“I am looking for someone to share in an adventure…”
Gandalf
Our Epic Story!
Every great adventure begins with a spark of passion, and ours is no different. Like Frodo and Sam on their epic quest, we set out to preserve the magic of Middle Earth not in the Shire, but in the heart of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Trails of Middle Earth began in 2001, originally founded by Melissa Heath, who used her deep ties to the Lord of the Rings production to collect treasures: original scripts, maps, call sheets, and an extraordinary array of limited edition licensed replica props designed by WETA Workshop. These iconic swords, axes, and helmets became the heart of a unique experience for fans.
By 2018 under newer ownership, the company was losing its spark. That’s when we Shane and Francesco stepped in. With a love for Tolkien’s world and years of experience guiding travelers through stunning landscapes, we worked tirelessly to restore the magic. By 2020, Trails of Middle Earth was thriving again.. just as the pandemic closed our borders, without tourism ‘Trails of Middle Earth’ drew its last breath. Or so it seemed..
When all hope was lost, we found it within ourselves through dedication and passion to revive Trails of Middle Earth under our personal ownership and guidance. Enduring our own Mountain of Doom we acquired the assets in late 2023, and rebuilt it stronger than ever. By early 2024, we were back in this new iteration, with new tours, new locations, and the same fiery passion to transport guests into Tolkien’s world.
Today, Trails of Middle Earth delivers unforgettable experiences, blending breathtaking landscapes with iconic props and unparalleled storytelling. With countless 5-star reviews that continue to grow daily, we’re committed to offering the ultimate Lord of the Rings adventures, with plenty of NEW locations, props and experiences to come, epic journeys worthy of Middle Earth itself!
The road goes ever on. Will you join our Fellowship?
About Our Tours
Lord of the Rings Tours is managed by Southern Trails Limited. We strive to deliver the best Lord of the Rings Tours in New Zealand and have enthusiatically shared many adventures with tourists, locals and fans of the Tolkien literature and movies.
We are proudly New Zealand (NZ) owned & operated and are committed to providing environmentally friendly tours to preserve our precious landscapes. This has been recognised by DOC (Department of Conservation) who have awarded us with a special license and approval certificate.
As New Zealand’s Lord of the Rings specialists, we have created stunning tours and experiences that have been specifically tailored to cater to your Middle Earth hopes and expectations.
Our guides’ knowledge and passion are unsurpassed. They will wow you with stories, anecdotes and a wealth of background information of all things LOTR.
We also provide authentically reproduced weapons and costumes for fans who want to re-enact scenes and pose for photo opportunities. Locations are authenticated with photos to prove you’re standing in the same spot the actors were in the movies. And to top it off, we have a selection of souvenirs for you to remember your experience.
Join us on your personalised journey through the real Middle Earth as our experts endeavour to give you the best Lord of the Rings Tour experience possible.
