New Zealand by Rail – 15 Days

On arrival, you will be met and privately transferred to your accommodation. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Relax and discover the city on your own, or ask us about optional tours.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Drive to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, a ‘must-see’ destination where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed. See sights like Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. Tuck into a delicious lunch before continuing to Rotorua.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Rotorua’s geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests make for a fascinating landscape. Rotorua is also immersed in Maori myths and legends. Today the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderdland and Te Po Indigenous evening experience is included.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Transfer to Hamilton to connect with the Northern Explorer train to Wellington past fertile farmlands, the volcanic peaks and sparkling coast. Journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains, where snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests can be seen side by side.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Set between a sparking harbour and rolling green hills, Wellington is best explored on foot. Great shopping, arts culture, cafes and restaurants are all near the city’s untouched nature spots. Explore the city, experience a charming Wellington cable car return ride to enjoy stunning views and visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum.

Overnight.

Breakfast. New Zealand’s North and South Islands are separated by three hours of sensational scenery and ocean fresh air. Transfer to Wellington Ferry Terminal to board your ship and cross the Cook Strait, past beautiful beaches and coves of the Marlborough Sounds to the historic port town of Picton. Transfer to the train station to experience one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand railways.

Meander along the Pacific Coast on the Coastal Pacific Train journey, breathtakingly close to the sea. See the stunning Kaikōura Coastline, famous for its marine life and whale watching. Travel through vineyards and idyllic countryside, along rugged coastlines, across beaches, between mountains and sea.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Seaside Kaikoura is set midway and overlooked by majestic mountains. The marine geography here is a perfect environment for Sperm Whales and other marine life. Choose the whale watch tour at an additional cost.

This afternoon transfer to Kaikoura Railway Station and depart for Christchurch, set between the Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant city with inner city parks and gardens interwoven by the meandering Avon River.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Enjoy a sightseeing tour around the historical and scenic sights of Christchurch before arriving at the International Antarctic centre. Experience a slice of this astounding continent with its blue penguins, husky dogs, Antarctic storm, 4D movie and exciting Hagglund vehicle ride. Suggestion: Ask us to book your dinner on the Christchurch Tram.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Transfer to the Christchurch Railway Station for the spectacular Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Journey, crossing from coast to coast in South Island. Go past fertile farmlands, enjoy chiselled alpine landscape, travel at the edges of the Waimakariri River and through beech forests. Arrive in Greymouth, where you will be met and transferred to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes for a short self-guided walk to view the fascinating pancake-shaped rock formations before transfer to your hotel.

Overnight.

After breakfast, transfer to Shantytown Heritage Park to experience life in New Zealand during the gold rush. Return to Greymouth for your transfer to Glacier Country which has a temperate climate at a low altitude, making Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers most convenient to visit.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Transfer through wilderness towns, river scenery to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of the World. We suggest a Gondola Ride up the mountains in the evening and dinner on top of the mountains at your own cost or Original Onsen Exclusive Indoor Pool to beat the stress.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Today’s stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea. Cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore. Return to Queenstown.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Enjoy a free day to relax or for optional activities.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Depart through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell, following beautiful Lake Dunstan and through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district to Mt Cook Village where you have some free time. Make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd on the banks of Lake Tekapo and continue to Christchurch.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Transfer to Christchurch Airport.

End of Tour.