Grand rail tour of New Zealand

Begin your holiday in style with included VIP airport lounge access before your to New Zealand, arriving in Auckland on day three.

On arrival in Auckland, you'll be met and transferred by private vehicle to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to unwind and acclimatise after your international flight while taking in your first glimpses of New Zealand's largest city. This evening, join your expert tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome reception and dinner, the perfect opportunity to get to know the group and learn more about the exciting journey ahead.

Your New Zealand rail adventure begins as you board the celebrated Northern Explorer for a spectacular journey south through lush countryside and rolling farmland. Relax in comfort as the landscapes of the North Island unfold outside your window, from Auckland's sparkling harbour fringes to the fertile pastures of the Waikato region. On arrival in Hamilton, continue to the award-winning Zealong Tea Estate for an immersive tour and traditional tea ceremony, followed by a signature high tea showcasing locally inspired flavours in beautiful surroundings. Later, enjoy free time in Hamilton before travelling to the surfing town of Raglan on the west coast. This evening's highlight is a sunset dinner cruise across Raglan harbour, where spectacular scenery provides the backdrop to a memorable first full day.

Stay: Hamilton Hotel

Today's exploration begins at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, one of New Zealand's most important ecological reserves. Accompanied by expert guides, discover ancient native forest, endangered birdlife and traditional Māori knowledge, including the medicinal uses of indigenous plants. Following lunch in Otorohanga, often known as New Zealand's "Kiwiana Capital", continue to the celebrated Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Here, a magical boat journey carries you through vast underground chambers illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms, creating the illusion of a star-filled night sky deep beneath the earth. This evening is free to explore Hamilton's vibrant riverfront precinct, with its excellent restaurants, bars and scenic Waikato River walks.

Stay: Hamilton Hotel

Travel by coach through the heart of the North Island to Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal landscapes, Māori heritage and beautiful lakes. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring independently. Perhaps stroll through the beautifully landscaped Government Gardens, browse boutique stores and cafés or simply soak up the atmosphere of this fascinating city.

The next day, immerse yourself in Rotorua's natural beauty with the Redwoods Treewalk. Suspended among towering Californian redwoods, elevated walkways provide a unique perspective of one of New Zealand's most spectacular forests. In the evening, enjoy one of the cultural highlights of the journey with the Te Pā Tū summer harvest experience. Combining Māori storytelling, traditional performances and exceptional seasonal cuisine, it offers an authentic insight into Indigenous culture beneath a canopy of stars.

Stay: Powderhorn Chateau

Travel to Taumarunui and rejoin the Northern Explorer for one of New Zealand's most scenic rail journeys. Enjoy Scenic Plus service as the train traces dramatic river valleys, deep gorges and rugged volcanic landscapes before emerging into the rolling countryside south of the North Island. Arriving in Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital, transfer to your hotel before enjoying a free evening to explore. From the lively waterfront and Cuba Street's celebrated dining scene to hidden cocktail bars and craft breweries, Wellington rewards exploration.

The next day is dedicated to exploring New Zealand's sophisticated capital. Begin with an introductory city tour before enjoying time at leisure. You may choose to visit Te Papa, New Zealand's acclaimed national museum, explore the native wildlife sanctuary of Zealandia, ride the historic cable car or simply wander Wellington's lively districts filled with cafés, galleries and boutique shops. Join your fellow travellers for a group dinner in the evening.

Stay: James Cook Grand Chancellor or QT Wellington

This morning you'll bid farewell to the North Island as you board the Interislander Ferry for one of the world's most scenic ferry journeys. Relax in the premium lounge with a seafarer's breakfast and perhaps a mimosa as the vessel crosses Cook Strait. Keep watch for dolphins playing alongside the ship and, if you're fortunate, even whales. As you enter the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, step out onto the deck to admire native forests, secluded coves, mussel farms and winding waterways framed by rolling green hills. Arriving in Picton, continue into the heart of Marlborough, New Zealand's most celebrated wine region. Here, you'll enjoy a bespoke gourmet experience, including a three-course lunch at Allan Scott Family Winemakers paired with a glass of local Marlborough wine.

Stay: Beachcomber or Scenic Hotel Marlborough

After breakfast, visit the remarkable Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to one of the world's finest private collections of First and Second World War aircraft and memorabilia. Later, board a scenic water taxi into the Marlborough Sounds, travelling through a maze of forest-clad waterways to your accommodation. Set within an idyllic natural setting, your resort offers the perfect base from which to explore the Sounds. The remainder of the day is free to relax in a hammock, kayak through sheltered bays, wander scenic walking trails or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Stay: Beachcomber or Scenic Hotel Marlborough

Begin the day with a unique Pāua Pearl Farm experience. After a scenic cruise into the outer Marlborough Sounds, enjoy morning tea before touring the hatchery and growing tanks where these rare iridescent pearls are cultivated. You'll learn about the fascinating production process and sample fresh locally harvested pāua, one of New Zealand's prized seafood delicacies. Later, board the Coastal Pacific, widely regarded as one of the country's most spectacular rail journeys. Travelling between mountains and ocean, the route skirts remote beaches, dramatic cliffs and sweeping coastal vistas. Watch closely for New Zealand fur seals basking on rocky outcrops along the shoreline. Arrive in Kaikōura and enjoy a free evening to sample the town's celebrated seafood, including its famous crayfish.

