New Zealand by Rail, Cruise and Coach

Upon arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the City of Sails, with its many museums and the attractive Viaduct Harbour.

Today enjoy an Auckland city sights tour before travelling to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Continue through Whangarei to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.

Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free and you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

This morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for marine wildlife before returning to Paihia. Continue south via Whangarei and the Parry Kauri Museum to Auckland’s north shore, where you will see stunning views of Rangitoto Island, Auckland Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf.

This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15km trip on a beautifully restored vintage steam train, including morning tea.

Signature Tour
Continue to Rototua, renowned for its geothermal activity and Māori culture.

Ultimate Tour
Travel through magnificent countryside of rolling hills to Rotoura where you will visit the National Kiwi Hatchery for a unique behind the scenes tour.

Begin with a Gondola ride to the Stratosfare Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a luge ride! Travel to the Agrodome where you see a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling out to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to spectacular Huka Falls then continue to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. In the afternoon travel via Tongariro National Park and the snow-capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro. Continue south along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington.

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s fabulous National Museum, and the exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour. Enjoy some leisure time this afternoon. This evening is also free to dine out at one of the many fine local restaurants.

This morning take the Interislander Ferry across the Cook Strait and enjoy the magnificent views as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. On arrival on the South Island board the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that showcases the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the rugged scenic coastline on the other. Enjoy a two-night stay in the garden city of Christchurch.

This morning you will visit the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. This afternoon enjoy a city sightseeing tour or make use of your included tram pass.

This morning board the TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown. Your Tour Guide and Coach Captain are available to assist with the many options available. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back and relax, as you are treated to a gourmet barbeque dinner prepared at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano on your return cruise.

Today you will travel via Te Anau to Fiordland for a memorable overnight cruise on Milford or Doubtful Sound.

Milford Sound – Signature Tour
Follow the Milford Road north from Te Anau to Milford Sound, where you will board the Milford Mariner for your unforgettable overnight cruise. There is plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you are bound to encounter seals and if lucky perhaps dolphins and penguins too. As evening falls enjoy a freshly prepared buffet dinner.

Doubtful Sound – Ultimate Tour
Enjoy a picnic lunch as you cruise across the glacial Lake Manapouri from Te Anau to Wilmot Pass. A short ride over pass brings you to Doubtful Sound, where you will board the Fiordland Navigator for a magical overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet freshly prepared by the onboard chef.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before spending time exploring more of this stunning fiord. After disembarkation retrace your journey back to Te Anau for an overnight stay.

Today you will travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800’s. Dunedin is known as New Zealand’s oldest university city.

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour and sumptuous Devonshire tea. This afternoon enjoy a city tour of Dunedin. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food and a Haggis Ceremony.

This morning visit Olveston House, a prestigious historic home before travelling to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends.

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