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The Great New Zealand Train Journey
10 Nights/11 Days
Day 01: Arrive Auckland
On arrival you will be met and privately transferred to your accommodation. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands.
Day 02: Auckland - Hobbiton - Rotorua
Today’s coach tour takes you through the rolling green hills to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, one of New Zealand’s ‘must-see’ destinations. See where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed as your tour guide shares behind-the-scenes tales. You’ll see sights like Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch before continuing to Rotorua.
Day 03: Rotorua
Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends. This morning you will be transported to Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland for a two hour visit. Wai-O-Tapu is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. This evening you’ll be transported to Te Puia for an Indigenous Evening Experience including a buffet dinner and cultural performance. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding on the geyser terrace.
Day 04: Rotorua - Hamilton - Wellington
You’ll be transferred to Hamilton to connect with the Northern Explorer train to Wellington. Experience the extremes of New Zealand’s scenery, from fertile farmlands to the volcanic peaks and sparkling coast. Journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains is a highlight, a place of extremes and surprises, where snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests can be seen side by side. Overnight: Wellington.
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Day 05: Wellington
Set between a sparking harbour and rolling green hills the compact city of Wellington is best explored on foot. Great shopping, arts culture, cafes and restaurants are all within minutes of the city’s untouched nature spots. Make your own way around the city to experience a charming cable car ride to enjoy stunning views of the city and harbour, and visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum.
Day 06: Wellington - Picton - Kaikoura
Your ferry trip from Wellington across the Cook Strait takes you past the beautiful coves of the Marlborough Sounds to the port town of Picton. There, you'll board the Coastal Pacific Train, a journey that hugs the coastline, offering breathtaking views where the Pacific Ocean meets the Kaikōura mountains. You'll pass by vast vineyards and idyllic countryside, exploring an area famous for its marine life and whale watching.
Day 07: Kaikoura - Christchurch
The seaside settlement of Kaikoura is set midway and overlooked by majestic mountains. The unique marine geography at this location provides the perfect environment for Sperm Whales and other marine life.
This afternoon you’ll be transferred to Kaikoura Railway Station for the next section of the Coastal Pacific Train Journey into Christchurch. Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River.
Day 08: Christchurch
Enjoy a half day city sightseeing tour around the historical and scenic sights of Christchurch. View grand architecture, beautiful gardens and stunning scenery on a morning or afternoon tour. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 09: Christchurch - Greymouth
Embark on one of the world's most scenic train journeys, the TranzAlpine, from Christchurch to the West Coast. This spectacular ride crosses the South Island's fertile farmlands and travels along the Waimakariri River, offering views of the majestic Southern Alps and native beech forests. Upon arrival in Greymouth, you'll be transferred to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes for a short walk to see the unique rock formations.
Day 10: Greymouth - Glacier Region
This morning, you’ll be transferred to Shantytown Heritage Park for a sense of what it was like to live in New Zealand during the gold rush before returning to Greymouth for your transfer to Glacier Country. The temperate climate at a low altitude makes Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world. Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia and here, the ice age is still underway.
Day 11: Depart Christchurch
Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.
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