19 Day Ultimate Rail, Cruise and Coach

Experience a 19-day journey through New Zealand, blending scenic rail journeys, luxury cruising and coach travel. From the cultural North Island to the South Island, discover Māori heritage, alpine landscapes, fiords and historic towns, with four rail journeys, four cruises and a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise.

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Tailored Adventure
for Over 10 Years

Duration

19 Day / 18 Night Tour

Price

$10,599

PEOPLE GOING

99+ Booked

PACKAGE

Itinerary

Itinerary Details
  1. Day 1
    Arrive in Auckland

    Arrive in Auckland and transfer to your central hotel. Enjoy free time to relax or explore nearby before a welcome drink and dinner with fellow travellers and your Coach Captain. Overnight in Auckland.

  2. Day 2
    Auckland → Bay of Islands

    Enjoy an Auckland city tour before travelling north to Matakohe for a guided visit to the Kauri Museum. Continue via Whangārei to Paihia and visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Overnight in the Bay of Islands.

  3. Day 3
    Bay of Islands Free Day

    A full free day to explore the Bay of Islands. Optional activities include Cape Reinga, island cruises or scenic flights. Your Coach Captain is available for advice. Evening at leisure. Overnight in the Bay of Islands.

  4. Day 4
    Bay of Islands → Auckland

    Cruise the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, watching for dolphins. Return to Paihia before travelling south by coach to Auckland. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Auckland.

  5. Day 5
    Auckland → Glenbrook → Rotorua

    Travel south to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a steam train journey and morning tea. Continue through Waikato farmland to Rotorua and visit the National Kiwi Hatchery. Overnight in Rotorua.

  6. Day 6
    Rotorua

    Ride the Skyline Gondola for breakfast with views over Lake Rotorua, followed by luge rides. Visit Te Puia to see geothermal features and enjoy a traditional Māori hāngi dinner and cultural performance. Overnight in Rotorua.

  7. Day 7
    Rotorua → Taupō → Wellington

    Travel the Thermal Explorer Highway, stopping at Huka Falls and Lake Taupō. Continue through Tongariro National Park with views of volcanic peaks before arriving in Wellington. Overnight in Wellington.

  8. Day 8
    Wellington

    Visit Te Papa Museum and enjoy a city tour highlighting Wellington’s history and harbour views. Ride the iconic Cable Car to Kelburn and explore the Botanic Gardens. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Wellington.

  9. Day 9
    Wellington → Picton → Christchurch

    Cruise the Cook Strait aboard the Interislander Ferry in Premium Lounge comfort. Continue by Coastal Pacific Train along the Kaikōura coast before travelling south to Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch.

  10. Day 10
    Christchurch

    Visit the International Antarctic Centre and enjoy a Christchurch city tour. Free time includes a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram or exploring the revitalised city centre. Overnight in Christchurch.

  11. 11
    Christchurch → Arthur’s Pass → Fox Glacier

    Travel by TranzAlpine Train through alpine gorges to Arthur’s Pass. Continue by coach to Hokitika and visit a greenstone factory before arriving in Fox Glacier. Optional scenic flights available. Overnight in Fox Glacier.

  12. 12
    Fox Glacier → Arrowtown → Queenstown

    Cross the dramatic Haast Pass, stop in historic Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Queenstown beside Lake Wakatipu. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Queenstown.

  13. 13
    Queenstown

    Enjoy a free day in Queenstown with optional adventure or wine experiences. In the evening, cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm demonstration. Overnight in Queenstown.

  14. 14
    Queenstown → Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

    Travel via Te Anau and Manapouri to Doubtful Sound. Board the Fiordland Navigator for an overnight cruise featuring guided nature activities, kayaking, waterfalls and a buffet dinner. Overnight onboard.

  15. 15
    Doubtful Sound → Te Anau

    Enjoy breakfast onboard as the cruise explores the fiord. Return to Manapouri and continue to Te Anau. Afternoon at leisure with optional glowworm caves or lakeside walks. Overnight in Te Anau.

  16. 16
    Te Anau → Dunedin

    Travel east through Southland via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin. Enjoy a guided city tour showcasing Scottish heritage and Victorian architecture. Overnight in Dunedin.

  17. 17
    Dunedin & Otago Peninsula

    Visit Larnach Castle for a guided tour and Ultimate High Tea. Explore the castle gardens before returning to Dunedin for free time or optional activities. Overnight in Dunedin.

  18. 18
    Dunedin → Oamaru → Christchurch

    Travel north to Oamaru and visit Pleasant Point Museum and Railway for a heritage rail experience and lunch. Continue to Christchurch for a farewell dinner celebrating the journey. Overnight in Christchurch.

  19. 19
    Depart Christchurch

    After breakfast, transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight, concluding your Ultimate Rail, Cruise and Coach journey.

Tour Highlights
    • Arrive in Auckland and transfer to your centrally located hotel.
    • Enjoy free time to relax or take a short stroll nearby.
    • Meet fellow travellers over a complimentary pre-dinner drink.
    • Join your welcome dinner and meet your Coach Captain.
Accommodations
  • 2 nights in Auckland 4.5 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Bay of Islands 4 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Rotorua 4.5 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Wellington 4.5 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Christchurch 4.5 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night in Fox Glacier 4 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Queenstown 4.5 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night onboard Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise.
  • 1 night in Te Anau 4.5 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Dunedin 4.5 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night in Christchurch 4.5 Star Hotel with breakfast.
Package Includes

Coach & Transfers:

  • Luxury 20-seat Business Class Coach with leather seating, tray tables, onboard restroom and daily Wi-Fi allowance.
  • Personalised meet and greet on arrival.
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand.
  • Professional Coach Captain throughout the journey.
  • Hotel porterage and luggage handling.

 

Rail & Cruise Experiences:

  • Glenbrook Vintage Railway experience with morning tea.
  • Coastal Pacific Rail Journey.
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey.
  • Pleasant Point Museum and Railway.
  • Interislander Ferry crossing with Premium Lounge access.
  • Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise.
  • TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Homestead dinner.
  • Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise aboard the Fiordland Navigator.

 

Exclusive Experiences:

  • Kauri Museum
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • National Kiwi Hatchery
  • Skyline Gondola & Luge
  • Te Puia geothermal valley
  • Te Papa National Museum
  • International Antarctic Centre
  • Larnach Castle & Gardens
  • Lakes District Museum
  • Christchurch Tram
  • Comprehensive city tours in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin
  • Accommodation in a 4 Star Hotel for 18 nights with Breakfast.

 

Meals:

  • 18 cooked breakfasts including specialty breakfast at Stratosfare Restaurant.
  • 13 dinners including Welcome Dinner, Māori Hāngi & Concert, Walter Peak Homestead dinner and Farewell Dinner with selected beverages.
  • 2 lunches (Doubtful Sound Cruise and Pleasant Point Museum & Railway).
  • 2 morning teas including Ultimate High Tea at Larnach Castle.

 

Additional:

  • Ultimate Documentation Pack
  • Extensive optional activities available throughout the tour.

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