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About Your Journey
See New Zealand from a whole new perspective
Experience some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery on this unforgettable 11-day escorted rail adventure featuring four of the country's most iconic train journeys.
Travel aboard the legendary Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, TranzAlpine, and Taieri Gorge Railway as you journey through ever-changing landscapes of rugged coastlines, alpine passes, rolling countryside, and dramatic river gorges. Along the way, enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters, fascinating heritage attractions, and time to explore some of New Zealand's most charming destinations.
Combining rail travel, scenic cruising, quality accommodation, and unique sightseeing experiences, this journey showcases the very best of Aotearoa from both North and South Islands.
Itinerary
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Board the iconic Northern Explorer for one of New Zealand's greatest rail journeys. Travel 681km through rolling farmland, volcanic plateaus, native bush, and dramatic river gorges before arriving in Wellington for a three-night stay. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
Included: D
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Discover New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, on a guided visit including the acclaimed Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition, created with Wētā Workshop. The afternoon is free to explore Wellington's waterfront, shops, cafés, or Parliament precinct before dinner at the popular Ombra Restaurant.
Included: B, D
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Journey over the scenic Remutaka Ranges, stopping at the Remutaka Crossing Monument before exploring the charming Victorian town of Greytown. Continue to Martinborough for lunch at Tirohana Estate, surrounded by renowned vineyards, with time to stroll the village before returning to Wellington.
Included: B, L
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Cruise across Cook Strait aboard the Interislander, sailing through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Continue on the spectacular Coastal Pacific train, one of the world's great coastal rail journeys, travelling between mountains and sea to Kaikōura.
Included: B, D
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Experience an unforgettable whale watching cruise in one of New Zealand's premier marine wildlife destinations, home to giant sperm whales, dolphins, and seals. Later, rejoin the Coastal Pacific for another spectacular rail journey south to Christchurch.
Included: B, D
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Visit Quake City to learn the powerful story of the Canterbury earthquakes through interactive exhibits and personal accounts. Enjoy free time to explore Christchurch before a memorable dinner aboard the heritage Tramway Restaurant.
Included: B, D
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Fly to Hokitika before travelling to Greymouth to board the world-famous TranzAlpine. Cross the magnificent Southern Alps, passing alpine rivers, deep gorges, soaring viaducts, and spectacular mountain scenery on one of the world's most celebrated rail journeys.
Included: B, L, D
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Travel south through the Canterbury Plains to Riverstone Castle for a guided visit and lunch. Continue to the heritage town of Ōamaru before witnessing the famous Blue Penguin Colony as the world's smallest penguins return ashore at dusk.
Included: B, L, D
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Stop to admire the remarkable Moeraki Boulders before continuing to Dunedin. Visit the beautifully preserved Olveston Historic Home, offering a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand's Edwardian past.
Included: B, D
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Travel aboard the celebrated Taieri Gorge Railway, winding through dramatic landscapes of soaring viaducts, hand-carved tunnels, rugged river valleys, and remote countryside inaccessible by road. Enjoy free time in Dunedin before dinner this evening.
Included: B, D
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Fly to Auckland, where your unforgettable New Zealand Rail Experience comes to an end after discovering the country's most spectacular rail journeys, coastal scenery, and historic highlights.
Included: B
Discover New Zealand's most spectacular rail landscapes.
Reserve your place on this unforgettable tour. Numbers are limited, so don’t delay.
Why you’ll love this trip
Travelwise has carefully designed this journey to showcase the very best of New Zealand's rail network, combining iconic train journeys with unforgettable sightseeing experiences and comfortable accommodation throughout. Every detail is arranged for you, allowing you to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the ever-changing scenery.
Travelling with experienced Tour Leader David Libeau, you'll enjoy a wonderful balance of organised touring and free time, while experiencing some of the country's most remarkable landscapes, wildlife encounters, and heritage attractions. From alpine passes and rugged coastlines to historic towns and dramatic river gorges, this journey is a celebration of New Zealand at its finest.
Inclusions & Activities
Rail: Four iconic rail journeys - The Northern Explorer, the Coastal Pacific, TranzAlpine experience and Taieri Gorge Railway
Accommodation: 10 nights quality accommodation throughout
Sightseeing: All sightseeing and attractions as shown, including Kaikōura whale watching, Ōamaru Blue Penguin colony and more
Meals: Daily breakfasts plus lunches and dinners as specified
Transfers: Home pick up and drop off in Auckland Metro area
Tour Leader: Travelwise Tour Leader throughout, plus local guides
David Libeau, Tour Leader
Your Tour Leader
David Libeau
David is an experienced and highly regarded Tour Leader with Travelwise Holidays and he has an extensive background in the travel industry. He is known for his warm personality, sense of humour and caring approach.He creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where guests feel well looked after.
Before you book, you should know
Activity Level 2: A balanced pace with more time exploring throughout the day. Suitable for travellers comfortable with longer walks, standing during sightseeing, independently boarding coaches, trains and boats, walking over some uneven surfaces. A good choice if you prefer: Getting out and about, with a steady but manageable pace
Departure: 11 March 2027
Other Notes:
Deposit: $500pp
Balance Payment Date: 10 December 2026
Bookings may still be available after this date. Please contact us for availability.
Insurance: Not mandatory for this tour.
