New Zealand By Train | Signature - New Zealand Up Close
17 Days, North & South Islands
Visit: Auckland, Hamilton, Tongariro National Park, Wellington,
Picton, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown,
Milford Sound
From $9,150 per person
+ $150pp booking fee
$2,400 single supplement
As featured in the New York Times
52
places to go
Description
Road-tripping across New Zealand is a free-spirited traveler's dream. But a simpler and more sustainable way to go is by train.
A 17-day, three-train tour starts in Auckland and explores transcendent sites like the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park. Ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island and board another train to ride along the jagged coast, stopping to whale- and dolphin-watch before ending in Christchurch. The last leg climbs over the Southern Alps, with views to white-capped peaks, rushing rivers and alpine lakes.
Highlights
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Option to visit Rotorua or Ohakune (selected departures)
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Encounter the volcanic peaks of Middle Earth in Tongariro National Park
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Experience a tea ceremony and Signature High Tea at Zealong Tea Estate, and the bioluminescent glowworm caves of Waitomo
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Escape on nautical adventures along Milford Sound, Queen Charlotte Sound and Lake Wakatipu
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Indulge in a sensory journey amidst fields of fragrant lavender and immerse yourself in
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Discover the iridescent beauty of paua pearls on a guided Paua Pearl Tour and sip your way through Marlborough's renowned vineyards
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Encounter playful dolphins in Kaikōura
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Embark on three world-class scenic train journeys, traversing breathtaking landscapes while dining in Scenic Plus and be captivated by the storytelling of your Tour Director along this great journey
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Cross the Cook Strait on a scenic ferry journey, linking the North and South Islands
Inclusions
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Option to stay in Rotorua or Ohakune (selected departures)
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Experienced Tour Director
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Raglan Dinner Cruise
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Sanctuary Mountain Custom Wildlife Experience
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Zealong Tea Estate Tour, Tea Ceremony & Signature High Tea
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour
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Lunch at Lauren's Lavender with time to explore
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Wellington City Tour
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Marlborough Wine Tour Custom Experience
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Paua Pearl Tour with Paua Tasting
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Dolphin Encounter in Kaikōura
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Guided Pounamu Experience including Hokitika Gorge Walk
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Haast River Safari
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VIP West Coast Wildlife Centre, guided walkthrough of Kiwi
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Milford Sound Day Tour and Cruise
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TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise, Buffet Dinner with Farm Tour
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Three World-Class Scenic Train Journeys incl. Scenic Plus Dining Experience
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Cook Strait Ferry Crossing in Premium Plus Lounge
*Please note: Tour inclusions may vary depending on the season of departure.
17 Day Itinerary
Expand All Details
Day 1: Auckland
Day 2: Auckland - Hamilton | Northern Explorer Scenic Train
Day 3: Hamilton
Day 4: Hamilton - Tongariro National Park
Day 5: Tongariro National Park
Day 6: Tongariro National Park - Wellington
Day 7: Wellington
Day 8: Wellington - Picton by ferry
Day 9: Picton - Kaikoura
Day 10: Kaikoura
Day 11: Christchurch
Day 12: Christchurch - Hokitika | Tranz Alpine Train
Day 13: West Coast
Day 14: Franz Josef - Queenstown
Day 15: Queenstown | Explore Milford Sound
Day 16: Queenstown
Day 17: Queenstown
Signature | New Zealand Up Close Tour (via Ohakune)
Transportation
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Northern Explorer Scenic Train
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Interislander Ferry journey across the Cook Strait
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Coastal Pacific Scenic Train
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TranzAlpine Scenic Train
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Private Coaches to reach regional gems
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Private shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
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Porterage
Meals
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16 Breakfasts
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2 Lunches
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7 Dinners
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5 Meals on the train
Accommodation
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4 to 4.5 Star Hotel (16 nights)
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Twin Share
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Single Upgrade Available
Minimum Age:
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16 years and over
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Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Group Size
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Maximum of 20 people.
What you'll get along the way
2025/2026
Departure Dates
Depart Auckland | Ends Queenstown | Availability |
|---|---|---|
03 Sept 2025 | 19 Sept 2025 | Book Now |
*21 Sept 2025 | 07 Oct 2025 | SOLD OUT |
24 Sept 2025 | 10 Oct 2025 | Book Now |
08 Oct 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | Book Now |
15 Oct 2025 | 31 Oct 2025 | Book Now |
26 Nov 2025 | 12 Dec 2025 | Book Now |
10 Dec 2025 | 26 Dec 2025 | Book Now |
14 Jan 2026 | 30 Jan 2026 | Book Now |
21 Jan 2026 | 06 Dec 2026 | Book Now |
04 Feb 2026 | 20 Feb 2026 | SOLD OUT |
18 Feb 2026 | 06 Mar 2026 | Book Now |
25 Feb 2026 | 13 Mar 2026 | Book Now |
18 Mar 2026 | 03 Apr 2026 | Book Now |
01 Apr 2026 | 16 Apr 2026 | Book Now |
08 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | Book Now |
15 Apr 2026 | 01 May 2026 | Book Now |
* denotes trip starts in Queenstown and ends in Auckland
Solo Traveler Options
Guaranteed Share: If you are a solo traveler, you can choose the guaranteed Share option, and we will match you with another solo traveler of the same gender in a twin-bedded room. If we can't match you with another solo traveler, we will cover the Single Supplement cost.
Single Supplement: If you are a Solo Traveler and would like a room to yourself, you can select to pay the Single Supplement when confirming your booking.
Itinerary is strictly subject to availability at time of booking and subject.
Please review our booking conditions. All pricing in USD.