Red Carpet Tours

Red Carpet Tours

32 Rankers Reviews

2 Group Tours

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

Red Carpet Tours

Commercial organisation

Location

North IslandAuckland RegionAuckland

Categories

  • Activity__bus_van_toursGroup Tours

Directions

To Office

Maps

Reviews

    • Vic & Raewyn created a wonderful tour!

      Icon__personBrian Ostering

    • Simply the best.

      Icon__personSusi

    • Absolutely WONDERFUL!!!

      Icon__personBradley

    • Q: When is a tour not a tour?

      Icon__personNazgul3

    • What a fantastic tour!!!

      Icon__personColin007

    4.8 32 Reviews Analysis
  • I'm a solo traveler who prefers self guided tours wherever I go.

    But I wanted a LotR experience that could get me places I otherwise wouldn't be able to go on my own. This tour is perfect. Not only for the Lord of the Rings fans but also for those who wish to explore the beautiful majesty that is New Zealand. The tour guides are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and kind. The lodging throughout was more than exemplary. The included meals were plentiful as well as considerate, offering both vegan and gluten free options everywhere. At no point did the tour ever feel rushed or sluggish. It was perfectly paced with tear jerking scenery, fun side excursions, secluded nature walks, and shopping opportunities. This tour has taken extra care to ensure that everyone in the group, no matter age or activity level, has the opportunity to see and experience everything that they offer. They also cater very well to both couples/families and solo travelers. This wonderful group of people are dedicated to ensuring that you not only have the experience of a lifetime but that you want for nothing during your time with them. I will gladly take this tour again and bring along as many friends as I can!

    Reviewed about 2 years ago and experienced in April 2023

    Susan W's avatar

    Susan W

    Customer

  • I did a north island tour with Vic and Raewyn and loved every minute of it.

    I did a north island tour with Vic and Raewyn and loved every minute of it. They made me feel so special and well cared for -it was wonderful to meet Daniel Reeve and to visit Stansborough. I can thoroughly recommend Red Carpet Tours and can't wait to have the full experience when time allows.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2008

    marymac896's avatar

    marymac896

    Customer

  • I had the opportunity to go on a Red Carpet Tour way back in October 2005.

    It remains to this day the best thing I have ever done. I was only 19 at the time and travelling alone, but Vic and Raewyn the tour guides were so friendly my nerves about my journey to the other side of the world soon disappeared. The tour perfectly encorporates the brilliant LotR locations and the stunning New Zealand countryside. I would highly recommend this tour to everyone!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2005

    meledhel2003's avatar

    meledhel2003

    Customer

  • With apologies to my folks re: family trips growing up, Red Carpet was, bar none, the most enjoyable and enlightening group travel I've ever done.

    The Jameses (proprietors and guides) provide an amazing mix of personal (knew us by name, asked and learned about our specific interests and quirks, literally "hung out" with us as part of the the tour community) and professional (handled everything, knew their stuff). Their genuine hospitality and encyclopedic knowledge of film, locations and culture made the (stunningly gorgeous) sights and LOTR stops only part of the trip's enjoyment.

    And their approach attracts wonderful tour-goers to share the experience. I'm still in touch with everyone from my tour.

    I can't recommend them enough; I'd repeat the same tour annually if I could.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2007

    Thomas's avatar

    Thomas

    Customer

  • The last 3 days (18th -20th Nov), I was lucky enough to experince a slice of what a LOTR Red Carpet Tour is like!

    I had been friends with a person online for 10yrs, never met. She was coming to NZ to do the tour, and so I contacted Raewyn and Vic and asked if they could tell me the free times the tour would have while in Wellington. These wonderful people not only told me what I needed, but invitied me to join them on the Wellington leg of the tour, so I could spend more time with said friend. This is what makes RCT different from other tours. Raewyn and Vic care about those taking the tour, you are not treated like a tourist, but family, and nothing is a problem for them, they will do all that is within their power to make the tour an amazing experince for you.

