How much does it cost?

From NZ$3,499 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $2,037 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

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.

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.

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.

Great Journeys New Zealand · Escorted tour

Classic | Northern Highlights Tour

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

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.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has held at NZ$3,499 every time.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 2 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

How much does it cost?: From NZ$3,499 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $2,037 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
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.
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.