New Zealand South Island Hobbit Journey

Start and end in Wellington or Christchurch, visit and stay in different charming cottages. Live the dream of a cosy, comfortable, whimsical, Hobbity journey in New Zealand. Set off on your adventure with these tips, a map and your handkerchief. No nasty smelly wormy holes. No murky woods with tainted water, no trolls to battle with. Just comfort and warm fires, warm welcomes and snuggly homes. 

Abel Tasman National Park - golden beaches, clear blue waters and lush native bush make Abel Tasman one of the South Island’s loveliest coastal escapes. Walk a stretch of the famous Coast Track, explore sheltered bays by kayak or simply take a water taxi into this beautiful corner of New Zealand. You will be staying near here at Motueka. 

Milford Sound - an essential part of any South Island journey. Deep within Fiordland, sheer mountains rise from dark waters and waterfalls tumble down immense cliffs. The spectacular road into Milford is part of the adventure, and take to the water to reveal the full magic of this extraordinary landscape. Visit from Queenstown or Glenorchy, which are on your route map. 

Akaroa - I fell hard for this little village, with its wooden cottages, cosy farms and deep-blue bay. The French influence adds to Akaroa’s unmistakable charm, making it one of my favourite recommendations for a South Island journey. C'est vraiment un beau village, n'est-ce pas?

The Apple Pickers' Cottages - Mapua - Tasman District

At the peaceful end of a peninsula overlooking the Waimea Inlet, three beautifully restored 1950s cottages sit among five acres of regenerating coastal forest. Mornings begin with birdsong and views across the tidal inlet towards distant mountains, while evenings bring star-filled skies and wonderful stillness. Follow the walking tracks through the property, watch wading birds along the water’s edge, or simply slow down and enjoy the serenity. A wonderfully secluded nature retreat in the Nelson/Tasman region. Just 20 km or 12.4 miles from Motueka.

Secret Garden Lodge - Marahau - Tasman District

Secret Garden Lodge - a relaxed, character-filled hideaway with 3 bedrooms accommodating up to 8 guests, just two hundred metres from the beach in Marahau. French doors open onto a wide verandah and sundeck, while the wonderfully established garden is filled with old roses, mature fruit trees, native plants and visiting birds. Beneath a grapevine-covered pergola there’s space for long outdoor meals, while upstairs skylights reveal treetops, glimpses of the sea and stars overhead. With the Abel Tasman Coast Track within walking distance, it’s a lovely base for days of walking, kayaking and exploring, followed by quiet evenings tucked away in the garden. 18 km or 11.4 miles from Motueka.

Crooked Mile Cottage - Hokitika - West Coast

A wonderfully quirky, century-old Kiwi cottage just a minute’s walk from the beach, with 3 bedrooms sleeping up to 8 guests. Full of vintage character and charming patina, it has a cosy living room with woodburner, an original galley kitchen and a large, fully fenced garden. The river, Sunset Point, restaurants, shops and galleries are all within an easy stroll. Perfect for travellers who prefer history, character and a slightly crooked old cottage by the sea to polished modern luxury.

Just 0.6 km or 0.4 miles from the town centre.

The Ferns Hideaway - Franz Josef - West Coast

A peaceful retreat tucked among the rainforest, with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and room for up to 6 guests. Surrounded by trees and backing onto native bush, the spacious house feels wonderfully private, with birdsong outside, a large deck for relaxing and a cosy wood fire for cooler West Coast evenings. Despite its secluded atmosphere, restaurants, shops and local activities are within easy walking distance.

Just 1 km or 0.6 miles from town.

Treetops Franz Joseph - Franz Josef - West Coast

A spacious retreat surrounded by native tree ferns, with 3 bedrooms and room for up to 7 guests. The house has a warm, relaxed feel, with a gas fireplace, generous living areas, a garden and private outdoor spa baths where you can unwind among the greenery after a day exploring the glacier country.

Just 400 metres or 0.25 miles from the centre of Franz Josef village.

