Travel Type
Rail itineraries
Duration
14 Days/13 Nights
Country
New Zealand
Embark on a breathtaking 14-day journey through New Zealand, showcasing its most iconic sights and diverse landscapes. From Auckland’s volcanic wonders and Rotorua’s rich Maori culture to the captivating rail journeys of the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine, this itinerary offers unparalleled scenic beauty. Marvel at Kaikoura’s marine life, explore the historic charm of Queenstown and Arrowtown, and cruise the majestic Milford Sound. With stops at cultural landmarks, world-class wineries, and the towering peaks of Mount Cook, this adventure is the perfect blend of natural splendor and unforgettable experiences.
Inclusions
– 13-night accommodation 4* and 5* hotels
– 4 meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
– Private airport transfers in Auckland and Christchurch
– Shared and private transfers between stations, hotels, and key locations (Wellington, Kaikoura, Greymouth, Franz Josef)
– Northern Explorer train journey from Hamilton to Wellington
– One Way Interislander ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton
– Coastal Pacific train journeys: Picton to Kaikoura and Kaikoura to Christchurch
– TranzAlpine scenic train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth
– Shared coach travel from Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo and from Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook
– Visits as per itinerary:
– Half-day Auckland highlights tour and half-day Queenstown highlights tour
– Te Pā Tū cultural evening experience in Rotorua
– Whale watching tour in Kaikoura
– Milford Sound full-day guided coach and cruise tour with lunch
– Skyline Queenstown gondola ride and buffet dinner
Exclusions
International and domestic flights – Electronic Travel Authority for New Zealand : An NZeTA request costs NZD $17 on our free mobile app, or NZD $23 if completed online https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/ – Optional excursions – Meals others than those mentioned – Beverages – Items of a personal nature – Gratuities – Travel insurance – All other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND
Begin your journey with a private transfer from Auckland Airport to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the afternoon unwinding or exploring at your leisure.
Accommodation : Auckland for 2 nights
2
DAY 2 AUCKLAND
Embark on the Auckland Highlights Luxury Tour with TIME Unlimited Tours and uncover the city’s diverse wonders, from its unique volcanic landscapes, including the iconic Rangitoto, the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland Volcanic Field, to its historic highlights such as the Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, and the impressive Auckland Museum, as well as a stroll through the charming, heritage-rich suburb of Parnell. Continue your journey with breathtaking views along Tamaki Drive, visiting landmarks like Mission Bay and Bastion Point, before crossing the Harbour Bridge to Devonport, a picturesque village filled with cafés and boutique shops. The experience also takes you to Auckland’s West Coast and the Waitakere Ranges, where you can immerse yourself in Māori culture, wander through ancient forests, and admire the dramatic black-sand beaches.
3
DAY 3 AUCKLAND - ROTORUA
Travel from Auckland to Rotorua with a scenic stop at the enchanting Waitomo Caves. Check into your Rotorua accommodation and enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
Accommodation : Rotorua for 2 nights
4
DAY 4 ROTORUA
Spend the morning at your own pace, perhaps soaking in a geothermal spa or exploring local attractions. In the evening, immerse yourself in Maori traditions at the Te Pā Tū Cultural Experience. Learn about the rich history of Pā as sanctuaries and community hubs while enjoying a night of storytelling, feasting, and celebration.
Meals : Dinner
5
DAY 5 ROTORUA - WELLINGTON
Take a shuttle transfer to Hamilton Station and board the iconic Northern Explorer train to Wellington. Upon arrival, a shuttle will take you to your accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to explore or relax.
Accommodation : Wellington for 1 night
6
DAY 6 WELLINGTON - PICTON - KAIKOURA
Begin your journey with a ferry ride from Wellington to Picton, where you’ll board the scenic Coastal Pacific train to Kaikoura. A shuttle will transfer you to your accommodation. The afternoon is at your leisure to soak in the coastal beauty.
Accommodation : Kaikoura for 1 night
7
DAY 7 KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH
Start your day with a breathtaking Whale Watching Tour, where you might spot majestic sperm whales, dolphins, and seals. In the afternoon, board the Coastal Pacific train and travel to Christchurch. A shuttle will take you to your accommodation, where you can unwind.
Accommodation : Christchurch for 1 night
8
DAY 8 CHRISTCHURCH - FRANZ JOSEF
Journey aboard the TranzAlpine train, a world-famous rail experience through the Southern Alps to Greymouth. From there, transfer to Franz Josef. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in this alpine paradise.
Meals : Dinner
Accommodation : Franz Josef for 1 night
9
DAY 9 FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN
Travel from Franz Josef to Queenstown via private transfer. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore New Zealand’s adventure capital.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Queenstown for 4 nights
10
DAY 10 QUEENSTOWN
Join Appellation Wine Tours for a memorable morning of sightseeing, beginning with panoramic views from Queenstown Hill. Continue into the renowned Gibbston wine region, where you can witness the thrill of bungy jumping at the iconic Kawarau Bridge, followed by a wine tasting at Gibbston Valley Winery and a visit to its cheesery and gift shop. The journey then leads to Arrowtown, where you’ll discover the charm of its gold rush, era streets and historic Chinese Settlement, before concluding with dramatic views over the Shotover River at Arthurs Point.
11
DAY 11 MILFORD SOUND
Take a fully guided small-group tour to Milford Sound, enjoying multiple scenic stops en route. Board a boutique cruise and marvel at cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and local wildlife. Enjoy a packed lunch and complimentary refreshments as you take in the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder. Return to Queenstown in the evening.
Meals : Lunch
12
DAY 12 QUEENSTOWN
Spend the day at your own pace, with a range of optional activities available at an additional cost. Choose from thrilling jet boating on Lake Wakatipu, ride the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking panoramic views, explore the nearby vineyards of Gibbston Valley, or take a scenic flight over Fiordland to fully appreciate the region’s spectacular landscapes from above.
13
DAY 13 QUEENSTOWN - CHRISTCHURCH
Travel to Christchurch via Mount Cook, where you can stop to admire the breathtaking alpine landscapes. Spend your afternoon at leisure in Christchurch.
Accommodation : Christchurch for 1 night
14
DAY 14 CHRISTCHURCH - DEPARTURE
Conclude your adventure with a transfer to Christchurch Airport for your departure.
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Auckland
Voco Auckland City Centre 4*
Rotorua
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua 4*
Wellington
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor 4*
Kaikoura
Sudima Hotel Kaikoura 5*
Christchurch
Distinction Christchurch Hotel 4*
Franz Josef
Te Waonui Forest Retreat 5*
Queenstown
Scenic Suites Queenstown 4*
| Rates in CA$, per person, starting from | Land Package |
| Daily departures 2026-2027 | Double Occupancy |
| October 1 – December 14, 2026 | 8039 |
| January 11 – March 17, 2027 | 8289 |
| Supplements | |
| Single room supplement, or single passenger | On request |
Product Code: ANZ
Blackout dates:
Northern Explorer:
October 23 – 27, 2026
December 25, 2026 – January 11, 2027
February 5 – 8, 2027
March 26 – 29, 2027
Coastal Pacific:
December 25, 2026
TranzAlpine:
October 24 – 26, 2026, March 26 – 29, 2027
Train Schedule for 2026-2027:
Northern Explorer:
Northbound: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Southbound: Monday, Thursday and Saturday
Coastal Pacific:
October 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027, all days
TranzAlpine:
October 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027, all days
Seasonal surcharges may apply.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
Scenic Rail Trail – Detailed itinerary
Scenic Rail Trail – Detailed itinerary
