Why Choose Us?
Red Carpet Tours operates the original tour of Lord of the Rings (LOTR) New Zealand, providing the most comprehensive tours available. Established in 2002, our constant refinement means we now offer the very best of both The Lord of the Rings and New Zealand in one compelling package.
Here are 7 reasons why you should let us take you on an adventure through Middle-earth.
1. Make Life-Long Friends
Be part of a fellowship from the moment you arrive until the time you leave. Our small groups allow you to easily mix with like-minded people and form friendships that last a lifetime.
2. Discover Exclusive Movie Locations
We will take you off the beaten track to locations closed to the public, where you will experience not only awe-inspiring scenery and sets but also meet some of those who were involved in making the films.
3. Passionate Guides
Your tour will be led by our passionate guide, giving you access to their in-depth knowledge of all things LOTR and New Zealand. Our staff make meaningful and lasting friendships with their groups through shared interests and traveling NZ together.
4. The Original and the Best!
As the longest established The Lord of the Rings tour operator in Middle-earth, we have built connections and relationships over many years to create the optimal experience for you. We constantly refine our tours based on our guides and tour members’ feedback.
5. 100% Authentic
Red Carpet Tours was born out of genuine interest and passion for Tolkien and LOTR. We put the fans first and provide depth of knowledge and detail that will be beyond your expectations. We like to get as ‘behind the scenes' as possible - imparting interesting and little known facts, personal interactions with people involved in the production and a chance to bring the scenes to life by acting out a chosen part. This is no “theme-park” experience!
6. Amazing Testimonials
Check out our faultless feedback on Trip Advisor and Rankers.co.nz and you will see what we mean!
7. A Life-Changing Pilgrimage
Many of our customers comment on the life-changing, awe-inspiring nature of the tour in its entirety. The personal and almost sacred aspect of your own personal journey, quest or pilgrimage - has different levels of significance and meaning for each person.
Our Promise to You
“From the moment you arrive in Middle-earth, we will strive to exceed your expectations. We will take you off the beaten track, to remote locations, the very best sets and scenes, and impart our in-depth knowledge about both The Lord of the Rings and New Zealand, creating an inspiring experience you won’t forget. Your journey with Red Carpet Tours will be an adventure of a lifetime!”
What people have said
Amazing and so well worth it! Days in a row of just being excited for something alone was something special to me but also meeting like-minded people who were so accepting and fun was fantastic! Julie James is a treasure - handles everything with grace and was just everything you want in a tour...
Tracy E
This was a trip of a lifetime. I honestly couldn’t imagine seeing Middle Earth any other way. Julie is amazing and truly cultivated an experience that I will treasure forever. If you’re thinking about booking this trip—just do it. I promise that you will have the time of your life.
Brenna M
Just returned as part of the February 2023 Fellowship with Red Carpet Tours and it was one of the best trips of my life. I've been wanting to do this for years and was worried my expectations might be too high, but it was amazing and I wish it didn't have to end! Love the family...
Emily V
Everything about this tour was amazing! Our tour guide Julie is a true LOTR fan, and made sure everybody was looked after. The locations were well researched and meaningful. Even after the tour ended, Julie has kept in touch as we all went our separate ways and travelled home to various parts of...
Jody R
Just concluded my third trip with Red Carpet Tours. 5 stars for the 3rd time running! Excellent planning and attention to detail by the James Family and fabulous guiding by Julie. Once again, a very lovely, friendly ‘Fellowship’ of travellers with a common interest. You might expect...
Sue B
Red Carpet Tours is a fabulous company - been with them 3 times. I agree with others posted here that it is the BEST way to see New Zealand, especially if you are a "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" fan - and even if you're not! From all the Magnificent New Zealand...
John N
I don’t have enough good things to say about this incredible experience. Our guide Julie is so knowledgeable and fun about everything LOTR AND New Zealand in general! My husband and I went for our belated honeymoon and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. You’re fed like Hobbits...
Taylor & Nick L
I went solo and am a bit of an introvert, but Julie and the rest of the tour members made this an unforgettable experience and made me feel right at home. This was number one on my bucket list and it exceeded my expectations across the board. If you're contemplating booking this tour, just...
Jordan M
"Exceptional! Marvellous! Outstanding! Just a few of the words I could use to describe how fabulous the Red Carpet Tours winter Lord of the Rings tour was. The organisation from beginning to end couldn’t be faulted. Hotels were carefully selected for location and quality. The days...
Judith S
Traveling New Zealand with RCT and Julie was amazing. It was the trip of a lifetime (but I hope to do it again!). It was very well put together and we got to see such amazing sites and do so many awesome things. I can't even name what my favorite part of the whole tour was because it was...
Lynn S