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6 Day Classic Northern Highlights Train Tour

Days
6

Pricing From
$3299

North Island
Book Now

Overview

Experience New Zealand's vibrant cities and charming towns in Auckland, Ohakune, and Wellington. Join our Classic Northern Highlights Train Tour through the North Island, admiring volcanic peaks, rolling hills, engineering marvels, and enchanting coastlines.

Highlights:

  • Traverse the Volcanic Plateau with the renowned Northern Explorer train journey.
  • Encounter the volcanic peaks of Middle Earth in Tongariro National Park.
  • Witness the engineering marvels of Raurimu Spiral.
  • Marvel at the mesmerizing coastal views of the Kapiti Coast.
  • Discover the sandstone cliffs of the Rangatikei River Gorge.
  • Your Tour Director's captivating storytelling enhances the entire journey.

This itinerary can also be done in reverse. Please enquire for available departures from Wellington.

Northern Explorer Train

Northern Explorer Train

Northern Explorer Train

Northern Explorer Train

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park

Auckland City

Auckland City

Zealandia, Wellington

Zealandia, Wellington

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Welcome to Auckland

This itinerary can also be done in reverse. Please enquire for available departures from Wellington.

Welcome to Auckland, the illustrious City of Sails! Dive into New Zealand's vibrant melting pot, teeming with diverse cultures, delectable cuisines, and a rich tapestry of arts and music.

Once you're settled into your hotel and have perused your welcome note from your Tour Director, immerse yourself in Auckland's wonders. Whether it's soaking up panoramic views from the Sky Tower, indulging in retail therapy on the lively Queen Street, or savouring a drink in the quaint establishments along Vulcan Lane, adventure beckons at every corner.

As dusk settles, it's time to officially kick off your journey! Gather with fellow explorers and your Tour Director for an evening of introductions and merriment at our welcome reception. Cheers to the adventures ahead!

Accommodation

3 - 4 Star Accommodation (1 night)

Meals Included

A welcome drink is included in tonight's reception. 

Activities

Welcome Reception

Day 2Auckland to Ohakune

The Northern Explorer Scenic Train

A Scenic Journey to Ohakune

Today you will marvel at rural New Zealand’s lush landscapes from the comfort of your seat onboard the Northern Explorer scenic train journey. From the green pastures of the Waikato to the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, you won’t want to miss a moment. If you are interested in culture and history, be sure to listen to the audio commentary as you cross historic viaducts and traverse up the Raurimu Spiral. This experience is one like no other.

Enjoy an elevated experience as you visit the volcanic plateau. Learn about Tongariro National Park which is home to three volcanic mountains and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

At the base of this geological wonder is Ohakune, 'the carrot capital of New Zealand', where you’ll stay the next two nights to experience your chosen adventure.

Accommodation

3 - 4 Star Accommodation(2 nights in Ohakune)

Meals 

Breakfast, Dinner 

Activities 

  • Northern Explorer Scenic Train Experience
  • Mini excursion to view expansive views across the volcanic landscape
Day 3Ohakune to Tongariro National Park

Discover Tongariro National Park

Today is free for you to discover Tongariro National Park’s exciting excursions. Choose from the many optional activities on offer and personalise your perfect holiday. Perhaps you will enjoy a hot tub soak, or a meander along the lazy river.

If you're after an active day, why not explore Ohakune’s historical cycle trail? Rent e-bikes and discover old viaducts, tunnels, old settlers’ camps and reclaimed native forests along the Old Coach Road!

Accommodation

3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Ohakune)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 4Ohakune to Wellington

The Northern Explorer Scenic Train

After breakfast, we begin our day by travelling from National Park to Mt Ruapehu. You won't want to leave this mini excursion to Middle Earth without a panoramic photo in hand!

Joining the Northern Explorer train once again, you will wave goodbye to this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you settle into your uber-comfortable seat. Don’t get too comfortable though; dramatic rivers, gorges, and ravines are just around the bend! Stretch your legs and explore the open-air carriage to acquire the best views from the train.

As you glide through rich green farmland and past a dramatic coastline, indulge in afternoon tea while drinking in the views. All too soon, the train will arrive into Wellington, leaving the picturesque Porirua Harbour behind you.

Arriving at Wellington Railway Station, you are just a stone’s throw from downtown, the Beehive, and Parliament Buildings. Welcome to New Zealand’s Capital City! You won't want to waste a moment of time after checking into the hotel – your evening is free to explore this award-winning cultural and culinary capital from Queen's Wharf to Cuba Street and beyond.

Accommodation

3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Wellington)

Meals Included

Breakfast, Afternoon tea aboard the train

Activities 

  • Northern Explorer Scenic Train
  • Mini excursion to view expansive volcanic views across the North Island
Day 5Explore Wellington

Explore Wellington

The perfect day does exist – and it includes exploring Wellington!

Today is free for you to experience vibrant Wellington as you please. Start by joining our Wellington City introduction tour and then head off to explore Cuba Street’s cafés, bookstores, and eccentric shops. Get cultured at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, or visit Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary to surround yourself by native birdlife and regenerating forest. You won’t get bored with the plethora of activities on offer. From coffee, culture, historic buildings to botanic gardens and much more…the list goes on! If you need any suggestions or recommendations, just reach out to your helpful Tour Director or our Travel Centre to pre-book an experience.

