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.

Red Carpet Tours is absolutely the best way to travel throughout New Zealand and see Middle-earth! This trip was so much more than seeing Lord of the Rings filming locations (which you see a ton of!) The memories and friendships you bring back with you will last a lifetime. You get to see and learn about nearly every aspect of this beautiful country, join a fellowship of like-minded people, and experience adventures that make you feel like you’re right in one of Tolkien’s stories. Julie is an extremely knowledgeable guide, as well as a kind and extraordinary person! The company she and her family have built is a gift to fans of Middle-earth and New Zealand alike, and we already can’t wait to plan our next adventure with them!

I'm going on an adventure! While researching and planning our adventure through Middle Earth, we stumbled across Red Carpet Tours. I was slightly skeptical of a one stop shop but am so glad I booked with them. The entire experience was magical. Not only did we get to visit some iconic LOTR and Hobbit locations (as well as recreate some monumental scenes), we had the opportunity to see and hear about countless other parts of both the north and south islands of New Zealand. Julie and her team planned everything perfectly and made the trip entirely effortless. If you're an LOTR enthusiast or hard core Tolkien nerd, this is the tour for you. If you want to meet awesome people and see beautiful sites, this is the tour for you. If you wanna eat, drink and be merry, this is the tour for you. Basically this is the tour for everyone! I can't thank Julie enough for taking such great care of us and making our honeymoon the fantastic, fabulous, phenomenal adventure it was. I can't wait to come back!

After 2 years of no international travel, this was a refreshing view of a breath-taking country like New Zealand and seeing it through the LOTR context. It all started with a visit to Mitai, paying our respects to the Maori for entering their country and learning about their culture as we walk through the forests and mountains.Then, Red Carpet Tours took us to WETA, Hobbiton, and other locations. RCT's personal connections with WETA, LOTR production, and actors made it was quite awesome since we got to chat with folks associated with the making of LOTR. I still remember the collective gasp when we entered Hobbiton. We did the 12-day Winter Tour and it was worth it. Costs were quite clear. (The Polynesian Spa and massage were lovely additions in Rotorua; must try. The Nomads Safari off-roading was incredibly fun driven by Ginny, also a LOTR fan.) Te Huia store in Queenstown gives discounts to Red Carpet Tours even after the trip is complete and online. It was fun being on bus rides with fellow LOTR geeks. We took over 2000 photos! Of course, the geekiest of all were Julie James and the farm owners who had an abundance of LOTR stories and props. Thank you Julie and RCT for a memorable experience!

We went on Red Carpet Tours for our honeymoon in March 2020 and opted for the 6 day version to bookend our trip with some personal days in Auckland and Wellington. The tour was amazing! My husband and I are both more casual LoTR fans (we both saw the movies multiple times and I read the books, but we don't know every detail) and we never felt like we were being left behind. In every filming location we visited, Julie set the scene for the group to remind us of the context and helped us stage our own reenactments for photos. The site mentions being able to access places you wouldn't be able to on your own, and that's absolutely true: the company has longstanding relationships with the people who worked on the films and we were able to go to a lot of remote areas. Sir Richard Taylor even came over to say hi to us in a restaurant because he recognized Julie! You can tell she loves her job as much as she loves the franchise. The days are long with some very long drives, so you'll likely want to bring something you'd like to do on the bus. There are frequent breaks for meals and snacks, and they're very transparent about what is covered and what isn't so you can plan ahead. We ended up making a lot of friends on the tour and watched their progress on the second half of the trip on the South Island, and it also looked amazing. Clearly we'll have to finish our journey in the future!

I must start by saying how much I adored my tour guides with Red Carpet Tours, Julie, and Josh. Both were incredibly knowledgeable, funny, helpful, and kind. I could have never imagined I'd make lifelong connections with my tour guides and members of our fellowship (Feb. 2023). If you hope to see exclusive Lord of the Rings and Hobbit locations, then Red Carpet Tours has you covered! Julie and her family have built beautiful relationships with landowners in New Zealand to ensure you see the best LOtR and Hobbit filming locations. My 14-day experience was the trip of a lifetime, and with 100% certainty, I would go again. "I think I'm quite ready for another adventure." -Bilbo Baggins

My husband and I just got back from NZ a few days ago and cannot get over how UNFORGETTABLE the Winter LOTR tour was!! From the many second breakfasts, learning about all the interesting behind the scene facts, reenacting movie scenes, meeting people directly involved in the LOTR/The Hobbit and to just taking in all the beauty of New Zealand- the memories we made on this tour will be something we will cherish for the rest of our lives. Julie was incredible and you can tell that she and her family are true, passionate LOTR fans who genuinely care about all things Middle Earth and want to share their passion with you. I cannot recommend Red Carpet Tours enough so book that ticket now!!

