Great Journeys New Zealand (KiwiRail) · Escorted tour

Classic | Northern Highlights Tour

Guided 6-day North Island rail tour, Auckland to Wellington

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

Great Journeys New Zealand, which operates New Zealand's KiwiRail network, runs this 6-day escorted tour across the North Island from Auckland to Wellington. A tour director travels with the group throughout, handling logistics such as private coach transfers between stops. The journey centers on two days aboard the Northern Explorer, which crosses the Waikato's green pastures and the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, with audio commentary explaining the historic Raurimu Spiral along the way. After the first rail leg, the tour pauses for two nights near Tongariro National Park, leaving a free day open for optional activities like e-biking the Old Coach Road or soaking in a hot tub. The trip ends with two nights in Wellington, including a guided introduction to Te Papa Museum. It suits travellers who want a fully guided rail trip through New Zealand's cities and volcanic countryside without arranging their own transport.

What to know before you look closer

  • Days 3 and 5 are unguided free days for optional activities such as e-biking, a hot tub soak, or visiting Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary; only the Te Papa Museum introduction tour is listed as included.
  • Private coaches and shuttles are included between tour stops, but airport arrival transfers are excluded.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Auckland (1 night)

    Explore Auckland

    Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand's City of Sails. Check into your hotel, explore Sky Tower, Queen Street and Vulcan Lane. 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 3overnight: Tongariro National Park / Ohakune (2 nights)

    Discover Tongariro National Park

    Free day for optional excursions: hot tub soak, a meander along the lazy river, or e-biking the historic Old Coach Road cycle trail.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Wellington (2 nights)

    The Northern Explorer scenic train

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

  5. Day 5overnight: Wellington (2 nights)

    Explore Wellington

    Free day: Te Papa Museum introduction tour, Cuba Street's cafes and shops, Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary. Farewell dinner in the evening.

  6. Day 6

    Departing Wellington

    Tour ends after breakfast at the hotel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Northern Explorer crosses the Waikato's green pastures and the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, with audio commentary on the historic Raurimu Spiral.
  • Day 3A free day at Tongariro National Park for a hot tub soak, a meander along the lazy river, or e-biking the historic Old Coach Road cycle trail.
  • Day 4The Northern Explorer serves afternoon tea on board while passing volcanic landscapes before arriving at Wellington Railway Station.
  • Day 5A free day in Wellington includes an introduction tour of Te Papa Museum and a visit to Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary.

Included

  • Experienced tour director
  • Te Papa Museum introduction tour
  • The Northern Explorer scenic train
  • Free time and optional excursions
  • 5 breakfasts
  • 3 dinners
  • 2 train meals on the Northern Explorer
  • 3-4 star hotel accommodation, 5 nights, twin share
  • Private coaches and shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
  • Porterage at selected locations

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The tour includes travel aboard the Northern Explorer scenic train between Auckland, Tongariro National Park, and Wellington, including 2 train meals.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is a fully guided escorted tour with an experienced tour director throughout.
Which train is used?
The Northern Explorer, which runs from Auckland to Wellington via Tongariro National Park.
What hotels are included?
3-4 star hotels for 5 nights, twin share: 1 night in Auckland, 2 nights near Tongariro National Park (Ohakune), and 2 nights in Wellington.
When does this tour run?
Departures run from September 2026 through April 2027, with 16 scheduled departures, priced from NZD 3,499 (about USD 1,998).
What is not included?
Airport arrival transfers are not included, and meals beyond the 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and 2 train meals are not listed as included.

Similar journeys, different answers