The Signature New Zealand Up Close tour is a 17 day guided journey from Auckland to Queenstown that blends world-class rail travel with deep local experiences. Travellers will explore the volcanic landscapes of the North Island, savour Māori culture, traverse the Cook Strait by ferry, and then journey through Marlborough, Kaikoura and Christchurch before immersing themselves in the dramatic Southern Alps and West Coast. Along the way they may choose to visit Rotorua or Ohakune, witness glowworms underground, sip teas in lush gardens, stroll pounamu (jade) trails, meet dolphins, and cruise Milford Sound amid towering fiords. Each scenic train—Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, TranzAlpine—is savoured with premium comfort, and every destination is guided with insider storytelling. The trip ends in Queenstown, where reflections on landscapes and connections linger long after the travel is done.
Kia Ora! Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails! Auckland is known for its multicultural hub of food, music, arts, and culture.
After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Auckland has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the Sky Tower or shop along bustling Queen Street. You may even fancy a drink in one of the charming bars or eateries of Vulcan Lane. Your tour officially begins this evening, as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome reception.
Overnight at Auckland
Accommodation: 4-5 star hotel
This morning board the Northern Explorer train then head by coach to Hamilton. In the afternoon arrive at the Zealong Tea Estate for a tour and tea ceremony followed by high tea. Later you visit Raglan for a sunset dinner cruise on the harbour.
Overnight at Hamilton
Accommodation: 4-5 star hotel
Begin with a guided walk at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, home to rare native wildlife and ancient forest. Enjoy lunch in Otorohanga before travelling to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, gliding through the darkness under a canopy of bioluminescent lights. The evening is free to explore Hamilton’s riverside dining and shops.
Overnight in Hamilton
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Joining the Northern Explorer train once again, today you’ll soar over icy mountain streams as you travel to Tongariro National Park, the home of three volcanic mountains. Tongariro National Park has a diverse range of ecosystems and spectacular landscapes. In 1993, it was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and was the first property to be inscribed with the criteria describing the cultural values it holds for Māori.
Enjoy a mini excursion up to Tūroa ski field. Here you’ll want to capture a panoramic photo of Middle Earth before descending into Ohakune.Tonight, enjoy a special dinner with your fellow travellers.
Overnight in Ohakune or Rotorua
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Guests in Ohakune visit Taumarunui and enjoy lunch at Lauren’s Lavender Farm before returning to relax or stroll the alpine village. Rotorua travellers walk high among towering redwoods on the Treewalk and experience Māori storytelling, cuisine and culture at Te Pā Tū. Both routes showcase New Zealand’s landscapes and heritage.
Overnight in Ohakune or Rotorua
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
From Ohakune, travel up Mt Ruapehu for sweeping views before rejoining the Northern Explorer for your journey south. Admire deep gorges, lush farmland and coastal scenery before arriving in Wellington. From Rotorua, travel to Taumarunui to board the same train, arriving in the capital for an evening of culinary exploration.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Discover New Zealand’s capital on a guided city tour that includes Parliament Buildings, the waterfront and vibrant Cuba Street. The afternoon is free to visit Te Papa Museum or enjoy harbourside dining. Take in the city’s creative energy before unwinding with dinner and views over Wellington Harbour.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Sail across the Cook Strait aboard the Interislander Ferry’s Premium Plus Lounge, gliding past the scenic inlets of Queen Charlotte Sound. Arrive in Picton and transfer to Marlborough’s wine country for a custom vineyard experience with tastings and a relaxed afternoon among the vines.
Overnight in Blenheim
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Start your day with a dolphin encounter off the Kaikoura coast, watching pods leap and play in their natural environment. After lunch by the shore, board the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train for a relaxing journey to Christchurch, complete with dinner and drinks as you follow the coastline southward.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Start your day with a dolphin encounter off the Kaikoura coast, watching pods leap and play in their natural environment. After lunch by the shore, board the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train for a relaxing journey to Christchurch, complete with dinner and drinks as you follow the coastline southward.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Discover Christchurch on a custom guided walking tour and hop-on hop-off tram experience. Visit the Riverside Markets, Botanical Gardens, and the Avon River before enjoying a curated dinner at Earl, one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. Take in the charm of this reimagined and creative city.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Plus train for one of the world’s great rail journeys across the Southern Alps. Enjoy lunch onboard before arriving in Greymouth, then continue to Hokitika for a guided pounamu (greenstone) experience and a walk through the vivid turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge.
Overnight in Hokitika
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
This morning, enjoy a VIP guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre, where you’ll learn about the rare Rowi kiwi and conservation efforts. The afternoon is free to explore Franz Josef Glacier village or relax in the thermal pools. In the evening, enjoy a four-course dinner at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
Overnight in Franz Josef
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Travel south through Haast Pass on a scenic journey of mountain peaks, rivers and rainforest. Take part in a thrilling Haast River Safari before continuing to Queenstown via picturesque lakes and historic Arrowtown. Arrive in the adventure capital of New Zealand and settle in for a relaxed evening.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Embark on a full day trip to Milford Sound, travelling through Fiordland’s forests, alpine valleys and reflective lakes. Cruise through towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and Mitre Peak’s grandeur before returning to Queenstown in the evening. An optional scenic flight can be arranged for a breathtaking return.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Spend your final full day at leisure in Queenstown. Choose from local activities such as gondola rides, wine tasting or simply relaxing by Lake Wakatipu. This evening, cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for a farm show and farewell dinner, celebrating your unforgettable journey.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Enjoy your final breakfast before bidding farewell to new friends. A transfer to Queenstown Airport is included for your onward journey or optional extended stay in this scenic resort town.
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.