The following day is free for you to enjoy Kaikōura's extraordinary marine environment. Perhaps join an optional whale-watching cruise or explore the town's galleries, cafés and artisan shops.

Stay: Sudima Kaikōura

This morning's highlight is an unforgettable dolphin encounter. Cruise along the spectacular Kaikōura coastline with expert guides as playful dusky dolphins leap and spin through the surrounding waters. For an even more immersive experience, there is the opportunity to upgrade and swim alongside these remarkable marine mammals. Afterwards, enjoy Kaikōura at leisure. Perhaps tuck into classic Kiwi fish and chips by the shore before browsing local artisan stores and souvenir shops. Late this afternoon, rejoin the Coastal Pacific and settle into Scenic Plus comfort for the journey south. As the train glides along the Pacific coastline, enjoy included food and beverages while admiring the ever-changing scenery outside your window. Arrive in Christchurch this evening.

Known as the Garden City, Christchurch blends historic charm with innovative modern design. The next day, equipped with your Hop-On Hop-Off Tram pass and accompanied by a local guide, you will discover the city's key attractions, from the Avon River and Botanic Gardens to the vibrant Riverside Market. Your guided walking tour will reveal Christchurch's fascinating history, resilience and regeneration following the 2011 earthquake. Along the way, seek out hidden laneway cafés, boutique stores and local culinary favourites. In the evening, enjoy a specially curated dinner at acclaimed restaurant Earl, celebrated for its seasonal produce and refined yet relaxed atmosphere.

Stay: Crowne Plaza Christchurch or Heritage Christchurch

Today brings one of New Zealand's most iconic rail experiences. Board the world-famous TranzAlpine and enjoy Scenic Plus service as you cross the Canterbury Plains, follow the braided channels of the Waimakariri River and traverse the Southern Alps. Along the way, pass through the historic Ōtira Tunnel and enjoy regionally inspired cuisine served at your seat. Upon arrival in Greymouth on the West Coast, continue by private coach for an exclusive greenstone experience, discovering the cultural significance and craftsmanship of pounamu, a New Zealand jade. Later, stretch your legs with a guided walk through Hokitika Gorge, renowned for its vivid turquoise waters, suspension bridge and lush native forest.

Stay: Hokitika Beachfront

This morning enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at the West Coast Wildlife Centre. Guided by specialist staff, learn about conservation efforts protecting the rare rowi kiwi and gain unique insight into one of New Zealand's most endangered native species. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Franz Josef. Options include short walks to glacier viewpoints, rainforest experiences or spectacular helicopter flights over the glacier and surrounding mountains. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a memorable four-course dinner at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, showcasing locally sourced ingredients in a beautiful rainforest setting.

Stay: Scenic Franz or Te Waonui

Today's journey through Haast Pass is among the most scenic drives in New Zealand. Travelling by private coach and river boat, discover an ever-changing landscape of remote beaches, glacier-fed rivers, towering mountains, pristine lakes and lush rainforest. Accompanied by your tour director, you'll stop at lesser-known viewpoints and local hidden gems that many visitors miss. By evening, arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital and one of its most spectacular alpine destinations.

Stay: Heritage Queenstown or Scenic Suites

Today brings one of New Zealand's most iconic experiences. Travelling through Fiordland National Park, pass native rainforest, alpine meadows and mirror-like reflective pools as you make your way to Milford Sound. Along the route, enjoy bespoke sightseeing stops chosen to suit your group's interests. On arrival, board a boutique cruise and journey through the fjord's extraordinary landscapes. Towering above are the granite walls of Mitre Peak, while Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls plunge dramatically from the surrounding cliffs. Keep watch for seals, dolphins and seabirds as you cruise through this UNESCO-listed wilderness. Those wishing to enhance the experience can opt to return to Queenstown by scenic flight, enjoying breathtaking aerial views of Fiordland and the Southern Alps.

Stay: Rydges Lakeland Resort or Scenic Suites

After breakfast, your escorted New Zealand rail adventure draws to a close. Enjoy a final morning in Queenstown before your private transfer to the airport for your onward flight home, arriving back in the UK on day 21. Having travelled from Auckland to Queenstown by rail, ferry and road, you'll depart with an unforgettable appreciation for New Zealand's landscapes, wildlife, culture and hospitality.