DEPARTURES:
2024: Jan 6, 20; Feb 3, 17; Mar 2, 16, 30; Apr 6, 20; May 4
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Shared arrival and departure airport transfers
- 2 nights moderate accommodation in Auckland
- 2 nights moderate accommodation in Rotorua
- 2 nights moderate accommodation in Wellington
- 2 nights moderate accommodation in Christchurch
- 1 night moderate accommodation in Fox Glacier
- 2 nights moderate accommodation in Queenstown
- 1 night moderate accommodation in Te Anau
- 1 night moderate accommodation in Dunedin
- 1 night moderate accommodation in Lake Tekapo
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Service of a dedicated Tour Director and Driver
- Local guides in select locations
- Travel by luxury coach
- 14 breakfast, 1 lunch, 9 dinners
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Discover some of the worlds' most incredible scenery in New Zealand. Enjoy some iconic rail journeys, the Glenbrook Steam Train, TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific Railways. Admire the southern fiords and landscapes of Franz Josef, cruise the full length of Milford Sound and savour a Maori Hangi feast in Rotorua.
This 15-day New Zealand trip focuses on the country’s railways, taking you from Auckland, the country’s largest city, around the South Island, all the way to Christchurch.
Auckland is commonly said to be one of the world’s most liveable cities, and welcomes you to New Zealand with a trip to Glenbrook via the Glenbrook Vintage Steam Train. Then go on to Rotorua, where you’ll visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, and see the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley before ending the day with a traditional Hangi feast, Maori style. This is New Zealand’s natural geothermal laboratory, where geysers and bubbling mud pools dot the landscape. The following day, visit the Agrodome for a sheep shearing demonstration and dog trial.
Transfer to Wellington, then climb aboard the Northern Explorer Train to see some of the beautiful surrounding country. The following day, take a sightseeing tour of Wellington, including Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum. Spend the rest of the day exploring ‘the world’s coolest capital city.’ With more cafes and bars per capita than New York City, Wellington is a town that takes its leisure time seriously, so you’ll have no shortage of options when it comes to enjoying yours.
Board the ferry for your crossing to the South Island. Upon reaching Christchurch, you’ll board what may be the most impressive train journey in New Zealand, the TranzAlpine. Cross the South Island through the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass, bound for the spectacular West Coast. Spend the night at Fox Glacier, one of two massive accessible sheets of slow-moving ice working their way down the West Coast.
Wind through the mountains and Haast Pass to Queenstown, the ‘adventure capital’ of New Zealand. With a full day at leisure, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to take a ride on the Shotover Jet Boat, zip line through the rainforest, learning about its ecology, or just walk or bike around Lake Wakatipu. The following day, take perhaps the most spectacular day trip one can take from Queenstown, to Milford Sound, where you’ll enjoy a cruise through this mighty fjord. Spend the night in charming Te Anau, giving you time to relax instead of taking the long drive back to Queenstown.
Your next stop, Dunedin is the most Scottish town in New Zealand, and a major university town as well. Take theTaleri Gorge Railway to enjoy the landscapes of the Otago wine region, then spend a delightful evening (perhaps tasting its riches) in the ‘Edinburgh of the South.’ In the morning, take the Seasider around Otago Harbour and up the Pacific coast before turning inland toward Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. You’ll also visit Lake Tekapo before returning to Christchurch for a farewell dinner, flying home the next day.
