Air New Zealand has just opened up a sweepstakes that could make Lord of the Rings fans’ dreams come true. The grand prize includes round-trip Premium Economy flights for two, departing from one of the U.S. gateways. Also included are tickets to the Behind-the-Scenes tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
The prize package is valued at approximately $8,000, give or take, depending on departure location and airfare fluctuations. The catch? Entrants must sign up between September 22 and October 6, 2025 – that’s the window to throw your hat in the ring.
To qualify, participants must be legal residents of the contiguous United States (excluding certain states), be 21 years or older, and not be employees of the sponsor or its affiliates.
Only one entry per person or household is allowed. If you’re selected, you will need to travel by June 30, 2026, and coordinate your commitments and travel plans accordingly. The winner also must claim the prize by making reservations by May 30, 2026 – so early winners will want to plan ahead.
What the Prize Includes & How It Works
The trip for two includes Premium Economy airfare on Air New Zealand to Auckland. From there, the winner gets to take the signature Behind-the-Scenes tour at Hobbiton.
Hobbiton is the iconic movie set at Matamata used in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, a place full of scenic greenery, round Hobbit holes, and film-storybook charm. The sweepstakes covers flights and the Hobbiton experience but excludes things like visas, transportation to/from airports, meals beyond what’s included in Hobbiton, and other incidentals.
It’s important to note that flight times, lodging, and the Hobbiton tour availability are subject to blackout dates, holiday schedules, and the general availability of seats and tour slots.
The prize tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable once issued. Also, Air New Zealand’s U.S. gateways will determine departure airports, and the total value of the prize may shift slightly depending on where you fly from. Hidden costs like transportation to the airport or extra nights in hotels are the winner’s responsibility.
Why This Sweepstakes Matters & Travel Inspirations
Air New Zealand’s sweepstakes is more than just a contest: it’s a powerful invitation to explore Middle-Earth and New Zealand. Someone who might literally only think of New Zealand when reading or watching cinema may now be inspired to visit. The sweepstakes taps into popular culture, nostalgia, and a love for film, all while highlighting the beauty of New Zealand as a travel destination.
For avid travellers, this offers a chance to experience more than postcard scenery: Hobbiton is immersive, lush, and deeply tied to storytelling. Auckland adds city culture, coastal views, and rich Maori heritage.
The package invites winners to see both countryside magic and urban energy. It’s also smart marketing for Air New Zealand – using sweepstakes to raise awareness, showcase destinations, and reinforce the airline’s brand as an explorer’s gateway to New Zealand.
Another angle: this promotion could spark interest among travellers to plan trips beyond sweepstakes. As people hear about Hobbiton, Middle-Earth, and New Zealand more broadly, some will begin researching flights, hotels, and their own itineraries – helping stimulate tourism.
Lodging, local tours, food, transport – secondary tourism businesses benefit from this kind of buzz. New Zealand has long positioned itself as a story-rich destination, and this sweepstakes leans into that strength.
In short, Air New Zealand’s Hobbiton sweepstakes is a well-crafted invitation. For those who enter and win, it promises adventure, scenery, and cinematic magic. For watchers, it may serve as the spark to plan their own journey. If you love nature, culture, film, or just great travel stories, this one is worth entering – and worth watching.