    The hightlights,being with friend, meeting Daniel Reeve, visiting Weta Cave, a guided tour of Stansborough (wonderful elven cloaks), watching friend being tattooed by the same gentleman who did the hobbits, excellent meals at Green Parrot,Strawberry Fair,and Kaitoke Cafe, taking in the sites at Helms Deep, Rivendell,Vic's stories and meeting an excellent group of people in the November fellowship.

    I live in Middle Earth,and some may think that it wouldn't be worth a kiwi going on the tour...I'm here to tell you it is. You will enjoy everything like it was new, and because RCT makes everyone feel like family, you'll hate leaving the tour at the end!

    Raewyn and Vic went out of their way for me, and I cannot thank them enough for that! I have come away from my "mini" tour with a new love for my part of Middle Earth,and precious memories.

    Thank you Raewyn and Vic, for bringing two friends together, in Middle Earth.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2010

    DeannaC's avatar

    DeannaC

    Customer

  • I went on the Red Carpet LOTR Tour four months ago and cannot wait to go back to New Zealand for another tour with Red Carpet.

    Vic and Julie James are knowledgeable about Tolkien writings and films and created the experience of a lifetime for me. We stayed at great hotels, enjoyed wonderful food, and of course visiting the sites of the films was fantastic. All I can think about is "How soon can I go back?!!!"

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2010

    Rivendell_lh's avatar

    Rivendell_lh

    Customer

  • Our Lord of the Rings tour with Red Carpet is one of the high points of our lives.

    My wife and I traveled with my mother, celebrating her 79th birthday on the trip, plus our 17 year old daughter and all of us had a marvelous time. Vic and Raewyn go out of their way to tailor the experience for the specific interests of the individuals on each tour and that made the tour even more special. We highly recommend Red Carpet and hope to return and see more of New Zealand with them in the years to come.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2009

    cogit8tor's avatar

    cogit8tor

    Customer

  • I enjoyed a tour with Red Carpet Tours in November 2004.

    This tour was a life changing event for me and Vic and Reawyn where amazing. I meet Friends I will have all my life and experienced New Zealand in a comfortable and relaxed group. Everything was top notch from the accommodations to the restaurants to the sites we visited. I do not think I would have had the experiences I had if not for Red Carpet Tours incites into the Lord of the Rings community in New Zealand.

    The only bad part about these tours is that sadly they have to end. I hope to return to a Red Carpet tour in 2012. They take you there and you can not wait to go back again!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2004

    goofy284's avatar

    goofy284

    Customer

  • I just returned from the Red Carpet Tours 12 day 'Lord of the Rings' tour, and it was the best vacation I've had in my life.

    I heartily recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the movies, or even to those who want to see some of the most glorious scenery in the world. You don't have to be a LOTR fan to enjoy this tour! Vic and Raewyn James are welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and it's clear the high level of care, thought, and detailed planning that goes into running each tour. They take care of everything so that you can simply enjoy the experience to the fullest. It feels more like traveling with good friends or family than a tour group.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2011

    biinfc's avatar

    biinfc

    Customer

  • I recently took the 12-day Lord of the Rings tour, something I had been planning for almost 2 years.

    A friend of mine told me the anticipation of such a trip is the best part--he was wrong.

    The experience exceeded my expectations in every way. The tour was carefully planned but casual, relaxed and flexible; the scenery was beyond breathtakingly beautiful; the company was fun and friendly; our hosts, Raewyn and Vic James were warm, knowledgeable and enthusiastic; the adventures and activities were thrilling both for the soul and the body.

    Before the tour was half over, I knew I wanted to do it again. I can't wait! :-D

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2011

    belleferret's avatar

    belleferret

    Customer

  • Q: When is a tour not a tour?

    A: When it is run by Vic and Raewyn James.

    This is the highest compliment I could pay Red Carpet Tours. It was like an adventure with a group of lifelong mates and is highly recommended whether you are LOTR fans or not. Both 'belleferret' and 'biinfc' have captured the experience with their postings. For those on the April 2011 adventure...Thanks for the memories!!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2011

    Nazgul3's avatar

    Nazgul3

    Customer

  • Nothing but superlatives for Vic, Raewyn, & all of the other RCT staff.

