Day One

Arrival Day. You are met at Auckland Airport and transferred to the Spencer on Byron Hotel. Tonight we have a "Welcome" Dinner ~ a chance to meet Daniel Reeve and your fellow artists!

Day Two

Today we travel to Rotorua where we visit 'Te Puia' to see bubbling mud, active geysers, Maori wood carving and also kiwi birds. After checking in to our hotel we double check our cameras and batteries and head for an Evening Tour of the Hobbiton movie set, including a Banquet Feast on site. Capture photos for later sketches you may choose to work on. Accommodation: The Millennium Hotel, Rotorua.

Day Three

From Rotorua to the forest at Trollshaw this morning. Your artist's eye will be drawn to the spectacular rock formations and beautiful native trees. A stunning site to visit with stories to capture your imagination and inspire your natural talents. This afternoon we travel further south to the mountains of Mordor and weather permitting, see Mt Doom and check out Emyn Muil. Accommodation tonight ~ has to be the Powderhorn Chateau, where the Stars stayed. After dinner this evening ~ a brief session reflecting on the contrasting landscapes we have seen so far.

Day Four

After breakfast we drive up the south side of Mt Ruapehu to see the secret entrance to Erebor site and Gollum's Pool, before heading south to the home of Middle earth, Wellington ~ New Zealand's Capital City. Accommodation: The Amora Hotel, Wellington. Dinner at the 'Green Parrot' anyone?

Day Five

We visit Weta Cave this morning, where we have a special 'Red Carpet Tours' programme arranged, including glimpsing 'behind the scenes ' and meeting a special LOTR artist. There will be time for souvenir shopping also. The 'Roxy' ~ a local old theatre beautifully restored by Sir Richard Taylor, Jamie Selkirk and other LOTR/Hobbit notables, is our lunch stop, followed by a visit to the Meniscus Leather Artists who made the leatherwork items for the LOTR/Hobbit movies. Great items on show and for sale ~ you can even try your hand at your own souvenir. On our way back to the hotel, we can make a quick 'photo stop at Wellington Airport to see Weta Workshop's giant sculptures. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure in Wellington. Te Papa Museum is well worth a visit - very interactive - more Weta Workshop displays - and free entry. Dinner tonight? Perhaps a group of you might like to check out "Strawberry Fare" - specialising in amazing desserts ~ just up from the Embassy Theatre, where the Hobbit World Premiere was held.

Day Six

This morning ~ a presentation from Daniel Reeve, Calligrapher, Cartographer and Artist. The range of his work will surprise and amaze you. Have your camera batteries charged and also have cash with you today to take advantage of an opportunity to purchase very special souvenirs - and easy to pack. Lunch break follows. This afternoon we meet back at the coach and take you to the Hobbits' "I think we should get off the road !" movie site on Mt Victoria. The remainder of the day and evening is yours at leisure in Wellington.

Day Seven

We sail away to the South Island this morning. Breakfast on board and afterwards relax, take photos and look for dolphins. This afternoon we make a detour to where Dwarves escaped in barrels from pursuing Wood Elves on the Pelorus River. Your choice ~ to paddle or sketch?! Accommodation: The Scenic Hotel, Blenheim.

Day Eight

A scenic travel day today. We travel the scenic coast road and stop along the way to photograph seal colonies basking on the rocky shores. Our lunch stop is Kaikoura ~ the home of whale and dolphin watching. Later, on our way to Christchurch, you may like to try a 'wine tasting' or have a cup of tea or coffee at a local Winery. An early night is recommended, for a big day tomorrow. (Dinner is included tonight). Accommodation: The Sudima Hotel , Christchurch.

Day Nine

Up early for a special day. EDORAS ! Red Carpet good weather spells will be cast for today. You can buy your picnic lunch at 'Salmon Tales' in Rakaia as we make our way to this special location. Have a backpack to carry your camera and your lunch for your pilgrimage to the top of Mt Sunday. A memorable experience. Later we stop at the township of Geraldine for a cup of tea or an ice-cream and make photo stops at Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Look for our highest mountain ~ Aoraki, Mt Cook - the Cloud Piercer . 12,000 feet. Accommodation: The MacKenzie Country Inn, Twizel. (Dinner incl.)

Day Ten

Today starts with a visit to the Pelennor Fields where once King Theoden's Battle Speech echoed as men on horses charged into battle. From here we back-track briefly to LAKETOWN , a more recently acquired site on the shores of Lake Pukaki. So scenic - and with Mt Cook in the picture, this visit demands every artists attention. A late lunch at Omarama and then on through the Lindis Pass, with a stop at Mrs Jones' Orchard to conclude today's travels. Accommodation: The Golden Gate Lodge, Cromwell.

Day Eleven

Remote Poolburn Dam attracts our attention today with stark landscape, harsh yet beautiful. The Rohan sites in this area lend themselves to our purpose. The Poolburn Pub may also see you reaching for your sketch pad. Wear comfortable footwear - this is not a place for sandals ! A late lunch in Alexandra follows, before our scenic drive through to Queenstown. via Arrowtown ~ a charming and picturesque old settlement, historically significant in the gold rush days of the 1860s. Accommodation: The Novotel Lakeside Hotel, Queenstown - for our last 3 nights.

Day Twelve

Breakfast in our hotel at 7-30 a.m. and then onto our coach at 8-30 a.m. to head the along shores of Lake Wakatipu through to remote Mavora Lakes and the breathtaking LOTR scenery of this magnificent National Park. Anticipate a water colour painting demonstration from Daniel in this location. Accommodation: The Novotel Lakeside Hotel continues, Queenstown.

Day Thirteen

In Queenstown this morning, sleep in or rise with the sun. Enjoy a Cafe breakfast in the township and photograph the morning lakefront. Mid-morning we drive out to 'Paradise' and walk a portion of the beautiful Routeburn Track. Later in the day we will meet together in the hotel lounge area for a 'wrapping up' session with Daniel. Accommodation: The Novotel Lakeside Hotel continues, Queenstown.

Day Fourteen

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." (quote from Gandalf ) ~ so today is yours to make local activity choices and enjoy what Queenstown has to offer. Our Farewell Dinner follows at 7 p.m. at Elements Restaurant in our hotel. Accommodation: The Novotel Lakeside Hotel - the final night in Queenstown.

Day Fifteen

The day you depart. Our Artists Sketching and Photography Tour has concluded. We hope the portfolio you take home with you reflects a magical and memorable record for you to develop further in the months ahead, reflecting new skills and an eye for detail gleaned from travelling with a master artist!