Great Journeys New Zealand (KiwiRail) · Escorted tour

Classic | New Zealand Highlights Tour

Classic | New Zealand Highlights Tour, a rail journey with Great Journeys New Zealand (KiwiRail)

Enjoy the full New Zealand experience on our 15-day tour, from Auckland to Queenstown, including our three scenic train journeys and Interislander ferry.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Auckland (1 night)

    Welcome to Auckland

    Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand's City of Sails. Check into your hotel, explore the Sky Tower and Queen Street. Tour begins this evening with a welcome reception.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Tongariro National Park / Ohakune (2 nights)

    The Northern Explorer scenic train

    Travel aboard the Northern Explorer through the Waikato's green pastures and the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, with audio commentary on the historic Raurimu Spiral, arriving in Ohakune.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Tongariro National Park / Ohakune (2 nights)

    Discover Tongariro National Park

    Free day for optional excursions: a historical rail cart journey, horse trekking, or e-biking the Old Coach Road cycle trail.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Wellington (2 nights)

    The Northern Explorer scenic train

    Mini excursion to view volcanic landscapes, then continue north on the Northern Explorer with afternoon tea served aboard, arriving into Wellington Railway Station.

  5. Day 5overnight: Wellington (2 nights)

    Explore Wellington

    Free day in Wellington: Te Papa Museum introduction tour, Cuba Street, Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary. Group dinner in the evening.

  6. Day 6overnight: Marlborough (1 night)

    Crossing Cook Strait

    Interislander ferry crossing Cook Strait via Queen Charlotte Sound, arriving into Marlborough / Picton.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Kaikōura (1 night)

    The Coastal Pacific scenic train

    Free morning in Picton or the Omaka Aviation Museum in Blenheim, then the Coastal Pacific train through the Marlborough wine region to Kaikōura.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Christchurch (2 nights)

    Explore Kaikōura

    Optional whale watching or dolphin swimming in Kaikōura, then the Coastal Pacific train continues to Christchurch, dinner served on board.

  9. Day 9overnight: Christchurch (2 nights)

    Explore Christchurch

    Free day: hop-on hop-off tram, Arts Centre, Quake City Museum, Botanical Gardens, optional Akaroa. Group dinner in the evening.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Greymouth / West Coast (1 night)

    The TranzAlpine scenic train

    Punakaiki Pancake Rocks excursion, then board the TranzAlpine at Greymouth Railway Station, crossing the Southern Alps via the Otira Tunnel and Arthur's Pass to the West Coast.

  11. Day 11overnight: Franz Josef (1 night)

    Explore the West Coast

    West Coast Tree Top Walkway and cafe, then continue to Franz Josef, with free time to view the glacier.

  12. Day 12overnight: Queenstown (3 nights)

    Exploring the South

    Scenic drive through Haast Pass with stops along the way, visiting the historic gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown before arriving in Queenstown.

  13. Day 13overnight: Queenstown (3 nights)

    Explore Queenstown

    Free day; optional excursion to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, or a TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

  14. Day 14overnight: Queenstown (3 nights)

    The close to an adventure of a lifetime

    Personalise the day: Walter Peak horse trekking, gondola views, or wine in Gibbston Valley. Farewell dinner in the evening.

  15. Day 15

    Departing Queenstown

    Tour ends after a final breakfast with fellow travellers.

Included

  • Experienced tour director
  • Te Papa Museum introduction tour (selected departures)
  • World-famous scenic train journeys (Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, TranzAlpine)
  • Cook Strait ferry crossing
  • 14 breakfasts
  • 5 dinners
  • 4 meals on the train
  • 3-4 star hotel accommodation, 14 nights, twin share
  • Private coaches and shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
  • Porterage

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