New Zealand train journeys
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A tour operator you can trust. 5 week tour of New Zealand and Australia, everything went as agreed and as stated in the itinerary. Great job Asko and Project tours. Really professional operation and service
A very well-organized trip to Australia and New Zealand. Thank you!
The concept worked perfectly for us:Peaceful vacation: We appreciated that it wasn’t a group trip. We were able to explore the destinations at our own pace, but the schedule and advance reservations gave the trip a clear framework.Reservations in order: All hotel and tour reservations worked flawlessly in principle.Safety net: When there were twists and turns along the way – such as flight cancellations – the office handled the situations for us nicely. It was relaxing to know that someone else would take care of the logistics if the original plan changed.
A 2-week tour of Australia tailored for us. Interesting destinations and good hotels. Exceptions to the planned program were handled very well. I highly recommend!
The trip went well. The destinations were interesting and the transportation was handled as planned. I definitely recommend this trip organizer.
Asko listened to our wishes and tailored the package to our needs. Highly recommended!
We had a wonderful 4,5 week tour across Australia and Project Matka made excellent job planning the trip and made all needed reservations including all travel, accommodation and activities. The schedule and all activities were really well planned and we saw a lot of Australia, its nature and animals and the culture during our trip. We absolutely loved our trip!
Big thanks to Asko and Project travel! I was on a 3-week vacation in Australia. All the details were carefully and carefully planned and thought out. The trip went without a hitch. I got to see amazing places and have new experiences. Super thanks. I can warmly recommend Asko and Project travel!
Many thanks to Asko and Project Matka. A wonderfully planned and executed three-week trip to Australia, during which we got to explore great city destinations and above all, wonderful nature, from rainforests to fabulously beautiful sandy beaches and, as the cherry on the cake, snorkeling on the reef. The arrangements were really well made. With the written and verbal instructions from Asko, it was easy and safe for even the most relaxed traveler to travel. I recommend Project Matka, with their help you can tailor a trip to your own preferences.
I can really recommend Projekt Matka. They planned a memorable New Zealand and Australia tour for me, everything went smoothly. Asko was always available quickly when I needed advice or directions. A well thought out trip!
The travel program was as tight as we had hoped, but it ran smoothly and every detail was carefully thought out. The arrangements exceeded our expectations in every way.
My experience with Project Matka was absolutely outstanding! From start to finish, they provided exceptional services that went above and beyond my expectations.First and foremost, the planning process was a breeze, thanks to their invaluable tips and recommendations. Asko, from Project Matka, not only designed our dream holiday but also added incredible value by suggesting fantastic restaurant options and local gems that truly made our trip unforgettable. It's the little details like these that make all the difference.Moreover, the communication with Project Matka was superb. Asko and his team made sure we felt like we were in exceptionally good hands throughout our entire journey. They were responsive, attentive, and always ready to address any questions or concerns we had, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience.Thanks to Project Matka, we had a dream holiday that exceeded our expectations. I can't recommend them enough for their top-notch services, thoughtful planning, and outstanding communication. Asko, you delivered our dream holiday, and we're incredibly grateful. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you are considering a trip to Australia and/or New Zealand don’t hesitate to use Project Matka. We are experienced travelers and never used an agent prior to this trip. Project Matka not only listened to our wants, preferences, style, likes and dislikes, but provided guidance and suggestions we hadn’t consider. Our final itinerary not only met but exceeded our expectations. The cities, hotels, tours which was a combination of self guided, private and semi-private tours was seamless and absolutely perfect. We spent 30 days between the two countries and it was a trip of a lifetime primarily due to the support we got for Project Matka.
Asko Project Matka helped me plan and implement a wonderful holiday in Melbourne. However, in a relatively short time I managed to see a lot. Thanks to the useful tips I received from Asko. His local knowledge of Melbourne is in a class of its own. I can warmly recommend Project Matka if you are looking for a holiday in Australia!
A thousand thanks to Asko and Project Matka for the absolutely fantastic arrangements for our trip to central Australia. Everything went perfectly, and the experiences were one after the other. We asked for an active itinerary with hiking in stunning landscapes as the main focus, and that's what we definitely got. Other highlights included dinner under the stars, a camel ride at sunrise, and the light art installation Field of Lights. Warm recommendation to Asko and the Project Matka team.
Experience the beauty of New Zealand by train
New Zealand offers breathtaking views, and a train journey across the country is one of the most comfortable ways to see the Pacific beaches, majestic mountains, fjords, wineries and volcanoes. A New Zealand train journey allows you to travel through both the North and South Islands, while discovering New Zealand’s most stunning cities and their fascinating history.