Tussock Cottage - Lake Hayes - Queenstown - Otago

A quirky straw-bale cottage in a peaceful country setting, with 1 bedroom and a spacious, homely living area. Thick adobe-style walls give it wonderful character, while outside there are lake and mountain views, a garden filled with the owners’ artwork and resident tui bird. Lake Hayes is only a two-minute walk away, with its beautiful walking and cycling trail. 21 km or 13 miles from Queenstown. 

Headwaters Glenorchy Eco Lodge - Glenorchy - Otago

A beautiful eco-conscious stay surrounded by the mountains of Glenorchy, with cosy private chalets nestled among native gardens. Choose double, family or 4 person accommodation. Sustainability is at the heart of the lodge, with solar power, rainwater collection, carefully sourced materials and systems designed to reduce water use. Covered verandahs look towards the surrounding mountains, while gardens, outdoor fires and original New Zealand artwork add warmth and character. Just a few hundred metres from the centre of Glenorchy. 

Burnside Homestead - Oamaru - Waitake

Step back in time at this beautiful 1890s country homestead, surrounded by extensive gardens, parkland and mature trees alive with birds. Antique-filled rooms, roaring fires, a remarkable octagonal Great Hall, conservatory and grand dining room create the atmosphere of another era. Wander the gardens, play billiards or simply settle into the peace of the Waitaki countryside. No wargs, no orcs and no frantic chases by the bounders. Just peace and quiet. 

Just 18 km or 11 miles from Oamaru.

Mount Potts Lodge - Ashburton Lakes - Canterbury

A remote high-country stay surrounded by the vast landscapes of the Southern Alps, with options ranging from comfortable lodge rooms to a three-bedroom cottage and simple bunk accommodation. There are mountain views, warm rooms, hearty meals at the lodge and plenty of glorious emptiness outside. It makes an exceptionally convenient base for exploring Mount Sunday, the spectacular hill transformed into Edoras for The Lord of the Rings.

Just a 5-minute drive from Mount Sunday.

School House Cottage - Anama - Surrey Hills - Canterbury

A beautifully restored former country schoolhouse dating from the early 1900s, surrounded by rolling farmland and wide Canterbury skies. With 3 bedrooms sleeping up to 8 guests, it’s full of vintage character, with a cosy fire, sunny porch and plenty of space to relax. Outside, there are gardens, a swimming pool and tennis court, making this a gorgeous country stop after the wild landscapes of Mount Sunday. 60 km or 37 miles to Mount Sunday.

Villa Akaroa - Akaroa - Canterbury

A beautifully restored historic villa with two bedrooms sleeping up to four guests, combining old-world character with plenty of comfort. Curl up beside the fire, soak in the clawfoot bath, browse the books or relax on the sunny terrace after exploring Banks Peninsula. Best of all, it sits in the historic heart of Akaroa, just steps from the harbour, cafés and restaurants. Akaroa Beach is just 150 metres away.

Libeau Cottage - Akaroa - Canterbury

A charming historic cottage dating from 1863, with two bedrooms sleeping up to five guests. Original timber floors, a cosy log fire and veranda give it wonderful old-world character, while the leafy garden includes an orchard where you can picnic beneath the fruit trees. Akaroa’s historic main street, cafés and harbourfront are just a short stroll away. Just 750 metres or 0.5 miles from Akaroa Beach.

Designer Cottage - Christchurch - Canterbury

A cosy heritage cottage tucked into peaceful gardens, with 2 bedrooms, sleeping up to 4 guests, offering a quiet pocket of old Christchurch charm close to the city. The restored 1900s cottage has 2 queen bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen and living area and a sunny private garden planted with kiwifruit, grapevines and fruit trees. The resident cat Marmite is apparently the boss, which naturally improves matters considerably.

Just 2.3 km or 1.4 miles from central Christchurch.

Classic Villa Guesthouse - Christchurch - Canterbury

A beautifully restored historic villa dating from 1899, filled with polished timber floors, kauri doors and elegant period details. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, with comfortable guest rooms, a peaceful courtyard and lounge. Best of all, it sits right in the cultural heart of Christchurch, opposite the Arts Centre and just steps from the Botanic Gardens, museum, cafés and restaurants.

