Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Grand Tour of New Zealand

Escorted 21-day New Zealand rail and coach circuit on three named trains

Grand Tour of New Zealand, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Great Rail Journeys runs this 21-day escorted tour from London Heathrow to Arthur's Pass and back, covering New Zealand's North and South Islands with a UK Tour Manager present throughout. The pace mixes long travel days, two of them spent flying out via Singapore, with blocks of two or three nights in cities like Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, so there is time to unpack and explore rather than repack every morning. Days combine guided sightseeing, such as the Waitangi Treaty House tour and Rotorua's Te Puia Thermal Park, with the tour's signature rail journeys: the Northern Explorer from Hamilton to Wellington, the Coastal Pacific into Christchurch and the TranzAlpine crossing the Southern Alps. A handful of free days, including a full day in Christchurch and another in Queenstown, let travellers set their own pace. The trip suits travellers who want a fully organized itinerary covering both islands' national parks, fjords and cities without planning logistics themselves.

What to know before you look closer

  • Two of the 21 days are spent in transit by air between London and Auckland, and most of the sightseeing between the three signature train rides happens by coach rather than rail.
  • Several days are unguided free time, including a full free day in Christchurch on day 12 and another in Queenstown on day 17, when travellers explore independently.
  • Solo travellers pay a notable premium: the twin share price from 6,299 pounds rises to 8,149 pounds for a single traveler.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: In flight / Singapore

    London Heathrow to Singapore

    Your New Zealand adventure begins at London Heathrow, where we meet the Tour Manager and our travelling group before boarding our flight to Auckland, travelling via Singapore or Hong Kong.

  2. Day 2overnight: In flight

    Singapore to Auckland

    Our long journey by air is broken with a stopover in Singapore, where we join a connecting flight to Auckland, New Zealand's most populous city in the North Island.

  3. Day 3overnight: Auckland

    Arrival in the harbour city of Auckland

    Arriving in Auckland around midday, we transfer to our centrally located hotel. Free time for the rest of the day until dinner. You might like to unwind at the hotel or take a gentle stroll to the nearby Viaduct Harbour.

    Meals: Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Paihia

    Paihia & Waitangi Treaty House

    Drive north through scenic farmland to Paihia. Stop en route in Whangarei for lunch. Visit the Waitangi Treaty House on a guided tour, including the Treaty House, world's largest war canoe, Meeting House and famous Flagpole. Continue to Paihia for two nights.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Paihia

    Cruising into the Bay of Islands

    Cruise on a luxury catamaran around the spectacular Bay of Islands to rugged Cape Brett, passing the Cape Brett lighthouse, Motukokako Island and the famous Hole in the Rock. Option to disembark at Russell (return ferry not included). Rest of day at leisure.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Auckland

    Kawiti Glowworm Caves & Auckland

    Visit the magical Kawiti Glowworm Caves in the Waiomio Valley. After lunch, arrive in Auckland for a guided sightseeing tour including Bastion Point, Parnell Village and Viaduct Harbour with free time.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Rotorua

    Glenbrook Vintage Railway and the natural wonders of Rotorua

    Nostalgic journey on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway aboard a beautifully restored steam train. Continue by coach through the Bombay Hills and Waikato Valley to Rotorua. Introductory orientation tour of the city.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Rotorua

    Experiencing Rotorua and a Māori cultural evening

    Morning at leisure, then sightseeing tour of Rotorua including Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, Blue and Green Lakes, and Lake Tarawera. Afternoon visit to Te Puia Thermal Park for geothermal tour, Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, hāngī buffet dinner, and performance of song, chant and dance.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9railovernight: Wellington

    Discovering the scenic route of the Northern Explorer

    Board the renowned Northern Explorer train from Hamilton to Wellington. Pass through 'King Country', Te Kuiti, the Waiteti viaduct, the Raurimu Spiral, Tongariro National Park, and arrive at the Wellington coastline. Transfer to hotel in the heart of the city.

    Meals: Breakfast

  10. Day 10overnight: Wellington

    Getting to know Wellington, New Zealand's capital

    Half-day sightseeing tour including the historic Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens, Oriental Bay, the 'Beehive', Old St Paul's Church, Hannah's Laneway, and Te Papa National Museum. Afternoon free to explore.

    Meals: Breakfast

  11. Day 11railovernight: Christchurch

    The Coastal Pacific to Christchurch, South Island

    Board the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait to Picton. Free time over lunch in Picton. Board the Coastal Pacific Train to Christchurch, enjoying views of the Marlborough region and North Canterbury Plains.

