Great New Zealand Rail Journey

With seven spectacular scenic rail excursions, the 'Great New Zealand Rail Journey' is not to be missed. Journey through the heart of the North Island travelling between Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, to the ski towns of Tongariro National Park and Ohakune on the Overlander. The TranzAlpine Train is rated one of the world’s greatest, travelling between Christchurch and Greymouth from one coast to the other. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys.

Price Includes:
International flights included
Airport taxes all included
2 nights – Auckland Pre tour accommodation
Return airport transfers included
Meals as specified in itinerary
Tours as specified in itinerary
All accommodation included throughout the tour
Fully trained Driver/Guide
7 spectacular scenic rail journeys
Operated by Australian Pacific Touring (APT)


ItineraryDay 1: Auckland
Upon arrival into Auckland, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or simply relaxing after your international flight.
2 nights: SkyCity hotel.

Day 2: Auckland
Spend the day enjoying the wonders of ‘The City of Sails’. Auckland is known for its beautiful scenery and first class food and wines.

Day 3: Auckland, Overlander Train to Rotorua, Hangi (Feast).
This morning we board the Overlander Train and journey to Otorohanga. Continue to Waitomo Caves by coach and enjoy a silent boat ride beneath millions of Glowworm’s. Continue by coach to Rotorua. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance, including the fierce Haka.
2 nights: Rotorua, Park Heritage Hotel.
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Day 4: Rotorua, Freedom of Choice Touring.
Today you have the opportunity to choose an activity and we will include it! Perhaps visit Rainbow Springs and walk along clear streams teeming with trout and view native flora and fauna, or learn about New Zealand’s sheep farming industry at the Agrodome and enjoy an entertaining and informative sheep show and shearing display. You may choose to indulge in a leisurely soak at the Polynesian Spa or explore the Rotorua Museum. Freedom of Choice option ‘Must See Three’ attractions. Rotorua Museum or Realm of Tane cultural show, play a round of golf, an Ecothermal tour, spa treatment at the Polynesian Spa. A 4WD Bush Safari Adventure Option 30 minute floatplane flight over Rotorua and Mount Tawarewa (£55) or 3 hour helicopter flight to the White Island volcano (£225)
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Day 5: Rotorua, Overlander Train, and Tongariro National Park.
This morning we travel to Te Kuiti by coach and join the Overlander Train for a tour through the heart of the North Island. Travel over the world-renowned Raurimu Spiral. Spend this evening in the World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park.
Overnight: Tongariro National Park, Chateau Tongariro.
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Day 6: TranzMetro Train, Wellington.
This morning we head south through Taihape, known as the Gumboot Capital of New Zealand. Continue through the Manawatu Gorge and the Wairarapa region and onward to the small township of Featherston. Here we visit the Fell Locomotive Museum and board the TranzMetro Train for our short but scenic journey to Wellington.
2 nights: Wellington, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor.
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Day 7: Wellington
Today we take a short stroll to the Wellington Cable Car. Ascend to the top of the Botanic Gardens and perhaps visit the Cable Car Museum or take a relaxing walk around the Botanic Gardens. Rejoin your coach and journey to Mt Victoria for the best view of the city. View Parliament buildings and the ‘Beehive’. Continue on to Te Papa Museum. The remainder of today is at leisure in Wellington for you to explore further.
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Day 8: Wellington, TranzCoastal Train to Christchurch.
This morning we join our cruise for a journey between the North and South islands. Travel across Cook Strait and through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Picton. On arrival join the TranzCoastal Train for a scenic journey between mountains and sea. Continue over the North Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the Garden City.
Overnight: Christchurch, Hotel Grand Chancellor.

Day 9: TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef.
This morning board the award-winning TranzAlpine Train voted one of the top rail journeys in the world. Travel through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the country’s greatest mountain range, the mighty Southern Alps. Disembark at Greymouth and continue to Franz Josef.
Overnight: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.
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Day 10: Dine around Dinners™ Franz Josef, Queenstown.
Enjoy incredible scenery today as we leave this World Heritage-listed area. See spectacular mountain ranges, untouched native forests, lakes and glaciers. Journey along the shores of beautiful lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Continue to the year-round alpine resort of Queenstown. Tonight choose from four different dining experiences.
2 nights: Queenstown, Novotel Gardens Hotel.
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Day 11: Queenstown.
Today you have the opportunity to choose the activity and we will include it! Perhaps enjoy a local garden tour, or visit some local wineries. You may join an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Shotover River, or choose to ride on a Double Decker bus tour through the streets of Queenstown and to the small Goldrush settlement village of Arrowtown.
Freedom of Choice option: Tour of local gardens or wineries, Jetboat ride, Double-Decker bus tour, Lakeshore and forest walk, 'Safari of the Scenes' tour, Skippers Canyon, Full day Ski Pass (seasonal), Take a walk in Mt Aspiring National Park or Massage/Foot Retreat Adventure Options.
Overnight stay on Milford Sound (£130 twin share, £225 single) or Stewart Island (£150 twin share, £190 single) or Doubtful Sound (£165 twin share, £300 single)
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Day 12: Kingston Flyer Steam Train, Milford Sound, and Te Anau.
Take a trip back in time today aboard the Kingston Flyer, New Zealand’s famous vintage steam train. Travel from Kingston to Fairlight through alpine desert and tussock grasslands. Continue to Milford Sound and on arrival join a cruise for a journey on this magnificent, glacier-carved fiord.
Overnight: Te Anau, Luxmore Resort Hotel.
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Day 13: Dunedin
On arrival in Dunedin you can choose an activity and we will include it! Perhaps jump aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway Excursion, or view the magnificent Albatross or Yellow-eyed Penguin colonies on the Otago Peninsula. You could even visit Speight's Brewery, a place where one of New Zealand’s well-known beverages is made.
Freedom of Choice option: Tour Larnach Castle, discover Otago Peninsula, visit Speight's Brewery, view Olveston House or enjoy the Taieri Gorge Railway
Overnight: Dunedin City Hotel.
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Day 14: Dunedin, Seasider Train, and Mt Cook.
This morning we board the Seasider Train at Dunedin’s stately railway station, and journey north along the East Coast. Continue by coach into World Heritage-listed Mt Cook National Park, home to Australasia’s highest mountain, Mt Cook.
Overnight: Mt Cook, The Hermitage.
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Day 15: Mt Cook, Christchurch.
Visit picturesque Lake Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd and statue of the working collie dog, erected to honour the collie whose work was invaluable to the early settlers of this region. Leave the High Country behind and travel through Burkes Pass to Christchurch. Your tour concludes on arrival in Christchurch and a departure transfer to the airport is included.
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