Grand New Zealand Rail Tour

Journey the length of the country aboard some of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world. Weave through deep rainforests and rugged flats, past vineyards and seashore points, followed by spectacular gorges and river valleys. We've combined six magnificent train journeys in our luxury touring program that take you to places and sights often inaccessible by road, then marry this with a superb touring itinerary that lets you experience the country in its entirety.

DAY 1 - ARRIVE AUCKLAND

Haere mai, welcome to New Zealand. On arrival in Auckland transfer to hotel.
Overnight Stay: Auckland

DAY 2 - AUCKLAND - BAY OF ISLANDS

This morning we head north along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe. Visit the Kauri Pioneer Museum. Continue up the Northland peninsula through the breathtaking Waipoua Forest and on to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a guided tour.
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands
Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Upgrade to two nights at Cliff Edge by the Sea. Surcharge applies, enquire for details.

DAY 3 - BAY OF ISLANDS

Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from swimming with the dolphins; or Cape Reinga Tour; half day snapper fishing within the Bay of Islands; golf at Waitangi Golf Club; Russell Mini Tour & Pompallier or a full day sail on 'On the Edge', New Zealand's fastest commercial sailing catamaran.
Opportunity to replace today's touring with Cape Reinga half day fly/ 4WD tour (see Tour Inclusions, surcharge applies).

DAY 4 - 'HOLE IN THE ROCK' CRUISE

This morning cruise through the scenic waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' (weather permitting). This afternoon return to Auckland.
Overnight Stay: Auckland

DAY 5 - LONGLANDS HOMESTEAD - ROTORU

Journey to the top of Mt Eden, Auckland's highest extinct volcano, then continue on to Goldfields Railway. This vintage train will carry you through the upper reaches of the stunning Karangahake Gorge. Enjoy a farm tour and a Roast Lamb lunch at Longlands. We stop off at Whakarewarewa Forest for a stroll through the towering Californian Coastal Redwoods before continuing on to Rotorua.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua
Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Upgrade to two nights at Hamurana Country Estate or Treetops Lodge & Estate. Surcharge applies, enquire for details.

DAY 6 - ROTORUA

This morning tour Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from relaxing at the Polynesian Day Spa; or a visit to Agrodome; Rotorua Museum; an exhilarating 4WD Safari adventure; visit a buried village Te Wairoa; or enjoy a guided trout fishing expedition. Tonight we have an exclusive treat in store at our 'Realm of Tane' cultural performance and Hangi dinner.
Opportunity to replace today's touring with a Helicopter Tour to White Island or Mt Tarawera (surcharge applies, refer to Tour Inclusions).

DAY 7 - THE OVERLANDER TRAIN JOURNEY - WELLINGTON

Depart Rotorua and head south via the stunning Lake Taupo and on to Taumaranui to board The Overlander train. Enjoy a magnificent afternoon's journey up the famous Raumiru Spiral onto New Zealand's awesome volcanic plateau and native bush. Travel through Tongariro National Park.
Two Night Stay: Wellington

DAY 8 - WELLINGTON

This morning we visit Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum, recognised as a world leader in the new wave of innovative and interactive museum experiences. Remainder of the day at leisure.

DAY 9 - WELLINGTON - MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS - CHRISTCHURCH

Cruise through the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds to the south island. Board the Tranz Coastal train to enjoy one of New Zealand's most spectacular rail journeys! Hugging the coastline you head south, passing vineyards, salt mountains and river valleys. Tonight stay in Christchurch.
Overnight Stay: Christchurch

DAY 10 - TRANZALPINE - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Today enjoy an unforgettable journey through the magnificent Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine to Arthurs Pass. Continue on by coach to Hokitika to see skilled craftsmen carving Pounama (Jade). View the awesome Franz Josef Glacier before arriving in the charming little village of Franz Josef. Opportunity for a scenic helicopter flight (surcharge applies).
Overnight Stay: Franz Josef Glacier

DAY 11 - FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN

A highlight today we go jet boating on the mighty Haast river in Mt Aspiring National Park. Continue on to picturesque Queenstown. Scenic FreeChoice Dining - All inclusive: choose from cruise on TSS Earnslaw and dine at Walter Peak Station; or dine at Lombardis Restaurant; or choose the Skyline Restaurant with views over Queenstown and Lake Wakitipu.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown
Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Upgrade to three nights at Evergreen Lodge. Surcharge applies, enquire for details.

