was how I wanted to explore the country. I made a habit of reading the monthly 5 star reviews on Trip Advisor to hype myself up for the trip that I knew that someday I would take.
A few years and a pandemic later, having finally gone There and Back Again I can happily say it was everything I wanted it to be and so, so much more.
Red Carpet Tours is a wonderfully run family company, run by people who love the franchise as much as their guests and are absolutely dedicated to making sure you get the best experience possible. I saw more than I ever knew possible in two weeks, taking in not just the locations from my favorite films, but inarguably the most beautiful country I have ever seen. Hobbiton was fully built and it's *real*, Edoras is in a picturesque landscape that film does not even begin to do justice, the Pelennor Fields stretch for miles.
And yet the greatest part was the people that you took the journey with. You'll be on a tour with people who are as dedicated and committed to these stories as you, and the natural camaraderie that built over such a short but magical while felt true to the Tolkien spirit of Fellowship.
If you, like me, have wanted to visit New Zealand and explore Middle-Earth and so much more for yourself, Red Carpet Tours is the tour you want to take, bar none.
Written 23 February 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, CA7 contributions
Sept 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.
Jodie M
Southampton, UK34 contributions
Sept 2022
Just returned from the 12 day International Hobbits Day tour. This is an inverted tour, starting in Queenstown and ending in Auckland. Julie, our tour guide, was wonderful throughout. She is so knowledgeable, finding places for any LOTR fan to enjoy and wonder about.
With the tours, you are able to access certain places which are on private land. This wouldn't be possible if you attempted to do everything alone. With visits to Trollshaw Forest and Laketown amongst others, this is a must do tour. A visit to Weta Workshop in Wellington was extremely fun, and you even get a little activity at the end. The visit to International Hobbits Day in Hobbiton was incredible. Bring a costume, enjoy a feast, and just welcome the atmosphere.
I would certainly use Red Carpet again, with one of the other tours they offer.
Also, if you want to go solo, just do it. I made so many friends on this trip, many of whom were also solo travellers.
With the tours, you are able to access certain places which are on private land. This wouldn't be possible if you attempted to do everything alone. With visits to Trollshaw Forest and Laketown amongst others, this is a must do tour. A visit to Weta Workshop in Wellington was extremely fun, and you even get a little activity at the end. The visit to International Hobbits Day in Hobbiton was incredible. Bring a costume, enjoy a feast, and just welcome the atmosphere.
I would certainly use Red Carpet again, with one of the other tours they offer.
Also, if you want to go solo, just do it. I made so many friends on this trip, many of whom were also solo travellers.
Written 7 October 2022
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.
Sararomayne
Overland Park74 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
A truly wonderful experience!
Julie and Josh take care of every detail on this two week long experience. - from ensuring members of the fellowship with dietary restrictions got what they needed, to frequent restroom and "second breakfast" stops when traveling and arrangements for all activities and accommodations.
The enthusiasm Julie and Josh have for all things LOTR really shines through and contributes a genuine experience. I was also pleasantly surprised at how much Julie was able to share about other aspects of New Zealand, including Maori traditions and history.
The tour sites were beautiful, and there were definitely sites and perks you could only get through Red Carpet. Julie and Josh also do a great job bringing fun props and reference shots for a few reenactments.
My tips: book a date with an evening Hobbiton tour. Doing so does mean you won't have time for the Maori cultural dinner - so plan that on a free day before the tour.
While the sites are beautiful regardless of if you're a LOTR fan or not, if you're not a fan or traveling with a fan - this tour is probably not for you. That said, even those on the tour who weren't big fans (came with someone else but had seen the movies once) seemed to have a great time and, dare I say, grew in their fandom from the trip.
Julie and Josh take care of every detail on this two week long experience. - from ensuring members of the fellowship with dietary restrictions got what they needed, to frequent restroom and "second breakfast" stops when traveling and arrangements for all activities and accommodations.
The enthusiasm Julie and Josh have for all things LOTR really shines through and contributes a genuine experience. I was also pleasantly surprised at how much Julie was able to share about other aspects of New Zealand, including Maori traditions and history.
The tour sites were beautiful, and there were definitely sites and perks you could only get through Red Carpet. Julie and Josh also do a great job bringing fun props and reference shots for a few reenactments.
My tips: book a date with an evening Hobbiton tour. Doing so does mean you won't have time for the Maori cultural dinner - so plan that on a free day before the tour.
While the sites are beautiful regardless of if you're a LOTR fan or not, if you're not a fan or traveling with a fan - this tour is probably not for you. That said, even those on the tour who weren't big fans (came with someone else but had seen the movies once) seemed to have a great time and, dare I say, grew in their fandom from the trip.
Written 24 March 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.
