New Zealand

New Zealand Rail & Self Drive Journey

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14 Day NZ Rail and Self Drive Tour Auckland to Christchurch

Auckland - Wellington - Christchurch - Glaciers - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau - Dunedin - Christchurch

New Zealand is well known for many of its unique train services which give you an unsurpassed view of the stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer. This 13 night New Zealand Rail and Self Drive Tour incorporates 4 of the most famous and historical train journeys through New Zealand from top to bottom.

Total Driving Time About: 21 hrs 55 mins                        Distance: 1,623 kms

Itinerary - 14 Day NZ Rail and Self drive Journey

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

An airport transfer will be awaiting your arrival into Auckland and will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Auckland's many attractions.You could take a walk down to the Viaduct or try shopping on Queens Street.
Two nights accommodation, Standard - Scenic Hotel Auckland, Superior - Sebel Suites Auckland.

Day 2: Auckland

Today you are free to explore a little further afield. A short cruise across to Waiheke Island, explore the boutique vineyards and take a leisurely lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants.

Day 3: Auckland to Wellington

An early start this morning, you will be transferred to Auckland train station. Your first train trip for the journey departs at 7.25am - on the ‘Overlander'. You will see some of the North Islands best scenery including the Tongariro National Park with its three volcanic peaks. Arrive in to Wellington approx 7.25pm. Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums, theatre and all kinds of shops.
Two nights accommodation,  Standard - Bay Plaza, Superior - Holiday Inn Wellington. 

Day 4: Wellington

Today you have a full day to explore New Zealand's Capital City sites between a sparkling harbour and beautiful green hills. Why not get an in-depth locals view of New Zealand's capital city with a Zest Walking Gourmet tour, which gives you an insight into Wellington's food and coffee culture, followed up with an afternoon to explore Te Papa Museum of New Zealand. 

Day 5: Wellington to Christchurch

Sit back, relax and soak in the scenery as you cruise across Cook Strait and the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds on your Interislander Ferry journey to Picton, the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch.

Overnight accommodation,  Standard - Hagley Park Motel, Superior - Heritage Christchurch Hotel.

Day 6: Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier

Estimated Driving Time: 2 hrs  25 mins                  Distance: 174 kms 

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the train station in preparation for your journey aboard the renowned TranzAlpine train cross the Canterbury Plains to the mountains, where Arthur's Pass leads to the West Coast. Upon arrival in Greymouth collect your Budget Car Hire from Budget Rental Car at Greymouth Railway Station. Head south along the west coast passing through Hokitika, home of the 'Wild Food Festival' to reach the twin glaciers of Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. 

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Glacier View Motel, Superior - Scenic Circle Franz Josef.

Day 7: Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 30 mins            Distance: 354 kms

Drive down the wild West Coast to Fox Glacier where you can take a guided walk to the terminal face of the giant glacier.

At pretty Lake Paringa you can enjoy a delicious meal of salmon at the salmon farm.  After leaving Haast you take on the dramatic twists and turns of the Haast Pass, before stopping at the wilderness town of Makarora, where you can fuel up and refresh. The famous ‘bra fence' is impossible to miss - it started as a joke, but it's become a local legend. Passing the northern end of Lake Wanaka, closely followed by Lake Hawea you arrive at scenic Wanaka.

The shortest route to Queenstown is over the Crown Range Road. It's a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you'll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots). More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Shotover River, Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way.

Three nights night accommodation, Standard - Blue Peaks Lodge, Superior - Scenic Circle Aurum Hotel & Suites.

Day 8: Queenstown

Today is at your leisure to explore the many sights and sounds Queenstown has to offer you. If adrenalin is what you're after try Jet boating on the Kawarau or Shotover Rivers. The region isn't only about adrenalin producing and thrilling adventures, the Queenstown region also offers attractions including new wineries, galleries, art trails and challenging golf courses.

