Discover New Zealand by train: from snow-capped mountains and rugged coastlines, to ancient forests and green farmland, you can experience some of the world's most unique and beautiful landscapes unseen by road. You’ll travel in comfort, and the professional TranzScenic train managers will ensure you’re kept entertained and informed along the way. While rail travel in New Zealand is an unforgettable experience in itself, this is also a great way of travelling the country with less environmental impact than flying. You may wish to do your entire New Zealand holiday by train, and this is certainly possible, or perhaps you only wish to use rail for shorter durations; ask for route and timetable details.
Make this your holiday:
Exclusive Tour: your own private multilingual guide throughout the trip
Price Guarantee: costing 25-30% less than similar tours of the same flexibility and quality
Tailor Made: customised itinerary to create your dream holiday
Duration: shorten or lengthen the tour to suit your wishes
Dates: depart and return whenever you choose
Hotels: change hotel grade to suit your budget
Group Discounts: call 0845 310 2929.
DAY 1: AUCKLAND – TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
Your journey through the highlights of New Zealand starts here on ‘The Overlander’. Depart New Zealand’s largest city and pass through lush forests and farmlands, across volcanic plateaus and over the world famous Raurimu Spiral between Taumaranui and Tongariro National Park. Disembark early afternoon and enjoy some free time to walk in this stunning scenic region.
Overnight: Bayview Chateau Tongariro
DAY 2: TONGARIRO – WELLINGTON
This morning is free to spend more time exploring the National Park, early afternoon re-board The Overlander to continue your journey down to Wellington arriving early evening and check in for a two night stay. (B)
Overnight: Holiday Inn Wellington
DAY 3: WELLINGTON
Wellington, the harbour capital of New Zealand has so much to see and do, yet is small and compact making it easy to explore. Visit Te Papa, the country’s national museum, relax in one of Wellington’s many coffee bars or try the fine pinot noir from the nearby Martinborough wine region.
DAY 4: WELLINGTON – KAIKOURA
Catch the scenic Inter-islander Ferry early this morning across the Cook Strait to Picton; join the TranzCoastal for a journey through the grape country down towards the coastal resort of Kaikoura.
Overnight: White Morph Apartments
DAY 5: KAIKOURA – CHRISTCHURCH
This morning you will be taken on a whale watching cruise, see the magnificent sperm whales, if you are lucky the migratory humpback whales and orcas will be there. Dolphins, fur seals and royal albatross are also often seen. After your cruise there will be time for lunch (not included) before boarding the TranzCoastal to Christchurch for the next two nights.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel Durham Street
DAY 6: CHRISTCHURCH
Today is free for you to explore the beautiful city of Christchurch; this cosmopolitan city has plenty to offer everyone, from dramatic gothic architecture to pretty tree-lined avenues. The city is easy to explore, why not get a tram ticket and hop on and off at points of interest or take a day trip out to the historic colonial settlement of Akaroa?
DAY 7: CHRISTCHURCH – PUNAKAIKI - GREYMOUTH
Depart Christchurch on board the award winning TranzAlpine train, cutting through the Southern Alps on its way to Greymouth. Pass through the patchwork farmlands of Canterbury, through river gorges and over massive viaducts. On arrival in Greymouth, you will be taken to the nearby West Coast town of Punakaiki for a tour of the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes.
Overnight: Kingsgate Greymouth
DAY 8: DEPART GREYMOUTH
On your last day you will be transferred back to Greymouth after a short tour of a shantytown to try your hand at gold panning or a short steam train ride. From Greymouth, why not hire a car and continue on your journey of New Zealand down the spectacular West Coast region?
NOTE: We make no extra charge for minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary. No surcharges will be imposed within 30 days of departure. Wherever possible any downward revision in the price of trips if shown in our website will be refunded to you.