New Zealand by Rail, Cruise & Coach - 19 Days

On arrival in Auckland, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your tour leader and travelling companions before dinner.

Please note: For arrivals later than 8.00pm, dinner is not included.

Enjoy a city tour of Auckland, known as the City of Sails, before travelling to Matakohe for a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. We then continue via Whangarei to Paihia in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Later, enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori chiefs and the British Crown.

Today is free for you to enjoy the Bay of Islands at your own pace. Optional activities include a coach trip to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach or a scenic flight. This evening is also at leisure and you may wish to join an optional dinner cruise.

This morning, cruise through the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse overlooks Piercy Island, better known as the Hole in the Rock. Keep watch for dolphins and other marine life along the way.

After returning to Paihia, we travel south via Whangarei and continue on to Auckland. This evening is free for you to explore the many dining options near your hotel.

Travel this morning to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15-kilometre journey on a beautifully restored vintage steam train, complete with morning tea.

We then continue through rolling green countryside known for its rich farming land before arriving in Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity and strong Maori heritage.

The day begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua, followed by time for an exciting luge ride. We then visit the Agrodome for a lively and entertaining insight into New Zealand farming life.

This afternoon there is some free time before we head to Te Puia to see bubbling mud pools and impressive geysers. This evening, enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi and Concert.

Travel south along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls, then continue to Lake Taupo where there is time to enjoy this scenic lakeside setting. From here, we travel via Tongariro National Park and continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital.

This morning we visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, and see Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition, a powerful exhibition that brings wartime stories to life through the experiences of New Zealanders. We then rejoin the coach for a city tour.

This afternoon, ride the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn, where you may explore the Cable Car Museum or stroll through the Botanic Gardens. This evening is free to enjoy Wellington’s lively food scene.

This morning we board the Interislander Ferry and cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. From there, join the Coastal Pacific, a remarkable rail journey running between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. We meet the coach in Kaikoura and continue south to Christchurch.

Today we visit the International Antarctic Centre, which offers a fascinating insight into life on Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch. Later, enjoy a journey on the Christchurch Tram at your leisure. This evening is free for you to discover the local dining scene.

This morning we board the TranzAlpine, widely regarded as one of the world’s great train journeys. Travel across river valleys, deep gorges and towering viaducts as we climb into Arthur’s Pass.

Rejoining the coach, we continue to Hokitika, known for its greenstone, before arriving in Franz Josef. Time is available for an optional scenic flight over the glaciers, weather permitting.

Enjoy views of the Southern Alps as we travel south through the Haast Pass before arriving in Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free for you to dine at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants.

Today is free for you to explore Queenstown. Your crew will be available to assist with the range of optional activities on offer.

This evening, board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. At the Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner featuring fresh seasonal produce.

After dinner, there is time for a short farm tour before we reboard the TSS Earnslaw for the return cruise to Queenstown, complete with a sing-along around the piano.

This morning we travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum before continuing via Te Anau to Milford Sound. Here we board the Milford Mariner for an unforgettable overnight cruise.

There is ample time to take in the dramatic scenery - waterfalls, rainforest, towering peaks and native wildlife. You may see seals and, with luck, dolphins or penguins. There is also the opportunity to explore by tender boat or kayak, or simply relax on board. In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared carvery buffet dinner.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before cruising towards the Tasman Sea, weather permitting, for further views of the fiord. Back at the wharf, we rejoin the coach and travel to Te Anau, where the afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves on an optional excursion.

We travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, a city known for its rich Scottish heritage and striking Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating from the gold rush era. On arrival, enjoy a city tour of New Zealand’s oldest university city.

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where a guided tour reveals the tragic and scandal-filled history of New Zealand’s only castle. Enjoy a Devonshire Tea and time to wander through the garden, recognised as a Garden of International Significance.

We then return to Dunedin for free time. Optional activities include a wildlife excursion or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home.

Today we travel to Oamaru, known for its distinctive limestone architecture, before continuing north to Christchurch. This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reflect on the journey with your fellow travellers at the farewell dinner.

It is time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Please note: If departing the hotel before the restaurant opens, breakfast is not included.