Premium New Zealand Rail Experience

• 9 nights of 4-star accommodation
• 3 nights of 5-star accommodation

• Train and ferry tickets

• Transfer from Auckland hotel to Auckland train station (Day 3)
• Transfer from Wellington train station to hotel (Day 3)
• Transfer from Wellington hotel to Interislander ferry terminal (Day 5)
• Transfer from Christchurch train station to hotel (Day 6)
• Transfer from Christchurch hotel to train station (Day 9)
• Transfer from Greymouth train station to Franz Josef hotel (Day 9)
• Transfer from Franz Josef hotel to Queenstown hotel (Day 11)

• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary (see checkout for details)
• Please note: Extra charges may apply, see the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details

Haere Mai and welcome to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), the largest city in New Zealand and home to over 2 million people. Make your own way to the hotel in central Auckland for a 15:00 check-in and take the afternoon to explore the city. The magic of Auckland is in its diversity from culture to the environment with over 44 volcanoes in the area and two harbours, there's a reason why Auckland is known locally as the ‘City Of Sails’.

Please note: This package is self-guided.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland or similar

Meals included: None

Today is free at your leisure to explore Auckland. It’s hard to imagine a more geographically blessed city as the two harbours frame a narrow isthmus punctuated by volcanic cones and surrounded by fertile farmland. Whether it’s the ruggedly beautiful west-coast surf beaches or the glistening Hauraki Gulf with its myriad islands, the water is never far away and you'll be surprised how close the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean come to meeting and forming a new island. You're within an hour’s drive from the city's high-rise heart where dense tracts of rainforest, thermal springs, wineries and wildlife reserves also await. No wonder Auckland is regularly rated one of the world's top cities for quality of life and liveability.

While you're here, you can also choose to participate in one of the following optional tours (booked at check-out).

Optional Activity: All Blacks experience - AUD $50AUD per person

From 10:00 you'll learn the story, feel the passion and experience the All Blacks story up close and personal. The All Blacks Experience is a state-of-the-art guided encounter that showcases the All Blacks (and the national teams in black) through innovation and technology. This full-sensory experience allows you to celebrate New Zealand's rugby heritage and culture.

Optional Activity: Hobbiton movie set tour from Auckland with lunch - $315AUD per person

Starting at 07:00, this small group tour takes you from Auckland to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set where you'll experience a fully guided tour of the set as seen in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch in the Party Marquee, next to the Green Dragon Inn, before beginning your journey back to Auckland and arriving at your hotel at approximately 15:30.

Please note: Times for optional tours are subject to change and final tour times will be in your travel information sent 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland or similar

Meals included: None

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Auckland Train Station for a 7:45 departure onboard the famous Northern Explorer train. This is New Zealand's longest-running scenic passenger service, running between Auckland and Wellington while stopping at Palmerston North, Ohakune, Tongariro National Park and Hamilton. The journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains (Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu) is a highlight. Here you'll find a place of extremes and surprises where snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests can be seen side by side.

You'll arrive in Wellington this evening at 18:30 where you will be collected and transferred to your Wellington hotel.

Please note: Refer to your final documentation for departure times.

Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham Wellington or similar

Meals included: None

Today is free at your leisure to explore the capital city. On a sunny and windless day, Wellington is the perfect place to sit on a hook-shaped harbour ringed with ranges that wear a cloak of snow in winter or admire Victorian timber architecture that laces the bushy hillsides above the harbour. As far as cities go, Wellington is rather small but the compact nature of the downtown area gives it a bigger-city buzz where you'll find museums, theatres, galleries and arts organisations. Wellingtonians are rightly proud of their kickin' caffeine and craft beer scene so there's no shortage of beard-wearing, skateboard-lugging, artsy types doing interesting things in old warehouses across town.

While you're here you can choose to participate in one of the following optional tours (can be booked at check-out).

Optional Activity: Martinborough food and wine tour - $270AUD per person

From 09:00 enjoy a scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges, which includes a short stop at the summit before descending into the stunning Wairarapa region. Taste local cheeses and gourmet foods, wander amongst olive trees, learn how to taste olive oil and visit some of the oldest vines in the region before lunch is served amongst the vines. While you're here you can also try beer on tap at a local brewery before sampling chocolate creations on your return to Wellington at 17:30.

