19 Day Grand New Zealand Rail

Auckland to Christchurch

Overview

DAY 1: Auckland (D)
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival you will be met and transferred* to the hotel. Tonight meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
Two Night Stay: Auckland

DAY 2: Auckland – Bay of Islands (B,HD)
Drive north and visit the unique Kauri and Pioneer Museum then continue to view the giant Kauri tree ‘Tane Mahuta’. On arrival into the Bay of Islands visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.  SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining – choose from:  (1) Sound and Light show; (2) Waitangi River dinner cruise or (3) Local Restaurant.
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands 

Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade to the Bay of Islands Lodge. Additional expense, must be pre-booked.

DAY 3: Bay of Islands (B,D)
SCENIC FREECHOICE – choose from: (1) ‘On the Edge’ Sailing; (2) Lunch cruise; (3) Tour Russell and Pompallier; (4) Cape Reinga; (5) Swim with the dolphins; (6) Golf at Waitangi Golf Club; (7) Cruise to the Poor Knight Islands; or (8) Fishing in the bay.

DAY 4: Bay of Islands – Auckland (B,HD)
This morning cruise to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock‘ (weather permitting) and then continue to Auckland.  SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining – choose from: (1) Barolo Italian Restaurant; or (2) SBF Brasserie.
Overnight Stay: Auckland

DAY 5: Auckland – Rotorua (B,HL)
Visit Longlands Homestead for a delicious home cooked roast lamb lunch. Afterwards, visit Whakarewarewa Village for a fascinating insight into life in a geothermal village and see the Pohutu Geyser.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua

Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade to Hamurana Country Estate or Treetops Lodge & Estate. Additional expense, must be pre-booked.

DAY 6: Rotorua (B,HD)
SCENIC FREECHOICE – choose from: (1) Agrodome Sheep Shearing Show; (2) Tour Rotorua and the lakes; (3) Polynesian Day Spa; (4) 4WD safari adventure; (5) Buried Village; (6) Rotorua Museum; (7) Rainbow Springs; or (8) Te Puia Thermal Reserve. SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining – choose from: (1) Tamaki Village Hangi; (2) Local restaurant; or (3) The Atlas Café and Restaurant.

DAY 7: Rotorua – Wellington (B)
Today travel to Taumaranui and board the Overlander train for a magnificent journey up the famous Raumiru Spiral onto New Zealand’s awesome volcanic plateau, through Tongariro National Park to Wellington.
Two Night Stay: Wellington

DAY 8: Wellington (B,D)
This morning tour Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum and then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 9: Wellington – Christchurch (B,D)
Board the InterIslander ferry and cruise Marlborough Sounds. Scenic Tours guests have exclusive access to the Kaitaki Premier Plus lounge. Board the TranzCoastal train and journey south along the Pacific Ocean coastline of New Zealand.
Overnight Stay: Christchurch

DAY 10: Christchurch – Franz Josef (B,HD)
Today is a highlight journey through the magnificent Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine railway. Stop and view the awesome Franz Josef Glacier. This evening enjoy a five course gourmet menu, created from fresh local produce.
Overnight Stay: Franz Josef

DAY 11: Franz Josef – Queenstown (B,HD)
A highlight today is a scenic jet boat ride on the mighty Haast River in Mount Aspiring National Park. Visit Lake Wanaka enroute to  picturesque Queenstown. SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining – choose from:  (1) The TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak Station; (2) The Skyline Restaurant; or (3) Lombardis restaurant.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown

Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade to Evergreen Lodge. Additional expense, must be pre-booked.

DAY 12: Queenstown (B)
SCENIC FREECHOICE – choose from: (1) Therapeutic massage; (2) Tour local country gardens; (3) Mount Aspiring National Park; (4) Winery tour with lunch; (5) Jet boat the Shotover Canyon; (6) Southern Lakes 4WD tour; or (7) Skippers Canyon.

DAY 13: Queenstown – Te Anau (B,D)
Experience an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound. Tonight enjoy a four course a la carte dinner.
Overnight Stay: Te Anau

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise: Opportunity to stay overnight on Milford Sound. Additional expense, must be pre-booked.

DAY 14: Te Anau – Invercargill (B,D)
This morning journey to Bluff for your ferry trip to Stewart Island (weather permitting) and the Rakiura National Park.  SCENIC FREECHOICE Stewart Island – choose from: (1) Cruise Paterson Inlet and Ulva Island; (2) Explore Oban; or (3) A semi-submersible trip. Return to Invercargill.
Overnight Stay: Invercargill

DAY 15: Invercargill – Dunedin (B,D)

Travel to Dunedin and depart from the station for your rail journey into the heart of the Taieri Gorge. Marvel at the ever-changing, spectacular scenery, wild landscapes and towering viaducts.
Two Night Stay: Dunedin

Dunedin Home Stay: Opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of a local family during an overnight Home Stay. Home Stays are included at no extra cost but must be pre-booked.

DAY 16: Dunedin (B)
SCENIC FREECHOICE – choose from: (1) A tour of Larnach Castle; (2) see the Yellow-eyed penguins or albatross; (3) Visit Orokonui Ecosanctuary; or (4) Tour Speight’s Brewery.

DAY 17: Dunedin – Lake Tekapo (B,D)
Board the historic Seasider train for a spectacular journey along the coastal cliffs of Otago. See the Moeraki boulders before continuing north and stopping to view Mount Cook (weather permitting).
Overnight Stay: Lake Tekapo

DAY 18: Lake Tekapo – Christchurch (B,HD)
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, before continuing to Christchurch. Tonight board the historic Christchurch tram for drinks and canapés, continue to a local restaurant for a private farewell dinner.
Overnight Stay: Christchurch

DAY 19: Christchurch – Tour Ends (B)
Tour concludes after breakfast when you are transferred* to the airport for your homeward flight.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.