19 Day Rail, Cruise and Coach Holiday

Enjoy a city tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’, before travelling to Matakohe to enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Māori and the British.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights) (B, D)

Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free and you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). (B)

This morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning to Paihia. Enjoy a picnic lunch before travelling south via Whangarei, and call into the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a kauri tree before returning to Auckland.

Stay: Grand Millennium Auckland (B, D)

This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15km trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train. Visit the restoration workshop and on return to Glenbrook Station, morning tea will be served. Depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Next, continue to Rotorua and visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout.

Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (Superior Rooms) (2 nights) (B, D)

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a luge ride! Travel to the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening you will experience an entertaining Māori hāngī and concert. (B, SD)

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway before arriving at the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupō, where some free time is available to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. This afternoon travel via the Tongariro National Park and see the three active peaks of Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngāuruhoe. Continue south along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington.

Stay: James Cook Grand Chancellor (2 nights) (B, D)

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, with exhibits that embrace both Māori and European views. Re-board your coach for an extensive city tour. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon, and this evening is also free to explore Wellington’s lively food scene. (B)

This morning board the Interislander ferry to cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that showcases the Kaikōura Mountain Range on one side and the rugged scenic coastline on the other. Travel through numerous tunnels and across several bridges before disembarking in Kaikōura. Travel south by coach through some of the finest farmland to the garden city of Christchurch.

Stay: Hotel Distinction Christchurch (2 nights) (B, D)

Today visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon includes a journey on board the historic Christchurch Tram at your leisure, one of Christchurch’s leading attractions. This evening is free to explore the local cuisine. (B)

This morning board the TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its pounamu (greenstone) before arriving at Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing) (B, D)

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront (2 nights) (B)

Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain is available to assist. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon, or the helicopter ride of a lifetime. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax as you are treated to the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then re-board the TSS Earnslaw for a singalong by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. (B, SD)

This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for your amazing overnight cruise. There is plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphin and penguins. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the on-board chef.

Stay: Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise (B, D)

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the fiord. Return to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau. This afternoon enjoy a cruise across Lake Te Anau to visit the Glowworm Caves where you admire the incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls, and mystery of the glowworm grotto.

Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Rooms) (B, D)

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin. After time for lunch board the Silverfern railcar for a journey along spectacular clifftops overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Blueskin Bay. On return to Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station, board the coach for an informative city tour. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and gift.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (2 nights) (B, SD)

This morning travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Return to the city for some free time. You might choose to board the Taieri Gorge Railway for a journey through spectacular scenery only accessible by rail (optional). Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and gift. (B, D)

This morning visit Olveston House, a prestigious historic home, before travelling to Ōamaru, famous for its limestone. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your newfound friends.

Stay: Sudima Christchurch (B, SD)

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)