The beauty of New Zealand by train
General info
New Zealand’s scenery offers breathtaking views and a train journey through the country is one of the best ways to see the Pacific beaches, majestic mountains, fjords, wineries and volcanoes.
You’ll start this 14-day journey in the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, and see the beauty of the fjords of the south.
Travel time year-round, departure on Tuesdays. You can also do the trip in reverse, Auckland-Queenstown, departure from Auckland on Saturdays.
Duration of the trip: 14 days
PLEASE NOTE
The itinerary is mostly an independent tour. All hotel reservations, breakfasts and the mentioned transfers, excursions or meals are included in the package.
The itinerary is an example as the tour may change, depending on the season. We will confirm the program as we plan your itinerary.
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Day 1 – Welcome to Queenstown
Arrive at Queenstown Airport and transfer to your hotel. The hotel is in a central location, from where you can easily explore the area on foot.
You will also find several good restaurants in Queenstown. I recommend trying Stratosfare Restaurant, which offers stunning views. Ask more when you book your trip and we can help you make a table reservation.
Day 2 – Adventure Capital
There’s plenty to do in Queenstown and it is often called the “Adventure Capital”.
Start with the gondola up the mountain right from the centre of town where you will see the town, lake and mountains. Or join a cruise on Lake Wakatipu on the steamboat TTS Earnslaw.
For the bravest, there are options for bungee-jumping or skydiving, jetboating, rafting, ziplining or mountain biking.
More relaxed activities are also available, such as fishing, canoeing, cycling or visiting the area’s vineyards.
In summer you can also play golf in the stunning scenery and in winter you can go skiing at one of the area’s many ski resorts.
Day 3 – Milford Sounds
Today you start early in the morning and travel with the group to Milford Sound. The tour includes a shuttle bus, a cruise on the fjord and a light lunch.
Note. Tour duration is about 12 hours, returning in the evening.
Alternatively, ask about scenic flights over the mountains, glaciers and fjords.
Day 4 – To Christchurch
Transfer to the airport and a short flight to historic Christchurch where your driver will be waiting and take you to your city hotel.
Explore the city at your leisure on foot.
Day 5 – Beautiful Christchurch
Explore the city’s street art, historic district, botanical gardens, and take a guided tour on the historic tram.
Also try a guided punting tour on the River Avon in the Botanical Gardens.
You can also ascend the nearby Port Hills by gondola, which offers stunning views of both the city and the mountains.
Day 6 – The train journey begins
The morning starts early and you’ll board the Costal Pacific scenic train to Picton. You will experience one of New Zealand’s most beautiful train journeys.
The scenic train journey takes you north along the Pacific coast. You pass between the sea and the mountains, where you see secluded beaches, wineries, rugged coastlines, and beautiful landscapes.
After arriving at Picton Station in the afternoon, walk a short distance and continue with the ferry to Wellington. It is said that the ferry ride is one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world and you will arrive in Wellington around 6pm.
On arrival, you will meet your driver who will take you to your hotel.
Day 7 & 8 – Wellington
There is lots to do and see in the capital of New Zealand (please note, tours are not included, but can be added to your itinerary):
Examples:
Day 9 – The train journey continues
The morning starts early and walk a short distance to the train station and continue on the Northern Explorer Train towards the volcanoes.
Day 10 – Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Site, offers many activities. In winter you can go skiing, and in summer hiking.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike is a challenging 20km alpine hike that is often referred to as New Zealand’s best one-day hike.
Alternatively, you can play golf, go fishing, ride mountain bikes or simply relax and enjoy the hotel’s services.
There are three active volcanoes in the national park: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom from “The Lord of the Rings”) and Ruapehu.
Day 11 – Towards Auckland
Spend the morning in the national park or relax in the hotel’s sauna.
In the afternoon, the journey continues by train towards the last destination, New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland.
When you arrive to Auckland, your driver will be waiting for you and take you to your hotel in the city centre. You will arrive to Auckland around 7pm.
Day 12 – Auckland
Spend a day in New Zealand’s largest city and visit Auckland’s Sky Tower where you will have magnificent views across the city and the harbour.
Then in the afternoon, you could visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of New Zealand and the Maori people.
Have a dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Parnell area or take a taxi to Ponsonby.
Day 13 – Waiheke Island and wineries
Get on the ferry from downtown and travel to nearby Waiheke Island. Once you arrive on the island, you will meet your guide who will take you to the vineyards.
After lunch, you will have time to spend an afternoon on the island where you can shop, explore or swim (in the summertime) until your return ferry to Auckland.
Waiheke Island is the second largest islands in the Hauraki Gulf and also the most densely populated island. Many locals have their own holiday houses on the island, and no wonder, as the scenery is stunning and the island is just a short ferry ride from the bustling centre of Auckland.
The ferry to and from the island, guided winery tour, wine tasting and lunch are included in the package.
Day 14 – Where to next?
Final morning in Auckland and your next journey awaits.
Breakfast and airport transfers are included in your package. Ask us about additional flights or accommodation options at your next destination.