David S
Atlanta, GA2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
If I could give more stars I would. This is without a doubt the best tour I have been on. My wife and I are avid Lord of the Rings fans, and the amount of detail and passion that Red Carpet Tours put in for our experience to be so memorable is astounding. Julie and Josh are excellent guides and immersed us not only in the Lord of the Rings lore and sites, but also gave us a glimpse of the beauty of New Zealand itself and the rich Maori culture. While this tour is labeled as a Lord of the Rings tour, anyone who wants to visit New Zealand and see the awe inspiring beauty would have a fantastic time on this tour. Everything is so well planned out and we did not have to worry about anything while on the tour, besides getting ourselves ready and packed to leave on the next adventure. Olivia and I will always remember this trip and are actively planning our next!
Written 1 April 2024
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.
Larry
Virginia Beach, VA7 contributions
Jul 2023
If you a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's books or the Hobbit/Lord of the Rings movies, then this is the trip for you! The itinerary is tailored to visiting filming locations and interactions with cast members from the films. Julie James has a treasure trove of personal stories related to both trilogies which enhance the location visits. You will also be sharing the experience with enthusiastic Tolkien fans. This trip is a terrific introduction to beautiful New Zealand, both North and South Islands, with plenty of optional activities (bungy jumping, zip-lining, off road safaris, boat rides, etc.) to top your fun meter.
Written 16 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.
What's the best Travel Insurance to purchase for this trip? Curious what people are purchasing with some companies not providing coverage if your trip was cancelled due to COVID.
Written 12 October 2020
Hello Flora,
We recommend you purchase comprehensive Travel Insurance, you can normally purchase this with your airfares. Regards to Covid19 our Tour deposits are non refundable, but are transferable to a future Tour month. Our Terms and Conditions are on our website and the receipt our website sends you. Please feel free to email us with any questions info@redcarpet-tours, we look forward to meeting you next year 😊
Kind regards,
Julie
Written 13 October 2020
This tour looks amazing! We, and now our 10 year old son, are obsessed with Lord of the Rings, and I know our son would love this tour as much as we would.
I don't see a lot of kids in the gallery photos. Are there age restrictions for your tour members?
Thank you!
Written 15 September 2020
Hello,
Thank you for your message.
Our minimum Tour age is 10 years of age, this is due to the long travelling distances.
The majority of families travel with young to older teens. If your son is a big fan, then he would love this Tour. We look forward to welcoming you to New Zealand in 2021.
Best regards,
Julie 🧙♂️
Written 15 September 2020
Do you get your own hotel room when doing the 14 night tour? Probably would look to book with my partner. Thanks!
Written 25 January 2020
All hotel rooms are included in the cost of the tour. If you would like to share with your partner, you will need to book for a double when booking on the Red Carpet Tours website
Written 1 February 2020
Must you schedule your flights into New Zealand and back out of New Zealand?
Written 24 September 2019
Hello, yes you need to book your own flights to and from New Zealand. Our Tour is very comprehensive.
Written 27 September 2019
Are the optional activities already included in the package ? Or are they extra fees ?
Written 24 August 2019
Hello Wander,
Yes these are an extra cost and it is up to you what you choose to do. On our Tour we pass out a book full of optionals we recommend based on previous passenger reviews. Most of which involve a Lord of the Rings element :)
Cheers,
Julie
Written 25 August 2019
Is airfare from where I live in America included in the 14 day package?
Written 30 July 2019
Hello,
Our tour price dose not include the airfare sorry as our passengers come from all over the world and we couldn't price each flight fairly. However, we include many meals, activities, transport, all accommodation and entry fees in our price.
Cheers,
Julie
Written 26 August 2019
Do you tip your tour guides at the end and if so , any recommendations on how much?
Written 31 May 2017
Hello,
Tipping in New Zealand is appreciated for good service, but not mandatory.
Kind regards,
Julie 😊
Written 21 June 2017
I am going on the 14 day tour in June and I was wondering (for those who have been on the tour) what are some things you wish you had packed and what were some things you regret bringing with you? Any other tips or advice would be great?
Written 28 April 2017
I packed too many pants. I took three pair of hiking pants and except for the airplane that is all I wore. The rest were a waste. Remember there are many places to shop if you need to. Julie will recommend places if you need anything. There are ample opportunities to do laundry. Make sure you take a warm jacket that can be layered with a rain jacket. I had a good fleece jacket and a rain jacket and that was usually sufficient. Gloves might help. I bought a pair.
It will be colder when you are there so check weather projections. It will give you an idea of the weather to expect. Water proof hiking boots or shoes are a must. Make sure they are broken in and water tested before you go. Hope you have as great a time as I did!
Written 28 April 2017
We will be in New Zealand on March 2nd until March12th. Who do we contact for a one day red carpet tour of the Hobbit sites. How much does the one day tour cost.
Written 21 January 2017
Hello, thank you for your enquiry.
Please email us from the address on our website, we can answer all your questions and provide costs. Thank you, Julie
Written 24 January 2017
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