The Signature Cities, Seas & Culinary Indulgence tour invites travellers on a 14 day exploration of New Zealand’s landscapes, flavours, and cultural heritage. Travelling from Auckland to Christchurch, this journey combines luxury rail experiences with locally inspired cuisine, boutique wineries, and immersive cultural encounters. It’s an elegant way to experience New Zealand’s culinary scene while discovering its natural beauty and warm hospitality.
Begin with a welcome dinner in Auckland before sailing to Waiheke Island for vineyard tastings and gourmet dining. Continue south to the rolling farmlands of Waikato and the volcanic wonders of Tongariro National Park aboard the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus train. Cross the Cook Strait by ferry to Marlborough’s wine country, where a Pāua Pearl Farm and premium cellar doors await. Further south, encounter dolphins in Kaikōura and enjoy a walking food tour in Christchurch before toasting your journey’s end. Combining refined flavours, scenic wonders, and heartfelt cultural connections, this tour captures the essence of Aotearoa an indulgent experience for travellers who appreciate fine cuisine, storytelling, and stunning landscapes.
Arrive in Auckland and meet your Tour Director for welcome drinks and dinner. Enjoy an evening of conversation, New Zealand flavours, and anticipation for the culinary adventure ahead.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Cruise to Waiheke Island for vineyard tastings and a gourmet lunch at Stonyridge. Spend the afternoon exploring the island before returning to Auckland for a relaxed evening.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Travel south to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari for a guided walk through protected native forest and insights into Māori herbal traditions. Arrive in Hamilton and explore at leisure.
Overnight in Hamilton
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Visit Zealong Tea Estate for a tea ceremony and High Tea, followed by a guided tour of Hamilton Gardens and free time to explore the city’s riverside precinct.
Overnight in Hamilton
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Board the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus train and travel across the Waikato Plains and volcanic plateau. Arrive in Ohakune for dinner and mountain views.
Overnight in Ohakune
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Visit Taumarunui and enjoy lunch at Lauren’s Lavender Farm, surrounded by fragrant fields. Stroll the gardens before returning to Ohakune for a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Ohakune
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Explore the alpine landscapes near Tūroa, then board the Northern Explorer for the journey south. Savour afternoon tea and dinner onboard before arriving in Wellington.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Enjoy breakfast before joining a guided Māori Experience Tour at Te Papa Museum, learning about New Zealand’s first peoples through stories and food. Dinner follows at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Sail across the Cook Strait in the Interislander Premium Lounge with breakfast and drinks. Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds on the Mailboat before dinner at Portage Resort.
Overnight in Marlborough Sounds
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Tour a Pāua Pearl Farm and enjoy morning tea and tastings. Visit wineries for lunch and tastings, followed by a visit to Makana Chocolate Factory before settling in Picton.
Overnight in Picton
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Enjoy a relaxed morning before boarding the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train. Dine onboard as the train hugs the coastline to Kaikōura, where a seafood dinner awaits.
Overnight in Kaikōura
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Join a Dolphin Encounter for unforgettable marine viewing before reboarding the Coastal Pacific train. Enjoy dinner and drinks en route to Christchurch, arriving in the evening.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Take a walking food tour of Christchurch, sampling local produce and learning about the city’s culture and renewal. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner with your group.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before your included airport transfer. Reflect on the flavours, scenery, and stories that made this culinary journey so special.
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.