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Experience New Zealand's beloved railways, spectacular scenery and fascinating cultural heritage on this tour of the country's most popular sights.
Enjoy the interactive All Blacks Experience in Auckland before heading south to the otherworldly Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Ride the famed Northern Explorer into a volcanic region once ruled by Māori kings and journey to Christchurch on the celebrated Coastal Pacific.
Drive through the incredible landscapes of Westland and Fiordland national parks, travel on the scenic TranzAlpine across the Southern Alps and cruise along Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake.
What’s included
Your extraordinary tour of New Zealand's highlights begins by meeting the Tour Manager and group at London Heathrow, before boarding a flight to Auckland via Singapore.
Ahead are 12 full days of discovering the North and South Islands of New Zealand. With multicultural cities and rural towns surrounded by pristine wilderness, shimmering lakes and towering mountains, the country specialises in unforgettable moments. As you settle into your seat, you can begin to look forward to trips on New Zealand's renowned railways, discovering breathtaking geological sites and learning about the Māori through a variety of cultural experiences.
After a short change in Singapore, we join a connecting flight to Auckland, the nation's largest city.
New Zealand was first home to the Māori people who arrived by canoe in the early 13th century from Eastern Polynesia. Centuries later, explorer Abel Tasman of the Dutch East India Company landed, and the islands were named after the Dutch province of Zeeland in 1642. The country became a British colony in the 19th century, with Auckland as its capital. Today, Auckland is a buzzing and friendly metropolis, blending Polynesian and Anglo culture with a thriving arts scene and unique cuisine.
With an outstanding location between two harbours and bordered by rainforest, Auckland has a long maritime heritage and is known as the City of Sails. Located towards the top of the North Island, there is a busy marina and a bay dotted with sailing boats and yachts.
Arriving in Auckland around midday, we transfer to our centrally located hotel, where you are free for the rest of the day until dinner.
You might like to unwind at the hotel or take a stroll to the nearby Viaduct Harbour. This waterfront is home to yachts, waterside cafés and open-air bars, offering a relaxed and scenic spot to soak up your first taste of New Zealand life before returning to the hotel for dinner.
After breakfast, we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour, savouring panoramic views over the city harbour from Bastion Point, before calling at Parnell Village, Auckland's oldest suburb. We continue along the waterfront drive, a scenic coastal path, to Viaduct Harbour.
Our next stop is the All Blacks Experience, an immersive attraction dedicated to New Zealand rugby. It invites visitors to feel the pride, passion, and spirit that shape the national team, blending powerful storytelling and interactive technology - including a chance to come face-to-face with the All Blacks in a digital multi-sensory Haka performance.
After returning to our hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore. For dinner, you are spoilt for choice and could dine in one of the cafés or restaurants in central Auckland.
Leaving Auckland after breakfast, we travel south over the Bombay Hills. Continuing through rolling green pastures and small farming settlements, we arrive in Waitomo for a guided tour of the famous Waitomo Caves, an ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos.
Here, we get to see the fascinating limestone formations of stalagmites, stalactites and columns that have formed over thousands of years before taking a silent boat ride on an underground river into the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. During our visit, we gain an insight into the fascinating ecosystem this species of beetle calls home.
Afterwards, we travel through picturesque farmland and across the bush-clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua in the heart of New Zealand's famous thermal region.
After a morning at leisure, we set out on a sightseeing tour of Rotorua, beginning at Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest. A gentle walk among towering trees offers stunning views and a chance to soak up the tranquil atmosphere, before we continue to the Blue and Green Lakes, and Lake Tarawera.
We return to our hotel before an afternoon drive to the Te Puia Thermal Park for a tour and Māori cultural experience. First, we are introduced to the geothermal activity in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, its boiling mud pools, steaming silica terraces, hot springs and geysers including the famous Pōhutu Geyser which erupts nearly 100 feet high.
Next, we visit the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where young Māori learn the skills of their ancestors. Here, we indulge in a buffet dinner prepared by the traditional hāngī method of cooking, followed by a performance of song, traditional chant and dance. The evening ends with a hot chocolate served in the geothermal valley, now bathed in coloured light, before we return to our hotel.
Today, we experience another highlight of the tour, boarding the Northern Explorer for one of the world's greatest rail routes. This stunning route takes us into an area once ruled by Māori kings, and from panoramic windows, the volcano Mount Pirongia can be seen in the distance.
After passing Te Kuiti - the sheep-shearing capital of the world - we cross the Waiteti Viaduct, then travel through scenery you might recognise as Hobbiton in the Lord of the Rings films. This route also allows us to experience the fantastic Raurimu Spiral, a masterpiece of 19th-century railway engineering, and pass the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park. Rivers and gorges guide us to the coast, where we are greeted by views across the Tasman Sea to Kapiti Island. On a clear evening, we may be lucky to witness a sensational sunset before arriving in Wellington.
Reaching New Zealand's capital, we are transferred to our hotel in the heart of the city with a free evening ahead.
