Tour Type: Independent Coach Tour
Duration: 11 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $3499 pp
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11 Day New Zealand Rail Tour Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
From Auckland travel south to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight we enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert, a quintessential New Zealand experience. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.
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Day
2 |
Rotorua
Rotorua sits calmly atop some remarkable cracks in the earth's crust - sometimes giving the impression that the town is on fire. This morning take a tour of Te Puia to see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at the thermal areas. Also see the native and exotic vegetation at Rainbow Springs, which are world renowned for their pools of tame trout. Finally, the Agrodome Farm display features a vital section of New Zealand's agriculture, sheep shearing and a sheep dog display. Your afternoon is free. |
Day
3 |
Rotorua - Wellington
Travel south to Wairakei, wreathed by steam, then to the picturesque township of Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo and cross the volcanic landscape of the Desert Road past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Continue across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington. On arrival into Wellington you will be taken to your hotel.
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Day
4 |
Wellington - Christchurch
Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. Board the Coastal Pacific Train to skim the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Continue through north Canterbury to Christchurch. Stay overnight in Christchurch.
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Day
5 |
Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru to Dunedin 'the Edinburgh of the South”. Please note there is no commentary on this leg of the journey. Arrive early afternoon. In the summer (December - March) perhaps take a Wildlife Tour to see the Royal Albatross and Larnach Castle, or a scenic bus tour, harbour & wildlife cruise from 3:30pm to 7:00pm. Stay 1 night in Dunedin.
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Day
6 |
Dunedin -Taieri Gorge -Queenstown
This morning is at your leisure for optional sightseeing. Perhaps visit the historic Larnach Castle, or other heritage buildings for which Dunedin is known. Alternatively, see the world's only mainland Royal Albatross colony and several penguin and seal colonies on the Otago Peninsula. Board the Taieri Gorge train for a journey through spectacular gorges and over historic viaducts to Pukerangi where you join your coach for the remainder of the journey to Queenstown. Arrive in Queenstown in the late evening. Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.
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Day
7 |
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
An early start around the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, then into Fiordland National Park. Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound. Depart Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening. |
Day
8 |
At Queenstown
Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous alpine resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping. |
Day
9 |
Queenstown - Glaciers
Travel to Cromwell and on through the Southern Lakes district to the Haast Pass. Travel north, through dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards the glaciers. A shuttle will take you to view one of these massive rivers of ice (Due to shorter daylight hours, this may not be available over winter). Stay 2 nights in Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships.
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Day
10 |
A Day At The Glaciers
A whole day is available for optional excursions on the glaciers, for bush walks or simply to soak up the beauty of snow-capped mountains contrasting with the deep greens of the native bush. Take an optional guided walk or heli-hike to explore the spectacular ice formations; experience the thrill of a scenic flight and place your footprints onto a high alpine snowfield; feel your adrenaline rush on New Zealand's most scenic skydive; visit New Zealand's only White Heron (Kotuku) nesting colony; take in the scenery as you kayak the stunning Okarito lagoon or visit Lake Matheson, renowned for its mirror images of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, New Zealand's highest peaks. |
Day
11 |
Glaciers - Christchurch
Travel north along the narrow, bush clad, coastal plain past Hokitika, to Greymouth. Board the renowned TranzAlpine train and travel through the Otira Tunnel, over Arthur's Pass and across the Canterbury Plains. Arrive Christchurch early evening. Note, this tour also operates in reverse from Christchurch. |
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11 Day New Zealand Rail Tour Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys.
3 Reviews,
Average Rating 4.7
of 5.
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The tour allowed us to see as much of New Zealand as possible within the two weeks we had for our holiday. Taking it day by day:
Day 1: Visit to Waikomo Caves was wonderful. Kingsgate Hotel in Rotorua was good, although it is a long walk from the town centre. The Hangi & Concert evening was very enjoyable.
Day 2: Visit to Te Puia was spectacular, the Agrodome was excellent, but Rainbow Springs paled by comparison. Maybe that was one visit too many in a morning.
Day 3: Superb scenery especially near Lake Taupo and Tongariro en route to Wellington. Hotel Kingsgate room tiny and poor quality, rather like student quarters. Fortunately only for 1 night.
Day 4: Ferry to Picton and train to Christchurch superb. Heartland Hotel very good.
Day 5: Coach to Dunedin with well informed commentary, as ever. Copthorne Hotel room good, with excellent views of the city.
Day 6: Train through Taieri Gorge, then mini-coach from Pukerangi to Queenstown absolutely superb. A great day, helped by good weather. Copthorne in Queenstown was excellent.
Day 7: Coach to Milford Sound through wonderful scenery. Boat trip on Sound felt rushed - grabbed a quick lunch and then out to admire scenery before it turned back. Return coach journey via same route, only route, made it a long day for driver and passengers.
Day 8: Queenstown - Gondola trip after low cloud had cleared was great
Day 9: Queenstown to Fox Glacier - wonderful scenery once again. Sadly only time for a short stop at Wanaka, which looks a beautiful place. Allocated very small room at Heartland Hotel. Walked to head of Glacier which was wonderful.
