17 Day North to South Scenic Trains and Self Drive

Today you touch down in Auckland and settle into New Zealand’s largest city, a vibrant harbour metropolis famed for its sailing culture. You’ll have time to relax and explore at your own pace, ready for all the adventures ahead.

Private Transfer – Auckland Airport to Accommodation

Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you straight to your hotel in comfort. It’s a smooth, stress‑free start to your New Zealand adventure.

Welcome to Auckland

Auckland, known in Māori as Tāmaki Makaurau, is surrounded by two harbours and 48 volcanic cones, offering endless views and green spaces. This cosmopolitan city blends seaside charm with excellent food, culture, and natural beauty.

Today is yours to enjoy all that Auckland has to offer, from stunning harbour views to cultural experiences. With so much variety, this energetic city invites you to tailor your day exactly to your interests.

Suggested Activity – Auckland Sky Tower Admission

The Sky Tower stands over 300 metres above the city and provides sweeping views across the Hauraki Gulf. Enjoy sipping coffee in the Sky Lounge or, for thrill‑seekers, step out on the SkyWalk for vistas you won’t forget.

Suggested Activity – America’s Cup Sailing Experience with Explore

Feel the wind in your hair as you sail on a genuine America’s Cup yacht in Waitematā Harbour. Whether you’re part of the crew or soaking in the scenery, it’s an exhilarating way to experience Auckland from the water.

Suggested Activity – Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise with Explore

Settle in for an evening on the water as Auckland lights up at sunset. You’ll enjoy canapés, drinks and a delicious onboard dinner while sailing the serene harbour.

Today you board the Northern Explorer, one of New Zealand’s most scenic trains, crossing the heart of the North Island. Sit back with your panoramic window views as dramatic farmland and volcanic landscapes roll by.

Northern Explorer Scenic Train

This delightful railway journey treats you to unforgettable views of the Central Plateau and the iconic Raurimu Spiral. Spacious carriages and an open‑air viewing deck make every moment picture‑perfect.

Wellington is New Zealand’s cultural capital, brimming with fascinating museums and art galleries to explore. Today is all about engaging with local history, creativity and heritage in the heart of the capital.

Suggested Activity – Wellington Half Day Private Tour with Capital Personalized Tour

This private tour reveals Wellington’s best sights, from scenic lookouts over the harbour to the creative world of the Weta Cave Museum. You’ll also ride the iconic Cable Car and visit the historic Parliament precinct.

Today you cross the Cook Strait on the stunning Interislander Ferry before continuing on the Coastal Pacific train. This is travel at its most scenic, with ocean views and rugged coastal scenery all along the way.

Private Transfer to Interislander Ferry

Your driver will collect you from your hotel and bring you to the ferry terminal in good time. Relax and enjoy views over Wellington Harbour as you prepare for the sea crossing.

Interislander Ferry – Wellington to Picton

The Interislander offers one of the world’s most beautiful ferry rides, with views of rugged coastlines, seabirds and the Marlborough Sounds. Premium Plus lounge access ensures a comfortable and scenic crossing.

Coastal Pacific Train – Picton to Christchurch

This coastal rail journey treats you to dazzling Pacific Ocean views and the Kaikōura mountain ranges. With open‑air viewing carriages and sweeping panoramas, this train ride is a highlight of the tour.

Private Transfer – Christchurch Train Station to Accommodation

A private driver meets you at the station and transfers you to your Christchurch motel. It’s an easy way to begin your South Island stay without the fuss.

Today combines three classic Christchurch experiences: tram sightseeing, a peaceful punt on the Avon River and a ride up the gondola. It’s a fantastic way to see the city from land, river and sky.

Christchurch Tram, Punting & Gondola

The historic tram winds through Christchurch’s evolving central city, while punting on the Avon offers a serene riverside view. Then, the Christchurch Gondola brings panoramic vistas of city and mountains — three great ways to explore in one day.

Today you collect your rental car and begin your self‑drive adventure through the South Island’s heartland. The road to Aoraki‑Mt Cook winds through iconic scenery, from golden plains to glacial lakes.

Rental Car Collection

Pick up your intermediate‑sized vehicle, the perfect size for comfort and scenic driving. If you’d like to upgrade your car, there’s a great choice of options to suit your style.

Drive – Christchurch to Aoraki‑Mt Cook National Park

Enjoy wide‑open plains and mountain views as you drive towards Aoraki‑Mt Cook Village. Lake Pukaki’s turquoise waters and the towering Southern Alps are sights you won’t forget.

Suggested Activity – Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Museum and Theatre Explorer Pass

Honor the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary with exhibits on mountaineering and local history. The theatre’s films and immersive displays bring the Southern Alps region to life.

Today’s drive takes you over high passes and down through valleys into the historic city of Dunedin. Along the way, charming towns and coastal vistas make every stop worth a stretch of the legs.

