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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Scenic New Zealand

New Zealand rail, coach, and ferry journey from Auckland to Queenstown

Illustration of Scenic New Zealand

Railbookers operates this 14-day independent rail vacation across New Zealand, running from Auckland to Queenstown by way of Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, and Franz Josef. Two nights in Auckland and Rotorua open the trip with a Waitomo Caves tour on day 3 and a Maori cultural evening with a hangi dinner on day 4, before the Northern Explorer train and an Interislander ferry crossing carry the trip to the South Island. Day 7 brings a whale watching cruise off Kaikoura, followed by the Coastal Pacific train through the Waipara wine district to Christchurch. The TranzAlpine train crosses to the West Coast on day 8, reaching the Franz Josef Glacier, before coach transport continues over the Southern Alps to Queenstown for a four-night stay that includes the Milford Sound day trip on day 11. The trip closes with a coach journey past Mount Cook back to Christchurch on day 13. It suits travelers who want a mix of scenic train rides, guided excursions, and unscheduled leisure days, such as day 12's free day in Queenstown.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 5's overnight city is inconsistent in the evidence: the itinerary lists Wellington, but a booking note lists Rotorua; confirm which city you'll actually stay in with Railbookers.
  • The evidence doesn't name a specific hotel for Kaikoura, Queenstown, or Christchurch, only the city and number of nights.
  • Some of the most talked-about Queenstown options, bungy jumping, 4WD touring, and a steam cruise on Lake Wakatipu, are activities to arrange on your own, not confirmed as included in the price.
  • No departure dates are listed in this evidence pack, and the listed lead price appears to be a data error rather than a real fare; confirm current pricing and availability directly with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Auckland

    Auckland

    Welcome to New Zealand! Make your way from the airport to your hotel via a private transfer, then head out to explore the city.

  2. Day 2overnight: Auckland

    Auckland

    Enjoy a half day city tour this morning, taking in the sights and learning the history of this historic sea-faring city. Taste an authentic Flat White coffee and stroll along the beach in Devonport, then enjoy some stunning views from Mt Victoria. In the afternoon continue to explore the city independently, and a trip up the Sky Tower in the evening is certainly a highlight.

  3. Day 3overnight: Rotorua

    Auckland/Waitomo Caves/Rotorua

    Leave Auckland this morning on a half-day tour by sightseeing coach to Rotorua including a guided tour through the world-famous Waitomo Glow-worm Caves with their amazing stalactites and stalagmites. Enjoy a silent boat ride through the Glow-worm Grotto - a subterranean cavern lit up by the lights of thousands of tiny glow-worms. Lunch is provided, and on arrival into Rotorua check-in at your hotel for a 2-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Rotorua

    Rotorua

    This morning enjoy a coach tour of the Rotorua area, which includes Te Puia Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, the Agrodome, and Rainbow Springs. Later, experience the warmth of the Maori people during an evening of ceremonial rituals, powerful cultural performance, storytelling and hangi dinner.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Wellington (booking note lists Rotorua)

    Rotorua/Hamilton/Wellington

    This morning you will be driven by private car to Hamilton from where you will depart aboard the Northern Explorer Train to Wellington. Travel through the rolling countryside of the North Island, past volcanic mountains and the lush farmlands of the Manawatu Region.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Kaikoura

    Wellington to Kaikoura

    Enjoy breakfast before heading to the ferry terminal, then cross the Cook Strait and majestic Queen Charlotte Sound onboard the Interislander ferry service to Picton. Here head to the station for the scenic Coastal Pacific Train to Kaikoura where you will be shuttled to your hotel.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Christchurch

    Whale Watching in Kaikoura - Christchurch

    Today head out on the Pacific Ocean to enjoy a Whale Watch experience by a modern purpose-built catamaran and enjoy an exciting close-up encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale. Spend around three hours on the water before heading back to land to collect your bags and boarding the Coastal Pacific Train again, heading through the rich Waipara wine district to Christchurch.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Franz Josef

    Christchurch to Franz Josef

    Transfer by shared shuttle from the hotel to the railway station, then depart Christchurch on the spectacular Tranz Alpine train to Greymouth. From here you'll ride the comfortable coach service down the Tasman Sea coastline to Franz Josef.

