New Zealand

GUIDED HUNTING TRIPS         UNBEATABLE TOURING

TRAVEL VISA'S   FOREIGN CURRENCY

18 DAY GRAND NZ RAIL
      

Journey the length of the country aboard some of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world. Weave through deep rainforests and rugged flats, past vineyards and seashore points, followed by spectacular gorges and river valleys. We've combined six magnificent train journeys in our luxury touring program that take you to places and sights often inaccessible by road, then marry this with a superb touring itinerary that lets you experience the country in its entirety.

DAY 1

 ARRIVE AUCKLAND (D)

Haere mai, welcome to New Zealand. On arrival in Auckland transfer to hotel. 

Overnight Stay: Auckland

DAY 2

 AUCKLAND - BAY OF ISLANDS (BD)

This morning we head north along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe. Visit the Kauri Pioneer Museum. Continue up the Northland peninsula through the breathtaking Waipoua Forest and on to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a guided tour.

Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands

Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Upgrade to two nights at Cliff Edge by the Sea. Surcharge applies, enquire for details.

DAY 3

 BAY OF ISLANDS (B)

Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from swimming with the dolphins; or Cape Reinga Tour; half day snapper fishing within the Bay of Islands; golf at Waitangi Golf Club; Russell Mini Tour & Pompallier or a full day sail on 'On the Edge', New Zealand's fastest commercial sailing catamaran.

Opportunity to replace today's touring with Cape Reinga half day fly/ 4WD tour (see Tour Inclusions, surcharge applies). 

DAY 4

 'HOLE IN THE ROCK' CRUISE (BD)

This morning cruise through the scenic waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' (weather permitting). This afternoon return to Auckland.

Overnight Stay: Auckland 

DAY 5

 LONGLANDS HOMESTEAD - ROTORUA (BL)

Journey to the top of Mt Eden, Auckland's highest extinct volcano, then continue on to Goldfields Railway. This vintage train will carry you through the upper reaches of the stunning Karangahake Gorge. Enjoy a farm tour and a Roast Lamb lunch at Longlands. We stop off at Whakarewarewa Forest for a stroll through the towering Californian Coastal Redwoods before continuing on to Rotorua. 

Two Night Stay: Rotorua

Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Upgrade to two nights at Hamurana Country Estate or Treetops Lodge & Estate. Surcharge applies, enquire for details. 

DAY 6

 ROTORUA (BD)

This morning tour Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from relaxing at the Polynesian Day Spa; or a visit to Agrodome; Rotorua Museum; an exhilarating 4WD Safari adventure; visit a buried village Te Wairoa; or enjoy a guided trout fishing expedition. Tonight we have an exclusive treat in store at our 'Realm of Tane' cultural performance and Hangi dinner.

Opportunity to replace today’s touring with a Helicopter Tour to White Island or Mt Tarawera (surcharge applies, refer to Tour Inclusions). 

DAY 7

 THE OVERLANDER TRAIN JOURNEY - WELLINGTON (B)

Depart Rotorua and head south via the stunning Lake Taupo and on to Taumaranui to board The Overlander train. Enjoy a magnificent afternoon's journey up the famous Raumiru Spiral onto New Zealand's awesome volcanic plateau and native bush. Travel through Tongariro National Park.

Two Night Stay: Wellington 

DAY 8

 WELLINGTON (BD)

This morning we visit Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum, recognised as a world leader in the new wave of innovative and interactive museum experiences. Remainder of the day at leisure. 

DAY 9

 WELLINGTON - MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS - CHRISTCHURCH (BD)

Cruise through the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds to the south island. Board the Tranz Coastal train to enjoy one of New Zealand's most spectacular rail journeys! Hugging the coastline you head south, passing vineyards, salt mountains and river valleys. Tonight stay in Christchurch.

Overnight Stay: Christchurch 

DAY 10

 TRANZALPINE - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER (BD)

Today enjoy an unforgettable journey through the magnificent Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine to Arthurs Pass. Continue on by coach to Hokitika to see skilled craftsmen carving Pounama (Jade). View the awesome Franz Josef Glacier before arriving in the charming little village of Franz Josef. Opportunity for a scenic helicopter flight (surcharge applies).

Overnight Stay: Franz Josef Glacier 

DAY 11

 FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN (BD)

A highlight today we go jet boating on the mighty Haast river in Mt Aspiring National Park. Continue on to picturesque Queenstown. Scenic FreeChoice Dining - All inclusive: choose from cruise on TSS Earnslaw and dine at Walter Peak Station; or dine at Lombardis Restaurant; or choose the Skyline Restaurant with views over Queenstown and Lake Wakitipu. 

Two Night Stay: Queenstown

Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Upgrade to three nights at Evergreen Lodge. Surcharge applies, enquire for details. 

DAY 12

 QUEENSTOWN (B)

Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from a guided tour of Skippers Canyon; a Boutique Winery tour with lunch; a garden tour; an indulgence treatment choice of relaxing massage or foot revival; Lord of the Rings Safari; Shotover Jet Adventure; Mt Aspiring National Park & Routeburn Valley walk or a Bungy Jump. 

Opportunity to replace today's touring with a Heli-Hiking Adventure to Skippers Canyon (refer to Tour Inclusions, surcharge applies). 

DAY 13

 KINGSTON FLYER - MILFORD SOUND, TE ANAU (BD)

Join the Kingston Flyer, New Zealand's fully restored famous vintage steam train, for magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu and the fascinating alpine desert. Rejoin your coach in Fairlight and travel to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. Today you will experience an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound.

Opportunity to replace today's touring with a visit to the secluded Doubtful Sound or to overnight on Milford Sound. (Must be pre-booked. Surcharge applies, refer to Tour Inclusions).

Overnight Stay: Te Anau

DAY 14

 TE ANAU - DUNEDIN (BD)

Cruise across Lake Te Anau where you will explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Today we continue on to Dunedin.

Home Stay: opportunity included in tour at no extra cost. Must be pre-booked.

Two Night Stay: Dunedin 

DAY 15

 DUNEDIN (B)

Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from a spectacular rail journey through the Taieri Gorge; a guided tour and hearty lunch at Speight’s Brewery and Alehouse; tour Larnach Castle & Garden; visit Otago Museum & City Walking Tour; or visit the famous Yellow-Eyed Penguins and albatross. 

DAY 16

 DUNEDIN - MT COOK - TWIZEL (BD)

This morning we head north, stopping first at Moeraki Boulders and then continuing on to Mt Cook National Park, where we will stop and view Mt Cook (subject to weather).

Opportunity for a Tasman Glacier walking tour (refer to Tour Inclusions, surcharge applies).

Overnight Stay: Twizel 

DAY 17

 LAKE TEKAPO - CHRISTCHURCH (BD)

This morning we travel over tussock plains to visit the picturesque glacier-fed lake of Tekapo. We stop and view the Church of the Good Shepherd, situated right on the lakes edge. This tiny church was built in 1935 from locally gathered stone and oak. Continue on to the 'City of Churches', Christchurch. A tour highlight is tonight's Farewell Dinner.

Overnight Stay: Christchurch 

DAY 18

 DEPART CHRISTCHURCH (B)

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport.

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Custome Packages are available please inquire: