New Zealand by Rail
18 days/17 nights
Rail
Guide Price €4,159 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
New Zealand’s well connected rail network combines comfort and convenience with stellar natural beauty. Explore Tongariro National Park’s volcanic peaks, follow the wild Pacific Ocean coastline and traverse the Southern Alps on this exciting holiday.
- Experience the best of New Zealand by the comfort of rail
- Visit New Zealand’s oldest national park, Tongariro
- Explore the scenic city of Queenstown and all it has to offer
Speak to a New Zealand & the Pacific Tours Expert
01 881 4986/hughs/$FILE/hughs.jpg)
TF's Bulletin
Sign up for TF's Special Offers & Travel Articles.
Itinerary
Days 1-2 Auckland
Arrive and settle into your centrally located hotel. Spend day 2 exploring this vibrant city.
Days 3-4 Auckland to Tongariro NP
Join the Northern Explorer train as it winds through fertile farmland to the volcanic Central Plateau where you can experience a guided crossing of the Tongariro alpine path on day 4.
Days 5-6 Tongariro NP to Wellington
Rejoin the Northern Explorer and continue to Wellington, known for its café culture. Enjoy a visit to the spellbinding Weta Workshop.
Days 7-8 Wellington to Blenheim
This morning cross the Cook Strait, connecting with the Coastal Pacific train in Picton as it departs for Blenheim, the gateway to the Marlborough wine region. On day 8, visit a variety of local vineyards sampling the world famous Sauvignon Blanc and enjoy a deliciously prepared gourmet lunch.
Day 9 Blenheim to Kaikoura
Board the train to continue along the coastline to Kaikoura, later partake in an exciting whale watching expedition.
Day 10 Kaikoura to Christchurch
Reboard the Coastal Pacific and travel on to Christchurch.
Days 11-12 Christchurch to Franz Josef
Rise through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train taking in the full range of South Island’s striking natural beauty. Collect a car in Greymouth and follow the remote west coast towards Franz Josef where an incredible glacier helicopter flight is included on day 12.
Days 13-15 Franz Josef to Queenstown
Continue your journey with a stunning drive through Mount Aspiring National Park to the adventure hub of Queenstown. Enjoy a half day tour with a boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, incredible scenic look out points and sampling local wines. Perhaps spend a day in Milford or Doubtful Sounds.
Day 16 Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Travel the scenic route towards Lake Tekapo, perhaps stopping by the lakeside town of Wanaka en route.
Days 17-18 Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Finish your journey with a drive back into Christchurch. Spend your final evening on board the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant before continuing to the airport on day 18.
Additional Options: Looking to upgrade your rail journey? Scenic Plus offers an elevated on board dining experience including regionally inspired cuisine and wine pairing. Speak to your travel consultant for more information.
Map
Price & Inclusions
- 7 days Compact Inclusive Plus car hire including a zero excess insurance, unlimited mileage, 24-hour Roadside Assistance & an additional driver
- Ferry transfer from Wellington to Picton
- Northern Explorer train from Auckland to Wellington
- Coastal Pacific train from Picton to Christchurch
- TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth
- 17 nights 3
to 4 accommodation - Tongariro Crossing Guided Hike, Weta Workshop Guided Tour – Wellington
- Tastes of Marlborough Wineries with Lunch – Blenheim
- Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise
- Fox and Franz Josef Glacier Landing by Helicopter
- Best of Queenstown
- Christchurch Tramway Restaurant
We negotiate new offers daily from discounted flights, tours and vehicle hire to free upgrades, added value and unique inclusions. Please call for our latest offers.
The tour itinerary, inclusions and departures are based on travel from 01/10/2024 to 31/12/2025. Guide prices are based on twn/dbl share, are subject to availability and may vary by departure date. For travel outside of these dates, the itinerary and inclusions may vary to that shown above - please ask for details.Offers are subject to availability and restrictions may apply.
Flights
As we can offer you such a flexible choice of flights, we don't include international airfares with our tour prices. The price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.
Your Trailfinders Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour. Contact us for our latest flight offers or take a look at our flights pages for a general idea of prices.
Work for Trailfinders
homeBook a Travel Centre Appointment
screen_shareBook a Virtual Appointment
Speak to a Travel Expert
We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 96% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.
Our travel centres are currently closed
Our phone lines are open at the following times:-
Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm (UK) : 9am-7pm (ROI)
Saturday & Bank Holidays: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
For individual opening times please check your local travel centre
Submit an Enquiry
Request a call back from a Travel Expert at a time that suits you.
Your travel plans on the go
- View your up-to-date travel plans
- Book online & manage your account
- Flight details including baggage & seating
- Update your contact information
- Check visa & travel health requirements
- Access to E-Vouchers
- Trip Hub
Additional Features in the App:
- 365/24/7 emergency contact quick links
- Location related features
- Offline access to your travel plans
Tales from the Trail
Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team