Please note: Times for optional tours are subject to change and final tour times will be in your travel information sent 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham Wellington or similar

Meals included: None

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Wellington Interislander Ferry Terminal for your 09:00 departure on the Kaitaki Interislander ferry. Connecting the North Island and South Island since 1962, the Interislander ferry service is New Zealand's original Cook Strait ferry. Sailing between Wellington and Picton several times a day, the Interislander journey is considered one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and is one of New Zealand's most iconic experiences.

You'll arrive in Picton on the South Island at approximately 12.30 where you will disembark and make your own way to the Picton Yacht Club, only a short 5 minute walk from Picton Terminal. Check-in does not begin until 14:00 therefore it's suggested to drop off your luggage at the hotel and enjoy lunch (at your own expense) in the charming township of Picton. 

Overnight: Picton Yacht Club Hotel or similar

Meals included: None

Check out of your hotel by 11:00 and enjoy the morning time at leisure to explore Picton before making your own way to the train station located a short 5-minute walk from the hotel. At 13:40, climb aboard the Coastal Pacific train, one of New Zealand’s most picturesque train journeys that meanders along the Pacific Coast from Picton to Christchurch. The Coastal Pacific train takes you along rugged coastlines, across remote beaches and between mountains and seascapes on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty. Along the way, you can explore the stunning Kaikōura Coastline which is famous for its marine life and whale watching, voyage through the vineyards of Blenheim that are dripping with New Zealand's most premium crop, and canter amidst the idyllic Canterbury countryside to the garden city of Christchurch.

Upon arrival in Christchurch at 19:30, you will be transferred to your accommodation which is home for the next three nights.

Overnight: Fable Christchurch Hotel or similar

Meals included: None

Today is yours free at leisure to explore Christchurch so why not choose to participate in this optional tour which can be booked at check-out?

Optional Activity: Tram and punt on the Avon - $70AUD per person

Starting at 09:00, you'll see the central city by river and rail with the Tram & Punt combo which are two of Christchurch’s most well-known activities. This combo ticket can be redeemed at the Christchurch Attractions ticket office in the city centre and can be used on any available time slot.

Please note: Times for optional tours are subject to change and final tour times will be in your travel information sent 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Fable Christchurch Hotel or similar

Meals included: None

Today is yours free at leisure to explore Christchurch. While you're here you can choose to participate in one of these option tours (can be booked at check-out).

Optional Tour: Akaroa small group tour, cruise and lunch - $470AUD per person

This morning at 8:15, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Akaroa which is nested on the Banks Peninsula. This former French whaling depot is now home to historic buildings and charming craft shops as well as being the departure point for Akaroa’s iconic two-hour nature cruise. You'll sail around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife including the rare and native Hector's Dolphin, penguins and other sea birds. Enjoy lunch at an award-winning harbourside café before returning to your Christchurch hotel at approximately 17:00.

Please note: Times for optional tours are subject to change and final tour times will be in your travel information sent 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Fable Christchurch Hotel or similar

Meals included: None

This morning you will be collected and transferred to Christchurch Train Station for an 08:15 departure onboard the famous TranzAlpine train by Scenic Plus. Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking a train between Christchurch and Greymouth where you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, admire the majestic Canterbury Plains and see miles of native beech forest. The TranzAlpine is one of the world's great train journeys covering 223 kilometres each way on the journey of a lifetime. Hosted in an exclusive carriage, the Scenic Plus dining experience will fill your senses with the authentic flavours of rural New Zealand that are inspired by the lands you see through your window. With a feast of scenery and seasonal dishes served to your seat, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and savour the journey.

Upon arrival at Greymouth Train Station at 13:05, you will be transferred by luxury minivan and down the wild West Coast to Franz Josef which is home to giant glaciers and lush rainforests. You'll arrive into Franz Josef at approximately 17:00 where the rest of the evening is yours at leisure. 

