This 7-day adventure takes you through New Zealand on the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine rail journeys.
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Welcome to Auckland! Upon your arrival at the airport, collect your luggage and make you way to the airport shuttle collection point who will transfer you to your accommodation where you will spend the night. The evening is yours to explore the ‘City of Sails’ at your leisure.
Stay at Ramada Suites by Wyndham Victoria Street West or similar
1 of 5Boarding the Northern Explorer, Auckland2 of 5The Northern Explorer - Photo: Kiwi Rail3 of 5Northern Explorer leaving National Park southbound4 of 5Northern Explorer with Mt Ruapehu5 of 5Northern Explorer, Kapiti Coast
Today you will depart on a scenic journey through the North Island. Travelling from Auckland to Wellington on the Northern Explorer, enjoy top tier service whilst marveling at the ever-changing views of farmland to mountain. On your arrival to New Zealand’s capital, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation where you will be spending the next two nights.
Stay at Travelodge Wellington or similar
Wellington Harbour night view
The day is yours to explore Wellington at your leisure. Take a stroll along the waterfront, immerse yourself in New Zealand history with a trip to Te Papa, or unravel the behind-the-scenes movie magic of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies with a trip to Weta Workshop.
Stay at Travelodge Wellington or similar
Interislander Ferry
This morning, make your way to the harbour where you will enjoy a relaxed cruise on the Interislander Ferry, traversing from Wellington to Picton. Once you have arrived at the top of the South Island, you will be transferred to your accommodation where you will spend the evening. The rest of the day is yours to explore Picton at your leisure.
Stay at Picton Beachcomber Hotel or similar
1 of 5Willawa Point, Marlborough, Coastal Pacific Train Journey2 of 5Kahutara River, Coastal Pacific Train Journey - Photo: KiwiRail3 of 5Crossing Hapuku River, Coastal Pacific Train Journey - Photo: KiwiRail4 of 5Rural Kaikoura, Coastal Pacific Train Journey - Photo: KiwiRail5 of 5Oaro, Coastal Pacific Train Journey - Photo: KiwiRail
Traverse along the South Island’s coastline today as you jump aboard the Coastal Pacific. Journeying from Picton to Christchurch, this rail journey promises awe-inspiring views where ocean meets snowcapped mountains. Once you have arrived in Christchurch, you will be transferred to your accommodation where you will be spending the next two nights and utilise the rest of the day to explore the ‘Garden City’.
Stay at Ramada Suites Christchurch or similar
1 of 5Alongside Waimakariri River, TranzAlpine Train Journey2 of 5TranzAlpine Train Journey3 of 5Waimakariri Bridge, TranzAlpine Train Journey4 of 5Passing Lake Sarah, TranzAlpine Train Journey5 of 5Crossing Cass River, TranzAlpine Train Journey
Embark on the final leg of your rail experience today as you board the TranzAlpine for a return journey from Christchurch to Greymouth (ends in Christchurch). Enjoy a meal in the comfort of the cabins or step outside to the viewing deck and immerse yourself in the rugged landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Marvel upon the majestic mountain formations and the turquoise blue of the ribboned rivers. From east to the west, this picturesque journey promises unforgettable scenery and memories along the way.
Stay at Ramada Suites Christchurch or similar
Spend your morning fitting in some last-minute sightseeing around Christchurch before your airport shuttle will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport for your next adventure.
Beautifully organised from start to finish, transfer/pickups were brilliant. Whatsapp contact when confirming transfers would have been helpful.
