15 Day Classic New Zealand Highlights

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails! Auckland is known for its multicultural hub of food, music, arts, and culture.

After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Auckland has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the Sky Tower or go shopping along bustling Queen Street. You may even fancy a drink in one of the charming bars or eateries of Vulcan Lane.

Your tour officially begins this evening, as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome reception.

Today, you will marvel at rural New Zealand’s lush landscapes from the comfort of your seat onboard the Northern Explorer scenic train journey. From the green pastures of the Waikato to the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, you won’t want to miss a moment. If you are interested in culture and history, be sure to listen to the audio commentary as you cross historic viaducts and traverse up the Raurimu Spiral, an engineering marvel. This experience is one like no other.

At the base of this geological wonder is Ohakune, ‘the carrot capital of New Zealand’, where you’ll stay the next two nights to experience your chosen adventure.

Today is free for you to discover one of the region’s many exciting excursions. Choose from the optional activities on offer and personalise your perfect holiday. Perhaps you will enjoy a hot tub soak, or a meander along the lazy river.

If you’re after an active day, why not explore Ohakune’s historical cycle trail? Rent e-bikes and discover old viaducts, tunnels, old settlers’ camps and reclaimed native forests along the Old Coach Road!

After breakfast, we begin our day by travelling from National Park to Mt Ruapehu. You won’t want to leave this mini excursion to Middle Earth without a panoramic photo in hand!

Joining the Northern Explorer train once again, you will wave goodbye to this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you settle into your uber-comfortable seat.

Arriving at Wellington Railway Station, you are just a stone’s throw from downtown, the Beehive, and Parliament Buildings. Welcome to New Zealand’s Capital City!

Today is free for you to experience vibrant Wellington as you please. Start by joining an included tour at Te Papa Museum and then head off to explore Cuba Street’s cafés, bookstores, and eccentric shops. Surround yourself by native birdlife and regenerating forest at Zealandia Eco- Sanctuary. You won’t get bored with the plethora of activities on offer. From coffee, culture, historic buildings to botanic gardens and much more… the list goes on! If you need any suggestions or recommendations, just reach out to your helpful Tour Director or our Travel Centre to pre-book an experience.

This morning you will say poroporoaki ki te motu raki (good-bye to the North Island) as you sail to the South Island, crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry. As the shores of the North Island slowly disappear, enjoy a hearty seafaring breakfast on board.

Around midday, you will be spoiled with captivating harbour views as you enter the Queen Charlotte Sound. Admire the beauty of this coastal paradise as you arrive at the gateway of the South Island, Picton. Step off the Interislander Ferry and experience Marlborough.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, the morning is yours to explore at leisure. Step aboard the Coastal Pacific scenic train journey as you travel along the rugged coastline for a timeless voyage of breathtaking beauty. Upon arrival in Kaikoura, the evening is yours to visit local restaurants and try their famous seafood.

Choose from a range of optional tours such as the iconic whale watching cruise or experience an aerial flight to capture the true grandeur of it all. In the afternoon, you will step aboard the Coastal Pacific enroute for Christchurch, often referred to as The Garden City.

Enjoy your free time to explore Christchurch which can be best discovered by jumping on the historic Tram. Learn the tales and culture of Christchurch. If you are in the mood for something different, set off for Akaroa, an ‘incroyable’ French coastal settlement just an hour and half from the city centre. Dinner awaits as you join your fellow travellers this evening for a group dinner to discover the places you have discovered.

The moment has come to experience the worldfamous TranzAlpine scenic train journey through the Southern Alps, emerging in the West Coast! On this fantastic escape, you will see epic vistas, soar on the edges of the ice fed Waimakariri River, traverse through the Great Divide, and experience ever-changing landscapes. Once you arrive at the West Coast, a private coach will take you even further off the beaten track to Punakaiki, where you will explore curious limestone rock formations and blowholes.

This morning you’ll start your West Coast adventure by visiting one of the South Island’s most popular activities– the West Coast Tree Top Walk. This elevated adventure will get you acquainted with the locals – the ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees. Continue to Franz Josef where you can join a short walk to a viewpoint for a fantastic view of the vast valley. This afternoon you will have the chance to join any optional tours including getting up close to the giant glaciers.

Today you will be exploring the mountainous Haast Pass. With changing landscapes aroundevery bend, this journey to Queenstown will be one of the most scenic drives you may ever take. Emerging ont he other side of the pass, explore a local fruit hotspot before exploring the cobblestone streets of the historic goldmining town of Arrowtown.

Enjoy a free day to explore everything Queenstown has to offer. We highly recommend you join a Milford Sound excursion to the 8th Wonder of the World – it truly is a remarkable experience. Milford Sounds/ Piopiotahi is a scenic escape approximately three hours from Queenstown. The natural landscape will engulf you as you waltz through plunging valleys and towering peaks. Whether you’ve decided hop aboard the steamship lake cruise on the iconic TSS Earnslaw, or marvel at the power of ancient roaring rivers – tonight you have a free evening to indulge in Queenstown’s exciting nightlife.

Queenstown truly has something for everyone. Personalise your day to be as active or relaxed as you’d like. Whether it’s exploring Walter Peak on a horse trekking adventure, joining the historic steamship across Lake Wakatipu or sipping wine in Gibbston Valley, there is no shortage of activities to delight your senses. This evening is your ‘final hurrah’ as you enjoy a farewell dinner. This is the perfect time to reminisce and share photos and phone numbers with your new friends.

Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travellers. A departure airport transfer to Queenstown Airport is included.