New Zealand Up Close & Unforgettable – Signature 17 Days

Departures & Pricing

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Explore Auckland

   Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails! Auckland is known for its multicultural hub of food, music, arts, and culture.

   Your tour officially begins this evening, as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome reception.

   Meal: Dinner, Welcome Drink

2. 2

   Auckland - Hamilton

   Your journey awaits as you join the Northern Explorer scenic train. Marvel at rural lush landscapes from the comfort of your scenic carriage. See the famous Hamilton Gardens for a picnic lunch before visiting Raglan for a stunning sunset dinner cruise.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. 3

   Explore Hamilton

   This morning you will depart for your next exciting excursion – Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain.

   Your expedition continues after a lunch stop in New Zealand’s “Kiwiana Capital”, Otorohanga.

   Tonight, explore Hamilton’s riverside walks and shops on this free evening. Enjoy one of the many nearby restaurants as the sun sets over the Waikato River.

    Meal: Breakfast

4. 4

   Hamilton - Tongariro National Park

   Join the Northern Explorer train once again, today you’ll soar over icy mountain streams as you travel to Tongariro National Park, the home of three volcanic mountains. Enjoy a mini excursion up to Tūroa ski field. Here you’ll want to capture a panoramic photo of Middle Earth before descending into Ohakune.

    Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

5. 5

   Tongariro National Park

   Today is free for you to discover one of the region’s many exciting excursions. Choose from the optional activities on offer and personalise your perfect holiday. Perhaps you will hop aboard a rail cart journey or join a horse trekking experience that takes you along hills, mountains & rivers.

    Meal: Breakfast

6. 6

   Tongariro National Park - Wellington

   Your day begins with an elevated experience up the northern face of Mt Ruapehu for panoramic views of the volcanic landscape. Joining the Northern Explorer train once again, waving goodbye to Tongariro National Park, as you settle into your uber-comfortable seat. As you glide through rich green farmland and past dramatic coastlines, enjoy the picturesque Porirua Harbour as you arrive into Wellington.

    Meal: Breakfast

7. 7

   Explore Wellington

   Today is free for you to experience vibrant Wellington as you please. Start by joining our Wellington City introduction tour and then head off to explore Cuba Street’s cafés, bookstores, and eccentric shops. Enjoy dinner tonight with your fellow travellers.

    Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

8. 8

   Wellington - Picton

   This morning you will sail to the South Island, crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry.

   Settle down in the comfy seats in the Premium Lounge. Treat yourself to a mimosa and a hearty seafaring breakfast before arriving into Picton where you will be collected and experience a Marlborough Wine Tour.

   Meal: Breakfast

9. 9

   Picton - Kaikoura

   Today you will be travelling into Kaikōura. Relax as the train glides across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breath-taking beauty. Keep an eye out for the fur seals lazing on the rocks! Once in Kaikōura, the evening will be yours to enjoy some iconic kai moana (seafood) at one of the quaint restaurants before enjoying your luxurious ocean-front hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast

10. 10

    Kaikoura - Christchurch

    Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience of whale watching! Enjoy today’s thrill of an up-close encounter with wildlife. Gather again for the next leg of your journey. Late afternoon, board the Coastal Pacific for the Scenic Plus experience, treating yourself to unparalleled vistas as you glide along the coastline.

    Meal: Breakfast

11. 11

    Explore Christchurch

    Today you are free to explore the museums, Riverside Markets, Punting on the Avon, Gondola and botanical gardens. This evening, you will rejoin your fellow travellers for a special dinner on Christchurch’s historic dinner tram. Enjoy a wonderful circuit of the city while indulging in seasonal cuisine.

     Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

12. 12

    Christchurch - Hokitika

    The moment has come to experience the world-famous TranzAlpine journey through the Southern Alps, emerging in the West Coast! Once you arrive on the West Coast, a private coach will take you even further off the beaten track to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks before finishing your day in Hokitika.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

13. 13

    Hokitika - Franz Josef

    This morning, you’ll start your West Coast adventure by visiting the elevated West Coast Tree Top Walk before continuing your journey south to Franz Josef. Join your group for an impeccable highlight meal at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.

    Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

14. 14

    Franz Josef - Queenstown

    Today you will explore the Haast Pass. While aboard an exciting river boat and private coach, marvel at the beaches, crystal blue lakes and river and mountain peaks. Emerging on the other side of the pass, explore the local fruit hotspot – Mrs. Jones’ Fruit Stall before exploring the cobblestone streets of Arrowtown.

     Meal: Breakfast

15. 15

    Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

    Make sure you charge your camera before you set off on today’s adventure. Today you’re heading to Milford Sound to be engulfed in towering peaks and waltz through plunging valleys. Aboard the cruise, you will meander down the sound to experience the rumble of Bowen and Stirling Falls as they plummet from glacial hanging valleys.

     Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

16. 16

    Explore Queenstown

    Queenstown truly has something for everyone. Personalise your day to be as active or relaxed as you’d like. Whether it’s exploring Walter Peak on a horse trekking adventure, hopping on the gondola for inspiring views, or sipping wine in Gibbston Valley, there is no shortage of activities to delight your senses. Enjoy a ‘final hurrah’ this evening as you board the TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise, dinner, and show.

     Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

17. 17

    Depart Queenstown

    Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travellers. A departure airport transfer to Queenstown Airport is included.

    Meal: Breakfast

    **This itinerary may be amended due to weather, local conditions, or operational requirements**

Accommodation

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Book this rail journey

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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