Just finished up the 14 day LoTR October 2023 tour. I highly recommend doing a tour for any and all Tolkien nerds, or really for anyone looking for an in-depth look at some of NZ’s “hidden gems.” Get ready to break out of your shells, Julie and Josh are a hoot and so, so supportive; cheering you on the whole way. The re-enactments are hilarious and the access to private family farms for some of the filming locations is top notch. Highly, highly recommended doing the optional kayaking (downstream, no real experience needed) and helicopter tours Red Carpet offers.

I can be a bit of a control freak, so this may be my first trip as an adult where I wasn’t the one planning each detail, but rather entrusting it to a tour and (mostly) just going along for the ride. My husband and I are huge LOTR fans, and New Zealand and checking out LOTR filming locations was truly a bucket list item for me. After reading so many great reviews of this local, family-owned company, and seeing the exclusive access they have, I felt confident my husband and I would get the most out of our experience with the least amount of stress going with Red Carpet Tours. And I wasn’t wrong. Julie as I understand has been the primary tour guide for about 13 years, rotating two weeks on tour and then two weeks admin, which just astounds me. I even asked her if she ever got sick of it, and she said no because of all the different people she gets to meet. She has so much knowledge and has a wonderful and entertaining personality. Josh, her son-in-law, is also now sharing the role of tour guide, and he is doing an excellent job, as well. Very kind and big fan with a great personality, as well! I loved everything we did, all the accommodations were suitable, and meeting other big fans and the fun you have together is awesome. I am sure it takes a ton of planning and coordination, so the only thing I would mention is there were some minor inconsistencies with the itinerary/info we were given via email and the way things actually played out, so I would hold off on making any final bookings for free time/optional activities until confirming with Julie if possible on the timing. Thanks so much to Melissa who was able to get me and my husband in for 2023 to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary. We did the 12 day winter tour and fully intend to come back in a different season for the 14 day tour.

I was on the 14 day December 2023 tour and can recommend it with all my heart! As a solo traveller, I was a bit apprehensive about travelling across the globe but I met a great bunch of friends and Julie, Josh, Melissa, and Sasha were fantastic hosts who made the trip extra special. Some highlights from the trip include the required trip to Hobbiton, a special presentation from folks who worked on the LOTR films at the Roxy Theatre in Wellington, walking to Mt. Sunday (Edoras!), and helicopter trips in Nelson. Without a doubt, Red Carpet Tours made my trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thank you!

After 2 years of anticipation, I finally went on this trip for the ROTK 20th Anniversary tour. It surpassed my wildest expectations. We went to Hobbiton on the first real day of the tour and you'd think that would be high point that nothing could live up to, but you'd be wrong. The James family have put in the work to create relationships with the famers, artisans & more that make this trip unique in it's approach to the experience. I saw and learned things, I never even considered regarding LOTR. You could not ask for better guides than Julie, Josh, Sasha and Melissa. They are extremely passionate and knowledgeable in both book/film lore as well as New Zealand information. This is a trip that is perfect for a LOTR fan, but also wonderful for whomever gets dragged along with the fan.

Just recently returned from the December 2023 14 day tour and I'm still dreaming about the beautiful scenic country of New Zealand! Julie, Melissa, Sasha and "tour" Josh :) were so knowledgeable about all things LOTR, which made the experience all the more memorable. And the added bonus was meeting many wonderful people from around the globe to share in this adventure. An experience you will never forget and worth the journey.

Everything I wanted out of a "Lord of the Rings" tour of New Zealand, I received thanks to this fantastic agency. They have so many connections and knowledge of these locations that it makes each day feel special. Not only did we get to see a lot of memorable movie sights and breathtaking views (all of which were accompanied by a personal story), but Julie, Melissa, and Josh really made us feel like a family. I made lots of friends and memories on this trip, that I'm already trying to find a way to go back again. I cannot recommend them enough!

Absolutely amazing LOVED every second of it. If you’re thinking of booking it… do it NOW!! it’s the BEST thing I’ve ever done. I highly recommend it. —— I booked this glorious adventure for my 30th birthday. As a group you go everywhere together and develop such wonderful relationships with people so much so, that by the end of the tour you really feel broken hearted when you have to say goodbye. Especially, Julie and josh, the tour providers, they make the whole experience utterly sensational. They are such wonderful, warm, accommodating and lovely special individuals. I feel truly blessed to have met them. Everything they’ve organised and orchestrated is flawlessly and excellently executed. Of all the numerous places I’ve visited and tours I have gone on this is by far THE BEST. Stunning locations, mind browning scenery, an expertly crafted itinerary, exclusive guest meetings and surrounded by incredible people. This tour is the stuff of legend. Thank you for such an unforgettable time. I hope to return one day.

