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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Essential New Zealand

Independent New Zealand rail trip linking Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

Illustration of Essential New Zealand

Railbookers operates this 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation across New Zealand, starting in Auckland and finishing in Christchurch after a stop in Wellington. Two nights each in Auckland and Wellington and three in Christchurch are bookended by three of New Zealand's named scenic trains: the Northern Explorer crosses rolling countryside and the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park to Wellington, the Interislander ferry then crosses Cook Strait to Picton for the Coastal Pacific Train down to Christchurch, and a TranzAlpine day trip climbs through river gorges and Arthurs Pass into the Southern Alps. Guided time is limited to a half-day Auckland city tour and a one-hour Te Papa museum tour in Wellington; the rest is left to explore independently. It suits travellers who want New Zealand's headline train journeys without a full escorted itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary marks both the Northern Explorer Train (day 3) and the Coastal Pacific Train (day 5) with an asterisk and a footnote that is cut off in our source material; confirm current operating days for these trains with Railbookers before booking.
  • The evidence doesn't name specific hotels for this trip, only that breakfast is included each night, so ask the operator which properties are used.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Auckland

    Auckland

    You will be met on your arrival in this amazing country and driven to your hotel to check-in. Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to this vibrant city and its beautiful harbor. The ‘City of Sails' as it's affectionally known as is full of world class restaurants to enjoy dinner. (Overnight Auckland)

  2. Day 2overnight: Auckland

    Auckland

    Continue exploring Auckland today, starting with an extensive morning tour. Cross the Harbor Bridge and sample an authentic Flat White and a stroll on the beach in Devonport, then pay a visit to the Fish market for some delicious nibbles, and the pretty Viaduct Harbor. Here you could wander around the Auckland museum to discover its rich history, then enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (Overnight Auckland)

  3. Day 3railovernight: Wellington

    Auckland to Wellington

    It's an early start this morning as you are collected from your hotel and transferred to the station for a journey aboard the Northern Explorer Train* to Wellington. The train plows through some amazing and diverse scenery, from rolling countryside to the volcanic mountains of the Tongariro National Park and across the Central Plateau before arriving in the capital city. (Overnight Wellington) B **Please note that the Northern Explorer only operates on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

  4. Day 4overnight: Wellington

    Wellington

    Following breakfast head over to Te Papa - New Zealand's amazing National Museum where you have a one-hour guided tour included. Then explore at your leisure. The cable car to Kelburn is certainly a highlight as would be a tour of the impressive Parliament Buildings. (Overnight Wellington)

  5. Day 5railovernight: Christchurch

    Wellington to Christchurch

    Today you are escorted to the ferry terminal and then cross the legendary Cook Strait onboard the Interislander ferry. Once across this busy and unpredictable stretch of water you will enjoy some jaw-dropping scenery as the ship navigates the Fjord like Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton. From here take the scenic Coastal Pacific Train* down the Pacific coastline to Christchurch where you will be escorted to your hotel. (Overnight Christchurch) B **The Coastal Pacific is a seasonal train, running from Spring (October) through to Autumn (April). Between April-October, the rail service will be replaced by coach

  6. Day 6overnight: Christchurch

    Christchurch

    Enjoy a day exploring ‘the most English city outside England' today. Be sure to pay the Botanic Gardens a visit and ride the historic tram around the city. Also, don't miss the Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch Art Gallery. (Overnight Christchurch)

  7. Day 7railovernight: Christchurch

    TranzAlpine Day Trip

    You are collected this morning and transferred to the station for the early departure of the TranzAlpine train and one of the world's most scenic rail journeys. Travelling west crossing the Canterbury Plains, the train slowly ascends through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River and on to Arthurs Pass. From here it heads into the Southern Alps where the views are breathtaking at times, before hitting the coast. Grab some lunch in this atmospheric old mining town before getting back on the train to make your way back to Christchurch. (Overnight Christchurch)

  8. Day 8

    End Of Tour

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking your car to the airport for your flight home, or to continue your travels elsewhere. B View The Full Map

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A half-day city tour of Auckland crosses the Harbor Bridge and stops in Devonport and the Viaduct Harbour.
  • Day 3The Northern Explorer Train crosses rolling countryside and the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park en route to Wellington.
  • Day 4A one-hour guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, is included in Wellington.
  • Day 5The Interislander ferry crosses Cook Strait and the fjord-like Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton, then the Coastal Pacific Train follows the Pacific coastline to Christchurch.
  • Day 7The TranzAlpine train climbs through the gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, over Arthurs Pass and into the Southern Alps.

Included

  • All rail and coach journeys as per the itinerary
  • All hotel and station transfers as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Auckland
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Wellington
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Christchurch
  • Seats aboard the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton Half day city tour of Auckland One Hour guided tour of Te Papa in Wellington
  • Private airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, all rail and coach journeys are included per the itinerary, including the Northern Explorer Train, the Coastal Pacific Train and the TranzAlpine.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It's independent travel with private transfers; only the Auckland city tour and the Te Papa museum tour are guided.
Which trains are used?
The Northern Explorer Train from Auckland to Wellington, the Coastal Pacific Train from Picton to Christchurch, and the TranzAlpine on a day trip from Christchurch across the Southern Alps.
Is the North Island to South Island crossing by train?
No, it's by the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton, then the Coastal Pacific Train continues to Christchurch.
What is included?
Rail and coach journeys, hotel and station transfers, hotel stays with breakfast in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, a half-day Auckland city tour, a one-hour guided Te Papa tour, and private airport transfers.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $2,889 per person, about $361 per day.

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