The Signature Cities and Seas Tour is a 12 day guided journey from Auckland to Christchurch that celebrates New Zealand’s contrasts from vibrant cities and volcanic landscapes to coastal vineyards and wildlife rich shores. Travelling in style aboard the Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus trains, guests experience the country’s most dramatic rail journeys, each paired with fine dining, insightful commentary, and effortless comfort.
This tour weaves together the highlights of both islands, including a tea ceremony at Zealong Estate, a cruise through glowworm caves, and the option to visit either Rotorua’s geothermal wonders or Tongariro National Park’s alpine beauty. Crossing the Cook Strait aboard the Interislander Ferry reveals the tranquil Marlborough Sounds, followed by wine tastings, a visit to a Pāua Pearl Farm, and encounters with dolphins in Kaikoura. The journey concludes in Christchurch, where heritage charm meets contemporary creativity.Perfect for travellers seeking discovery and relaxation in equal measure, this tour offers an unforgettable window into New Zealand’s landscapes, culture, and hospitality a journey where every view tells a story.
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails. Explore its lively waterfront, shops, and cafes before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travellers this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Board the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus train and journey through lush Waikato farmland. Visit Zealong Tea Estate for a guided tea ceremony and Signature High Tea before enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on Raglan Harbour.
Overnight in Hamilton
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Take a guided tour of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, discovering ancient forest and rare wildlife. Continue to Waitomo for a boat journey beneath thousands of glowworms. Enjoy a relaxed evening in Hamilton’s riverside precinct.
Overnight in Hamilton
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Rejoin the Northern Explorer and cross towering viaducts toward Tongariro National Park. Capture sweeping mountain views at Tūroa ski field before dinner in Ohakune. Rotorua guests check in and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Ohakune
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Ohakune guests visit Taumarunui for lunch at Lauren’s Lavender Farm, surrounded by fragrant blooms. Rotorua travellers explore the Redwoods Treewalk and enjoy a Māori cultural and dining experience at Te Pā Tū.
Overnight in Ohakune
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Climb Mt Ruapehu for incredible alpine views before continuing south on the Northern Explorer. Journey through dramatic gorges and rolling hills before arriving in Wellington for a free evening to dine and explore.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Join a guided introduction to New Zealand’s capital before exploring at your own pace. Wander Cuba Street’s boutiques, visit Te Papa Museum, or relax at a waterfront café. Dinner is shared with fellow travellers.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Sail across the Cook Strait in the Interislander Ferry’s Premium Lounge. Glide through the Marlborough Sounds before visiting renowned vineyards for lunch and tastings, ending with a visit to a boutique chocolate factory.
Overnight in Blenheim
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Enjoy a scenic cruise to a Pāua Pearl Farm in the outer Marlborough Sounds and sample fresh pāua. Later, travel the Coastal Pacific route to Kaikoura, arriving in time for a relaxed evening by the sea.
Overnight in Kaikoura
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Join a Dolphin Encounter to see pods of dusky dolphins in their natural environment. After lunch, board the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train for dinner and drinks as you journey along the coast to Christchurch.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Explore Christchurch by hop-on hop-off tram and walking tour, visiting the Riverside Markets, Botanical Gardens, and laneway cafés. This evening, share a farewell dinner at Earl, a celebrated local restaurant.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Enjoy breakfast before your included transfer to Christchurch Airport, or extend your stay to further explore the South Island’s adventure capital and scenic surroundings.
Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.
Minimum Age: 16 years and over. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.
Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.
Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.
Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.
Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).
Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 65 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 60 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.
Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.