Terms & Conditions
Pricing featured is based on 2 adults sharing and priced as per person in Australian Dollars. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice. Valid for travel from 01 Sep 2026 – 31 Mar 2027. Due to Great Train Journeys schedules, this package must start on a Wednesday in Auckland. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates apply including special events and holiday periods. Accommodation will be confirmed at the time of booking. No sightseeing included but can be quoted for additional. Scenic Plus may be available for an additional cost. Quote package code: NZH267DNRE
Pricing featured is based on 2 adults sharing and priced as per person in Australian Dollars. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice. Valid for travel from 01 Sep 2026 – 31 Mar 2027. Due to Great Train Journeys schedules, this package must start on a Wednesday in Auckland. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates apply including special events and holiday periods. Accommodation will be confirmed at the time of booking. No sightseeing included but can be quoted for additional. Scenic Plus may be available for an additional cost. Quote package code: NZH267DNRE
1 of 192 of 193 of 19Boarding the Northern Explorer, Auckland4 of 19The Northern Explorer - Photo: Kiwi Rail5 of 19Northern Explorer leaving National Park southbound6 of 19Northern Explorer with Mt Ruapehu7 of 19Northern Explorer, Kapiti Coast8 of 19Wellington Harbour night view9 of 19Interislander Ferry10 of 19Willawa Point, Marlborough, Coastal Pacific Train Journey11 of 19Kahutara River, Coastal Pacific Train Journey - Photo: KiwiRail12 of 19Crossing Hapuku River, Coastal Pacific Train Journey - Photo: KiwiRail13 of 19Rural Kaikoura, Coastal Pacific Train Journey - Photo: KiwiRail14 of 19Oaro, Coastal Pacific Train Journey - Photo: KiwiRail15 of 19Alongside Waimakariri River, TranzAlpine Train Journey16 of 19TranzAlpine Train Journey17 of 19Waimakariri Bridge, TranzAlpine Train Journey18 of 19Passing Lake Sarah, TranzAlpine Train Journey19 of 19Crossing Cass River, TranzAlpine Train Journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights are not automatically included, but we can add them for you. Select “Customise Holiday” when enquiring and let us know your departure city — we’ll provide flight options along with your land arrangements.
Absolutely! Most of our packages are priced on twin-share rates, but we can easily customise them for solo travellers. Just let us know your travel dates and preferences, and we’ll provide a personalised quote based on single occupancy.
Yes, definitely. We can tailor any itinerary for families — whether you’re travelling with young kids, teens, or multiple generations. Just tell us your party size and preferred room configuration, and we’ll adjust the accommodation and activities accordingly.
Yes, we do! We regularly arrange holidays for groups of friends, extended families, and special-interest groups. Share your group size, interests, and preferred destinations, and we’ll build a package that suits your group perfectly — including transport and accommodation options.
Yes, that’s no problem. We can adjust the route or replace destinations to suit your interests — for example, adding more time in Queenstown or skipping a region altogether. Just mention your preferences when enquiring.
Yes, absolutely! All of our itineraries are flexible. If you’d like to slow the pace, enjoy more downtime, or spend extra nights in one of your favourite spots — like Queenstown, Rotorua, or Franz Josef — just let us know. We can extend your accommodation, adjust your activities, and update your itinerary to match the extra days.
Of course. All our packages can be customised. Let us know which activity you’d like to change or skip, and if there’s something else you’d prefer (like a winery visit, adventure activity, or free time), we can include that instead.
Yes! You’re welcome to book your own accommodation, or we can re-quote the package without it. If you’d like to upgrade hotels, we can include higher-category rooms or premium properties — whatever suits your budget and travel style.
Yes, in most cases we can request twin-bed configurations. Some properties have limited twin options, but we’ll confirm availability and adjust your quote if needed.
Definitely. We offer a range of vehicle options — from compact cars to SUVs and premium 4WDs. Just let us know what you’d prefer and we’ll quote accordingly.
That usually means the date is either sold out, blacked out, or not yet open for booking. Contact us and we’ll check availability directly with our suppliers — sometimes we can still secure your preferred dates or offer an alternative.
Absolutely. If future rates aren’t yet published online, we can still check upcoming availability and prepare an estimated quote for you. Just let us know your ideal travel window.
Absolutely. We’re happy to prepare a personalised quote for you, even if you’re not ready to book yet. This gives you a clear idea of the itinerary, inclusions, and pricing. When you decide you’re ready, just let us know — we’ll confirm availability and help you secure your booking.
No, you don’t. We usually require a deposit to secure your booking, with the balance due 30–60 days before travel (depending on the package and suppliers). Full details will be outlined in your quote.
We don’t currently offer Afterpay, but you can pay in instalments. A deposit (usually AUD $110 per person) secures your booking, and you can make additional payments at your own pace until the final balance is due — typically 30–60 days before travel.