Clubmates Travel
A Week Inside the Shire
Posted on August 29, 2025 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 7 minutes
Our 2026 brochure features something truly special: a journey into the heart of New Zealand where fantasy meets reality. Among the highlights is a visit to Hobbiton, the world-famous movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. But this isn’t just sightseeing—it’s stepping into a story you’ve always loved. Read on, and begin to imagine what it might feel like when the path opens before you, and you find yourself standing in the Shire.
You take your first step onto the path, and it feels like the earth itself is welcoming you. The hills roll in soft green waves, the round doors peek out from the hillside, and for a moment, you wonder if you’ve truly left your own world behind.
You’re in Hobbiton now.
The lanterns by the Hobbit Holes glow warmly. Tiny fences guard gardens filled with flowers. A puff of smoke curls from a chimney, as if a hobbit has only just stepped inside for tea. You follow the trail and soon arrive at the Green Dragon Inn, where laughter hums in the air and the scent of a hearty feast drifts from the kitchen. You raise a mug and share a hobbit-themed meal, realising that here, fantasy isn’t something you watch—it’s something you live.
Beyond the Hills
Your journey doesn’t stop at the edge of the Shire. At Hamilton Gardens, you wander through realms that shift with every turn: a Tudor garden steeped in history, a Japanese garden filled with calm, a surreal concept garden that bends imagination. Each step feels like walking into another chapter of a tale, and with our escorted holidays, every moment is supported and stress-free.
At the Hamilton Zoo, the chatter of chimpanzees fills the air, their playful energy impossible not to smile at. A tiger stretches and yawns under the sun, reminding you that the wild carries its own kind of magic, perfect for travellers enjoying disabled group holidays that combine comfort with adventure.
And then there is the silence. Deep in the Waitomo Caves, you drift in a boat across dark waters, the ceiling above glowing with thousands of tiny blue lights. It feels as if the stars themselves have descended to keep you company.
Threads of Story and History
In between these moments of wonder, you discover New Zealand’s culture at the Te Whare Taonga or Waikato Museum. Here, stories of history and art remind you that magic is not only found in fantasy—it lives in heritage, in people, in place.
And as you stand before rushing waterfalls or gaze at art in the Mercer Art Museum, you feel it again—that blending of the fantastical and the real.
A Journey Made Possible
This disability tour to NZ is carefully designed to make travel achievable for people of all abilities. From arranging accessible flights to NZ to ensuring smooth transfers and mobility support for passengers in wheelchairs, every detail is planned so you can simply immerse yourself in the experience. With the right support, every path opens, every door is yours to knock upon.
You carry home not just memories, but proof that accessible travel to NZ is possible, magical, and belongs to you.
Take the Step Towards the Shire
Ready to step into the Shire yourself? Use the link below to visit our booking page and secure your spot on this accessible tour to New Zealand.
China is one of those countries that keeps surprising people—especially when you see the landscapes that don’t even look real. Towering rainbow mountains, glass walkways over steep cliffs, mist-covered peaks that inspired movies like Avatar—China’s natural wonders feel like stepping into another world.
And guess what? With the right support and planning, these mind-blowing places can be explored by people of all abilities. At ClubMates Travel, we believe that accessible travel should be more than just getting from A to B—it should be about awe, wonder, and saying “I can’t believe I’m actually here.”
Here are a few incredible spots in China that look out of this world—and why they might just end up on your travel wishlist.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – The Real-Life Pandora
Ever seen floating mountains? Well, you’re about to. Zhangjiajie is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the inspiration behind the flying mountains in Avatar. Giant stone pillars rise up through misty clouds—it’s so surreal it feels like CGI.
There are cable cars and glass elevators that take you up into the peaks, and accessible walkways in many areas, making this a great option for travel for people with disabilities when paired with the right support crew.
The Rainbow Mountains – Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Imagine layers of red, orange, gold, and green rock stretched across rolling hills. These colourful formations look like someone took a paintbrush to the land. They’re even more breathtaking in person.
The Rainbow Mountains are best explored in daylight hours when the colours shine brightest. Some viewing platforms and paths are paved and can be navigated with mobility assistance. Like all our accessible holidays, having specialist travel support makes a huge difference in comfort and safety.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces – A Living Mirror
At sunrise or sunset, the rice terraces of Yuanyang reflect the sky like an enormous mirror. It’s peaceful, dreamlike, and incredibly calming—perfect for travellers who want to slow down, connect with nature, and just take it all in.
This spot is especially powerful for people who are working toward NDIS goals like mindfulness, emotional regulation, or confidence in new environments. With supported travel, it’s more than sightseeing—it becomes a sensory and emotional experience.
The Glass Bridge – Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
If you’re feeling brave, there’s a 430-metre-long glass bridge suspended over the canyon. Yes—it’s see-through. But it’s also safe, sturdy, and absolutely unforgettable. For those not afraid of heights, this is an epic moment that will stick with you for life.
We understand that thrill-seeking looks different for everyone. At ClubMates, our support crew are trained to encourage, not push—so passengers can take part in activities at their own comfort level.
Jiuzhaigou Valley – China’s Fairytale Water World
Think turquoise lakes, sparkling waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Jiuzhaigou is a dreamscape—peaceful, scenic, and full of charm. It’s also one of the more accessible nature parks in China, with eco buses and walkways that help make the journey smoother.
This kind of environment is great for building confidence, promoting social participation, and feeling part of something beautiful.
Why China? Why ClubMates?
Travelling to a country as big and bold as China might feel impossible—but that’s where we come in. As one of Australia’s most experienced NDIS holiday providers, we specialise in international supported travel that opens up the world for people with disabilities. We design every itinerary to work toward common NDIS goals—things like independence, community access, resilience, and joy.
Our team handles everything: accessible hotels, ground transport, daily activities, and of course, personal support workers who are trained specifically for disability travel.
If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing the Great Wall, watching lanterns float across the sky, or standing in a place that feels like another planet—then maybe it’s time to get curious.
ClubMates makes accessible travel across the globe achievable, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Talk to our team about our upcoming tours to China or ask about designing your own supported adventure. We’ll help you figure out how your supports work with your NDIS funding and what out-of-pocket costs you can expect.
Because no one should miss out on the wonders of the world—especially you.