DAY 12 - QUEENSTOWN

Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from a guided tour of Skippers Canyon; a Boutique Winery tour with lunch; a garden tour; an indulgence treatment choice of relaxing massage or foot revival; Lord of the Rings Safari; Shotover Jet Adventure; Mt Aspiring National Park & Routeburn Valley walk or a Bungy Jump.
Opportunity to replace today's touring with a Heli-Hiking Adventure to Skippers Canyon (refer to Tour Inclusions, surcharge applies).

DAY 13 - KINGSTON FLYER - MILFORD SOUND, TE ANAU

Join the Kingston Flyer, New Zealand's fully restored famous vintage steam train, for magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu and the fascinating alpine desert. Rejoin your coach in Fairlight and travel to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. Today you will experience an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound.
Opportunity to replace today's touring with a visit to the secluded Doubtful Sound or to overnight on Milford Sound. (Must be pre-booked. Surcharge applies, refer to Tour Inclusions).
Overnight Stay: Te Anau

DAY 14 - TE ANAU - DUNEDIN

Cruise across Lake Te Anau where you will explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Today we continue on to Dunedin.
Home Stay: opportunity included in tour at no extra cost. Must be pre-booked.
Two Night Stay: Dunedin

DAY 15 - DUNEDIN

Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from a spectacular rail journey through the Taieri Gorge; a guided tour and hearty lunch at Speight's Brewery and Alehouse; tour Larnach Castle & Garden; visit Otago Museum & City Walking Tour; or visit the famous Yellow-Eyed Penguins and albatross.

DAY 16 - DUNEDIN - MT COOK - TWIZEL

This morning we head north, stopping first at Moeraki Boulders and then continuing on to Mt Cook National Park, where we will stop and view Mt Cook (subject to weather).
Opportunity for a Tasman Glacier walking tour (refer to Tour Inclusions, surcharge applies).
Overnight Stay: Twizel

DAY 17 - LAKE TEKAPO - CHRISTCHURCH

This morning we travel over tussock plains to visit the picturesque glacier-fed lake of Tekapo. We stop and view the Church of the Good Shepherd, situated right on the lakes edge. This tiny church was built in 1935 from locally gathered stone and oak. Continue on to the 'City of Churches', Christchurch. A tour highlight is tonight's Farewell Dinner.
Overnight Stay: Christchurch

DAY 18 - DEPART CHRISTCHURCH

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport.

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Tour Highlights

Overlander train & Raumiru Spiral
Tranz Coastal train over the Canterbury Plains
TranzAlpine rail journey
Kingston Flyer steam engine
Milford Sound cruise
'Hole in the Rock' cruise
Franz Josef Glacier
Rotorua Thermal Reserve
Marlborough Sounds cruise
Relaxing 2 night stays in Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown & Dunedin

Exclusives

Haast River Safari
Waitakere Rainforest Wilderness experience
Mt Aspiring National Park & Routeburn Valley guided walk
Goldfields Vintage Railway

Dining Experiences

'Realm of Tane' Maori Hangi feast
Traditional Roast Lamb Luncheon
Farewell dinner Christchurch Tram & Six Chairs Missing Restaurant
Scenic FreeChoice dining in Queenstown
31 superb meals including: 17 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 13 dinners