Overnight: Bella Vista Hotel Franz Josef or similar

Meals included: None

Take a leisurely day to explore Franz Josef, for those travellers not participating in any optional touring, some local sightseeing via the luxury minivan will be provided complimentary. You can however, choose to participate in one of these optional tours which can be booked at check-out.

Optional Activity: 30-minute twin glacier helicopter flight - $405AUD per person

Leaving at 09:00, experience an unbelievable helicopter flight as you soar two of New Zealand’s glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. You'll then land in the snow at the head of one of the glaciers and survey the path that the glacier has carved below you. 

Optional Activity: Franz Josef heli hike - $615AUD per person

This is for the traveller looking to experience one of New Zealand’s bucket list items. From 09:00 this thrilling adventure will take you on a helicopter flight up Franz Josef Glacier where you will undertake a two-hour guided glacier hike through an extraordinary land of towering peaks and glistening blue ice. This hike requires moderate fitness levels.

Please note:

• The excursion is 4 hours from start to finish.

• Up to 2.5 hours are spent on the ice.

• This is a moderate hike including a return helicopter flight.

• Due to helicopter restrictions, guests must weigh less than 115kg.

• Pre-existing medication conditions that may impact your ability can include ankle or knee injuries, ACL injuries, severe asthma or heart conditions.

• You are encouraged to bring warm breathable layers, long pants for walking and sun protection.

• Franz Josef Glacier Guides provide crampons, harnesses, helmets, waterproof jackets, boots, socks and trekking poles.

• You must reconfirm your booking 24 hours prior (the phone number to reconfirm will be supplied in your travel pack).

Please note: Times for optional tours are subject to change and final tour times will be in your travel information sent 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Bella Vista Hotel Franz Josef or similar

Meals included: None

This morning you will be collected from your hotel at 09:00 and transferred by luxury minivan to begin your journey south to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Enjoy the stunning scenery from the comfort of your small coach as you witness turquoise lakes, raging rivers, rolling vineyards and rugged cliffs. You'll arrive in Queenstown at approximately 16:00 where the remainder of the afternoon is yours at leisure to explore the vibrant hub of Queenstown. 

Overnight: Garden Court Suites Queenstown or similar

Meals included: None

Today is yours free at leisure to explore Queenstown so why not choose to participate in one of these optional tours which can be booked at check-out?

Optional Activity: Shotover jet with transfers from Queenstown - $160AUD per person

Starting at time 10:00 your adrenaline will hit the roof as the accelerator of the jet boat hits the floor. You’ll speed over water as little as 10cm deep, along the famous Shotover River and deep into the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. It’s an amazing white water ride as the Shotover Canyon walls tower over you, your expert driver puts the state-of-the-art Big Red Jet Boat through its paces. At up to 90kph your driver will skilfully whip the powerful boat past rocky outcrops, skim around crags and boulders, and speed through the dramatic and narrow canyons.

Optional Activity: The ultimate Milford Sound experience - $715AUD per person

This one-of-a-kind Milford Sound day tour was established in 1994 and is one of the top-rated small group experiences in New Zealand. You will be collected at 07:30 in a luxury minivan which is custom-built with a glass roof and business-class seating for premium comfort. Upon arrival in Milford, you'll board a small ship for a two-hour nature cruise where you will witness roaring waterfalls and spectacular scenery before enjoying a seasonal packed lunch. Finish your day with an unforgettable scenic flight back to Queenstown by a fixed-wing aircraft for approximately 40 minutes. The scenic flight is a truly awe-inspiring way to complete your trip to Milford Sound and provides a view of the surroundings that you couldn’t possibly see any other way! You will then return to your Queenstown hotel at approximately 17:00.

Please note: Times for optional tours are subject to change and final tour times will be in your travel information sent 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Garden Court Suites Queenstown or similar

Meals included: None

Upon checkout at 10:00, your arrangements come to an end.

Meals included: None

Departure Dates

2023

November: 7, 14, 28

2024

January: *9, *16, *23, *30

February: *6

April: *2, 16
September: ^17
October: ^15, ^29
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Surcharges

Please note:

• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $300 per person.
• Dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $500 per person.