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.
Please note that trains do not run daily or in winter, and we will plan the journey to suit your schedule. You can also do the reverse journey Auckland–Queenstown.
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 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 Sound
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 13 hours, returning in the evening. We recommend adding a scenic flight back to Queenstown, which will allow you to arrive back earlier.
Day 4 – To Christchurch
Today you’ll embark on a small group day trip to Christchurch, via Wānaka, Mt Cook and Tekapo.
Escaping the hustle and bustle of Queenstown, we head north through the rolling valleys of Wānaka – the #thatWanāka tree – and Lindis Pass on our way to Mt Cook. This Christchurch route covers several of New Zealand’s best sites in one day, with sweeping views of Kawarau Gorge, Haupapa (Tasman Glacier) – our country’s longest glacier – Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo.
Full-day tour
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.
In the afternoon you will arrive at the National Park where you will spend the next night.
The World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park offers many activities. In winter you can go skiing, in summer you can go hiking.
Day 10 – Transfer to Rotorua
Meet your driver in the morning and simply enjoy the scenery for the next two hours on the way to Rotorua. If you would like to take a guided hike in the morning, we can arrange transport in the afternoon.
Visit hot springs, see geysers and learn about Maori culture. Indulge in the world-famous Rotorua Mud Bath or a variety of spa treatments.
Optional Experience – Redwoods Nightlights is one of New Zealand’s best design-led tourism experiences. This award-winning ecotourism walk floats 9-20 metres above the forest floor, is 700 metres long, crosses 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms, and takes around 40 minutes to complete (from the first bridge). It’s perfect for those looking for things to do in Rotorua in the evening!
Day 11 – Maori culture and hot springs
Hell’s Gate Experience – Take a guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk, then enjoy a geothermal bath and experience the healing properties used by local Maori for centuries. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget.
Includes a 1.5-hour geothermal walk and Maori carving. Then enjoy a world-famous mud bath, sulphur baths and a cool plunge pool.
In the evening, join an indigenous dinner experience. Te Pō Combo begins at 4:00 PM with a guided tour of the valley, followed by a buffet dinner and cultural performance – each element designed to deepen your connection to our historic geothermal valley and immerse you in Maori culture.
Explore stunning landscapes of native bush, geysers and mud pools, and feel the natural power of Pōhutu Geyser – the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere! Your guided tour will take you through the geothermal valley, where you will also visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.
End the evening with a walk back to the geothermal landscape while sipping hot cocoa.
Day 12 – Hobbiton, Waitomon luolat and Auckland
Today you will travel from Rotorua to Auckland and visit two of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions – Hobbiton Movie Village and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
The day includes a fully guided tour of Hobbiton and a hearty lunch at their Party Marquee. This will be followed by a guided tour of the Waitomo Caves and a boat trip through the Glowworm Caves.
The tour concludes at your hotel in Auckland that evening.
Day 13 – Free day in Auckland
For example, visit the Auckland War Memorial, where you can learn about New Zealand and Maori history and culture.
Climb the Auckland Sky Tower for stunning views of the city and harbour.
Have dinner in the idyllic Parnell area or take a taxi to Ponsonby. Alternatively, take a ferry to historic Devonport or enjoy dinner at one of the many harbourside restaurants in Wynyard Quarter or Princes Wharf.
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.