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 – Glenbrook Vintage Railway

In a plume of smoke, be magically transported back in time on a journey aboard this beautiful vintage steam 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 head towards the Mamaku Ranges for a special Insider Experience. In Rotorua, visit Te Puia Cultural Centre and tour the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute before another Insider Experience this evening, where you will savour traditional culture and food. 

Insider Experience – Travel Aboard a RailCruiser

Embark on an extraordinary RailCruising journey aboard a self-driven, four-seater, hybrid rail car. Enjoy a rail experience like no other, as you take in unobstructed 360-degree views of the scenery that unfolds before you. Travel through the picturesque Mamaku Ranges near Rotorua, listening to an audio tour as you move along at 20km/h. 

Insider Experience – Cultural Immersion 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. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further or simply relax. 

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway through the heart of the North Island travelling through green countryside, beautiful native bush, and some of the largest alpine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ll view the Wairakei Thermal Valley, then visit the spectacular Huka Falls and tranquil Lake Taupō, the water-filled crater of an ancient volcano. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. 

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. 

Later, return to Wellington and set off on a sightseeing tour of the city’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa. This interactive museum showcases the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city. 

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 – 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 afford unobstructed views of incredible 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 Glaciers.  

Insider Experience – TranzAlpine Train

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 starts with an Insider Experience. Then, enjoy lunch at one of the famous Ferg Foods restaurants located in the city centre (Fergburger, Ferg’s Bar, Mrs Ferg and Fergbaker). The rest of the day 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. 

Insider Experience – Skyline Queenstown  Ride the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, 480 metres above the city. Marvel at the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and the town sprawling out beneath you. 

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 – TSS Earnslaw Cruise  Join the historic steamer TSS Earnslaw on a cruise to Walter Peak Station for dinner, where you will gain an insight into farming life in New Zealand’s high country. 

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

Insider Experience – Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise

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.

Enjoy spectacular scenery today as you drive from Te Anau to the Scottish-inspired southern city of Dunedin. 

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. Then, continue to Oamaru and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Later, arrive at your resort. 

Journey into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you will enjoy an Insider Experience. Later, head back to Christchurch for a special Farewell Dinner. 

Insider Experience – Majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook

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. Stop to admire breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, which is New Zealand’s highest peak. 

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