Red Carpet Tours team organizes the best tours through New Zealand aka Middle Earth :) Full of adventures and visits in some breathtaking places across the country :) Some are so beautiful you'd think they're photoshoped :P Even if you're not a fan of Lord Of The Rings you're definitely gonna love traveling with Red Carpet :) I just came back from New Zealand and I'm sure I will go back there one day and I'd totally take a part in another Red Carpet Tours adventure! <3

There and Back Again - a delightful journey through New Zealand. I traveled with the October Fellowship and couldn't have had a better experience. From Hobbiton, to Edoras, visiting the filming locations was incredible, but even more amazing was listening to the experiences of the land owners and extras on set. In the major cities there was free time available to discover what interests you. The accommodations were very nice, included breakfasts were yummy, and our guides Julie and Melissa were so friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

An adventure of a lifetime! This is the ultimate dream trip for any Lord of the Rings fan. Your experienced and knowledgeable guides will take you around New Zealand to stunning locations. Also, since all in your tour group have a common interest you easily become friends with people from allover the world. And together you get to share a fantastic time, with many laughters and visit places you've only dreamt of. ❤️

We were in the October 2022 Fellowship and had the time of our lives! What an incredible way to see New Zealand/Middle Earth; every day was an amazing adventure. The tour was filled with fun, beautiful scenery, and the perfect amount of geekiness. Julie and Melissa were such lovely and knowledgeable guides and our group was made up of a bunch of such wonderful people. This tour completely exceeded our expectations and we miss it so much already. Thank you Red Carpet Tours!

Go to Middle Earth, they say. Keep your feet on the road. Red Carpet Tours takes you there and back again, and leaves you with an unforgettable experience. Julie and her family + team are the perfect crew to lead a fellowship through New Zealand. Their passion for all things Tolkien, and just the beauty of New Zealand itself, lends to how they craft the itinerary and activities so you can have the best possible and personal LOTR tour ever. You will have the chance to see important LOTR sites, recreate fun LOTR scenes (which everyone who is present obviously knows by heart), and connect with all sorts of folk you would never otherwise have the chance to meet. As someone who is usually skeptical of tour groups, I highly recommend Red Carpet Tours because Julie’s family’s love for LOTR and rapport with the community throughout New Zealand is unmatched. There is a special place for all deeply-obsessed fans of Tolkien when touring with Julie. It’s also so much easier to travel in a coach together to make sure you hit not only all the major film locations, but to have the opportunity to make real connections with locals and LOTR-affiliates of the NZ community as well. 10/10 recommend. I also hope to do it again during another season! New Zealand is too beautiful to enjoy just once. :)

What an amazing experience for my siblings and I to travel through Middle Earth! Red Carpet Tours made this the trip of a lifetime and have given all of us memories that we will carry with us always. Julie was an absolute delight and I'm honestly counting down the days before I'll be booking again. Thank you so much for everything!

Had an amazing time touring with Red Carpet with my siblings for our first time to Middle Earth! Julie was amazing and it was such a great experience to tour with so many people who shared our love of LOTR, the Hobbit, and the rest of Tolkien's work. It is clear that Red Carpet Tours is so successful with fans because it is run by passionate fans itself. Julie was packed full of knowledge, and she made touring such a pleasure and a breeze. It was so easy to navigate the filming locations, and Julie always came prepared with props for us to take some great photos. And it is so clear that Red Carpet is revered wherever they go. You can see this from the warm welcome you get from their guests (Mark Hadlow and Daniel Reeve for us), and the little treats and surprises you get from the places you visit, particularly both of the Wētā locations. Julie will introduce you to some of the most fascinating people you will ever meet. Not one ounce of these tours isn't thought out and planned perfectly for the fans they know are coming. If you are a fan of Tolkien in any capacity, this is the tour for you. It really was a dream come true and I am so grateful that I had Red Carpet to take me on this journey with my siblings.

The Making of a Fellowship We have long imagined ourselves visiting many iconic LOTR movie sites and hoping to capture some of the essence and magic of Middle Earth. This amazing tour did this for us and so much more. Thank you Julie for guiding, teaching and encouraging us to embrace our passion for Tolkien’s world. Having a host like Julie with her passion for her beautiful country and love of LOTR made this such a unique and special experience. There were so many highlights including Hobbiton, Trollshaw Forest and Laketown that really made you feel like you were in Middle Earth. This tour is a must do for any fan of LOTR, the Hobbit or the Rings of Power. We met some fantastic passionate people that we are now proud to be part of their fellowship. Do yourself a favour and book this trip of a lifetime.