This 19 day small group journey blends the best of New Zealand’s railways, cruises and coach touring into a seamless experience of discovery. Beginning in Auckland, the itinerary travels north to the Bay of Islands, where cultural heritage at Waitangi and a cruise through the Hole in the Rock provide insight into both history and natural splendour. From there the journey continues south, combining rail highlights such as the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine with city tours in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Rotorua offers a chance to witness geothermal activity and Māori traditions, while the South Island opens with a ferry ride across Cook Strait followed by a string of dramatic landscapes, from Kaikōura’s coast to the Southern Alps. A standout is the overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, where pristine wilderness and wildlife encounters create lasting memories. Queenstown’s alpine setting and Milford Sound’s grandeur reveal the South at its best, while Larnach Castle in Dunedin provides a touch of heritage elegance.
Throughout the journey, carefully selected accommodation, exclusive experiences and a balance of included activities and free time create a well-paced itinerary. By the time the tour concludes in Christchurch, travellers will have experienced the breadth of New Zealand’s landscapes, cultures and stories in a way that is both comprehensive and deeply memorable.
Arrive in Auckland where you are met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome drink and meet your fellow travellers before the journey begins.
Overnight in Auckland
Tour Auckland, the City of Sails, before travelling north to Matakohe for the Kauri Museum. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia and visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a key site in New Zealand history.
Overnight in Bay of Islands
Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).
Overnight in Bay of Islands
Cruise to Cape Brett and through the Hole in the Rock, watching for dolphins and seabirds. Return to Paihia then travel south to Auckland where your evening is free to dine at leisure.
Overnight in Auckland
This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train including a delightful morning tea. Depart Glenbrook and travel through the magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua to visit the National Kiwi Hatchery, where you’ll learn about Kiwi, their native environment and what makes them truly iconic the world over.
Overnight in Rotorua
Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Enjoy some leisure time in the geothermal capital before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi and Concert.
Overnight in Rotorua
Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Travel via the Tongariro National Park and then continue south to NZ’s capital city, Wellington.
Overnight in Wellington
Visit Te Papa Museum to explore the Gallipoli exhibition. Enjoy a city tour, then ride the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn Station. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens before an evening at leisure.
Overnight in Wellington
Board the Interislander Ferry across Cook Strait to Picton, then enjoy the scenic Coastal Pacific train beside the Kaikoura Ranges and Pacific Ocean before arriving in Christchurch.
Overnight in Christchurch
Visit the International Antarctic Centre for insights into life on the ice, then take a city tour of Christchurch. Ride the heritage tram at your leisure before a free evening to dine locally.
Overnight in Christchurch
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your Ultimate Coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef to the township of Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers
Overnight in Fox Glacier
Travel south along the West Coast past alpine scenery and forests before crossing Haast Pass. Stop at Arrowtown to visit the Lakes District Museum, then continue to beautiful Queenstown.
Overnight in Queenstown
Spend a free day exploring Queenstown with optional activities from jet boating to wine touring. In the evening cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw with a barbecue dinner at Walter Peak.
Overnight in Queenstown
Today travel to Manapouri. Enjoy lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake. A short ride over the Wilmot Pass brings you to the boarding point to join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) – or to simply relax on board. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef.
Overnight in Doubtful Sound
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip to Manapouri. Return to the wharf and meet your Ultimate Coach for the journey to Te Anau where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional)
Overnight in Te Anau
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin. Take a city tour showcasing the Scottish heritage and striking Edwardian and Victorian architecture of this historic university city.
Overnight in Dunedin
Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. Indulge in an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom, followed by time to stroll through this Garden of International Significance. Return to Dunedin for some free time. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures from a bygone era. This evening is free to dine at leisure.
Overnight in Dunedin
Travel north through Oamaru then to Pleasant Point for a heritage rail experience and lunch. Conclude in Christchurch where the evening features a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
Overnight in Christchurch
After breakfast transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to New Zealand carrying lasting memories of its landscapes, culture, and warm hospitality.
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.