19 Day Ultimate Luxury New Zealand Rail, Cruise, & Coach

Itineraries are subject to change.

A Grand Pacific Tours representative will meet you on arrival in Auckland and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink while getting to know your fellow travellers.

Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach for a city tour of Auckland, known as the ‘City of Sails’, before heading north to Matakohe. Here, visit the Kauri Museum for an insightful look at New Zealand’s rich timber history. Continue via Whangārei to Paihia in the stunning Bay of Islands, where a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds provides fascinating insights into New Zealand’s founding history.

A full day to explore at your own pace. Optional activities include a Cape Reinga coach tour via Ninety Mile Beach or a scenic flight over the spectacular coastline. The evening is also free, with the option to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise.

Cruise through the Bay of Islands, visiting a secluded island and passing the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ at Cape Brett. Keep an eye out for dolphins and marine life. Return to Paihia before travelling south to Auckland, where the evening is free to dine at leisure.

Step back in time on a nostalgic Glenbrook Vintage Railway journey, travelling in a beautifully restored steam train while enjoying morning tea. The journey continues through rolling farmland en route to Rotorua, where a visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery offers a behind-the-scenes look at conservation efforts for New Zealand’s national bird.

Start the day with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua, with spectacular views over the city. Try an exhilarating luge ride before enjoying free time in Rotorua. Later, visit Te Puia, home to bubbling mud pools and powerful geysers. In the evening, experience a traditional Māori Hāngi and cultural performance.

Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway, stopping to admire the impressive Huka Falls before reaching Lake Taupō for a short break. Journey through the Tongariro National Park, home to towering volcanoes, before arriving in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.

Begin the day at Te Papa Museum, exploring the remarkable Gallipoli: The Scale of War exhibition. Rejoin the Ultimate Coach for a city tour, then take a ride on the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn, where you can visit the Cable Car Museum or stroll through the Botanic Gardens. The evening is free to explore the vibrant waterfront dining scene.

Board the Interislander Ferry for a scenic journey through the Marlborough Sounds, enjoying the comfort of the Premium Lounge with breakfast provided. Arrive in Picton and board the Coastal Pacific train, travelling along the stunning coastline between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikōura Ranges. Rejoin the coach in Kaikōura for the journey to Christchurch.

Visit the International Antarctic Centre, offering an interactive experience of life in Antarctica. A guided city tour follows, highlighting Christchurch’s transformation. Later, enjoy a leisurely ride on the Christchurch Tram, with free time to explore the city’s cafes and gardens. The evening is free.

Board the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, crossing towering viaducts and deep gorges on the way to Arthur’s Pass. Rejoin the coach and stop in Hokitika, famous for greenstone carving, before continuing via Franz Josef to Fox Glacier. Weather permitting, an optional scenic flight over the glaciers is available.

Travel south along the West Coast, admiring the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. Journey through the scenic Haast Pass, then stop in Arrowtown to visit the Lakes District Museum. Arrive in Queenstown, a picturesque resort town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Enjoy a free day in Queenstown, with optional activities such as jet boating, a winery tour, or a scenic flight. In the evening, cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a gourmet barbecue dinner, followed by a farm tour and a relaxing cruise back, complete with a singalong by the piano.

Travel via Te Anau to Manapouri, where you’ll enjoy lunch before cruising across the lake. A short coach ride over the Wilmot Pass brings you to Doubtful Sound, where you’ll board the Fiordland Navigator for a magical overnight cruise. Explore the fiord by kayak or tender boat, or relax on deck and soak in the scenery. A delicious carvery buffet dinner is served onboard.

Wake to the tranquillity of Doubtful Sound and enjoy breakfast before returning to Manapouri. Rejoin the coach and travel to Te Anau, where the afternoon is free. Optional activities include a visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, renowned for its impressive Edwardian and Victorian architecture. A city tour introduces you to New Zealand’s oldest university city.

Drive along the scenic Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour, uncovering the castle’s fascinating history. Wander through the award-winning gardens, followed by an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom. The afternoon is free, with optional excursions such as a wildlife tour or a visit to Olveston Historic Home.

Travel to Oamaru, famous for its limestone architecture, before continuing to Pleasant Point Museum and Railway for a short heritage train ride and lunch. In Christchurch, celebrate the final evening with a farewell dinner and selected beverages.

After an unforgettable journey, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.