Drive – Aoraki‑Mt Cook to Dunedin

From the glacier‑fed lakes near Mt Cook to the quirky Victorian buildings of Dunedin, this drive blends natural beauty with fascinating stops. Take your time and enjoy the variety of landscapes.

Today you’ll meet local wildlife and explore remarkable coastal landscapes on the Otago Peninsula. It’s a day filled with incredible animal encounters and unforgettable viewing opportunities.

Wildlife Peninsula Encounter Tour and Cruise with Monarch

Head out with a local guide to spot albatross, sea lions and rare penguins in their natural habitat. The combination of land and water views makes this a standout wildlife experience.

Suggested Activity – Speights Brewery Tour

Step back into brewing history with a tour of one of Dunedin’s classic breweries. Finish with tastings and even try brewing your own beer — a fun and tasty experience!

Today’s drive takes you through Southland’s scenic coastline and rural charm on the way to Te Anau. From rugged cliffs and surf beaches to tranquil lake shores, there’s plenty to enjoy as you travel.

Drive – Dunedin to Te Anau (via Invercargill)

Take the coastal route and explore The Catlins’ dramatic scenery before heading inland to Te Anau. Stop at Kaka Point or Nugget Point for spectacular ocean views.

Today you make your way to Manapouri and set off on an unforgettable overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. This is a real wilderness experience — peaceful, remote and full of wildlife.

Drive – Te Anau to Manapouri

The short drive brings you closer to the heart of Fiordland’s stunning scenery. Save room for the wonders that await on the water.

Doubtful Sound Fiordland Navigator Overnight Cruise

Spend the night on the fiord, with calm waters and towering cliffs as your backdrop. Comfortable cabins, delicious meals and potential sightings of dolphins and seals make this a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.

Your cruise concludes this morning before you drive through Southland to Queenstown. As you approach Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables rise majestically — a perfect welcome to New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Drive – Manapouri to Queenstown

Follow winding roads past mossburn and lush countryside towards Queenstown’s shimmering lake. You’ll see mountain peaks and expansive farmland as you arrive.

Today is all about soaking up Queenstown’s unique vibe, set against dramatic alpine scenery. Whether you want thrills, food journeys or peaceful lakeside strolls, there’s something here for every taste.

Suggested Activity – Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride

Take the steepest cable lift in the Southern Hemisphere and enjoy sweeping views over lake and mountains. It’s a laid‑back way to see Queenstown from above.

Suggested Activity – Shotover Jet Canyon Ride

Hold tight for a thrilling jet boat ride through narrow canyon walls at high speed. It’s one of Queenstown’s signature adrenaline experiences.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard an iconic steamship before savouring a gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak. With chef‑prepared local produce and a farm demonstration, this is a quintessential Kiwi evening.

Today’s scenic drive leads you over the Crown Range and along glacial lakes to the wild West Coast. Highlights include alpine scenery and rainforest vistas as you make your way north.

Drive – Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

From Wānaka’s serene lake to the rugged coastline beyond Haast, this drive is filled with dramatic landscapes. Don’t miss a walk to the Blue Pools for a breath of fresh mountain air.

Suggested Activity – Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight

Soar over ancient glaciers for a bird’s‑eye view of rugged ice valleys and snowy peaks. It’s an unforgettable perspective on New Zealand’s dramatic glacier country.

Today you’ll enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Greymouth, the gateway to the West Coast’s rich heritage and rugged beauty. With plenty of stops along the way, this is a great day to savour the wild side of the South Island.

Drive – Franz Josef to Greymouth

From glacier country to historic gold‑rush towns, the road north reveals ever‑changing coastal vistas. Hokitika’s jade craft stores and the laid‑back vibe are worth exploring.

Shantytown Heritage Park Experience

Step back into an 1860s gold mining settlement complete with steam trains and pioneer relics. It’s a fun, immersive way to learn about early West Coast life.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train

Today you ride one of the world’s most famous scenic trains from Greymouth to Christchurch. The journey through valleys, forests and mountains is a highlight of any New Zealand visit.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train

This incredible rail trip crosses the Southern Alps with panoramic views that change around every bend. Sit back as you witness rugged peaks, deep gorges and lush forests all from your carriage window.

Shared Transfer – Christchurch Train Station to Accommodation

On arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be taken to your motel with ease. It’s a relaxed end to a spectacular rail journey.

Today brings your wonderful New Zealand tour to a close as you’re transferred to the airport. Reflect on the memories you’ve made and know that Aotearoa will always welcome you back.

Private Transfer – Christchurch Accommodation to Airport

Your driver will take you to Christchurch International Airport in good time for departure. Enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey to your flight.

Farewell from Aotearoa / New Zealand

As you head home, carry with you the beauty and spirit of New Zealand’s landscapes and people. In Māori, we say mā te wā — not goodbye, but see you again soon.