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

Signature | Spectacular South Tour

Signature | Spectacular South Tour, a rail journey with Great Journeys New Zealand (KiwiRail)

Enjoy the full New Zealand experience on our 11 or 12-day tour, from Wellington to Queenstown, including our two scenic train journeys and the Interislander ferry.

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.

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

Similar journeys, different answers