10 Days: New Zealand Rail Adventure [ST-1012]
Starting at
$3,203
Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Auckland (1 Night), Rotorua (1 Night), Wellington (1 Night), Christchurch (2 Nights), Queenstown (3 Nights)
  • New Zealand Domestic Flights - Rotorua to Wellington, Queenstown to Auckland
  • Day Tours - Auckland: Deluxe Coach to Rotorua via Waitomo & Hobbiton; Wellington: Scenic Ferry Ride to Picton; Picton: Deluxe Coach to Christchurch; Christchurch: Trans Alpine Train, Deluxe Coach to Queenstown; Queenstown: Gondola Ride
  • Shuttle Transfers - Auckland Airport to Accommodation, Rotorua Accommodation to Airport, Wellington Airport to Accommodation, Queenstown Accommodation to Airport
  • International Flights not included (as per your own arrangements)
  • US Domestic Flights not included (as per your own arrangements)
  • All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Itinerary Details
(Day 1) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Auckland

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Auckland.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

(Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer, Auckland Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

(Days 2 to 3) - 1 Night Accommodation in Auckland

Travel to your accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Auckland is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world– renowned as that ‘City Of Sails.’ Dramatic landscapes and seascapes provide a diverse playground in which a compelling range of attractions are available. Visitors come to enjoy an array of exciting entertainment, leisure, culture and dining possibilities in New Zealand’s largest city.

(Day 3) - Full Day Tour, Deluxe Coach to Rotorua via Waitomo & Hobbiton

This trip from Auckland to Rotorua includes a stop at Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves. Departing from Auckland city, this is a wonderful journey to Rotorua through Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films. You’ll also discover the mesmerizing underground world of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves along the way for a truly magical day.

After your morning pick-up, travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. You’ll travel through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. From here your journey takes you through undulating green hills as you enter the world of Hobbiton Shire.

Enjoy a guided tour of Hobbiton, where you’ll walk among the green rolling hills and charming Hobbit Holes of the Shire. You can take a photo in the doorway of a Hobbit house, see the Party Tree and stand by the gate to Bilbo’s house ‘Bag End’ overlooking the whole set to the hills in the distance.

Then it’s on to the ethereal world of the Waitomo Caves for an enchanting visit to these stunning natural formations. An experienced guide will take you on a walking tour through the caves and talk about the limestone formations and the glowworms.

Operates
Daily
Departs 6:30am and Returns to Auckland or Rotorua accommodation 7:30pm (approx.)

Includes
– Return transfers
– Hobbiton admission fee
– The Waitomo Caves (including boat ride)
– Informative commentary from your driver

Need to Know
Children under the age of two not permitted. Children between the ages of 2-4 will require a $40 surcharge for legally required car seat. Please bring money for meals not provided.

Upgrades
Private Charter

(Days 3 to 4) - 1 Night Accommodation in Rotorua

Travel to your accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua your accommodation is only a short walk to the city centre, convention centre, cafes and restaurants. Here in the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture you’ll experience an enveloping warmth, proud spirit, deep sense of history and a quick humour. Picturesque cobbled and lantern lined streetways and striking Tudor architecture celebrates New Zealand’s significant colonial history. Travel the region by mountain bike or participate in local bush walks.

Upgrade Available (extra cost):
Lake View Room

(Day 4) - Private Transfer, Rotorua Accommodation to Airport

Travel by private car from your vacation accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand to the Airport.

Please note: Standard airline luggage restrictions apply. If you are travelling with more luggage than is typically allowed by the airlines, please notify us right away so that we can adjust the type of vehicle to accommodate you.

(Day 4) - New Zealand Domestic Flight, Rotorua to Wellington

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Rotorua to Wellington (North Island).

(Day 4) - Shuttle Transfer, Wellington Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Wellington, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

(Days 4 to 5) - 1 Night Accommodation in Wellington

Travel to your accommodation in Wellington, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located conveniently in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand. It is a short walk from Westpac Stadium, Te Papa Museum and the waterfront. Your vacation hotel has a direct elevator to Lambton Quay via a shopping arcade. Travel to New Zealand’s top wine regions, Wairarapa and Marlborough, which are only a short drive away. Or participate in adventure activities such as mountain biking, sailing, bushwalking and much more.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

(Day 5) - Day Tour, Ferry Ride from Wellington to Picton

The 92 km journey across Cook Strait between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island) takes only 3 hours and has been described as `one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world`.

