NEW ZEALAND RAIL, CRUISE & COACH TOUR MARCH 2026

Enjoy a city tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’, before travelling to Matakohe to enjoy a visit
and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of
the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the
signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or similar for 2 nights

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).

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett,
where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in
the Rock’. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. Upon return to Paihia, travel south via
Whangarei, before returning to Auckland. This evening is free to explore the many eateries
surrounding your hotel.

Hotel: Grand Millennium Auckland for 1 night

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 magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying.
Continue to Rotorua renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.

Hotel: Pullman Rotorua for 2 nights

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling
luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and
education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before
travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for.
This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

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 continue south to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington.

Hotel: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor for 2 nights

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour. This afternoon ride the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn Station where you can explore the Cable Car Museum or stroll through the Botanic Gardens. This evening is also free to explore Wellington’s lively food scene.

This morning board the Interislander Ferry and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that follows a thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikōura Ranges. Meet your coach in the fishing village of Kaikōura for the journey to the garden city of Christchurch.

Hotel: Distinction Christchurch for 2 nights

Today visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon includes a journey on board the Christchurch Tram at leisure. This evening is free to explore the local cuisine.

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. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier for 1 night

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass, before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your crew will assist with the many optional activities available. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for your amazing overnight cruise. There is plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) – or to simply relax on board. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef.

Cruise: Milford Mariner for 1 night

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau for 1 night

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. Enjoy a city tour of New Zealand’s oldest university city.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City for 2 nights

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. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. 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 of a bygone era.

Today travel to the small town of Oamaru, famous for its limestone architecture before continuing to Christchurch. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel for 1 night

This morning it is time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home to Perth. Upon arrival into Perth your driver will be waiting to take you safely home.