Railbookers · Independent rail package

Kiwi Explorer

Independent 11-day rail journey across New Zealand's North and South Islands

Railbookers sells the Kiwi Explorer as an 11-day, 10-night independent rail package across both of New Zealand's main islands, starting in Auckland and continuing on to Queenstown. Travelers make their own way rather than following a tour manager. After stops in Rotorua and the capital, Wellington, the route crosses Cook Strait aboard the Interislander ferry, then picks up the rail again on the Coastal Pacific train along the coastline to Christchurch, followed by the Tranz-Alpine train, described as one of the world's most scenic train journeys, toward Greymouth. Later stops include Franz Josef and Queenstown before the trip ends back in Christchurch. It suits independent travelers drawn to named scenic train routes rather than a fully escorted tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers' description is cut off before detailing the full route past the Tranz-Alpine train, and does not give a day-by-day itinerary or hotel information for this 11-day trip; confirm the exact schedule and accommodations before booking.
  • The Cook Strait crossing between the North and South Islands is by Interislander ferry, not train.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, this package includes the Coastal Pacific train to Christchurch and the Tranz-Alpine train, plus the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait, which is a ferry rather than a train.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's an independent rail package; travelers make their own way rather than following a tour manager.
Which trains are used?
The Coastal Pacific train along the coastline to Christchurch and the Tranz-Alpine train, described as one of the world's most scenic train journeys.
How much does this trip cost?
Railbookers prices this trip from $5,749 per person for the 11-day, 10-night package.

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