The head of Red Carpet Movie Tours, Vic James, emailed to say how the LOTR Locations tours are going, and also to tell us about a special tour planned to coincide with a midnight showing on The Two Towers when it premieres in Wellington, New Zealand….
“I have just completed a 10 night Ultimate Fantasy tour with some VIPs from Singapore. A great trip. The highlight was a 2 hour flight in Queenstown. We flew over : the Pillars of Argonath; the Ford of Bruinen; the River Anduin; Lothlorien; Amon Hen; Isengard; the field of Cormallen; the lawn of Parth Galen; Nen Hithoel and Amon Lhaw. Fantastic! Also stayed at a budget hotel right on the lakefront @ $55 share twin (has en suite). I could spit into the Lake!
At present I am planning the Premiere Tour for this Xmas. We will have a midnight screening at the Premiere theatre (Embassy) and pre-show drinks on site!
“The Red Carpet Movie Tours website will have a special addition soon re the tour – keep a look out for it. Meanwhile the itinerary is posted below.”
‘THE TWO TOWERS’ PREMIERE SPECIAL 2002
December 16:The ‘pilgrimage’ leaves Auckland and heads South to the site of Hobbiton (the ‘jewel in the crown’!). Afterwards we have lunch at Oraka Wapiti Deer Farm (included). Our journey then continues to the shores of Lake Taupo. (Accommodation at The Tui Oaks Motor Inn or Copthorne Manuels).
December 17: Today we head for Tongariro National Park and the sites of Emyn Muil, slopes of Mordor, Mt. Doom and other locations to be seen in the 2nd. film. (The Hobbit Lodge or Powderhorn Chateau).
December 18: The River Anduin beckons us, as does the ranch where the Lead Black Rider lives – and his magnificent horses. Who is carrying the Ring? Upon reaching Wellington we shall head for the site of Rivendell. (The Bay Plaza or Copthorne Plimmer Towers).
December 19: Premiere Day! Find yourself a good viewing spot alongside the Red Carpet, autograph book in hand! Tonight we shall have our own celebratory function, prior to attending a midnight screening of ‘The Two Towers’. (cost included)
December 20: For those not continuing on our tour, please plan for your departure. Fans heading for the South Island portion will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation (Thomas’s Hotel or Copthorne Central).
December 21: This morning sees us heading to the stunning location for Edoras. Cameras at the ready! From there we transfer to Geraldine for lunch, followed by a late afternoon visit to the Pelennor Fields. En route we will view lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, plus New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt. Cook (12,000 feet). Tonight we stay at the McKenzie Motor Inn (buffet dinner and breakfast included).
December 22: Up early for the trip to Queenstown via the scene of The Great Chase (Arwen & Frodo) plus a meeting with New Zealand’s No.1 fan, Ian Brodie, who has Weta figurines and LOTR guide books for sale. Later we will stop at Mrs. Jones’s Fruit Stall. (Accommodation at Thomas’s Hotel or the St. Moritz).
December 23: Today our coach will take us to the summit of Kelvin Heights Deer Park. Here the refugees from Rohan took flight and Gandalf continued his trek. We then transfer to Arrowtown, the scene of The Ford of Bruinen.
December 24: Time for some selected optional extra activities.
December 25: More optional activities. Don’t forget Christmas Dinner at the top of the Gondola. (cost included).
December 26: Your Fellowship trek is over. Time to make your own way to whatever activity or location you choose next.
Well! That sound interesting? You can find out more at Red Carpet Movie Tours.
( Prices and options available upon registering your interest)
