Travel Type
Rail itineraries
Duration
15 Days/14 Nights
Country
New Zealand
Experience New Zealand’s most celebrated landscapes by rail, road and sea on this unforgettable journey. Travel the country’s great scenic railways, from the Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific to the iconic Taieri Gorge Railway, complemented by a relaxed self-drive across the South Island. With premium accommodation, seamless transfers, an Interislander ferry crossing and a breathtaking Milford Sound cruise, this itinerary blends classic rail travel with immersive sightseeing for a truly grand New Zealand adventure.
Inclusions
– 14-night in superior accommodation 4*
– 8-days car rental from Christchurch to Greymouth, Ford Puma Hybrid 2WD automatic or similar with 0$ excess insurance
– Northern Explorer Scenic Train from Auckland to Wellington
– Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton
– Coastal Pacific Scenic Train from Picton to Christchurch
– Taieri Gorge Return Scenic Rail trip with Dunedin Railways
– Southern Discoveries Milford Sound Cruise
– TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch
– Mixture of Shared Coach amd Private Transfers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch
Exclusions
International and domestic flights – Electronic Travel Authority for New Zealand : An NZeTA request costs NZD $17 on our free mobile app, or NZD $23 if completed online https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/ – Car: one-way fee of NZ$ 150 to be paid direct – Optional excursions – Meals – Beverages – Items of a personal nature – Gratuities – Travel insurance – All other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND
Arrive into Auckland and enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring New Zealand’s largest city, set between sparkling harbours and volcanic landscapes.
Accommodation : Auckland for 2 nights
2
DAY 2 AUCKLAND
Enjoy a full day to discover Auckland at your own pace. From waterfront dining and boutique shopping to island escapes or cultural attractions, the “City of Sails” offers a relaxed introduction to your journey.
3
DAY 3 AUCKLAND - NORTHERN EXPLORER RAIL JOURNEY - WELLINGTON
Transfer to Auckland Railway Station and board the iconic Northern Explorer, one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys. Travel south through rolling farmland, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and along river gorges before arriving in the capital city of Wellington. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Accommodation : Wellington for 2 nights
4
DAY 4 WELLINGTON
Spend the day exploring Wellington, a compact and vibrant city known for its creative culture, museums, waterfront promenade, and café scene. Ride the cable car, visit Te Papa, or simply soak up the city’s coastal charm.
5
DAY 5 WELLINGTON - INTERISLANDER FERRY - COASTAL PACIFIC RAIL JOURNEY - CHRISTCHURCH
This morning, transfer to the ferry terminal and sail across Cook Strait aboard the Interislander Ferry, enjoying spectacular views of Wellington Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds. On arrival in Picton, connect with the Coastal Pacific train and travel south along a stunning coastline, with ocean views and vineyard-dotted landscapes, before arriving in Christchurch. Transfer to your hotel and relax.
Accommodation : Christchurch for 2 nights
6
DAY 6 CHRISTCHURCH
Enjoy a day at leisure in Christchurch, a city reinventing itself with innovative architecture, riverside precincts, gardens, and vibrant dining. Explore the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, or nearby attractions at your own pace.
7
DAY 7 CHRISTCHURCH - TAIERI GORGE RAIL JOURNEY - DUNEDIN
Collect your rental car and begin a scenic drive south. Today features the spectacular Taieri Gorge Rail Journey, travelling through dramatic canyons, historic tunnels, and sweeping viaducts carved deep into the Otago landscape. Settle in for the evening in Dunedin.
Accommodation : Dunedin for 2 nights
8
DAY 8 DUNEDIN
Enjoy a day on the road, travelling through ever-changing scenery including rolling countryside, lakes, and mountain backdrops. Take your time to enjoy the journey and the freedom of exploring at your own pace.
9
DAY 9 DUNEDIN - TE ANAU
Arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the relaxed lakeside atmosphere and prepare for one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural experiences.
Accommodation : Te Anau for 1 night
10
DAY 10 TE ANAU - MILFORD SOUND NATURE CRUISE - QUEENSTOWN
Travel into the heart of Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Glide beneath towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and rainforest-covered peaks as you explore one of the world’s most dramatic fiords. Return in the evening with unforgettable memories before continuing onward to Queenstown for the night.
Accommodation : Queenstown for 2 nights
11
DAY 11 QUEENSTOWN
Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Queenstown offers a vibrant and scenic setting. The day is free to enjoy the town’s lively atmosphere, take a lakeside walk, or choose from a range of optional adventure experiences.
12
DAY 12 QUEENSTOWN - FRANZ JOSEF
Depart Queenstown and travel north along the rugged West Coast, where alpine scenery gives way to rainforest, glaciers, and wild coastline. Arrive in Franz Josef and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Accommodation : Franz Josef for 2 nights
13
DAY 13 FRANZ JOSEF
Spend the day exploring the West Coast. Options include glacier viewpoints, short walks, hot pools, or simply enjoying the dramatic natural setting of this remote region.
14
DAY 14 FRANZ JOSEF - TRANZALPINE RAIL JOURNEY - CHRISTCHURCH
Travel to Greymouth and board the legendary TranzAlpine, widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Cross the Southern Alps via towering viaducts, river valleys, and alpine passes before descending onto the Canterbury Plains and arriving in Christchurch. Transfer to your hotel for a final night.
Accommodation : Christchurch for 1 night
15
DAY 15 CHRISTCHURCH - DEPARTURE
Your journey of New Zealand comes to an end today. Check out of your accommodation and transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward journey.
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Auckland
Voco Auckland City Centre 4*
Wellington
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor 4*
Christchurch
Crowne Plaza Christchurch 4*
Dunedin
Distinction Dunedin Hotel 4*
Te Anau
Distinction Luxmore Hotel 4*
Queenstown
Voco Queenstown 4*
Franz Josef
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier 4*
| Rates in CA$, per person, starting from | Land Package |
| Fixed departures 2026-2027 | Double Occupancy |
| September 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 2026 | 4649 |
| September 26, 2026 October 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 2026 | 5299 |
| October 22, 2026 November 7, 12, 14, 21, 28, 2026 December 3, 5, 2026 | 5599 |
| January 14,16, 21, 2027 February 13, 18, 20, 27, 2027 March 6,13, 2027 | 5699 |
| Supplements | |
| Single room supplement, or single passenger | On request |
Product Code: ANZ
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. ***
Grand Rail Explorer – Detailed itinerary
Grand Rail Explorer – Detailed itinerary
