Tour Type: Special Interest Tour
Duration: 14 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $5770 pp
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14 Day Grand Rail Experience Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
Included Rail Journeys:
- The Overlander Train - Auckland to Otorohanga - Te Kuiti to Tongariro National Park
- The TranzMetro Service - Featherston to Wellington
- The Coastal Pacific Train - Picton to Christchurch
- The TranzAlpine Train - Christchurch to Greymouth
- The Seasider - Dunedin to Palmerston
- The Taieri Gorge Railway (optional)
Accommodation & Meals:
- Stay overnight at Chateau Tongariro
- Stay overnight at The Hermitage, Mt Cook
- 13 hot breakfasts (B), 10 dinners (D) including 2 Feature Dinners (FD)
Exclusive Experiences:
- Personalise your coach tour! Exclusive Experiences allow you to choose the activities that best suit you and are included at no extra cost! Choose Your Exclusive Experience!
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Day
1 |
Auckland, Freedom of Choice Touring
Upon arrival in New Zealand, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally-located hotel. This afternoon choose from a range of exciting Exclusive Experiences. You might enjoy a trip to the top of the Sky Tower for panoramic views over the city or perhaps to visit the Auckland Museum or the Maritime Museum. Possibly take a cruise on Waitemata Harbour on the ‘ Pride of Auckland ’ or an exciting tour through the underwater world and antarctic centre of Kelly Tarlton’s. Alternatively, wander through the Waitakere Rainforest or indulge in a relaxing reflexology massage. There are also a range of Adventure Options to choose from including a sailing excursion on an America’s Cup yacht or a day trip to Waiheke Island. Stay: Sky City Hotel |
Day
2 |
The Overlander, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Hangi Feast
This morning board the Overlander train. Journey alongside the Waikato River and pass by Taupiri Mountain, the sacred burial ground of the Maori. Continue through Ngaruawahia before disembarking at Otorohanga, known for its displays of ‘Kiwiana’. Travel to the world-famous Waitomo Caves and discover stunning underground scenery as we are guided into an ancient labyrinth of limestone caverns. Travel on to geothermal Rotorua. This evening enjoy the warmth of the Maori people with a New Zealand Hangi (feast) and cultural performance of Maori song and dance, including the Haka. Stay: Holiday Inn Rotorua (2 nights) (B/FD) |
Day
3 |
Rotorua, Freedom of Choice Touring
Take the opportunity to choose an Exclusive Experience and we will include it. Perhaps visit Rotorua’s ‘Must See Three’ attractions including Te Puia Thermal Reserve, the Agrodome for an entertaining sheep show then walk amongst beautiful native flora at Rainbow Springs. You might prefer a relaxing spa treatment at the Polynesian Spa. There are many activities for your to enjoy. It’s your choice! (B/D). Country Homestay option available tonight. Please enquire. |
Day
4 |
The Overlander, Tongariro National Park
Travel to Te Kuiti to join the Overlander train for a tour through the heart of the North Island. Travel over the world-renowned Raurimu Spiral, one of the great surveying and engineering achievements of the main trunk line. Its three horse-shoe curves, one complete circle and two short tunnels allowed the Main Trunk Railway coming south from Auckland and north from Wellington to finally be joined at Horopito. Disembark at the ski village of Tongariro National Park. Spend this evening in the World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, nestled at the base of majestic Mt Ruapehu. Stay: Tongariro National Park, Chateau Tongariro (B/D) |
Day
5 |
TranzMetro Train, Wellington
This morning we head south to Featherston. Travel through Taihape, renowned as the ‘Gumboot Capital’ of New Zealand. Every year a festival is held here to celebrate this essential item of rural ‘Kiwi’ footwear. Continue through the Manawatu Gorge and the Wairarapa region. On arrival into Featherston, we visit the Fell Engine Museum before we board the TranzMetro Train for our short journey to Wellington. Stay: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
6 |
Wellington at Leisure
Today we take a short stroll to the Wellington Cable Car whose service from Lambton Quay to Kelburn began in 1902. Ascend to the top by cable car, perhaps visit the Cable Car Museum or take a tranquil 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, harbour and surrounding regions. View Parliament Buildings and the ‘Beehive’, the 1876 Government Building, one of the largest all-wooden buildings in the world. Continue on to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, where our morning sightseeing tour concludes. The remainder of today is at leisure in Wellington. (B) |
Day
7 |
Coastal Pacific Train, Christchurch
This morning cruise across Cook Strait and through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific Train for a scenic trip along the east coast. Journey between mountain and sea as we travel along a thin ledge of land pinned between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. Arrive in Christchurch, the pretty ‘Garden City’, and the largest in the South Island. Stay: Holiday Inn City Centre (B/D) |
Day
8 |
TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef
