NZ Rail Experience

Home (9th October)

Depart Whanganui Racecourse at 9:30am and make our way to Wanganui airport to fly to Auckland. 

Departing from another destination

If you are joining the tour from another destination you will receive a personalized itinerary to have you meeting the group either in Wellington or Queenstown.

Auckland (10th October)

Wake up refreshed and after make our way to the Auckland Central Railway Station to catch the Northern Explorer.

Explore the rural heart of New Zealand's North Island on this epic 681km journey between Auckland and Wellington by train. 

The Northern Explorer train connects multi-cultural Auckland with our bustling capital, Wellington. See the scenic wonders of Middle Earth, soar over towering viaducts, across the high plains of the volcanic plateau, beneath three mighty volcanoes and experience a true feat of engineering travelling on the Raurimu spiral.

To make this day even more special you will experience the Scenic Plus experience.

Scenic Plus transforms your Northern Explorer rail journey into a full sensory experience. As you take in the landscapes, enjoy a menu inspired by the very regions you travel through.

Fresh, seasonal ingredients are prepared in the onboard kitchen and served at your seat, course by course, with matching New Zealand wines and beverages. You will receive breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, lunch and dinner along with all drinks included throughout the journey.

Wellington (11th October)

This morning enjoy a relaxed start to the day then head down for breakfast at your leisure. Check out at 10am where the bus will be there to drop you to take you on a little tiki tour of Wellington or you might like to just wander around town at your leisure.

We will all meet and be transferred to the ferry terminal for our 1pm sailing to Picton. Grab yourself some lunch onboard and  cruise into the Marlborough Sounds before docking in Picton. The bus will be waiting to transfer us to our stunning accommodation in the heart of Blenheim.

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Blenheim (12th October)

Another relaxed start to the day and after breakfast we check out to explore this picturesque region. A visit to Blenheim isn’t complete without sampling some wine so we’ll head to Forrest wines for a tasting. Alternatively if you’d like to visit the Omaka Aviation Museum this can also be arranged.

We’ll then head around to the renowned Allan Scott Winery where we’ll enjoy a swanky 2 course lunch and a glass of wine before being transferred to the local train station.

Time to take the Coastal Pacific Train! 

With the Pacific Ocean almost lapping at its wheels and the Kaikōura ranges rising majestically above, the Coastal Pacific is undoubtedly one of the world's most picturesque train journeys.

From craggy coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops to modern vineyards and rustic farmsteads, the Coastal Pacific journey cruises through the full spectrum of New Zealand culture and character. Throw in a healthy dose of seals, seagulls, dolphins and the occasional whale, and the Coastal Pacific train easily ranks as one of best days out in New Zealand.

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Christchurch (13th October)

Have a relaxed start to the day with a buffet breakfast and get refreshed before we spend a cruisey day in and around Christchurch.

We’ll hop on a bus at 10am and the driver will take you on a city tour around all the hot spots of the garden city showcasing the amazing redevelopment of the city and also other landmarks impacted by the earthquakes.

The bus will stop in at the farmers markets where there are endless options for you to find a bit to eat before carrying on in the afternoon exploring more of what this city has to offer. You’ll have time to take a tram ride around the CBD also before having a down time in the afternoon.

Tonight will be another wonderful dining experience as we meet in the bar first then head into our own private dining room at the hotel for a lovely meal.

Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Christchurch (14th October)

Rise and shine for breakfast as today we’re off to Greymouth.

Get set for a mind blowing train trip - The world famous Tranz Alpine!

Explore the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train - one of the world's great train journeys, covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) each-way and taking just under 5 hours.

The TranzAlpine train travels coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand's South Island.

We’ll hop off the train at Moana and head to Hotel Lake Brunner for Lunch. A great spot to enjoy a meal and we might even get to meet the owner of the place who is always great value to spend some time with.

Greymouth50 (15th October)

Rest up or head out for a morning walk and enjoy breakfast at your leisure. 

Then around 10am we’ll board the bus and head down the other end of town to check out the Northern Breakwaters before seeing some highlights of the CBD. You’ll also have time this morning to look around town or just park up and relax at one of the cafes close to the train station.

We then do the return Tranz Alpine Journey back to Christchurch and once again this leg includes the amazing ‘Scenic Plus’ experience.

Fresh, seasonal ingredients are prepared in the onboard kitchen and served at your seat, course by course, with matching New Zealand wines and beverages. You will receive lunch, afternoon tea and dinner along with all drinks included throughout the journey.

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Christchurch (16th October)

After breakfast, it is time to leave this great southern city and start our journey home. 

We board the coach and head out to Christchurch airport to catch our respective flights.