Day 10: Breakfast at hotel and then complained about room. Were asked to leave suitcases packed and were moved to an excellent room. We walked to Matheson Lake which is spectacular. We loved being in Fox Glacier and preferred the smaller village to Franz Josef.
Day 11: Coach to Greymouth, admiring the scenery, and the driving, from the front seat. Called at Bushmans Cafe which was interesting and Hokitika. Train from Greymouth to Christchurch was a splendid finale to our tour. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
Although the rail trips were a relief from long days on a coach, we must give special praise to the coach drivers for their courtesy and punctuality, their high standard of driving and their well informed commentary. They are a credit to New Zealand.
[More+]
Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Pace
Our Service
Pat & John Sheerin (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 08/03/2012 |
We enjoyed our holiday immensely. New Zealand is amazing. Whenever you turn around there is something interesting or beautiful to look at. We would like to compliment you on the fact that despite the components of our tour being provided by a variety of different services everything worked brilliantly. I would have complete confidence in recommending your services to others.
Geoffrey & Jennifer Lambert (Australia)
Tour Date 01/11/2011 |
Wow, where do I start! All shuttle connections excellent - friendly staff, on time and helpful. Lots of ex-brits! Hotels - excellent, especially the Scenic in Auckland, Boutique Hotel in Dunedin, the Copthorne in Christchurch & Heartland in Fox Glacier (though they could do with a lift). Not too impressed with the Ibis Christchurch. Coaches were great, comfy, always on time, nice drivers who were chatty & informative. Met some nice folks on the coaches. I loved all 3 train journeys, though the Tranzcoastal was the best, especially when the train goes alongside the Pacific and you can see seals swimming in the surf. I enjoyed the sail through Cook's Straight. Also went on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter's Peak for a horseride and afternoon tea (not part of itinerary), which was a lovely experience. I also took the plane back from Milford Sound over some stunning views - camera ran out of juice - aarrgh! Enjoyed every day of the holiday, and especially enjoyed Auckland, Christchuch and Queenstown. At Queenstown went on the Skyline gondola and had a go on the luge, great fun. Would have liked more time in Wellington as only got 1 night and set off early next morning so I didn't get a good look round, though I understand the schedule was tight. Christchurch great, though would prefer to stay away from the square in future as the whole area is really noisy at night. This holiday was just what I wanted, a snapshot of the both islands. It helped that I'm pretty fit, organised and confident to explore. It was a holiday where you have to quickly get used to being on the move. Therefore, in my opinion, this holiday would not be suitable for people who are unfit or inactive. For me it was great - loved it, and I'm sure I'll be back! Thanks for organising this holiday of a lifetime for me.
Pam Hetherington (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 02/11/2010 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices below are per person. |
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| Stay |
Twin Share |
Single |
Triple |
Breakfasts |
| Motel |
NZ $3,499 |
NZ $4,719 |
NZ $3,269 |
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| Bronze |
NZ $3,639 |
NZ $4,949 |
NZ $3,469 |
NZ $270 |
| Silver |
NZ $4,059 |
NZ $5,839 |
NZ $3,759 |
NZ $315 |
| Gold |
NZ $4,289 |
NZ $6,299 |
NZ $3,939 |
NZ $351 |
| Apartment |
NZ $3,929 |
NZ $5,599 |
NZ $3,599 |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012 Autumn & Winter Sale! Take $200 per person off the prices shown, for tours departing before 30th September! Deposit this month!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 May 2012 and 31 May 2012
with your tour starting between 1 May 2012 and 30 September 2012 . Subject to availability at time of booking. |
*Prices above are valid 01 November 2011 to 30 September 2012. Prices before or after this period are on request.
*Child discounts apply to children under 11 at the time of travelling. Save 25% if child travelling with two adults and 10% if only 1 Adult and 1 Child are travelling.
*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'. |
Tour Information
This is an independent coach tour and operates daily. |
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Independent New Zealand Coach Tours
Independent coach tours are
the ideal way to explore New Zealand. We pre-book all your travel arrangements including coach, rail and ferry transport, accommodation, transfers between your transport and accommodation and key sightseeing activities. We can add and take off days in the middle, start or end of your tour and you can choose to add meals and/or pre and post tour accommodation. You also choose the level of accommodation that suits you best, from 3 star to 5 star! While the coaches do not have dedicated tour guides, the multi-talented coach drivers provide excellent onboard commentary. You will receive an informative touring wallet which will include brochures, detailed maps, tour vouchers and comprehensive itinerary.
Accommodation Levels
Your coach tour accommodation is in specially chosen properties, centrally located and of a high standard. Choose from 5 levels of accommodation - Motel, Bronze, Silver, Gold & Apartments. All accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking so get in early!
Daily Departures
Our independent coach tours operate daily, using regular coach, train and ferry services. This provides you with excellent flexibility when planning your coach tour start date to coincide with your flights or other holiday arrangements.
General Information
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