17 Day Road and Rail

With an early morning departure from Auckland you will be travelling southbound towards Waitomo Caves via the city of Hamilton, which sits on the banks of the Waikato River. Enjoy a guided tour of the caves with a silent boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto – a subterranean cavern lit by the light of thousands of tiny glowworms. Arrival at your Rotorua accommodation will be in the early afternoon. Tonight you will attend a hāngī feast and concert, an authentic and intimate Māori experience. (D) (2 nights)

This morning you will experience more Māori culture and the amazing thermal wonderland at Te Puia. Te Puia is also home to the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where the ancient teachings of Māori ancestors have been preserved and continue to thrive. Continue on to Rainbow Springs Nature Park, an attraction like no other. Set in 22 acres of beautiful native trees and streams, you will see a huge variety of New Zealand’s most precious inhabitants, including the Kiwi Conservation Centre. New Zealand’s thriving agricultural industry is on show at the Agrodome, where you will witness a sheep shearing display and sheep dog trials. The afternoon is at leisure.

This morning, relax and have a leisurely breakfast and take in any last minute sights and activities. This afternoon take the short drive south through exotic forests until you reach the steam fields of Wairakei and Lake Taupō in the centre of the North Island. Arrive at approximately 2pm.

Leave this morning and cross the volcanic landscape of the Desert Road, past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu. Continue across the fertile plains of the Manawatū and along the rugged Kāpiti coastline to Wellington. Arrive late afternoon for your overnight stay.

Today you will be transferred to the Wellington ferry terminal to check in for your Interislander ferry journey across the Cook Strait to Picton. This journey. Both Islands can be viewed, including the magnificent Kaikōura ranges, and there is often the chance to see wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, and seals. On arrival in Picton, join the water taxi for a short cruise to your resort, where a warm welcome awaits you in this remote location. (2 nights)

A day to relax and marvel at the magic that is the Marlborough Sounds. Resort staff will share their love of the sounds with you through the range of water and nature based experiences they put at your fingertips. The wide beach access is great for fishing, boating, sailing, swimming and sea kayaking, and there is a wealth of walks and meanderings in the immediate vicinity. A massage or spa treatment at the resort will complete your relaxation.

After breakfast, return to the picturesque fishing village of Picton by water taxi. Board your coach for the short journey to Blenheim, situated in the heart of wine-growing Marlborough.

Travel south to Christchurch today. With its international airport, Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and the country’s second largest city. It is the hub of the Canterbury region and offers an environment that is both laid-back and action-packed. Possessing a stable sunny climate, the city’s parks and gardens are a key attraction year round and are renowned for their beauty, especially in spring.

This morning you head south to Lake Tekapo. Here your coach will take a short break and this is a great opportunity for you to take in the extreme beauty of the area – from the Southern Alps mountain range and iconic Church of the Good Shepherd (one of New Zealand’s most photographed monuments), to the picturesque lupins that border the turquoise glacial-fed lake. Continue through the Mackenzie Basin before arriving at Aoraki Mount Cook village.

This morning is completely at your leisure. Hike one of the walking tracks, or take a scenic flight to get up close to Aoraki Mount Cook and the Southern Alps’ magnificent glaciers. You can also explore the Tasman Glacier via the terminal lake. This afternoon you will travel back down the Tasman Valley and Lake Pukaki with its beautifully unique turquoise colour. Head towards Twizel and onto O7marama before going over Lindis Pass. Follow the shores of Lake Dunstan to Cromwell and into the Kawarau Gorge to arrive in Queenstown in the early evening. (3 nights)

Today is at your leisure to enjoy the many sights of this alpine resort situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown offers something for everyone. You can enjoy the quiet beauty and tranquility of this mountain retreat and enjoy several walking trails in the town area. For sheer excitement there is white-water rafting, helicopter rides, the famous jetboats, bungy jumping to pump your adrenalin, and off-road 4WD tours with plenty of river crossings. There are cruises on the lake and a visit to a high country sheep station, and wine tasting tours. You can visit nearby Arrowtown where the main street has been preserved since the 1860s gold rush days, and you can try your luck panning for gold in the adjacent Shotover River.

Another day at leisure to immerse yourself in Queenstown.

Depart Queenstown this morning, travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, gateway to World Heritage-listed Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Then continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to Franz Josef Glacier. (2 nights)

Today you have a whole day at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a guided walk, a heli-hike, or a scenic flight from the Franz Josef township. If you’d prefer a relaxing day, head to the Glacier Hot Pools nestled amongst lush rainforest, or meander through the village where you will find a wonderful selection of gifts, artwork, merchandise and cafes.

Treat yourself and upgrade your accommodation in Franz Josef to the 5-star Te Waonui Forest Retreat, a luxury lodge hotel nestled amongst native West Coast rainforest. Our upgrade package includes luxurious accommodation, dinner on the first night – an indulgent 5-course degustation menu in The Canopy Restaurant – and a la carte breakfast both mornings. We’ve also included a stunning Franz Josef heli-hike to help you make the most of your time in the region. Ask us for a price!

Board your coach and head north through Hokitika and into the small town of Greymouth, where you will stop to stretch your legs before boarding the renowned TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s great scenic train trips to Christchurch. Experience beautiful Lake Brunner, spectacular viaducts, 8.6km in the lengthy Otira Tunnel, ice-fed rivers, and the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains. Arrive at approximately 6:05pm in our most English of cities, Christchurch.

Sadly your trip has come to an end. We hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed your experiences in New Zealand. Today you will be met at your accommodation and transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Have a safe trip home. Haera rā!