Enjoy dinner tonight with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.

Accommodation

3 - 4 Star Accommodation (1 night in Wellington)

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner

Activities 

  • Introduction Tour at Te Papa Museum
  • Group Dinner

 

Day 6Depart Wellington

Departing Wellington

Your journey will end after enjoying breakfast at your hotel.

Not ready to leave Wellington? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Activities:Transfer to airport

Cost Per Person (Twin-share)

September 2024 - April 2025

  • Adult: from NZ$ 3,299

Single supplement: Price on Application

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Welcome to Auckland

This itinerary can also be done in reverse. Please enquire for available departures from Wellington.

Welcome to Auckland, the illustrious City of Sails! Dive into New Zealand's vibrant melting pot, teeming with diverse cultures, delectable cuisines, and a rich tapestry of arts and music.

Once you're settled into your hotel and have perused your welcome note from your Tour Director, immerse yourself in Auckland's wonders. Whether it's soaking up panoramic views from the Sky Tower, indulging in retail therapy on the lively Queen Street, or savouring a drink in the quaint establishments along Vulcan Lane, adventure beckons at every corner.

As dusk settles, it's time to officially kick off your journey! Gather with fellow explorers and your Tour Director for an evening of introductions and merriment at our welcome reception. Cheers to the adventures ahead!

Accommodation

3 - 4 Star Accommodation (1 night)

Meals Included

A welcome drink is included in tonight's reception. 

Activities

Welcome Reception

Day 2Auckland to Ohakune

The Northern Explorer Scenic Train

A Scenic Journey to Ohakune

Today you will marvel at rural New Zealand’s lush landscapes from the comfort of your seat onboard the Northern Explorer scenic train journey. From the green pastures of the Waikato to the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, you won’t want to miss a moment. If you are interested in culture and history, be sure to listen to the audio commentary as you cross historic viaducts and traverse up the Raurimu Spiral. This experience is one like no other.

Enjoy an elevated experience as you visit the volcanic plateau. Learn about Tongariro National Park which is home to three volcanic mountains and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

At the base of this geological wonder is Ohakune, 'the carrot capital of New Zealand', where you’ll stay the next two nights to experience your chosen adventure.

Accommodation

3 - 4 Star Accommodation(2 nights in Ohakune)

Meals 

Breakfast, Dinner 

Activities 

  • Northern Explorer Scenic Train Experience
  • Mini excursion to view expansive views across the volcanic landscape
Day 3Ohakune to Tongariro National Park

Discover Tongariro National Park

Today is free for you to discover Tongariro National Park’s exciting excursions. Choose from the many optional activities on offer and personalise your perfect holiday. Perhaps you will enjoy a hot tub soak, or a meander along the lazy river.

If you're after an active day, why not explore Ohakune’s historical cycle trail? Rent e-bikes and discover old viaducts, tunnels, old settlers’ camps and reclaimed native forests along the Old Coach Road!

Accommodation

3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Ohakune)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 4Ohakune to Wellington

The Northern Explorer Scenic Train

After breakfast, we begin our day by travelling from National Park to Mt Ruapehu. You won't want to leave this mini excursion to Middle Earth without a panoramic photo in hand!

Joining the Northern Explorer train once again, you will wave goodbye to this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you settle into your uber-comfortable seat. Don’t get too comfortable though; dramatic rivers, gorges, and ravines are just around the bend! Stretch your legs and explore the open-air carriage to acquire the best views from the train.

As you glide through rich green farmland and past a dramatic coastline, indulge in afternoon tea while drinking in the views. All too soon, the train will arrive into Wellington, leaving the picturesque Porirua Harbour behind you.

Arriving at Wellington Railway Station, you are just a stone’s throw from downtown, the Beehive, and Parliament Buildings. Welcome to New Zealand’s Capital City! You won't want to waste a moment of time after checking into the hotel – your evening is free to explore this award-winning cultural and culinary capital from Queen's Wharf to Cuba Street and beyond.

Accommodation

3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Wellington)

Meals Included

Breakfast, Afternoon tea aboard the train

Activities 

  • Northern Explorer Scenic Train
  • Mini excursion to view expansive volcanic views across the North Island
Day 5Explore Wellington

Explore Wellington

The perfect day does exist – and it includes exploring Wellington!

Today is free for you to experience vibrant Wellington as you please. Start by joining our Wellington City introduction tour and then head off to explore Cuba Street’s cafés, bookstores, and eccentric shops. Get cultured at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, or visit Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary to surround yourself by native birdlife and regenerating forest. You won’t get bored with the plethora of activities on offer. From coffee, culture, historic buildings to botanic gardens and much more…the list goes on! If you need any suggestions or recommendations, just reach out to your helpful Tour Director or our Travel Centre to pre-book an experience.

Enjoy dinner tonight with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.

Accommodation

3 - 4 Star Accommodation (1 night in Wellington)

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner

Activities 

  • Introduction Tour at Te Papa Museum
  • Group Dinner

 

Day 6Depart Wellington

Departing Wellington

Your journey will end after enjoying breakfast at your hotel.

Not ready to leave Wellington? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Activities:Transfer to airport

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