This 13 day journey offers a seamless blend of rail and coach travel across both islands of New Zealand, following in the spirit of exploration that inspired Sir Edmund Hillary. Starting in Christchurch, the tour combines the TranzAlpine rail journey with time in the South Island’s celebrated destinations including Queenstown, Fiordland and Dunedin. Scenic highlights feature Milford Sound, Mount Cook and the rugged Otago Peninsula. In the North Island, discover Wellington, Rotorua, Hobbiton and Auckland, with cultural insights at Te Puia and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
The itinerary balances unforgettable rail experiences, such as the Northern Explorer, with relaxed coach touring, fine accommodation and authentic encounters with local culture and nature. Every detail is thoughtfully included, from sightseeing and entry fees to quality dining and comfortable accommodation. This is a rewarding exploration of New Zealand, offering variety, depth and comfort in a way that honours one of the country’s most iconic adventurers.
Begin at Christchurch Railway Station and board the iconic TranzAlpine, often considered one of the world’s finest rail journeys. Travel 223 kilometres across the Canterbury Plains, beside the ice fed Waimakariri River, and through the Southern Alps, taking in beech forest and mountain scenery. On arrival in Greymouth, luxury coaches continue the journey to Franz Josef, where rugged beauty and alpine surroundings welcome you for the night.
Overnight at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef
Enjoy the morning with the option of a helicopter tour over the Franz Josef Glacier before departing by coach along the wild West Coast. Travel through Haast Pass, passing waterfalls, rainforests and snow capped peaks, before entering the Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park. Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan provide crystal clear views en route to Queenstown. Arrive in the adventure capital of New Zealand with Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables in sight.
Overnight at Queenstown, Novotel Lakeside Hotel
Step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, a 1912 Edwardian steamboat, for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue lunch and a taste of rural life. Spend the afternoon enjoying Queenstown’s lively atmosphere, with time to wander along the lakefront or relax before the evening meal.
Overnight at Queenstown, Novotel Lakeside Hotel
Travel south to Kingston, a lakeside village where the Kingston Flyer steam train takes you on a memorable return journey between Kingston and Fairlight. Continue into Fiordland National Park and the Southern Scenic Route with a visit to the Takahe Bird Sanctuary. This conservation project highlights the recovery of the rare takahe, a unique and prehistoric looking bird. Arrive in Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and Milford Sound.
Overnight at Te Anau, Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Follow the Milford Road, one of the most dramatic alpine drives in the world, with scenery of grassy flats, rainforest and glacial lakes. Continue into Fiordland for a cruise through Milford Sound, surrounded by towering peaks such as Mitre Peak and the chance to spot dolphins and seals. The cruise sails to the Tasman Sea before returning to Te Anau for the evening.
Overnight at Te Anau, Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Depart Te Anau and travel through Southland to Mandeville, home to the Waimea Plains Railway and the historic Rogers K92 steam locomotive, once part of the Kingston Flyer. Explore the Croydon Aviation Museum before continuing to Dunedin, a city rich in Scottish heritage and Victorian architecture.
Overnight at Dunedin, Distinction Hotel Dunedin
Board the Dunedin Rail for a journey through Taieri Gorge, crossing historic tunnels and the impressive Wingatui Viaduct. The afternoon is at leisure with optional excursions available, including high tea and a garden tour at Larnach Castle or a guided visit to Fort Taiaroa, hidden beneath the Albatross colony.
Overnight at Dunedin, Distinction Hotel Dunedin
Travel by rail along the coast to Oamaru, then continue inland by coach through the Waitaki Valley and Omarama. The journey leads to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, home to glaciers, lakes and Australasia’s tallest peak at 3,724 metres. After dinner, you may join an optional stargazing experience in this International Dark Sky Reserve.
Overnight at Aoraki Mount Cook, The Hermitage Hotel
Begin with a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre to learn about the explorer’s legacy and New Zealand mountaineering history. Enjoy an afternoon drive through the national park, surrounded by the silence of the Southern Alps. Optional activities include a glacier explorer cruise or a scenic flight over the Tasman Glacier. In the evening, hear from a Hillary family representative at the Alpine Centre Theatre.
Overnight at Aoraki Mount Cook, The Hermitage Hotel
Travel through Lake Tekapo with views of turquoise waters, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheepdog Statue before continuing via Geraldine and Rakaia. On arrival in Christchurch, enjoy either a private tram journey through the historic city centre or a visit to the International Antarctic Centre for an introduction to polar exploration.
Overnight at Christchurch, Distinction Hotel Christchurch
Board the Coastal Pacific Scenic Train and travel along the coast to Kaikoura, where mountains meet the sea. This region is renowned for its whale population, including resident sperm whales often seen close to shore. The dramatic ocean trench allows sightings of several whale species at different times of the year.
Overnight at Kaikoura, Sudima Hotel Kaikoura
Reboard the Coastal Pacific train and journey north through Marlborough’s vineyards and valleys before arriving in Picton. Cross the Cook Strait on a scenic ferry ride through Queen Charlotte Sound, arriving into Wellington, New Zealand’s harbour capital, set against steep hills and a vibrant waterfront.
Overnight at Wellington, Rydges Hotel
Spend your final morning visiting the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Explore interactive exhibits that showcase New Zealand’s culture, history and natural environment. The tour concludes in Wellington with transfers available for onward travel or post tour arrangements.
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.
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 45 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 45 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.