New Zealand

Grand Rail Experience – Auckland to Christchurch

With 8 spectacular scenic rail excursions the 15-day Great New Zealand Rail Journey is not to be missed. The Overlander Train journeys through the heart of the North Island traveling between Auckland, to the ski towns of Tongariro National Park and Ohakune. Travel onboard the TranzCoastal between the delightful port of Picton and Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. This journey is a scenic feast, with the Kaikoura Mountain Ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. The TranzAlpine is rated one of the world’s greatest and travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. Indulge in the luxury of a bygone era on the Kingston Flyer and let yourself be carried back to a time of Gold, Steam, and Dreams!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your centrally located hotel.
Accommodation: Auckland, Sky City Hotel.
Day 2 - The Overlander, Rotorua (BD)
This morning, board the Overlander Train and journey to Hamilton. Continue by coach to Rotorua and on arrival visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve.
Accommodation: Rotorua, Park Heritage Hotel., 2 nights.
Day 3 - Rotorua Sightseeing (BD)
Today we explore the highlights of Rotorua. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Rainbow Springs Nature Park and the Agrodome.
Accommodation: Choose to stay in a Country Homestay tonight!
Day 4 - The Overlander, Tongariro National Park (BD)
This morning, visit the world famous Waitomo Caves. Join the Overlander train for a tour through the heart of the North Island then spend this evening in World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park.
Accommodation: Tongariro National Park, Chateau Tongariro.
Day 5 - TranzMetro Train, Wellington (BD)
This morning we travel through Taihape then continue through the Wairarapa region to arrive in Featherston. Board the TranzMetro train to Wellington.
Accommodation: Wellington, James Cook Hotel.
Day 6 - Wellington At Leisure (B)
Today we take a short stroll to the Wellington Cable Car and ascend to the top. Perhaps visit the Cable Car Museum or take a walk around the Botanic Gardens. The gardens contain native bush and other gardens including the Lady Norwood Rose Garden with over 100 rose species. Rejoin your coach and journey to Mt Victoria for the best view of the city, harbor and surrounding regions. View Parliament buildings then continue onto Te Papa the ‘National Museum of New Zealand’ where our sightseeing tour concludes.
Day 7 - The TranzCoastal, Christchurch (BD)
This morning we cruise through picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the TranzCoastal for a scenic rail journey to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Grand Chancellor Hotel.
Day 8 - The TranzAlpine, Franz Josef (BD)
This morning board the award-winning TranzAlpine Train. Travel through spectacular gorges and across the Southern Alps. Disembark at Greymouth and continue south along the West Coast to Franz Josef.
Accommodation: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.
Day 9 - Franz Josef, Queenstown (BD)
Enjoy incredible scenery today as we leave this World Heritage-listed area. Journey along the shores of beautiful Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the delightful village of Arrowtown. Continue to Queenstown.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Copthorne Lakefront Resort.
Day 10 - Queenstown at leisure (B)
Explore Queenstown today at your leisure (own expense).
Day 11 - Kingston Flyer, Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau (BD)
Enjoy a trip back in time aboard the Kingston Flyer before traveling to Milford Sound and cruise the full length of this magnificent, glacier-carved fiord. This afternoon we travel to Te Anau.
Accommodation: Te Anau, Luxmore Resort Hotel.
Day 12 - Taieri Gorge Train, Dunedin (BD)
Today we travel across the South Island to Dunedin. Join the Taieri Gorge Train and journey through the heart of Otago viewing Victorian stonework on tunnels and bridges, before traveling through the Gorge itself.
Accommodation: Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel.
Day 13 - Dunedin, Twizel (BD)
This morning we board The Seasider Train and journey north along the East Coast. View the spectacular coastline before disembarking at Palmerston. Visit Oamaru before traveling to Twizel.
Accommodation: Twizel, MacKenzie Country Inn.
Day 14 - Twizel, Mt Cook, Christchurch (BD)
Today we journey into Mt Cook National Park. Visit picturesque Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Leaving the High Country behind we travel through Burkes Pass and descend to the vast Canterbury Plains to the beautiful city of Christchurch.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Grand Chancellor Hotel.
Day 15 - Depart Christchurch (B)
After breakfast your tour concludes and a departure transfer to the airport is included.

Departure Dates: 2006

January 13, 27
February 3, 10, 17, 24
March 3, 10, 17, 31
April 14 ******$556 Discount****
September 8, 22
October 6, 13, 20
November 3, 17, 24
December 8, 15

Prices are per person based on double occupancy for Monday-Wednesday International Flights. Add $35 for each Thursday-Sunday trans-Pacific flight. Tour available for departure all year round, check with your travel consultant for current rates. Package price will be confirmed at time of booking. Add-on fares available from other cities. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels are subject to availability. US/foreign taxes/fees/fuel surcharges of approximately $200, including September 11th Security Fee, are additional. After ticketing, no change is allowed on outbound sector; inbound may be changed for $150. All prices reflect a 3% discount for purchases made by cash/check. There are no discounts for payment made by credit cards. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.

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