Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive in Auckland and take a taxi to your hotel, which serves as your base for the next three nights. Get settled and take time to adjust to the local time if needed.
- Days 2 - 3
Auckland
Two days of free time here means you can move at your own pace. The Sky Tower offers views across Viaduct Harbour if you want a high vantage point. Auckland Domain sits around an extinct volcano and has formal Wintergardens worth a walk through. If you prefer something more relaxed, Mission Bay Beach has a nice seaside promenade where you can spend a few hours.
Included Activities
- Free time to explore Auckland
Optional Activities
- Visit Sky Tower
- Explore Viaduct Harbour
- Walk through Auckland Domain
- Visit Wintergardens
- Relax at Mission Bay Beach
Landmarks/POIs Sky Tower Viaduct Harbour Auckland Domain Wintergardens Mission Bay Beach - Day 4
Auckland to Wellington
Head to Auckland Train Station early for the 7:45am Northern Explorer departure. The train takes you through the North Island with views of Tongariro National Park's three volcanic mountains, including Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu with their snow-covered slopes. You'll pass ancient lava flows and dense beech forests along the way. By evening you arrive in Wellington, then taxi to your hotel.
Included Activities
- Northern Explorer Train journey from Auckland to Wellington
Landmarks/POIs Tongariro National Park Mount Tongariro Mount Ngāuruhoe Mount Ruapehu - Day 5
Wellington
Wellington is compact and walkable with a vibrant waterfront and sandy beaches to explore. Take the famous red cable car from Lambton Quay up to the Wellington Botanic Gardens, or walk through the colorful timber houses on the surrounding hills. The strong winds here are notable enough that locals call it 'Windy Wellington' for good reason.
Included Activities
- Free time to explore Wellington
Optional Activities
- Ride Wellington Cable Car
- Visit Wellington Botanic Gardens
- Explore waterfront promenade
- Visit working harbour
Landmarks/POIs Wellington Cable Car Wellington Botanic Gardens Lambton Quay - Day 6
Wellington to Christchurch
After checking out, head to the ferry terminal for the 8:45am Interislander Ferry, which crosses between the North and South Islands. You'll arrive in Picton around 12:15pm, then walk to the station for the 1:40pm Coastal Pacific Train departure. This journey runs along rugged coastlines and between mountains and sea, passing through the Kaikoura area known for marine life and fur seals. You'll see Blenheim's vineyards before arriving in Christchurch. From there, take a taxi to your accommodation.
Included Activities
- Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton
- Coastal Pacific Train from Picton to Christchurch
Landmarks/POIs Cook Strait Marlborough Sounds Kaikōura Coastline Blenheim - Days 7 - 8
Christchurch
Two days to explore Christchurch at your own speed. The city has English heritage with flat-bottomed punts on the Avon River, cycling paths along the banks, and the green space of Hagley Park with its Botanic Gardens. You'll see how the city has been rebuilding after earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 destroyed many of the historic stone buildings.
Included Activities
- Free time to explore Christchurch
Optional Activities
- Punting on the Avon River
- Cycling along Avon River paths
- Visit Hagley Park
- Explore Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Landmarks/POIs Avon River Hagley Park Christchurch Botanic Gardens - Day 9
Christchurch
Make your way to Christchurch Train Station for the 8:15am TranzAlpine departure. This full-day return journey covers 223 kilometers each way between Christchurch and Greymouth. The route takes you across the Canterbury Plains, along the ice-fed Waimakariri River, through the Southern Alps, and past miles of native beech forest. You'll return to Christchurch station in the evening and head back to your accommodation.
Included Activities
- TranzAlpine Train return journey from Christchurch to Greymouth and back
Landmarks/POIs Canterbury Plains Waimakariri River Southern Alps - Day 10
Christchurch
If your flight leaves today, take a taxi from your accommodation to Christchurch Airport for your departure.
