Cruise · APT · 14 nights

New Zealand Rail Adventure

Ride the iconic TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific trains
Cruise Milford Sound and stay in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Discover native wildlife at Auckland Zoo's Te Wao Nui

From

$8,795 pp twin share

$13,195 pp solo share

14 nights

Enquire

1/ 8

New Zealand Rail Adventure

Supplier image

Cruise Snapshot

14 Nights

Discover New Zealand's breathtaking scenery on an unforgettable rail adventure, including iconic journeys aboard the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific trains

Experience incredible rail journeys across New Zealand
Explore stunning landscapes, from Franz Josef to Milford Sound
Immerse in Maori culture with a traditional Hangi feast

Trip Details

Departs: 6 October 2026
Returns: 29 April 2029
Embarks
Operator: APT

Discover New Zealand's breathtaking scenery as you experience some of the world's most incredible rail journeys, including those aboard the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific trains. Admire the dramatic landscapes of Franz Josef/Waiau, cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, savour a Maori Hangi feast in Rotorua, and more.

Select Small Group departure dates available with no more than 24 guests.

$8,795

pp twin share

$13,195

pp solo share

Enquire

Refundable until 90 days before departure. No pressure.

Share this holiday with your friends!

Click any button to send this voyage to a travel buddy.

Email Facebook WhatsApp X

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

6 October 2026

Returns

29 April 2029

Duration

14 nights

From pp twin share

$8,795 pp

From pp solo cabin

$13,195 pp

06 Oct 2026 - 20 Oct 2026
from $8,995 pp twin share / $13,395 pp solo *
12 Jan 2027 - 26 Jan 2027
from $9,595 pp twin share / $13,995 pp solo *
02 Feb 2027 - 16 Feb 2027
from $8,995 pp twin share / $13,395 pp solo *
23 Feb 2027 - 09 Mar 2027
from $9,595 pp twin share / $13,995 pp solo *
16 Mar 2027 - 30 Mar 2027
from $8,995 pp twin share / $13,395 pp solo *
06 Apr 2027 - 20 Apr 2027
from $8,795 pp twin share / $13,195 pp solo *
07 Sep 2027 - 21 Sep 2027
from $9,695 pp *
19 Oct 2027 - 02 Nov 2027
from $9,295 pp *
16 Nov 2027 - 30 Nov 2027
from $9,295 pp *
11 Jan 2028 - 25 Jan 2028
from $9,895 pp *
15 Feb 2028 - 29 Feb 2028
from $9,895 pp *
22 Feb 2028 - 07 Mar 2028
from $9,295 pp *
14 Mar 2028 - 28 Mar 2028
from $9,895 pp *
21 Mar 2028 - 04 Apr 2028
from $9,295 pp *
04 Apr 2028 - 18 Apr 2028
from $9,095 pp *
17 Sep 2028 - 01 Oct 2028
from $9,895 pp *
15 Oct 2028 - 29 Oct 2028
from $9,395 pp *
19 Nov 2028 - 03 Dec 2028
from $9,395 pp *
07 Jan 2029 - 21 Jan 2029
from $10,095 pp *
04 Feb 2029 - 18 Feb 2029
from $9,395 pp *
25 Feb 2029 - 11 Mar 2029
from $9,395 pp *
11 Mar 2029 - 25 Mar 2029
from $9,395 pp *
25 Mar 2029 - 08 Apr 2029
from $9,395 pp *
15 Apr 2029 - 29 Apr 2029
from $9,895 pp *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