Located in central Christchurch.

Tepuia Cottage - Picton - Marlborough

A cosy 2 bedroom cottage with sweeping views across the Mahakipawa Arm, sleeping up to 4 guests. The open-plan living area spills onto a generous deck where you can dine outside, fire up the barbecue and simply sit drinking in those wonderful water and bush views. Walking trails are nearby, while the sheltered waters invite kayaking, boating and fishing.

Just 31.5 km or 19.6 miles from Picton Harbour.

Moetapu Bay Bliss Cottage - Picton - Marlborough

A secluded waterfront cottage surrounded by native bush, with 5 bedrooms sleeping up to 11 guests. Spacious verandahs overlook Moetapu Bay, Mahau Sound and the surrounding Marlborough Sounds, while a pathway leads down to a private beach. Kayaks are provided for exploring the water, and by night you can listen for moreporks beneath star-filled skies.

Just 28 km or 17.3 miles from Picton.

Queenstown: 4WD Lord of the Rings Half-Day Tour

Explore spectacular Lord of the Rings filming locations on a four-hour 4WD adventure. Travel through the Wakatipu Basin and into rugged gold-mining country, visiting locations used for the Misty Mountains, Minas Tirith, Argonath, Gladden Fields, the Ford of Bruinen and the Battle of the Wargs. The journey includes off-road driving and river crossings near Arrowtown, plus gold panning and morning or afternoon tea. Small groups. 4 hours. 

From Queenstown: Lord of the Rings Tour to Glenorchy

Journey to Glenorchy through some of Middle-earth’s most spectacular landscapes. Follow Lake Wakatipu into Mount Aspiring National Park, visiting filming locations associated with Lothlorien and Isengard, along with the Dart River Valley, Paradise and Diamond Lake. There’s even a chance to dress in LOTR costumes and wield replica swords, with morning or afternoon tea along the way. 4.5 hours.

From Queenstown: Glenorchy and Paradise Scenic Half-Day Tour

Discover the spectacular landscapes of Glenorchy and Paradise on a scenic journey. Travel beside Lake Wakatipu, explore Glenorchy and continue into Mount Aspiring National Park, with stops at Diamond Lake and Lord of the Rings filming locations including Isengard and Saruman’s Tower. A Kiwi-style morning tea and optional LOTR costumes add to the fun. 4.5 hours.

Fauna

Hector Dolphin - Cephalorhynchus hectori

New Zealand Fur Seal - Arctocephalus forsteri

New Zealand Sea Lion - Phocarctos hookeri

Birds

Kea Parrot - Nestor notabilis

New Zealand Fantail - Rhipidura fuliginosa

Kereru - Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

Flora

Silver Fern - Ponga - Cyathea dealbata

Harakeke – Flax - Phormium tenax

Pohutukawa - Metrosideros excelsa - above

Fly into Wellington Airport WLG or Christchurch Airport CHC.

Take the ferry from Wellington to Picton in the north - crossing the Marlborough Sounds.

From Picton in the north of the island here are your distances for the anti-clockwise journey

• Picton to Motueka - 155 km or 96 miles
• Motueka to Hokitika - 334 km or 205 miles
• Hokitika to Franz Joseph Village - 134 km or 83 miles
• Franz Joseph Village to Queenstown - 351 km or 218 miles
• Queenstown to Strat Taieri to Oameru - 342 km or 213 miles
• Oameru to Mount Sunday - 220 km or 137 miles
• Mount Sunday to Akaroa - 209 km or 130 miles
• Akaroa to Christchurch - 81 km or 50 miles
• Christchurch to Picton - 336 km or 209 miles

Arrange your hire car for your journey, choose from petrol, electric or hybrid vehicles.

By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.

I trust you have enjoyed the magic of My Fairytale Cottage. Bon Voyage!

By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.

I trust you have enjoyed the magic of My Fairytale Cottage. Bon Voyage!