Make your way from Wellington to Picton aboard one of 3 amazing ferries and take in the spectacular views along the way. See the South Island’s Kaikoura ranges and have the opportunity to spot dolphins and sea birds.

Operates
Daily
Departs multiple times beginning at 2:00am.

Includes
– Tranport from the North Island to the South Island
– Beautiful views
– Complimentary internet, newspapers, magazines, beer, wine, tea, coffee, & snacks

Need to Know
Food court, bar, Movie Theatre, and shops are at your own expense.

(Day 5) - Day Tour, Train ride from Picton to Christchurch

The Coastal Pacific train journey travels between the delightful port of Picton and Christchurch.

This 5.5 hour scenic feast is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. The Coastal Pacific travels through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges, one of them being New Zealand’s only road-rail bridge.

This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Travel through some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas, and see amazing wildlife such as dolphins, seals and penguins from the comfort of your train carriage.

Operates
February to end of April – Daily
May to late September – Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Late September to Mid December – Thursday through Sunday
There are seasonal block out dates, please check with your Destination Specialist
Connects with the Interislander 9:00am from Wellington
Connects with the 2:15pm Interislander from Picton

Includes
– Train from Picton to Christchurch
– Spectacular views

Need to Know
If a seat is required for an infant, a separate seat at the child rate must be purchased. Cafe is at own expense.

Photo Credit: KiwiRail Limited

(Days 5 to 7) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Christchurch

Travel to your accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation in Christchurch, located on New Zealand’s South Island, offers a stylish boutique hotel, just metres from Cathedral Square, major business houses, convention facilities and prime attractions. The city, also known as the “Garden City” offers many opportunities to either rest from your travel or explore the city. Consider traveling to Arthur’s Pass National Park, which has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train winding its way through New Zealand’s magnificent Waimakariri Gorge.

(Day 6) - Day Tour, TranzAlpine Train Experience - Full Day

The TranzAlpine scenic train journey travels between Christchurch and Greymouth and returns back to Christchurch, from one coast of New Zealand to the other and return.

The TranzAlpine train travels coast-to-coast through the ‘Great Divide’ and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand’s South Island. On the east, enjoy relaxing in the garden city of Christchurch and horse trekking into the mountains from Springfield. On the west, experience the tranquillity of Lake Brunner and venture into glacier country from Greymouth. At the center, explore some great NZ mountain hikes at Arthur’s Pass. All carriages include both one way seating and tabled group seating allowing you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots. There’s a lot to look forward to! Your round trip train journey sets off from Christchurch – New Zealand’s largest city on the South Island. The trip is 223.8 kilometres long.There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres.

Operates
Daily
Limited Availablity from May – September

Includes
– Train from Christchurch to Greymouth and Return to Christchurch
– Spectacular views
– Audio commentary available through a mini-jack connector

Need to Know
Pack a small bag with everything you’ll need for the day as large bags/luggage will be checked into luggage carriage. Luggage restrictions apply. Infants are not allocated a seat, so if you wish to bring a car seat, you must book a child seat in advance. Bring headphones for audio commentary.

Upgrades
Scenic Plus – includes exclusive private carriage with an option to dine

Photo Credit: KiwiRail Limited

(Day 7) - Deluxe Coach from Christchurch to Queenstown (Full Day)

On your vacation travel by deluxe coach from Christchurch via the spectacular sights of the Southern Alps and Mount Cook to Queenstown, New Zealand.

Visit Mount Cook National Park and experience the beauty of this Alpine area dominated by Australia’s highest peak before continuing on to Queenstown, New Zealand’s most famous vacation resort town.

The tour includes
LAKE TEKAPO: A spectacular sight on clear days of the Southern Alps at the far end of the lake.
MOUNT COOK: On arrival your choice to have lunch at a village cafe (own arrangements), or explore the walks in and around the village (1 hour approximate).
QUEENSTOWN: Arrive late afternoon and transfer to your vacation accommodation. The tour departs at 7:30 am & terminates in Queenstown at 6:30 pm (approximately). Complimentary Hotel pickups and drop-offs are included.

