Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore Auckland at whatever pace suits you. Head up the Sky Tower for views across the city, shop along Queen Street, or find a quiet spot for a drink in Vulcan Lane. This evening brings a welcome reception where you'll meet your group and get oriented before the tour officially kicks off.
Optional Activities
- Visit Sky Tower
- Shop along Queen Street
- Explore bars and eateries in Vulcan Lane
Landmarks Sky Tower Queen Street Vulcan Lane - Day 2
Auckland to Hamilton to Raglan
Board the Northern Explorer Scenic train this morning and settle in for rural landscapes rolling past your window. You'll arrive in Hamilton and join a guided tour through the Hamilton Gardens, where you can have a picnic on the lawns afterward. Some free time lets you wander Hamilton's downtown, then you'll head to Raglan, a seaside town known for surfing, where a sunset dinner cruise wraps up the day.
- Meals
- Lunch (Picnic on the lush lawns of Hamilton Gardens), Dinner (Sunset Dinner Cruise on Raglan Harbour)
Included Activities
- Northern Explorer Scenic train journey
- Hamilton Gardens guided tour
- Hamilton Gardens picnic
- Raglan Sunset Dinner Cruise
Optional Activities
- Explore Hamilton township during free time
Landmarks Hamilton Gardens Raglan - Day 3
Raglan to Otorohanga to Hamilton
Travel to Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain to see endangered native species in a forest kept free of pests. After grabbing lunch in Otorohanga, you'll make your way to Waitomo Glowworm Caves where a boat takes you through the formations while glow worms light up the darkness above. Back in Hamilton by evening, you'll have free time to walk along the river or pick a restaurant that appeals to you.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch stop in Otorohanga, New Zealand's 'Kiwiana Capital')
Included Activities
- Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain guided excursion
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour
Optional Activities
- Photo stop at giant Kiwi birds in Otorohanga
- Explore Hamilton's riverside walks
- Dine at nearby restaurants
Landmarks Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain Otorohanga Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Day 4
Hamilton to Tongariro National Park
The Northern Explorer train takes you toward Tongariro National Park, where three volcanic mountains define the landscape. A short excursion brings you to Tūroa ski field for wide views of the surrounding peaks and Middle Earth film locations, then you'll descend into the village of Ohakune. Your group gets together for a special dinner this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Special dinner with fellow travellers)
Included Activities
- Northern Explorer Scenic train journey
- Tūroa ski field mini excursion
Landmarks Tongariro National Park Tūroa ski field - Day 5
Tongariro National Park to Rotorua
This day is yours to shape with optional activities in Tongariro National Park like rail cart journeys, horse trekking, or biking the Old Coach Road if those appeal to you. Later on, a scenic coach ride brings you to Rotorua where gardens and local attractions are open for you to explore at your own pace. Tonight features traditional food and cultural performances at Te Pa Tu.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional cuisine and cultural performances at Te Pa Tu)
Optional Activities
- Rail cart journey
- Horse trekking adventure
- E-bike rental and Old Coach Road exploration
- Explore Rotorua's botanical gardens
- Visit local attractions in Rotorua
Landmarks Te Pa Tu - Day 6
Rotorua to Wellington
Start with a trip up Mount Ruapehu for sweeping views across the volcanic landscape, then board the Northern Explorer train for the journey toward Wellington. From your seat you'll watch rivers, gorges, and dramatic coastlines slip past while picking up treats from the onboard café. Once you arrive in Wellington and check into your hotel near the city center, the evening is free to explore on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hearty seafaring breakfast)
Included Activities
- Mount Ruapehu northern face experience
- Northern Explorer Scenic train journey
Optional Activities
- Onboard licensed café treats
Landmarks Mount Ruapehu Wellington Railway Station Porirua Harbour 
- Day 7
Wellington
Wellington is yours to discover today at whatever speed you prefer. The morning can start with a Wellington City introduction tour, then wander Cuba Street's cafés, bookstores, and shops. Later you might check out Te Papa National Museum, walk through Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary, or see historic buildings and botanic gardens scattered around the city. Your group gathers for dinner together this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner with fellow travellers)
Included Activities
- Wellington City introduction tour
Optional Activities
- Explore Cuba Street
- Visit Te Papa National Museum
- Visit Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary
- Explore historic buildings
- Visit botanic gardens
- Coffee and café experiences
Landmarks Cuba Street Te Papa Tongarewa (National Museum of New Zealand) Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary - Day 8
Wellington to Picton
The Interislander ferry carries you across the Cook Strait to the South Island, and you'll relax in the Premium Lounge with a mimosa and hearty breakfast while the water passes beneath you. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales as you enter Queen Charlotte Sound. After arriving in Picton, a Marlborough Wine Tour introduces you to the region's wines and vineyards.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hearty seafaring breakfast in Premium Lounge on Interislander Ferry)
Included Activities
- Interislander Ferry journey across Cook Strait
- Marlborough Wine Tour
Landmarks Cook Strait Queen Charlotte Sound Picton 
- Day 9
Picton to Kaikōura
The Coastal Pacific Scenic train takes you to Kaikōura with a stop for the Sky Omaka Aviation Museum Tour along the way. As the train glides across remote beaches and winds between mountains and sea, watch for fur seals lounging on the rocks. You'll arrive in Kaikōura ready for fresh seafood at a local restaurant before settling into your ocean-front hotel.