  9. Day 9overnight: Queenstown

    Franz Josef/Queenstown

    Depart Franz Josef this morning again by coach, heading south to Queenstown. The journey passes through dense forest then crosses the Southern Alps via the Haast Pass and through the Kawarau Gorge.

  10. Day 10overnight: Queenstown

    Queenstown

    Discover more about Queenstown on a guided tour this morning, with panoramic views from Queenstown Hill and some wine tasting at Gibbston Valley. After lunch enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

  11. Day 11overnight: Queenstown

    Milford Sound Day Trip

    This morning you will be collected from the hotel for a full day tour by coach travelling around the eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu and across the picturesque Southland countryside to Te Anau and into the dramatic landscape of the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Cruise the fiord past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea.

  12. Day 12overnight: Queenstown

    Queenstown

    Enjoy a day of leisure in the adventure capital of New Zealand, and perhaps try one of the many activities available. Whether it's bungy jumping, 4WD exploration of Middle Earth, or a vintage steam cruise on Lake Wakatipu there is something for everyone here!

  13. Day 13overnight: Christchurch

    Queenstown/Mount Cook/Christchurch

    Setting off from Queenstown, travel by luxury air-conditioned coach through the ruggedly beautiful landscape and over the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country. Stop off at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. In the afternoon, travel past Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, then continue through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

  14. Day 14

    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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A guided tour through the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves, including a silent boat ride through the Glow-worm Grotto.
  • Day 4A Maori cultural evening of ceremonial rituals, performance, storytelling, and a hangi dinner in Rotorua.
  • Day 7A whale watching cruise off Kaikoura for close encounters with Giant Sperm Whales.
  • Day 8The TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, followed by a coastal drive to the Franz Josef Glacier.
  • Day 11The Milford Sound day trip, cruising the fiord past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea.

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 Rotorua
  • 1 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Wellington
  • 1 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast Kaikoura
  • 1 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Christchurch
  • 1 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Franz Josef
  • 4 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Queenstown
  • Seats aboard the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton
  • Sightseeing tour of Rotorua and a traditional Maori evening excursion
  • Sightseeing tour of Waitomo Caves
  • Whale Watching cruise from Kaikoura
  • Half-day city tour of Queenstown
  • Milford Sound day trip
  • Mount Cook excursion
  • Private airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included on this trip?
Yes, three scenic trains are included: the Northern Explorer from Hamilton to Wellington, the Coastal Pacific from Picton to Kaikoura and on to Christchurch, and the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth. Coach and ferry transport connect the other legs.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It combines guided excursions, such as the Waitomo Caves tour, the Maori cultural evening, whale watching, and the Milford Sound day trip, with independent time, such as day 2's afternoon in Auckland and day 12's day of leisure in Queenstown.
Which hotels are used?
Named hotels include The Grand by SkyCity in Auckland, the Pullman Rotorua, the CityLife Hotel Wellington, and the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef; the evidence doesn't name specific hotels for Kaikoura, Queenstown, or Christchurch.
How many nights are spent in each place?
Two nights each in Auckland and Rotorua, one night each in Wellington, Kaikoura, and Franz Josef, four nights in Queenstown, and one night each in Christchurch on two separate stops.
What's included in the price?
Rail, coach, and ferry travel as per the itinerary, hotel breakfasts throughout, the Waitomo Caves tour, a Rotorua sightseeing tour with a Maori evening, a Kaikoura whale watching cruise, a Queenstown city tour, the Milford Sound day trip, a Mount Cook excursion, and private airport transfers.

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