    My at-the-time-eight-year-old daughter & I took the full two-week tour of "Middle-earth" & it was an unforgettable experience. Raewyn patiently answered my many ahead-of-time questions as to whether I should bring my daughter. Vic's quiet sense of humor kept me chuckling all through the North Island. And Derek, our South Island guide, was a fountain of information on any subject. We saw so many places that we never would have found on our own, both LOTR-related & "just plain NZ"—although there's nothing "plain" about NZ! The people we met along the way were also wonderful...in fact, Daniel Reeve "calligraphied" my wedding invitation. The entire experience was unforgettable & my daughter & I left our hearts in NZ. Now my daughter wants to spend half a year of high school in NZ. I'm thinking that that would be a good time for another Red Carpet Tour! Thank you to Vic, Raewyn, & all involved for a stellar time in our lives. : )

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2006

  • I had the extreme pleasure of spending time with Vic , Raewyn and Julie of Red Carpet Tours as part of my New Zealand experience.

    Their rich knowledge and deep love for this magical country is mixed with a sense of loving kindness towards their tour-ees. They are Hobbitologists and Lord of the Rings experts, but Red Carpet Tours offers more than facts and photo ops. If you want to fully experience the spiritual magic of this beautiful country, do it with the best- Red Carpet Tours. Carol Adams, USA

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in August 2011

    JayJay5's avatar

    JayJay5

    Customer

  • Whether you're a die-hard LOTR geek or just a Significant Other tagging along, you will absolutely love this tour: You get to see some of the best places from the films (and it is beyond words to describe

    how great it is to be standing where your favourite characters were!), you will enjoy the glorious scenery of NZ, you will take more photos than you ever thought possible, you have a great choice of extra activities (from helicopter rides to bungee jumping), you will be staying at great hotels, you will be looked after lovingly by Raewyn and Vic, you will make great friends and you will not want this tour ever to end.

    Can't recommend this highly enough!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2011

    Schnieselchen's avatar

    Schnieselchen

    Customer

  • I'm a solo traveler who prefers self guided tours wherever I go.

    But I wanted a LotR experience that could get me places I otherwise wouldn't be able to go on my own. This tour is perfect. Not only for the Lord of the Rings fans but also for those who wish to explore the beautiful majesty that is New Zealand. The tour guides are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and kind. The lodging throughout was more than exemplary. The included meals were plentiful as well as considerate, offering both vegan and gluten free options everywhere. At no point did the tour ever feel rushed or sluggish. It was perfectly paced with tear jerking scenery, fun side excursions, secluded nature walks, and shopping opportunities. This tour has taken extra care to ensure that everyone in the group, no matter age or activity level, has the opportunity to see and experience everything that they offer. They also cater very well to both couples/families and solo travelers. This wonderful group of people are dedicated to ensuring that you not only have the experience of a lifetime but that you want for nothing during your time with them. I will gladly take this tour again and bring along as many friends as I can!

    Reviewed about 2 years ago and experienced in April 2023

    Susan W's avatar

    Susan W

    Customer

  • Whether you're a die-hard LOTR geek or just a Significant Other tagging along, you will absolutely love this tour: You get to see some of the best places from the films (and it is beyond words to describe

    how great it is to be standing where your favourite characters were!), you will enjoy the glorious scenery of NZ, you will take more photos than you ever thought possible, you have a great choice of extra activities (from helicopter rides to bungee jumping), you will be staying at great hotels, you will be looked after lovingly by Raewyn and Vic, you will make great friends and you will not want this tour ever to end.

    Can't recommend this highly enough!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2011

    Schnieselchen's avatar

    Schnieselchen

    Customer

  • I had the extreme pleasure of spending time with Vic , Raewyn and Julie of Red Carpet Tours as part of my New Zealand experience.

    Their rich knowledge and deep love for this magical country is mixed with a sense of loving kindness towards their tour-ees. They are Hobbitologists and Lord of the Rings experts, but Red Carpet Tours offers more than facts and photo ops. If you want to fully experience the spiritual magic of this beautiful country, do it with the best- Red Carpet Tours. Carol Adams, USA

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in August 2011

    JayJay5's avatar

    JayJay5

    Customer

  • Nothing but superlatives for Vic, Raewyn, & all of the other RCT staff.

