15D14N THE GREAT NEW ZEALAND TRAIN JOURNEY (SUMMER ONLY)

Arriving in Auckland, you will be transferred to your accommodation for check-in, beginning your adventure in New Zealand. Auckland offers several optional activities such as visiting the Sky Tower, dining at the Orbit Restaurant, or taking an Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise. You’ll spend the night in Auckland.

Next, you’ll travel to the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can explore the famous Lord of the Rings and Hobbit locations. After a delightful lunch at the Party Marquee, you will continue to Rotorua for the night. For some additional relaxation, the Polynesian Spa Deluxe Lake Spa is an option to consider.

In Rotorua, you will be transported to the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland for a tour, followed by an evening at Te Puia with a buffet dinner and cultural performance. The evening ends with hot chocolate and pudding on the geyser terrace, after which you’ll return to your accommodation.

Your journey continues with a transfer to Hamilton, where you will board the North Explorer train to Wellington. After arriving in Wellington, you will check into your accommodation.

The next day is yours to explore Wellington. You can take a charming cable car ride for stunning views or visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. These activities are included, and you will spend the night in Wellington.

From Wellington, you’ll board a ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton, offering scenic views of Marlborough Sounds along the way. In Picton, you will take a train along the Kaikōura Coastline, famous for its marine life, and then transfer to your accommodation in Kaikoura.

After a leisurely morning in Kaikoura, you’ll board the Coastal Pacific train for the journey to Christchurch, where you’ll spend the night. A whale-watching tour is an optional activity to enjoy during your stay.

In Christchurch, you can take a half-day city tour, viewing the grand architecture and beautiful gardens. For dinner, consider the Christchurch Tram Dinner as an optional activity before retiring for the night.

The next leg of your journey is the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Journey, one of the world’s most stunning train rides, which will take you to Greymouth. After a visit to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, you’ll stay overnight in Greymouth.

A visit to Shantytown Heritage Park will transport you back to New Zealand’s gold rush era before you transfer to Glacier Country. In Franz Josef, you’ll witness the magnificent glaciers and the ice-age environment.

Traveling through wilderness towns and river scenery, you’ll then reach Queenstown, known for its majestic mountains and adventurous spirit. Optional activities include a Gondola Ride or a dip in the Original Onsen Exclusive Indoor Pool.

Your next tour takes you to Milford Sound, passing by mirror lakes and waterfalls. You’ll board a cruise, getting close to towering cliffs and waterfalls before returning to Queenstown for the night.

Enjoy a free day in Queenstown, where you can explore at your leisure or join optional activities such as the Essential Queenstown 4WD Tour or a Shotover Jet ride.

Your final journey will take you from Queenstown to Christchurch, passing through the beautiful Kawarau Gorge, Lake Dunstan, and the Lindis Pass. You’ll visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo and enjoy views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps before arriving in Christchurch for the night.

On your last day, you’ll be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your departure, ending your magnificent 15-day adventure in New Zealand.