(Days 7 to 10) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Queenstown

Travel to your accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

It’s all about location! Your 4 star accommodations sits in a tranquil lakefront setting only a minute’s walk from the heart of Queenstown with shopping, restaurants, nightlife and activities all within easy reach. This fresh, modern hotel features rooms and facilities furnished with the finest comforts and conveniences. A place where you can relax with superb uninterrupted views of the lake, mountains and adjoining gardens. Comfortable and serene you will surely enjoy your stay here!

Upgrades Available: Garden View Room, Lakeview Room

(Day 8) - Day Tour, Gondola Ride with Spectacular Views

One of the first sights to captivate visitors to Queenstown is the distinctive outline of the Skyline complex high above town.

Located an easy 5 minute walk from central Queenstown and exclusively accessed by scenic gondola, Skyline Gondola, Restaurant & Luge is a must-see attraction during your visit to Queenstown. The best views in the region are found here, spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkable mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. It’s truly magnificent and awe-inspiring!

Of course there’s more to do than just admire the view! For an additional cost you can:

  • Enjoy a dinner or relax in the bar in the Skyline Stratosfare Restaurant. Casual dining is also available during the day in the Cafe.
  • Thrill seekers can hurtle down the winding downhill Skyline Luge. Purpose built Luge carts put you in complete control as you take on a half-mile of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. Once you’ve conquered the course, hop on the chairlift and do it all again, and again, and again! Gentle and leisurely or steep and adventurous, you’ll be hooked.
  • Explore the southern night sky of Queenstown with a guided tour of the galaxy and learn about the stars, nebulae and planets that make up our solar system and beyond.

Ask your Destination Specialist about available combo packages to make your day at Skyline more enjoyable.

Various walking tracks can also be accessed from Skyline, from an easy 30 minute walk to a full day hike.

Operates
Daily. Stratosfare Restaurant closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Gondola rides operate from 9:30am to 8:30pm Monday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday. Gondola rides operate from 9:30am to 6:30pm Tuesday & Wednesday. Saturday operation hours are 8:50am to 8:30pm.

Includes
– Gondola ride

Need to Know
Gondola ride is approximately 7-10 minutes one way.

Upgrades
– Add a thrilling luge ride to your Gondola experience.
– Add the Taste of New Zealand buffet at Stratosfare Restaurant
– Stargazing evening event

(Day 9) - Free Day to Explore Queenstown

Spend a day to relax or explore dynamic Queenstown.

This region is renowned for its incedible adventure activities and spectacular outdoor terrain. You could try skiing, snowboarding, bungy jumping, paragliding, jetboating, sky diving and more! Or, if you want something a little more relaxed, you can choose from numerous family activities, nature experiences, tours and beauty spas. One hundred and forty years after our establishment as a gold mining camp, central Queenstown has transformed into a sophisticated cosmopolitan town, tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, beneath majestic mountains. There’s a permanent buzz in downtown Queenstown, where you’ll find a fantastic choice of restaurants, a lively bar scene and excellent shopping.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Doubtful Sound - Full Day

Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord; three times longer than Milford Sound and a surface area ten times larger with twisting arms. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.

The only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is to cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass – New Zealand’s most expensive (and majestic) road.
Pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see.
Once you arrive, you will board the Patea Explorer for a 3-hour cruise on Doubtful Sound – a spectacular pristine fiord. During the cruise, your knowledgeable and friendly skipper or nature guide will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
Following the cruise, return to your Queenstown hotel by luxury coach.

Operates:
Daily
Departs 6:55am, Returns 7:30pm (approx.)

Includes:
– Transport by coach to/from Queenstown accommodation
– Lake cruise
– Fjord cruise
– Wildlife viewing
– Insightful commentary by nature guide

Need to Know:
Wear waterproof/warm clothing and non-slip shoes. Please bring sunglasses, sunscreen and camera. Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility. Because of the length of the tour, please bring a packed lunch. Food and drink available for purchase onboard.

Photo Credit: Tourism Media

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Shot Over Canyon Swing Adventure

Shotover Canyon Swing is the world’s highest swing.With over 10 different jumpstyles we can expertly manage the scariness for everyone from knitting nanas to adrenaline junkies.



We have built a platform on the edge of a cliff 109m/360ft above the Shotover River. At the platform you are fitted into a seat and chest safety harness and connected to the jump ropes. This harnessing configuration keeps your arms and legs free throughout the journey and enabling you to safely depart the platform in any position imaginable. Gravity does the rest.