Included Activities
- Sky Omaka Aviation Museum Tour
- Coastal Pacific Scenic train journey
Optional Activities
- Sample iconic kai moana (seafood) at local restaurants
Landmarks Sky Omaka Aviation Museum Kaikōura - Day 10
Kaikōura
A whale watching tour gets you out on the water for close encounters with the local wildlife. Back on shore, grab fish and chips at the beach, then browse local artisan stores and souvenir shops around town. Later, board the Coastal Pacific again for the Scenic Plus experience, where dinner and drinks accompany the views as you glide along the coastline.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner and drinks included with Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus package)
Included Activities
- Whale watching experience
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train journey
Optional Activities
- Sample local fish and chips
- Browse local artisan stores and souvenir shops
Landmarks Kaikōura - Day 11
Christchurch
Christchurch blends modern architecture with 19th-century Anglican gothic revival buildings, and today you'll explore at your leisure. Museums, Riverside Markets, and botanical gardens all await, or try punting on the Avon River and riding the Gondola for higher views. Cozy cafés hide throughout the side streets, and the Hop on Hop off Tram service covers ground if you'd rather not walk.
Optional Activities
- Visit museums
- Explore Riverside Markets
- Punting on the Avon
- Gondola ride
- Explore botanical gardens
- Café experiences
- Hop on Hop off Tram service
Landmarks Christchurch Riverside Markets Avon River - Day 12
Christchurch to Hokitika
The TranzAlpine journey takes you through the Southern Alps on a route that crosses the ice-fed Waimakariri River and traverses the Great Divide, with landscapes shifting constantly around you. You'll pass through the historic Otira Tunnel, an engineering accomplishment from another era. A private coach then brings you to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks to explore limestone formations and blowholes before settling into Hokitika on the ocean front.
- Meals
- Meal on train (Meal included with TranzAlpine Scenic Plus package)
Included Activities
- TranzAlpine Scenic Plus train journey
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes walk
Landmarks Waimakariri River Great Divide Otira Tunnel Punakaiki Pancake Rocks - Day 13
Hokitika to Franz Josef
The West Coast Tree Top Walk lets you wander among ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees from an elevated perspective. You'll continue south into Glacier Country to reach Franz Josef Glacier, which survives here despite warm coastal rainforest temperatures. A short walk leads to a viewpoint where you can see across the valley toward the glacier itself. After time for local activities and shopping, your group joins together for dinner at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
- Meals
- Dinner (Impeccable highlight meal at Te Waonui Forest Retreat)
Included Activities
- West Coast Tree Top Walk
- Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint walk
Optional Activities
- Optional helicopter flight for up-close glacier views
- Shopping in Franz Josef souvenir shops
Landmarks West Coast Tree Top Walk Franz Josef Glacier 
- Day 14
Franz Josef to Queenstown
The scenic Haast Pass route takes five hours as you travel by river boat and private coach toward Queenstown, with your Tour Director pointing out hidden gems along the way. Beaches, crystal blue lakes, rivers, mountain peaks, vineyards, and glaciers all feature in this journey. A stop at Mrs. Jones' Fruit Stall lets you sample local produce, then you'll walk the cobblestone streets of Arrowtown before arriving in Queenstown.
Included Activities
- Haast River Safari
Optional Activities
- Stop at Mrs. Jones' Fruit Stall
- Explore Arrowtown
Landmarks Haast Pass Arrowtown 
- Day 15
Queenstown to Milford Sound
Milford Sound awaits as you travel through native rainforests, meadows, and past reflective pools before boarding the cruise itself. Bowen and Stirling Falls plummet from glacial valleys with considerable force, and Mitre Peak rises dramatically from the fjord. You'll return to Queenstown for a relaxing evening after the intensity and beauty of the sound.
Included Activities
- Milford Sound Day Tour and Cruise
Optional Activities
- Optional flight into Milford Sound by plane
Landmarks Milford Sound Bowen Falls Stirling Falls Mitre Peak - Day 16
Queenstown
Shape your final Queenstown day around what interests you most: horse trekking on Walter Peak, riding the gondola for inspiring views, or sipping wine in Gibbston Valley all remain options. This evening brings the TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise for your final group experience. Dinner at Walter Peak overlooks Table Bay while you learn about traditional sheep shearing and dog herding from local experts.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner and show on TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise at Walter Peak overlooking Table Bay with sheep shearing and dog herding demonstrations)
Included Activities
- TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise and Dinner Excursion
Optional Activities
- Horse trekking at Walter Peak
- Gondola ride for views
- Wine tasting in Gibbston Valley
- Queenstown nightlife and cocktails
Landmarks Walter Peak Gibbston Valley Lake Wakatipu - Day 17
Queenstown Departure
Your New Zealand journey concludes after a final breakfast with your fellow travellers. You'll depart Queenstown and head home carrying unforgettable memories of the landscapes, towns, and experiences from your time on both islands.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Final breakfast with fellow travellers)