Additional Sightseeing

Salt Air Cape Reinga Tour, Bay of Islands

Take a one hour flight in a comfortable fixed wing aircraft across some of rural Northlands best scenery, and then via the West Coast for a bird's eye view of the world famous 90 mile beach. Explore the top of New Zealand including Cape Reinga, morning or afternoon tea at the stunning Tapotupotu Bay and a drive down the Te Paki Quicksand stream for some fun tobogganing on the Giant Sand Dunes. Your return flight travels back down the East Coast and offers views of areas that cannot be reached any other way than by viewing from an aircraft or by sea. Must be pre-booked and paid. CAD$290 per person

White Island Landing

Imagine landing on an active volcano in a helicopter - well this is your chance! You will fly out over the east coast, taking in views of Lakes, forest and the Volcanic Fault Line. Land on White Island and enjoy a one-hour trek up to the crater past the remains of Sulphur Works, boiling water, crystallised sulphur and much more. On the return flight watch for dolphins and school fish. Must be pre-booked and paid

Mt Tarawera Volcanic Landing

Experience the thrill of flying over and then landing on the spectacular craters and domes of Mt Tarawera. Mt Tarawera is the sacred mountain of the local Maori Tribe. Tour includes informative commentary about the mountains eruptive history including the 1886 eruption. Views of spectacular crater lakes, scenic reserve and of the Rotorua city area. Must be pre-booked and paid.

Scenic Helicopter Flights, Franz Josef, Queenstown & Mt Cook

A once in a lifetime experience, these scenic flights from world famous locations will take your breath away. You will discover that the stunning views of New Zealand's National Parks, glaciers, mountains and lakes are always best from above. Flights range from 10 to 40 minutes and can include snow and glacier landings. May only be purchased on tour. Relaxed Enquire for tour cost.

Skippers Trail Helihike, Queenstown

Travel up to the Saddle of the historic Skippers Canyon by comfortable 4WD. Your two hour walk winds its way down into the canyon along the original goldminers trail, once the only access to the canyon. From the Long Gully Hotel ruins you will travel further into the canyon by 4WD to the old restored schoolhouse where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. Board your helicopter for an exciting scenic flight over the canyon following the wild and untamed Shotover River back downstream to join your transport back to town. May only be purchased on tour.

Doubtful Sound

World Heritage Doubtful Sound, is an overwhelming place. You can feel the power of nature here, the remoteness, the wildness and the peace. Known for its wilderness and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park. Enjoy a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, and then join your coach and journey into the depths of the fascinating underground power station. Continue to peaceful Doubtful Sound, which is the more remote and less populated than Milford Sound.

Overnight on Milford Sound

When the day visitors depart a silence descends. An overnight cruise on Milford Sound, is a 'once in a lifetime' experience. Stay aboard the Milford Mariner for a very special experience. You will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. With our nature guide you can go exploring in the tender craft and kayaks or simply relax on deck. After the days activities, enjoy a evening buffet in the spacious saloon before retiring to your private cabin. Must be pre-booked and paid.

Local Home Stay, Dunedin

It is said that the real New Zealand is its people. Your hosts are genuinely interested in sharing their country, their lifestyle and themselves. You will experience old fashion country hospitality and delicious home cooked meals in the company of new friends when you book this overnight country home stay option. No extra charge applies. Must be pre-booked.

Tasman Glacier Walking Tour

This three hour tour starts with a 4WD journey along the historic Ball Hut Road where you will learn many interesting facts about the glaciers and surrounding mountains. The highlight of the tour is the walk, taking just under an hour. Walk up to stand high on the glacial moraine wall and view the powerful Tasman Glacier as it carves its way out from the majestic Southern Alps and passes beneath you. May only be purchased on tour.

Conditions:

Minimum numbers may apply to some Optional Activities. Some activities are seasonal and not available all year round. Tasman Glacier Tour does not walk on the glacier. Price on application. Activities purchased on tour will be priced in New Zealand dollars. Price on application.