This morning, we set out on a half-day sightseeing tour of the capital, starting with a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens. Travelling through the hillside houses to Lambton Quay, enjoy sweeping views of the city and harbour at the top, before taking a stroll through the gardens' vibrant floral displays, exotic forests and native bush.
We continue by coach past city highlights including Oriental Bay, the iconic 'Beehive' and Old St Paul's Church - a great example of colonial Gothic architecture. In Hannah's Laneway, a hub of boutique producers, you'll find sweet treats and local delicacies to try or buy. The tour ends at Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, where you can join a guided tour to introduce you to the country's unique natural world, Māori culture and colonial history.
This afternoon is free to explore. You might visit Zealandia, a nearby eco-sanctuary for native wildlife, or simply relax in one of Wellington's many cafés or waterfront bars. From craft beer to classic Kiwi fish and chips, the city offers a fantastic mix of flavours to round off your day.
We board the Interislander ferry this morning for a journey across Cook Strait, a passageway separating the North and South Islands. Arriving in the port town of Picton, there is free time over lunch, which you could spend in one of the harbourside cafés.
Next, we join the celebrated Coastal Pacific train for another memorable rail journey, travelling south to Christchurch. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Marlborough wine-growing region, before the ocean unfolds on one side while mountains rise dramatically on the other. As the route hugs the Kaikōura coast, keep an eye out for marine life such as seals, dolphins or even distant sperm whales.
Reaching our destination of Christchurch this evening, we spend the night in the South Island's largest city. Blending English influences with the region's unique spirit, Christchurch is a cultural city. It also has a burgeoning reputation for contemporary cuisine and an innovative approach to authentic New Zealand dishes, and you might like to find restaurants serving Canterbury lamb, Akaroa salmon or organic wines from the Waipara Valley.
With a day at leisure in Christchurch, a complimentary day pass on the city's historic tram makes getting around the city easy. Besides its striking architecture and some of New Zealand's oldest buildings, there are many green spaces to explore. For example, the city's Botanic Gardens - whose restaurant serves authentic Spanish dishes - or the urban park on the banks of the Avon River.
This unique city also offers an eclectic mix of street art to fine art. To discover more, you could visit the Centre for Contemporary Art or Christchurch Art Gallery, the Māori name of which is Te Puna o Waiwhetū.
A ride on the Christchurch Gondola is another popular option. During the journey, you can soak up views across the city and Lyttelton Harbour and across to the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains, Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean. To venture beyond the city, you could opt for a wine tour of the nearby Waipara region. In New Zealand's second largest city, your dining options are endless, and Christchurch has a reputation for wholesome, healthy food and friendly hospitality.
Today's journey is an unforgettable one as we visit the Franz Josef Glacier for an overnight stay. Regarded as one of the world's greatest rail journeys, the TranzAlpine train carries us from Christchurch and across wild rivers to the Southern Alps. Travelling in panoramic viewing carriages, one end of the train has an open-air viewing platform from which to soak up views of viaducts and picturesque gorges before arriving at the lush forest of Arthurs Pass National Park.
From here, we leave the train and board a coach to continue our journey along the West Coast to Hokitika. We stop in Hokitika for free time to explore the charming coastal town and enjoy lunch. You might like to visit a boutique jade shop, where you can see local craftspeople create jewellery and ornaments from greenstone (pounamu).
We continue south through forests and farmlands, with the Southern Alps rising sharply to the east and vistas of the Tasman Sea to the west. Not long after passing the Fox Glacier, we arrive in the town of Franz Josef itself, where your evening is free. On the banks of the Waiho River that flows from the Franz Josef Glacier, the town is surrounded by the epic landscapes of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
Today, we embark on a full-day coach drive to Queenstown through the incredible rainforests, wetlands, sand dunes and pebble beaches of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. With some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery in the world, this region provides an epic backdrop for today's journey.
From Westland National Park, we travel through the Haast River valleys and over the Haast Pass to Makaroa. Heading past Lake Hawea, we reach the popular Lake Wanaka, the starting point of the mighty Clutha River.
From here, we follow the Kawarau Gorge Road into Queenstown, where we check in to our hotel. Queenstown offers more majestic scenery, a picturesque lake, hot springs and a great selection of places to enjoy dinner.
A full-day coach excursion into the world-acclaimed Fiordland National Park awaits after breakfast. This spectacular region is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere, with ancient fjords, dense forests and craggy mountains covering nearly 5,000 square miles - nearly the size of Northern Ireland.
Enroute to Milford Sound, we stop at the spectacular Mirror Lakes, two deep, blue lakes framed by a striking mountain backdrop. Reaching the most famous of New Zealand's ancient glacier-carved fjords, we see lush rainforest valleys where waterfalls cascade over sheer granite cliffs to the sea below.
Embarking on a cruise across serene Milford Sound, we can enjoy a picnic lunch while absorbing spellbinding views of dramatic cliffs rising out of the dark water. Back on land, we continue through the scenic Eglinton Valley and the incredible Homer tunnel to our lakefront hotel in Queenstown.