This morning board the award winning TranzAlpine Train voted one of the top rail journeys in the world. Travel through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the country’s greatest mountain range, the mighty Southern Alps. Disembark at Greymouth and continue to Hokitika where you will have the opportunity to see beautiful native Pounamu (Jade). We continue south along the West Coast, travelling through dense rainforest. There is an opportunity for a scenic flight over the breathtaking glaciers that this region is renowned for (own expense). Stay: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (B/D) |
Day
9 |
Franz Josef, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner
Enjoy a day of incredible scenery as you travel along the Haast River by safari boat, capturing views of the massive glacier-formed Haast River Valley, towering peaks, waterfalls and rainforest. Rejoining the coach we continue to Queenstown. Rejoin the coach and continue to Queenstown, where this evening you’ll choose from four different eateries. Perhaps take a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu for a carvery dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak Sheep Station or you may prefer to take a Skyline Gondola ride for dinner and stunning views over Queenstown. Alternatively, you may wish to dine at your hotel or at a chosen local restaurant. Stay: Novotel Gardens Hotel (2 nights) (B/FD) |
Day
10 |
Queenstown, Freedom of Choice Touring
Queenstown is an exhilarating, year-round, alpine resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure- seekers alike. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps, the town was named because "...it was fit for a Queen”. Today we have a selection of activities for you to choose from and we will include it! Perhaps enjoy a garden tour or visit some local wineries. You may join an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Shotover River or choose to join a double-decker bus tour through the streets of Queenstown and to the small gold rush settlement of Arrowtown. (B) |
Day
11 |
Milford Sound Cruise , Te Anau
Journey along the Milford Road into Fiordland National Park. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys and through the Homer Tunnel. On arrival at Milford Sound cruise the full length of this stunning fjord. Following your cruise, drive to the tranquil lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Stay: Luxmore Hotel (B/D) |
Day
12 |
Te Anau, Dunedin, Freedom of Choice Touring
Travel across the South Island through small farming communities to Dunedin. On arrival choose your touring activity and we will include it. Perhaps visit Speight’s Brewery, where they brew the popular Speight’s ale, and Heritage Centre. Or enjoy a trip to the Otago Peninsula to see the Royal Albatross Colony or travel to Penguin Place to view the rare yellow-eyed penguins, the Hoiho, or maybe a visit to Larnach Castle for a tour of the castle and stroll around the beautiful gardens. Or perhaps join the Taieri Gorge Train at Dunedin’s stately railway station and journey through the heart of Otago. Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (B/D) |
Day
13 |
Dunedin, The Seasider, Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning board the Seasider train at Dunedin and journey up the east coast to Palmerston. Continue by coach through the High Country, passing wide expanses of tussock grasslands, High Country sheep stations and beautiful glacier-fed lakes of incredible colour. Journey into World Heritage-listed Mt Cook National Park, home to Australasia’s highest mountain, Mt Cook, and chose your touring activity. Stay: The Hermitage, Mt Cook (B/D) |
Day
14 |
Mt Cook, Christchurch
Visit the azure Lake Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd and statue of the working collie dog, erected to honour the collie whose work was invaluable to the early settlers of this region. Leave the High Country behind and travel through Burkes Pass to Christchurch. This afternoon, your tour concludes and a departure transfer to the airport is included. |
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Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $305 per person off the brochure price for this tour. Exclusive to Relaxing Journeys. Deposit this month to qualify!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking. |
Tour
Starts |
Tour
Finishes |
Tour
Status |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
SPECIAL |
OUR
PRICE |
| 10 Feb 2012 |
23 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $6075 |
Save $305 |
NZ $5770 |
*Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart.
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'.
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Tour Notes
Solo travellers, airport transfers, pre & post accommodation |
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Solo Travellers
For the solo traveller, you can either register to have a twin share room with another single traveller of the same gender to save costs, or you may opt to pay for a single supplement to guarantee a room of your own.
Airport Transfers
From the moment you touch down a friendly smile awaits. Our Meet and Greet Representatives ensure you are welcomed in true Kiwi style. Return airport to hotel transfers are provided.
Pre & Post Accommodation
As some flights arrive late at night and others depart early morning, extra nights are highly recommended to allow yourself time to relax before commencing your coach holiday. To extend your stay, simply select the number of extra nights you wish to spend when you make an enquiry. Read More> |
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