This evening you could enjoy a buffet dinner and cruise onboard the TSS Earnslaw departing at 6pm. The TSS Earnslaw is a 1912 coal-fired vintage steamship affectionately known as the Lady of the Lake - to Walter Peak. During the cruise you may purchase a pre-dinner drink and listen to the pianist play a few old favourites from yesteryear. Once at Walter Peak you will be greeted and escorted through the gardens and grounds to the Homestead, here dinner will be served in a period setting complete with antiques and open fires on cold nights. After the meal, you will be able to visit the farm animals. You will see a farmer working sheep dogs and shearing a sheep. At the end of the night, you will return to Queenstown while enjoying a sing-a-long aboard the Earnslaw.

Day 9: Queenstown

The alpine resort of Queenstown is also a destination for luxury experiences - gourmet food and wine, spa treatments and leisurely games of golf. Nearby is the former gold mining town of Arrowtown is a living, historic holiday destination, nestled beside the Arrow River.

You could experience an exciting 1 ^1⁄4 hours up the Dart River by Jet Boat with all the thrills of braided shallow river Jet Boating and world famous jet spins. Then you'll take a walk amongst the ancient beech forest and enjoy a wilderness buffet lunch. Afterwards you'll be taken by 4WD coach to Glenorchy, stopping to view the stunning scenery that has inspired films the world over.

In the evening, for a night to remember take a ride up the Skyline Gondola to a view that will take your breath away before sitting down a sumptuous buffet dinner.

Day 10: Queenstown to Te Anau

Estimated Driving Time: 5hrs 5 mins              Distance: 404 kms

Drive south following the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Te Anau. The road to Milford is one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you'll ease into beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. The rough hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. Grand, brooding, serene and wild are just some of the words that will come to mind on your Milford Sound Cruise. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces and seals are some of the things you'll remember. Return to Te Anau. 
Overnight accommodation, Standard - Anchorage Motel, Superior - Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau.

Day 11: Te Anau to Dunedin

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs 55 mins             Distance: 290 kms

Today venture off the beaten track and travel the ancient Catlins Coast, as you head towards Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South. First stop on the way is Gore, known for its country music and Fly fishing a great place to explore. Learn about the region's history by visiting the Hokonui Moonshine Museum to learn about the area's history of illicit whisky distilling. Heading towards the coast you cross the Clutha River at Balclutha and then onto the Otago Peninsula as you arrive into Dunedin.

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Carisbrook Motel, Superior - Scenic Circle Dunedin City.

Day 12: Dunedin

Today you will enjoy a trip along the Taieri Gorge Railway, from Dunedin to Pukerangi return. Your train departs Dunedin Railway Station at 12.30pm, and arrives into Pukerangi at 2.35pm. Once departed your train will reach the head of the Taieri Gorge, at this point the railway reaches its highest point, 250 metres above sea level. Unique formations of schist rock outcrop distinguish the Pukerangi landscape, providing refuge for native lizards, birds and other wildlife. The name for this peaceful spot means 'Hill of Heaven' in Maori. A short break in Pukerangi before the train departs at 2.45pm back to Dunedin which gets you back in at 4.30pm.

End the day with a tour of the 125-year-old Speights Brewery, finishing with a tasting of their range of world class beers.. End the day with a tour of the 125 year old Speights Brewery, finishing with a tasting of their range of world class beers.

Dunedin is memorable for its historical architecture. 

Day 13: Dunedin to Christchurch

Estimated Driving Time: 6 hrs                         Distance: 401 kms 

Drive north to Be sure to check out the unique geological formations known as the Moeraki Boulders located 70km's north of Dunedin. At historic Oamaru home of the Little Blue Penguins, carry on towards the Canterbury Plains.  From Timaru take the scenic route through Geraldine, before passing Methven to Christchurch.

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Hagley Park Motel, Superior - Heritage Christchurch Hotel.

Day 14:  Depart Christchurch

Today you are free to explore Christchurch before returing your rental car for your onward journey.

Total Driving Time About: 21 hrs 55 mins                        Distance: 1,623 kms  

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