Railbookers · Independent rail package

Classics of New Zealand

10-day independent New Zealand rail trip from Auckland to Queenstown

Railbookers sells Classics of New Zealand as an independent rail package covering 10 days and 9 nights across the country, from Auckland to Queenstown. The route runs the length of the North Island to the capital, Wellington, then crosses the Cook Strait and navigates Charlotte Sound, with Pacific views along the Coastal Pacific Train on the way to Christchurch. From there, the Tranz-Alpine Train, described by the operator as legendary, crosses the Southern Alps toward a night near Franz Josef Glacier before the trip continues on to Queenstown. Because this is an independent package rather than an escorted tour, travellers make their own way between these stops on the named trains and connections Railbookers arranges.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers does not publish a day-by-day itinerary for this package here; confirm the exact schedule, hotels and which trains cover each leg with them before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this trip?
Yes. The route includes the Coastal Pacific Train after crossing the Cook Strait, and the Tranz-Alpine Train, described as legendary, which crosses the Southern Alps toward Franz Josef Glacier.
Is this an escorted tour or independent travel?
It is sold as an independent rail package by Railbookers, so travellers make their own way between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef and Queenstown.
How long is the trip?
10 days and 9 nights, starting in Auckland and finishing in Queenstown.
What is the starting price?
From 5,649 US dollars.
Which stops does the route cover?
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef and Queenstown, per the operator's destination list.

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