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

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Arrive Auckland
Arrive in the ‘City of Sails’, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner as you get to know your fellow travellers.
2
Auckland
Today begins with an Insider Experience. Afterwards, explore Auckland at your leisure.
Insider Experience – Encounter iconic national treasures on a Te Wao Nui Living Realm Guided Tour
Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Aotearoa New Zealand with Auckland Zoo’s Te Wao Nui Living Realm Guided Tour. Discover native species including the iconic kiwi and cheeky kea, and explore six immersive habitats that bring New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems to life. Complete your experience with a delightful morning tea in the beautiful surroundings of the Zoo.
3
Auckland, Rotorua
After breakfast, board your coach and travel south to Hamilton Gardens, where you'll have the opportunity to explore a selection of 18 enchanting themed gardens that bring stories and cultures from around the world to life. Continue through the lush landscapes of the Waikato region en route to Rotorua. This evening, enjoy an Insider Experience, where you will savour traditional culture and food.
Insider Experience – Māori culture and geothermal wonders at Te Puia in Rotorua
Immerse yourself in a unique evening of Māori culture, and cuisine at Te Puia. Embark on a guided tour through the historical geothermal valley, where you'll explore a stunning landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools. Feel the awe-inspiring power of Pōhutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience an intimate encounter with one of New Zealand’s national treasures at their new Kiwi Conservation Centre. That evening, enjoy a Haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome), dance performances and the sharing of a traditional meal of fish, lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in earth ovens known as Hāngī.
4
Rotorua
Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Māori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to one of New Zealand’s best-loved attractions, the Agrodome. Alternatively, you might like to partake in our Enhance Your Journey experience. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further or simply relax.
Enhance Your Journey – Hobbiton movie set and farm tour
Enjoy a scenic drive to The Shire’s Rest Cafe, where a guide will escort you through the site, visiting buildings created for The Lord of the Rings movies (additional expense).
5
Rotorua, Northern Explorer train, Wellington
Depart Rotorua and embark your Insider Experience. Disembark in National Park Village where you will rejoin your coach and continue to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.
Insider Experience – Board the Northern Explorer train for a scenic journey to the central Volcanic Plateau
Board the Northern Explorer in Otorohanga and embark on a scenic journey southward, across the central Volcanic Plateau. Experience the engineering marvel of the Raurimu Spiral, renowned for its intricate and breathtaking design. Its carriages feature an advanced air-bag system which allows for a smooth and quiet ride. Enjoy uninterrupted views through panoramic, non-reflective windows on the sides and roof.
6
Wellington
After breakfast today, head to Featherston to visit the fascinating Fell Locomotive Museum. It is home to the world’s only remaining Fell steam locomotive, which dates back to 1877. The locomotive’s innovative design allowed it to haul carriages up the steep Rimutaka Incline, using four grip wheels held onto a raised centre rail.
After heading back to Wellington, set off on a sightseeing tour of the Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights. Later, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
7
Wellington, Picton, Coastal Pacific train, Christchurch
This morning, enjoy one of the most scenic cruises in the world as you travel aboard the Interislander ferry. Departing from Wellington Harbour, navigate the journey across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton on the South Island. Here, you will embark on an Insider Experience. Afterwards, return to your coach to travel to Christchurch.
Insider Experience – Traverse the glorious Kaikōura coastline aboard the Coastal Pacific train
Skirt the glorious Kaikōura coastline on a journey aboard the Coastal Pacific train. Large panoramic windows and an open-air viewing platform offering unobstructed views of breathtaking landscapes, where the mountains meet the sea.
8
Christchurch, TranzAlpine train, Fox Glacier
Enjoy an Insider Experience after breakfast this morning, travelling aboard the renowned TranzAlpine train. Upon arrival at Greymouth, you will disembark and travel by coach to the incredible natural surrounds of the Franz Josef/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere and Fox Glacier.
Insider Experience – Ride the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth
Journey across the South Island from coast to coast on this world-famous rail journey. Follow the Waimakariri River and travel across the Southern Alps through striking scenery to the wild West Coast.
9
Fox Glacier, Queenstown
Enjoy a day of truly beautiful scenery as you travel to the alpine resort of Queenstown. Known as the country’s adventure capital, Queenstown is also renowned for its world-class culinary scene. This evening, you may like to sample some of the region’s fresh flavours at one of the many restaurants that are within walking distance of your hotel (own expense).
10
Queenstown
Today is free for you to spend at leisure. You’ll find plenty to see and do in and around Queenstown, from thrilling adventures through to simply relaxing and enjoying the incredible views. Perhaps choose one of our exciting Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer (additional expense). Then, tonight enjoy your Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining Savour a gourmet lakeside dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm, reached by a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu. Gain an insight into life on a high-country New Zealand farm.
Enhance Your Journey – Shotover Jet Boat Ride Those feeling adventurous can head out on a thrilling jet boat ride, roaring through narrow river canyons just centimetres from sheer rock walls.
Enhance Your Journey – Million Dollar Cruise Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life as well as enormous trout, which swim in the lake’s waters.
Enhance Your Journey – Wine Sampler Tour Venture through New Zealand's southernmost wine region as you sample a selection of wine from the local vineyards and wineries.
11
Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau
Follow The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Here a memorable Insider Experience awaits.
Insider Experience – Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and enjoy spectacular views
Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter.
12
Te Anau, Dunedin
Journey through the rugged countryside of Southland before arriving in Dunedin for a city tour. This picturesque city is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, where you can spot sea lions, fur seals, rare penguins and the world’s only mainland-breeding albatross colony. After being settled by Scots in 1848, the city has retained its Gaelic roots with its stunning Gaelic-inspired architecture, performances of the haggis ceremony and the finest-tasting whisky in the country.
13
Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook
Journey north to view the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki. A geological marvel, these large spherical stones were formed around 65 million years ago and can be found along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Journey inland to Aoraki/Mount Cook, where you'll spend the night in the heart of the National Park. Enhance Your Journey with an amazing experience on offer and later, enjoy dinner at The Hermitage's Alpine Restaurant.
Insider Experience – Stay in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Traverse the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and take in the spectacular surrounds as you pass towering mountains and glacier-fed rivers. Stay the night surrounded by sweeping views of New Zealand’s highest peak
Enhance Your Journey – Glacier Explorer Cruise Step aboard a MAC boat for an up-close encounter with stunning icebergs on the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier (additional expense).
14
Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Christchurch
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapō on the way to Christchurch. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight at your hotel.
15
Depart Christchurch
Your tour concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.