Our planned 14-day trip starts in the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, and ends in bustling Auckland. If you prefer, you can also start your train journey in Auckland and end it in Queenstown.
Ready to plan your dream journey to Oceania?
I am a qualified travel professional from Finland, living in Australia for over 20 years. Because I am based locally in the destination, I will tailor-make your itinerary with the best insider tips and provide reliable on-the-ground support throughout your trip.
Get in touch, and let’s make your travel dreams come true! Read more >
Asko Meriläinen
Your travel planner, entrepreneur
24/7 support at every stage of your journey, before, during, and after your trip
Free travel planning
Submitting the form does not commit you to anything
Dreaming of experiencing
New Zealand by train?
Contact us and we can help you plan a successful trip that suits you.
The journey starts from Queenstown
There’s plenty to do in Queenstown, and once there you can take a gondola up the mountain from the very centre, or take a lake cruise on the Lake Wakatipu steamer. For the more adventurous, there’s bungee or skydiving, jet boating, rafting, ziplining or mountain biking in the mountains.
However, the town also offers more leisurely activities such as fishing, canoeing, cycling or winery visits. In summer you can play golf in the stunning scenery and in winter ski on the Queenstown area’s many slopes.
From Queenstown, fly to charming Christchurch, where you can explore the city’s street murals, historic quarter and botanical gardens, or take a guided tour on a historic tram. A punting boat trip on the River Avon is also worth experiencing.
Take the Coastal Pacific train to Picton
From Christchurch, you can start the real train journey by taking the Coastal Pacific train to Picton. Considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in New Zealand, you’re sure to enjoy the spectacular views.
The train journey follows the Pacific coastline northwards between sea and mountains, taking in remote beaches, vineyards, rugged coastline and spectacular scenery. Once you arrive at Picton station, it’s a short walk to catch the ferry to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. The ferry ride is one of the most spectacular in the world.
Next, head to Wellington, where you can get a taste of history with a visit to the Te Papa Museum and a ride on a historic cable car. In Wellington, you can also meet kiwi and other New Zealand wildlife at Zealandia Ecosanctuary. Nearby, you can discover the region’s diverse wines on a winery tour.
Northern Explorer train to volcanoes
From Wellington, you can continue your New Zealand train journey on the Northern Explorer train, which will take you to the World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park station. The national park offers a wealth of activities, being a great destination for skiing in winter and hiking in summer, or alternatively you can play golf, go fishing, mountain biking or enjoy hotel facilities.
In the national park you can see three active volcanoes: Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings films) and Mt Ruapehu.
TranzAlpine and stunning scenery
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train. This train ride is considered to be one of the world’s most impressive journeys, covering an impressive 223 kilometres from start to finish and taking just under 5 hours to complete.
The TranzAlpine train journey takes you coast-to-coast through the Great Divide, a formidable chain of mountains that runs through New Zealand’s South Island. Get ready to experience this region’s awe-inspiring beauty as you traverse its indomitable spine of mountains.
To the east lies the serene city of Christchurch, where you can unwind in beautiful gardens. You can also go horse trekking from Springfield, which takes you through the mountains. On the west, Lake Brunner is a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Additionally, you can explore the glacier country from Greymouth. In the centre, Arthur’s Pass offers a variety of fantastic mountain hikes.
Get a taste of New Zealand’s big city atmosphere in Auckland
From Tongariro National Park, you can continue your New Zealand train journey to Auckland, the country’s largest city. There you can visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where you can learn about New Zealand and Maori history and culture. For the best views of Auckland, visit Auckland’s Sky Tower for spectacular views of the city and harbour.
To get the most out of your visit to Auckland, check out the local restaurants in the idyllic Parnell area or take a taxi to Ponsonby. A ferry trip to historic Devonport is also a great experience, or if you prefer, you can enjoy dinner at one of the many harbour restaurants in Wynyard Quater or Princes Wharf.
Waiheke Island is a convenient ferry crossing from Auckland and, with its world-famous wineries, is a great destination for wine lovers. Waiheke Island is the most densely populated and second largest island in Hauraki Bay. Many locals also have their own holiday homes on the island, which is no wonder, as it has stunning scenery and is only a short ferry ride from the bustling centre of Auckland.
Ready to plan your dream journey to Oceania?
I am a qualified travel professional from Finland, living in Australia for over 20 years. Because I am based locally in the destination, I will tailor-make your itinerary with the best insider tips and provide reliable on-the-ground support throughout your trip.
