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Great Journeys New Zealand (KiwiRail) · Escorted tour (premium / small group)

Signature | Spectacular South Tour

Eleven-day New Zealand rail journey from Wellington to Queenstown with two scenic trains

Illustration of Signature | Spectacular South Tour

Great Journeys New Zealand (KiwiRail) operates the Signature Spectacular South Tour, an 11-day fully guided journey spanning Wellington to Queenstown across both islands of New Zealand. The itinerary balances famous rail experiences with immersive cultural and natural attractions. Day 2 opens with a Cook Strait ferry crossing in Premium Lounge, followed by a Marlborough wine tour and lunch at Allan Scott Wines Bistro. Days 4 and 5 feature the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train gliding along the northeastern coastline via Kaikōura, with time for the Dolphin Encounter wildlife experience. Day 7 showcases the TranzAlpine train crossing the Southern Alps through the historic Ōtira Tunnel, plus a guided walk in Hokitika Gorge. Between rail legs, you stay in 4-5 star hotels, meet a Pāua pearl farmer, visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre, and spend a full day exploring Milford Sound on a boutique cruise. An experienced tour director accompanies the group throughout, handling logistics and sharing local knowledge. This tour suits repeat rail travellers seeking premium comfort, couples wanting guided travel with cultural depth, and food-and-wine enthusiasts drawn to Marlborough tastings and winery dinners included on the itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Group size capped at 20 people; confirm final numbers before booking.
  • The Haast Pass scenic drive on Day 9 is by private coach and river boat, not train.
  • Final day is largely unstructured; free time in Queenstown after farewell breakfast.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Wellington (1 night)

    Explore Wellington

    Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Check in, explore Te Papa Museum and Cuba Street. Welcome dinner with a welcome drink this evening.

  2. Day 2overnight: Blenheim, Marlborough (1 night)

    Crossing Cook Strait & wine country indulgence

    Interislander ferry crossing in the Premium Lounge, then a Marlborough wine tour with a three-course lunch at Allan Scott Wines Bistro.

  3. Day 3overnight: Marlborough Sounds (1 night)

    Aviation, art & arrival in the Sounds

    Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, then a scenic water taxi into the Marlborough Sounds resort with free leisure time.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Kaikōura (1 night)

    The Coastal Pacific scenic train

    Pāua Pearl Farm tour with a tasting, then board the Coastal Pacific Scenic Train to Kaikōura.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Christchurch (2 nights)

    Coastlines & cuisine

    Dolphin Encounter experience in Kaikōura, then the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train continues to Christchurch, dinner included.

  6. Day 6overnight: Christchurch (2 nights)

    Explore Christchurch

    Hop-On Hop-Off Tram, a custom walking tour with a Great Journeys New Zealand guide, and dinner at Earl restaurant.

  7. Day 7overnight: Greymouth / West Coast (1 night)

    Discover pounamu, Hokitika and take the TranzAlpine

    TranzAlpine Scenic Plus crossing the Southern Alps via the historic Ōtira Tunnel, then a custom greenstone experience and guided walk around Hokitika Gorge.

  8. Day 8overnight: Franz Josef (1 night)

    Explore the West Coast

    VIP guided walkthrough at the West Coast Wildlife Centre for the endangered rowi kiwi. Free time in Franz Josef.

  9. Day 9overnight: Queenstown (2 nights)

    Explore the Southern Lakes

    Haast Pass scenic drive by river boat and private coach, arriving in Queenstown. Winery dinner in the evening.

  10. Day 10overnight: Queenstown (2 nights)

    Explore Milford Sound

    Full-day excursion to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi aboard the Cruise Milford Coach service, with a boutique cruise into the fjord. Farewell cocktails with your guide.

  11. Day 11

    Farewell Queenstown

    Final day of the journey; relaxed farewell breakfast, then free time in Queenstown at your own pace.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Cross Cook Strait in the Premium Lounge on the Interislander ferry, then tour Marlborough vineyards with lunch at Allan Scott Wines Bistro.
  • Day 4Board the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train and journey along New Zealand's northeastern coastline toward Kaikōura.
  • Day 5Dolphin Encounter experience in Kaikōura, then the Coastal Pacific continues south to Christchurch with dinner included.
  • Day 7TranzAlpine Scenic Plus crosses the Southern Alps via the historic Ōtira Tunnel, followed by a guided walk around Hokitika Gorge.
  • Day 10Full-day excursion to Milford Sound with a boutique cruise into the fjord; farewell cocktails with your tour director that evening.

Included

  • Travel Southbound or Northbound, with departures from Wellington or Queenstown
  • Two world-famous scenic train journeys in Scenic Plus premium comfort
  • Cook Strait ferry crossing in Premium Lounge
  • Experienced tour director
  • Marlborough wine tour custom experience
  • Pāua pearl farm tour with pāua tasting
  • Guided pounamu experience including Hokitika Gorge Walk
  • Haast Pass Kiwi-style road trip
  • VIP West Coast Wildlife Centre guided walkthrough of Kiwi
  • Milford Sound day tour and cruise
  • 10 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 5 dinners
  • 1 meal on the train
  • 4-5 star hotel accommodation, 10 nights, twin share
  • Private coaches and shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
  • Porterage at selected locations

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The Coastal Pacific from Marlborough to Christchurch via Kaikōura and the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth are both included in Scenic Plus premium comfort.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. An experienced tour director guides the entire 11-day journey with you.
What is the accommodation standard?
Four-to-five star hotels, 10 nights, twin share. Specific hotel names are provided for Marlborough Sounds (Portage Resort) and Franz Josef (Te Waonui Forest Retreat); other locations are subject to availability.
When does the tour run?
October 2026 through April 2027, with 14 confirmed departures. It runs southbound from Wellington or northbound from Queenstown.
What meals are included?
Ten breakfasts, six dinners, one three-course lunch in Marlborough, and one meal on the train. Additional meals are at your own cost.
Are transport to and from the airport included?
No. Private coaches and shuttles are included for travel between hotels and attractions, but airport arrival transfers are not.

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