New Zealand Rail Adventure

Arrive in the ‘City of Sails’, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner as you get to know your fellow travellers.

Today begins with an Insider Experience. Afterwards, return to Auckland by coach. 

Insider Experience – Journey aboard a steam train on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway

In a plume of smoke, be magically transported back in time on a journey aboard this beautiful vintage train as postcard-perfect vistas sweep past your window. Travel through the spectacular Franklin countryside before stopping at the Pukeoware Depot to explore the workshop, view other historic locomotives and enjoy a morning tea. 

After breakfast, board your coach and travel south to Hamilton Gardens, where you'll have the opportunity to explore a selection of 18 enchanting themed gardens that bring stories and cultures from around the world to life. Continue through the lush landscapes of the Waikato region en route to Rotorua. This evening, enjoy an Insider Experience, where you will savour traditional culture and food.

Insider Experience – Māori culture and geothermal wonders at Te Puia in Rotorua

Immerse yourself in a unique evening of Māori culture, and cuisine at Te Puia. Embark on a guided tour through the historical geothermal valley, where you'll explore a stunning landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools. Feel the awe-inspiring power of Pōhutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience an intimate encounter with one of New Zealand’s national treasures at their new Kiwi Conservation Centre. That evening, enjoy a Haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome), dance performances and the sharing of a traditional meal of fish, lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in earth ovens known as Hāngī.

Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Māori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to one of New Zealand’s best-loved attractions, the Agrodome. Alternatively, you might like to partake in our Enhance Your Journey experience. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further or simply relax. 

Enhance Your Journey – Hobbiton movie set and farm tour

Enjoy a scenic drive to The Shire’s Rest Cafe, where a guide will escort you through the site, visiting buildings created for The Lord of the Rings movies (additional expense).

Depart Rotorua and embark your Insider Experience. Disembark in National Park Village where you will rejoin your coach and continue to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

Insider Experience – Board the Northern Explorer train for a scenic journey to the central Volcanic Plateau

Board the Northern Explorer in Otorohanga and embark on a scenic journey southward, across the central Volcanic Plateau. Experience the engineering marvel of the Raurimu Spiral, renowned for its intricate and breathtaking design. Its carriages feature an advanced air-bag system which allows for a smooth and quiet ride. Enjoy uninterrupted views through panoramic, non-reflective windows on the sides and roof.

After breakfast today, head to Featherston to visit the fascinating Fell Locomotive Museum. It is home to the world’s only remaining Fell steam locomotive, which dates back to 1877. The locomotive’s innovative design allowed it to haul carriages up the steep Rimutaka Incline, using four grip wheels held onto a raised centre rail. 

After heading back to Wellington, set off on a sightseeing tour of the Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights. Later, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

This morning, enjoy one of the most scenic cruises in the world as you travel aboard the Interislander ferry. Departing from Wellington Harbour, navigate the journey across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton on the South Island. Here, you will embark on an Insider Experience. Afterwards, return to your coach to travel to Christchurch. 

Insider Experience – Traverse the glorious Kaikōura coastline aboard the Coastal Pacific train

Skirt the glorious Kaikōura coastline on a journey aboard the Coastal Pacific train. Large panoramic windows and an open-air viewing platform offering unobstructed views of breathtaking landscapes, where the mountains meet the sea. 

Enjoy an Insider Experience after breakfast this morning, travelling aboard the renowned TranzAlpine train. Upon arrival at Greymouth, you will disembark and travel by coach to the incredible natural surrounds of the Franz Josef/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere and Fox Glacier.  

Insider Experience – Ride the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth

Journey across the South Island from coast to coast on this world-famous rail journey. Follow the Waimakariri River and travel across the Southern Alps through striking scenery to the wild West Coast. 

Enjoy a day of truly beautiful scenery as you travel to the alpine resort of Queenstown. Known as the country’s adventure capital, Queenstown is also renowned for its world-class culinary scene. This evening, you may like to sample some of the region’s fresh flavours at one of the many restaurants that are within walking distance of your hotel (own expense). 

Today is free for you to spend at leisure. You’ll find plenty to see and do in and around Queenstown, from thrilling adventures through to simply relaxing and enjoying the incredible views. Perhaps choose one of our exciting Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer (additional expense). Then, tonight enjoy your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining Savour a gourmet lakeside dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm, reached by a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu. Gain an insight into life on a high-country New Zealand farm. 

Enhance Your Journey – Shotover Jet Boat Ride  Those feeling adventurous can head out on a thrilling jet boat ride, roaring through narrow river canyons just centimetres from sheer rock walls. 

Enhance Your Journey – Million Dollar Cruise  Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life as well as enormous trout, which swim in the lake’s waters. 

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Sampler Tour Venture through New Zealand's southernmost wine region as you sample a selection of wine from the local vineyards and wineries.

Follow The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Here a memorable Insider Experience awaits.

Insider Experience – Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and enjoy spectacular views

Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter.

Journey through the rugged countryside of Southland before arriving in Dunedin for a city tour. This picturesque city is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, where you can spot sea lions, fur seals, rare penguins and the world’s only mainland-breeding albatross colony. After being settled by Scots in 1848, the city has retained its Gaelic roots with its stunning Gaelic-inspired architecture, performances of the haggis ceremony and the finest-tasting whisky in the country.

Journey north to view the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki. A geological marvel, these large spherical stones were formed around 65 million years ago and can be found along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Journey inland to Aoraki/Mount Cook, where you'll spend the night in the heart of the National Park. Enhance Your Journey with an amazing experience on offer and later, enjoy dinner at The Hermitage's Alpine Restaurant.

Insider Experience – Stay in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Traverse the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and take in the spectacular surrounds as you pass towering mountains and glacier-fed rivers. Stay the night surrounded by sweeping views of New Zealand’s highest peak

Enhance Your Journey – Glacier Explorer Cruise Step aboard a MAC boat for an up-close encounter with stunning icebergs on the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier (additional expense).

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapō on the way to Christchurch. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight at your hotel.

Your tour concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.