15 Day Grand Rail Adventure

Arrive into Auckland and enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring New Zealand’s largest city, set between sparkling harbours and volcanic landscapes.

Enjoy a full day to discover Auckland at your own pace. From waterfront dining and boutique shopping to island escapes or cultural attractions, the “City of Sails” offers a relaxed introduction to your journey.

Transfer to Auckland Railway Station and board the iconic Northern Explorer, one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys. Travel south through rolling farmland, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and along river gorges before arriving in the capital city of Wellington. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Spend the day exploring Wellington, a compact and vibrant city known for its creative culture, museums, waterfront promenade, and café scene. Ride the cable car, visit Te Papa, or simply soak up the city’s coastal charm.

This morning, transfer to the ferry terminal and sail across Cook Strait aboard the Interislander Ferry, enjoying spectacular views of Wellington Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds. On arrival in Picton, connect with the Coastal Pacific train and travel south along a stunning coastline, with ocean views and vineyard-dotted landscapes, before arriving in Christchurch. Transfer to your hotel and relax.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Christchurch, a city reinventing itself with innovative architecture, riverside precincts, gardens, and vibrant dining. Explore the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, or nearby attractions at your own pace.

Collect your rental car and begin a scenic drive south. Today features the spectacular Taieri Gorge Rail Journey, travelling through dramatic canyons, historic tunnels, and sweeping viaducts carved deep into the Otago landscape. Continue onward and settle in for the evening.

Enjoy a day on the road, travelling through ever-changing scenery including rolling countryside, lakes, and mountain backdrops. Take your time to enjoy the journey and the freedom of exploring at your own pace.

Arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the relaxed lakeside atmosphere and prepare for one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural experiences.

Travel into the heart of Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Glide beneath towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and rainforest-covered peaks as you explore one of the world’s most dramatic fiords. Return in the evening with unforgettable memories before continuing onward.

Arrive in Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the town’s lively atmosphere, lakeside walks, or optional adventure experiences.

Depart Queenstown and travel north along the rugged West Coast, where alpine scenery gives way to rainforest, glaciers, and wild coastline. Arrive in Franz Josef and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Spend the day exploring the West Coast. Options include glacier viewpoints, short walks, hot pools, or simply enjoying the dramatic natural setting of this remote region.

Travel to Greymouth and board the legendary TranzAlpine, widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Cross the Southern Alps via towering viaducts, river valleys, and alpine passes before descending onto the Canterbury Plains and arriving in Christchurch. Transfer to your hotel for a final night.

Transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward journey, bringing to an end an extraordinary exploration of New Zealand by rail, road, and sea.