    Meals: Breakfast

  12. Day 12overnight: Christchurch

    A free day to explore the green city of Christchurch

    Day at leisure in Christchurch with a complimentary day pass on the city's historic tram. Options include the Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Art Gallery, Centre for Contemporary Art, Christchurch Gondola, or a wine tour of the Waipara Region.

    Meals: Breakfast

  13. Day 13overnight: Twizel

    To Twizel, in the Mount Cook National Park

    Coach journey to Twizel through Fairlie, over Burke's Pass, with a stop in Tekapo (Church of the Good Shepherd). Pass Lake Pukaki and enjoy free time in Mount Cook village before arriving in Twizel.

    Meals: Breakfast

  14. Day 14overnight: Te Anau

    Te Anau, and New Zealand's sensational Fiordland

    Drive to Te Anau via the Lindis Pass, Clutha River, Lake Dunstan and Kawarau River Gorge. Visit the Fiordland Cinema for a 32-minute 'Fiordland on Film' screening. Evening free to explore Te Anau's restaurants.

    Meals: Breakfast

  15. Day 15overnight: Queenstown

    Fiordland National Park and cruise on Milford Sound

    Full-day coach excursion into Fiordland National Park. Stop at Mirror Lakes and through the Hollyford Valley. Cruise on Milford Sound with boxed lunch on board. Return via Eglinton Valley and Homer Tunnel to Queenstown.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  16. Day 16overnight: Queenstown

    Discovering Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu on the steamship TSS Earnslaw

    Free morning then guided sightseeing tour of Queenstown. Visit historic Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley Wine Cave. Board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu. Barbecue dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm with farming demonstrations. Night-time sailing back to Queenstown.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  17. Day 17overnight: Queenstown

    A free day to discover Queenstown

    Full free day to explore Queenstown at your own pace. Options include the gondola to Bob's Peak, Queenstown Gardens, coastal walks, or the Onsen Hot Pools spa (booking ahead recommended).

    Meals: Breakfast

  18. Day 18overnight: Franz Josef

    The iconic Franz Josef Glacier

    Scenic drive through Kawarau Valley Gorge to Cromwell, stop at Jones Family Fruit Stall. Continue around Lake Dunstan through Glacier Country, past Wanaka, over Haast Mountain Pass through the Southern Alps, and north through rainforest to Franz Josef.

    Meals: Breakfast

  19. Day 19railovernight: Christchurch

    The stunning TranzAlpine railway

    Travel north by coach through forests and farmlands. Stop in Hokitika for free time and optional jade shop visit. Continue to Arthur's Pass. Board the TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps to Christchurch in panoramic viewing carriages with open-air viewing platform. Farewell group dinner in Christchurch.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  20. Day 20overnight: In flight

    Leaving Christchurch

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Heathrow.

    Meals: Breakfast

  21. Day 21

    Homeward bound

    Arrive back at London Heathrow. The Grand Tour of New Zealand concludes and you are free to make your way home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 9The Northern Explorer train travels from Hamilton to Wellington, passing the Raurimu Spiral and Tongariro National Park.
  • Day 15A full-day excursion into Fiordland National Park ends with a cruise on Milford Sound, including a boxed lunch on board.
  • Day 16The tour boards the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu, followed by a barbecue dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
  • Day 19The TranzAlpine train crosses the Southern Alps from Arthur's Pass to Christchurch in panoramic viewing carriages with an open-air viewing platform.
  • Day 8Te Puia Thermal Park hosts a hāngī (traditional Māori earth-oven) buffet dinner with Māori song, chant and dance.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 17 nights' 3 & 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Scenic Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flights from London Heathrow to Auckland and Christchurch to London Heathrow via Singapore
  • Breakfast each day
  • 1 lunch
  • 4 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Return ferry ticket to Russell (optional)
  • Optional spa treatments at Onsen Hot Pools
  • Optional wine tour of Waipara Region
  • Optional Christchurch Gondola ride
  • Meals not specified in itinerary

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Scenic Class rail travel and all rail, cruise, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour in the price.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It's an escorted tour, with a UK Tour Manager accompanying the group from London Heathrow through to the return flight.
Which trains are included?
The tour includes the Northern Explorer (Hamilton to Wellington), the Coastal Pacific (Picton to Christchurch), the TranzAlpine (Arthur's Pass to Christchurch), and a heritage steam ride on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway.
What hotels are used?
The tour uses 3 and 4-star hotels for 17 of the 20 nights, in Auckland, Paihia, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Twizel, Te Anau, Queenstown and Franz Josef.
How much walking is involved?
Guided sightseeing tours in several cities and excursions like the Wellington Cable Car involve city walking and some stairs, but the itinerary describes no hiking.
When does it depart?
Departures are set for October, November, January, February and March, with 7 departures listed across 2026 and 2027.

Similar journeys, different answers