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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 $9,599 per person

$2,300 single supplement

As featured in the New York Times 

places to go in 2024

52

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

  • Encounter the volcanic peaks of Middle Earth in Tongariro National Park

  • Experience the bioluminescent glowworm caves of Waitomo 

  • Cruise through magnificent views while crossing the Cook Strait

  • Sip world-class wine amongst the vines in Marlborough

  • Discover Haast Pass on a unique Kiwi-style Road Trip adventure

  • Uncover the home of the sacred pounamu, mesmerizing blue lakes, and ancient forests on the West Coast

  • Be captivated by the storytelling of your Tour Director along this great journey

  • Escape on nautical adventures along Milford Sound, Queen Charlotte Sound and Lake Wakatipu

Inclusions

  • Experienced Tour Director 

  • Hamilton Gardens Guided Tour and Picnic 

  • Raglan Dinner Cruise

  • Sanctuary Mountain Wildlife Experience

  • Glowworm Caves Tour 

  • Wellington Tour

  • Marlborough Wine Tour Experience

  • Wildlife Experience in Kaikōura

  • Christchurch Historic Tramway Restaurant

  • West Coast Tree Top Walk

  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk

  • Haast River Safari

  • Milford Sound Day Tour and Cruise

  • TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise and Dinner Excursion

  • Three World-Class Scenic Train Journeys

  • Cook Strait Ferry Crossing 

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

Transportation

  • Northern Explorer Scenic Train 

  • Interislander Ferry journey across the Cook Strait

  • Coastal Pacific Scenic Train

  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train

  • Private Coaches to reach regional gems

  • Private shuttles (excluding airport arrival)

  • Porterage

 
Meals 

  • 16 Breakfasts

  • 2 Lunches

  • 7 Dinners

  • 5 Meals on the train 

Accommodation

  • 4 to 4.5 Star Hotel (16 nights)

  • Twin Share 

  • Single Upgrade Available 

 

Minimum Age:

  • 16 years and over

  • Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
     

 Group Size

  • Maximum of 20 people. 

What you'll get along the way

2024/2025

Departure Dates

Depart Auckland
Ends Queenstown
Availability
16 Apr 2025
02 May 2025
Book Now
09 Apr 2025
25 Apr 2025
Book Now
12 Mar 2025
28 Mar 2025
Sold Out
19 Feb 2025
07 Mar 2025
Sold Out
22 Jan 2025
07 Feb 2025
Sold Out
30 Oct 2024
15 Nov 2024
Book Now
02 Oct 2024
18 Oct 2024
Book Now
11 Sept 2024
27 Sept 2024
Book Now

SOLO TRAVELLER 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.

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