Upon departing from the platform you’ll have a pure freefall of 60m/200ft into the canyon before the ropes smoothly pendulum you to a giant swing arc of 200m/650ft at 150kph. The freefall/swing journey is so smooth you’ll barely notice when you’ve finished freefalling and begun your swing. After a number of swings across the canyon we’ll winch you swiftly back up to the platform.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Nevis Bungy Jump

The Bungy that got the whole thing started in Queenstown; and then, set Queenstown up as the adventure-tourism capital of the world.


With the Nevis Highwire Bungy, getting there is half the fun! The experience kicks off with a rugged 35 minute back-blocks 4×4 drive before you get harnessed up and board a shuttle which ferries you to the the Bungy Pod. For many, this would have to be the ultimate challenge. Make no mistake, the Nevis Highwire Bungy is not for the nervous – with a wild 134 metres (440 feet) drop, the river seems to rush towards you faster than you’re rushing towards it!


Once off the edge it’s simply a matter of basking in the glory of what you have achieved, as well as coming to grips with the 8 ½ seconds of freefall! Tour is 4 hours in duration.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - TSS Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise

Relive the elegance of bygone days with a 1.5 hour cruise aboard a vintage steamship.

Your trip will take you across the lake, past the Remarkables mountain range and Cecil Peak, to Walter Peak High Country Farm. (You can choose to add a Walter Peak Farm Tour, a gourmet long lunch/dinner, or simply cruise back to Queenstown Bay. A visit to the engine room reveals the giant steam engines at work. Close by you can view the collection of historical photos in the mini museum, check out the bridge or, if you’d rather, kick back and enjoy a wine or beer or some café food at the on-board Promenade Café and Bar (not included). The TSS Earnslaw has carried many famous visitors, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and even President Bill Clinton. Undoubtedly, this iconic tour is one not to miss.

Operates:
Daily (except Christmas Day and not operating from 20MAY to 30JUN)
Starts multiple times daily from 12:00pm to 7:00pm (1.5 Hour Tour)

Includes:
– Return cruise on the TSS Earnslaw

Need to know:
Licensed bar available aboard the TSS Earnslaw (Food and drinks not included). Substitute vessel used during 15May-26Jun maintenance period. Please bring non-slip shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm clothing and camera.

Upgrades:
Can upgrade experience to include a Walter Peak Farm tour or include a New Zealand BBQ lunch or dinner.

Photo Credit: Real Journeys

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Otago Wine Tour - ½ Day

Enjoy an afternoon exploring some of the award winning wineries in the Queenstown region.

Take this afternoon tour and experience the true flavor of our local pinot noir and other wine varietals at three premium vineyards. Enjoy a guided tour through the vines and into New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave. This relaxing tour travels just a short distance from Queenstown where you will be given in-depth wine tastings and presentation at each vineyard.

You have plenty of time to unwind and get yourself a winery lunch (own expense) or sample a selection of local cheeses, craft beer, coffee (there is an opportunity to substitute wine tasting for beer at time of booking).

Operates
Daily (except Christmas, Boxing Day, Good Friday, & Easter)
Departs 12:00pm and Returns 4:30pm (approx.)

Includes
– Return transfers from hotel
– Hosted tasting at 3 wineries
– Underground wine cave tour
– 12+ wine tastings

Need to Know
Please bring money for Winery lunch. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

Upgrades
Private Wine & Food

Photo Credit: Southern Public Relations

(Day 10) - Shuttle Transfer, Queenstown Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

(Day 10) - New Zealand Domestic Flight, Queenstown to Auckland

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Queenstown to Auckland (North Island).

(Day 10) - International Flight, Auckland to Los Angeles

Today depart Auckland and fly to the USA. Enjoy an in-flight dinner and movie with arrival in the USA. Note: you will be traveling back across the International Date Line. Gain that day back you lost on the way over, you actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Auckland.

Note: Flight may include a stop over in Australia.

  • a) All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability and seasonality. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).
  • b) Land Content Only represents the pricing for the full itinerary as detailed, except the International Flights from the USA (and return) are NOT included.
  • c) An Infant (Lapchild) must be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Infant must travel with at least one adult. An infant with a seat pays the price of a Child.
  • d) A Child must be aged between 2-11 years on the date of departure. Child must travel with at least one adult.