Get in touch, and let’s make your travel dreams come true! Read more >
Asko Meriläinen
Your travel planner, entrepreneur
A tour operator you can trust. 5 week tour of New Zealand and Australia, everything went as agreed and as stated in the itinerary. Great job Asko and Project tours. Really professional operation and service
A very well-organized trip to Australia and New Zealand. Thank you!
The concept worked perfectly for us:Peaceful vacation: We appreciated that it wasn’t a group trip. We were able to explore the destinations at our own pace, but the schedule and advance reservations gave the trip a clear framework.Reservations in order: All hotel and tour reservations worked flawlessly in principle.Safety net: When there were twists and turns along the way – such as flight cancellations – the office handled the situations for us nicely. It was relaxing to know that someone else would take care of the logistics if the original plan changed.
A 2-week tour of Australia tailored for us. Interesting destinations and good hotels. Exceptions to the planned program were handled very well. I highly recommend!
The trip went well. The destinations were interesting and the transportation was handled as planned. I definitely recommend this trip organizer.
Asko listened to our wishes and tailored the package to our needs. Highly recommended!
We had a wonderful 4,5 week tour across Australia and Project Matka made excellent job planning the trip and made all needed reservations including all travel, accommodation and activities. The schedule and all activities were really well planned and we saw a lot of Australia, its nature and animals and the culture during our trip. We absolutely loved our trip!
Big thanks to Asko and Project travel! I was on a 3-week vacation in Australia. All the details were carefully and carefully planned and thought out. The trip went without a hitch. I got to see amazing places and have new experiences. Super thanks. I can warmly recommend Asko and Project travel!
Many thanks to Asko and Project Matka. A wonderfully planned and executed three-week trip to Australia, during which we got to explore great city destinations and above all, wonderful nature, from rainforests to fabulously beautiful sandy beaches and, as the cherry on the cake, snorkeling on the reef. The arrangements were really well made. With the written and verbal instructions from Asko, it was easy and safe for even the most relaxed traveler to travel. I recommend Project Matka, with their help you can tailor a trip to your own preferences.
I can really recommend Projekt Matka. They planned a memorable New Zealand and Australia tour for me, everything went smoothly. Asko was always available quickly when I needed advice or directions. A well thought out trip!
The travel program was as tight as we had hoped, but it ran smoothly and every detail was carefully thought out. The arrangements exceeded our expectations in every way.
My experience with Project Matka was absolutely outstanding! From start to finish, they provided exceptional services that went above and beyond my expectations.First and foremost, the planning process was a breeze, thanks to their invaluable tips and recommendations. Asko, from Project Matka, not only designed our dream holiday but also added incredible value by suggesting fantastic restaurant options and local gems that truly made our trip unforgettable. It's the little details like these that make all the difference.Moreover, the communication with Project Matka was superb. Asko and his team made sure we felt like we were in exceptionally good hands throughout our entire journey. They were responsive, attentive, and always ready to address any questions or concerns we had, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience.Thanks to Project Matka, we had a dream holiday that exceeded our expectations. I can't recommend them enough for their top-notch services, thoughtful planning, and outstanding communication. Asko, you delivered our dream holiday, and we're incredibly grateful. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you are considering a trip to Australia and/or New Zealand don’t hesitate to use Project Matka. We are experienced travelers and never used an agent prior to this trip. Project Matka not only listened to our wants, preferences, style, likes and dislikes, but provided guidance and suggestions we hadn’t consider. Our final itinerary not only met but exceeded our expectations. The cities, hotels, tours which was a combination of self guided, private and semi-private tours was seamless and absolutely perfect. We spent 30 days between the two countries and it was a trip of a lifetime primarily due to the support we got for Project Matka.
Asko Project Matka helped me plan and implement a wonderful holiday in Melbourne. However, in a relatively short time I managed to see a lot. Thanks to the useful tips I received from Asko. His local knowledge of Melbourne is in a class of its own. I can warmly recommend Project Matka if you are looking for a holiday in Australia!
A thousand thanks to Asko and Project Matka for the absolutely fantastic arrangements for our trip to central Australia. Everything went perfectly, and the experiences were one after the other. We asked for an active itinerary with hiking in stunning landscapes as the main focus, and that's what we definitely got. Other highlights included dinner under the stars, a camel ride at sunrise, and the light art installation Field of Lights. Warm recommendation to Asko and the Project Matka team.
24/7 support at every stage of your journey, before, during, and after your trip
Free travel planning
Submitting the form does not commit you to anything