    My at-the-time-eight-year-old daughter & I took the full two-week tour of "Middle-earth" & it was an unforgettable experience. Raewyn patiently answered my many ahead-of-time questions as to whether I should bring my daughter. Vic's quiet sense of humor kept me chuckling all through the North Island. And Derek, our South Island guide, was a fountain of information on any subject. We saw so many places that we never would have found on our own, both LOTR-related & "just plain NZ"—although there's nothing "plain" about NZ! The people we met along the way were also wonderful...in fact, Daniel Reeve "calligraphied" my wedding invitation. The entire experience was unforgettable & my daughter & I left our hearts in NZ. Now my daughter wants to spend half a year of high school in NZ. I'm thinking that that would be a good time for another Red Carpet Tour! Thank you to Vic, Raewyn, & all involved for a stellar time in our lives. : )

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2006

  • Q: When is a tour not a tour?

    A: When it is run by Vic and Raewyn James.

    This is the highest compliment I could pay Red Carpet Tours. It was like an adventure with a group of lifelong mates and is highly recommended whether you are LOTR fans or not. Both 'belleferret' and 'biinfc' have captured the experience with their postings. For those on the April 2011 adventure...Thanks for the memories!!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2011

    Nazgul3's avatar

    Nazgul3

    Customer

  • I recently took the 12-day Lord of the Rings tour, something I had been planning for almost 2 years.

    A friend of mine told me the anticipation of such a trip is the best part--he was wrong.

    The experience exceeded my expectations in every way. The tour was carefully planned but casual, relaxed and flexible; the scenery was beyond breathtakingly beautiful; the company was fun and friendly; our hosts, Raewyn and Vic James were warm, knowledgeable and enthusiastic; the adventures and activities were thrilling both for the soul and the body.

    Before the tour was half over, I knew I wanted to do it again. I can't wait! :-D

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2011

    belleferret's avatar

    belleferret

    Customer

  • I just returned from the Red Carpet Tours 12 day 'Lord of the Rings' tour, and it was the best vacation I've had in my life.

    I heartily recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the movies, or even to those who want to see some of the most glorious scenery in the world. You don't have to be a LOTR fan to enjoy this tour! Vic and Raewyn James are welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and it's clear the high level of care, thought, and detailed planning that goes into running each tour. They take care of everything so that you can simply enjoy the experience to the fullest. It feels more like traveling with good friends or family than a tour group.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2011

    biinfc's avatar

    biinfc

    Customer

  • I enjoyed a tour with Red Carpet Tours in November 2004.

    This tour was a life changing event for me and Vic and Reawyn where amazing. I meet Friends I will have all my life and experienced New Zealand in a comfortable and relaxed group. Everything was top notch from the accommodations to the restaurants to the sites we visited. I do not think I would have had the experiences I had if not for Red Carpet Tours incites into the Lord of the Rings community in New Zealand.

    The only bad part about these tours is that sadly they have to end. I hope to return to a Red Carpet tour in 2012. They take you there and you can not wait to go back again!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2004

    goofy284's avatar

    goofy284

    Customer

  • Our Lord of the Rings tour with Red Carpet is one of the high points of our lives.

    My wife and I traveled with my mother, celebrating her 79th birthday on the trip, plus our 17 year old daughter and all of us had a marvelous time. Vic and Raewyn go out of their way to tailor the experience for the specific interests of the individuals on each tour and that made the tour even more special. We highly recommend Red Carpet and hope to return and see more of New Zealand with them in the years to come.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2009

    cogit8tor's avatar

    cogit8tor

    Customer

  • I went on the Red Carpet LOTR Tour four months ago and cannot wait to go back to New Zealand for another tour with Red Carpet.

    Vic and Julie James are knowledgeable about Tolkien writings and films and created the experience of a lifetime for me. We stayed at great hotels, enjoyed wonderful food, and of course visiting the sites of the films was fantastic. All I can think about is "How soon can I go back?!!!"

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2010

    Rivendell_lh's avatar

    Rivendell_lh

    Customer