After a free morning in New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown, we are given a guided sightseeing tour of the city and surrounding areas. Our route takes us to historic Arrowtown, the site of a gold rush in the 1860s and a Lord of the Rings filming location, before continuing to a local vineyard. Here, we enjoy a tasting of wines from across the renowned Central Otago region, famous for varieties including pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.
Next, we board a vintage steamship for a cruise across azure Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake. Sailing since 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the oldest passenger-carrying steamship in the southern hemisphere. We pass an impressive range of snow-capped mountains called the Remarkables and the distinctive tip of Cecil Peak.
Mooring up at Walter Peak High Country Farm, overlooking the lake near Camel Head Beach, we enjoy a barbecue dinner at the Homestead Restaurant followed by a demonstration of farming activities. Later, we rejoin the TSS Earnslaw for an evening sailing back to Queenstown.
This morning after breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to London Heathrow via Singapore.
This tour of New Zealand's highlights has taken us from the city of Auckland in the north to the astounding Fiordlands in the south. Along the way, we experienced a Māori evening in Rotorua, and explored the harbour city of Wellington at the southern tip of the North Island. We have experienced the epic scenery of the South Island, from Westland National Park to the iconic Franz Josef Glacier. Throughout, we have travelled on some of the world's most celebrated railways including the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and the TranzAlpine.
On arrival back in London Heathrow this morning, your tour of New Zealand's most popular sights concludes, and you are free to make your way home.
Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.
If your tour is marked as Small Group, enjoy a more immersive holiday experience, exploring with a like-minded group of just 22 travellers on average.
| 6 February 2028 | From £6,399 |
| 20 February 2028 | From £6,399 |
| 5 March 2028 | From £6,499 |
| 2 April 2028 | From £5,999 |
| 10 September 2028 | From £6,299 |
| 8 October 2028 | From £6,399 |
| 5 November 2028 | From £6,499 |
All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room.
Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability.
Operating between Picton and Christchurch, this celebrated train crosses 211 miles of New Zealand's South Island. The route follows the rugged Pacific coast against a backdrop of two mountain ranges; the Seaward and Inland Kaikoura Ranges. Along the way, passengers can take advantage of the Coastal Pacific's open viewing carriage and single-class carriages with large windows. South of Picton, the route passes through Marlborough, New Zealand's world-renowned wine-growing area, before winding between the mountains and the sea. Onboard, passengers can purchase snacks and drinks from the buffet car.
Almost spanning the entirety of New Zealand's North Island from Auckland to Wellington in the south, the scenic Northern Explorer train travels the 423-mile line through five distinct geographical regions. Enroute, guests experience spectacular landscapes ranging from rugged coastline to mist-shrouded volcanoes; dense bush to open farmland. In operation since 2012 when it replaced the slower Overlander train, the Northern Explorer completes its journey from north to south in a time of between eleven and twelve hours.
Located near the centre of Auckland, a short distance from the harbour and Queen Street, this 4-Star hotel is an ideal base for exploring the city. On-site amenities include a heated indoor pool, a gym, a bar and brasserie, plus a Japanese restaurant. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
Located on the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, this 4-Star hotels welcomes with warm New Zealand hospitality. On site, there are four spa pools, several restaurants serving traditional local cuisine and a bar where guests can savour local wines. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
Enjoying a location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this 4-Star hotel is a short distance from Queenstown's central shopping and entertainment area. The hotel's facilities include a restaurant that serves both international and New Zealand specialities, a bar, a gym and a jacuzzi. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, this 4-Star hotel is a short distance from attractions such as the Rotorua Museum and Government Garden. The hotel has a restaurant serving international cuisine and New Zealand wines, while the bar boasts striking lake views. Leisure facilities include a geothermally heated open-air swimming pool, three spa pools, plus there is a selection of massages and therapies available (pay locally). Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, ironing facilities and tea & coffee-making equipment.
Situated at the heart of Wellington's retail district is this 4-Star hotel. Facilities include a restaurant that offers stunning views of the harbour, plus a café, bar, spa and gym. Live piano concerts are held at the restaurant several days a week. The hotel also has a direct lift to the Lambton Quay area. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
This 4-Star hotel is located across from Victoria Square in the centre of Christchurch, minutes from top attractions. Guests have access to a 24-hour fitness centre, library, a bar and restaurant, and a lounge, while high tea is served daily. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
We offer a selection of upgrades and 'add-ons' designed to help you make the most of your holiday - and make it even easier!
Immerse yourself in another side of Australasia by combining your exploration of New Zealand's highlights with Great Rail Journeys' captivating Southern Australia Explorer. Explore stunning Tasmania and Kangaroo Island, taste the fine wines of the Barossa Valley, experience scenic rail journeys and more on this fantastic holiday taking in the best of both countries. Please call for more details.
Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the airlines we use, call our expert team for details.
Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.
We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.
Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.
We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.
For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.