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New Zealand by Rail, Cruise & Coach - 19 days

Tour/Cruise

Discover New Zealand over 19 unforgettable days, travelling from Auckland to Christchurch by premium coach, scenic rail and spectacular cruise. You’ll explore the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown and Dunedin, with plenty of time to soak up the country’s landscapes, culture and wildlife. Highlights include three iconic rail journeys, among them the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific, plus four cruises including an overnight stay on Milford Sound. Expect Maori cultural experiences, geothermal wonders, charming towns and some of the South Island’s most dramatic scenery. It’s a relaxed yet activity-packed way to see the very best of New Zealand.

From price

$11,435
From price per person, twin share
Number Of Days
19
Start Location
Auckland, New Zealand
End Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
Age Range
Avg. 50+
Group Size
1 to 32
Tour Style
Premium
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share - (Pricing may vary by accommodation, cabin or fare category)
Start End Availability From price
01 Oct 2026 19 Oct 2026 Contact Operator $11,670
09 Oct 2026 27 Oct 2026 Contact Operator $11,670
27 Oct 2026 14 Nov 2026 Contact Operator $11,670
11 Nov 2026 29 Nov 2026 Contact Operator $11,670
26 Nov 2026 14 Dec 2026 Contact Operator $11,670
12 Dec 2026 30 Dec 2026 Contact Operator $11,805
02 Jan 2027 20 Jan 2027 Contact Operator $11,670
17 Jan 2027 04 Feb 2027 Contact Operator $11,670
24 Jan 2027 11 Feb 2027 Contact Operator $11,670
07 Feb 2027 25 Feb 2027 Contact Operator $11,670
18 Feb 2027 08 Mar 2027 Contact Operator $11,670
14 Mar 2027 01 Apr 2027 Contact Operator $11,670
30 Mar 2027 17 Apr 2027 Contact Operator $11,670
06 Apr 2027 24 Apr 2027 Contact Operator $11,670
28 Apr 2027 16 May 2027 Contact Operator $11,435
02 Sep 2027 20 Sep 2027 Contact Operator $12,115
14 Sep 2027 02 Oct 2027 Contact Operator $12,115
23 Sep 2027 11 Oct 2027 Contact Operator $12,115
01 Oct 2027 19 Oct 2027 Contact Operator $12,115
07 Oct 2027 25 Oct 2027 Contact Operator $12,115
27 Oct 2027 14 Nov 2027 Contact Operator $12,115
11 Nov 2027 29 Nov 2027 Contact Operator $12,115
26 Nov 2027 14 Dec 2027 Contact Operator $12,115
05 Dec 2027 23 Dec 2027 Contact Operator $12,115
04 Jan 2028 22 Jan 2028 Contact Operator $12,115
17 Jan 2028 04 Feb 2028 Contact Operator $12,115
21 Jan 2028 08 Feb 2028 Contact Operator $12,115
07 Feb 2028 25 Feb 2028 Contact Operator $12,115
18 Feb 2028 07 Mar 2028 Contact Operator $12,115
07 Mar 2028 25 Mar 2028 Contact Operator $12,115
13 Mar 2028 31 Mar 2028 Contact Operator $12,115
30 Mar 2028 17 Apr 2028 Contact Operator $12,115
06 Apr 2028 24 Apr 2028 Contact Operator $12,115
21 Apr 2028 09 May 2028 Contact Operator $12,115
03 May 2028 21 May 2028 Contact Operator $12,115

Inclusions

  • 18 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 12 Dinners
  • Pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner, Auckland
  • Discounted drinks at selected hotels
  • 17 Nights in 4 star accommodation
  • 1 Night accommodation on board the Milford Mariner
  • Transportation in a 32 seat Premium Economy Comfort full-size coach with 2 door access; seat back tray table; cup holder; cold water storage; restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance and USB charging port
  • Allowed 1 suitcase and 1 Travel Bag per person (on coach)
  • Professional Coach Captain-guide
  • Experienced Tour Leader
  • Meet and greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • Documentation pack including travel bag and ticket wallet
  • 4 Cruises: Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Wakatipu, Interislander Ferry crossing (with meal voucher per person), and Hole in the Rock dolphin cruise
  • 3 Scenic rail journeys: Glenbrook Vintage Railway, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine
  • Prepaid attractions as per itinerary, including: Kauri Museum, Waitangi Treaty Grounds guided tour, Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride, Agrodome, Thermal mud pools and geysers guided tour, Te Puia traditional Maori Hangi and Concert, Te Papa (New Zealand’s National Museum), Wellington Cable Car, International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch Tram, Lakes District Museum, Larnach Castle guided tour with Devonshire Tea, and City sightseeing tours in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin

    • Itinerary details

    Day 1: Auckland
    On arrival in Auckland, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner drink as you meet your tour leader and travelling companions before dinner.

    Please note: For arrivals later than 8.00pm, dinner is not included.
    Day 2: Auckland
    Enjoy a city tour of Auckland, known as the City of Sails, before travelling to Matakohe for a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. We then continue via Whangarei to Paihia in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands.

    Later, enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori chiefs and the British Crown.
    Day 3: Bay of Islands
    Today is free for you to enjoy the Bay of Islands at your own pace. Optional activities include a coach trip to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach or a scenic flight. This evening is also at leisure and you may wish to join an optional dinner cruise.
    Day 4: Bay of Islands
    This morning, cruise through the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse overlooks Piercy Island, better known as the Hole in the Rock. Keep watch for dolphins and other marine life along the way.

    After returning to Paihia, we travel south via Whangarei and continue on to Auckland. This evening is free for you to explore the many dining options near your hotel.
    Day 5: Auckland
    This morning, visit Hamilton Gardens, Waikato's most visited attraction and one of New Zealand's most unique garden experiences. Explore themed gardens inspired by different cultures and eras, including the Sung Dynasty Chinese Scholar's Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden, and Indian Char Bagh Garden.

    Enjoy lunch and free time to further explore these world-renowned gardens before continuing to Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal activity and rich Maori culture.
    Day 6: Rotorua
    The day begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua, followed by time for an exciting luge ride. We then visit the Agrodome for a lively and entertaining insight into New Zealand farming life.

    This afternoon there is some free time before we head to Te Puia to see bubbling mud pools and impressive geysers. This evening, enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi and Concert.
    Day 7: Rotorua
    Travel south along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls, then continue to Lake Taupo where there is time to enjoy this scenic lakeside setting. From here, we travel via Tongariro National Park and continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital.
    Day 8: Wellington
    This morning we visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, and see Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition, a powerful exhibition that brings wartime stories to life through the experiences of New Zealanders. We then rejoin the coach for a city tour.

    This afternoon, ride the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn, where you may explore the Cable Car Museum or stroll through the Botanic Gardens. This evening is free to enjoy Wellington’s lively food scene.
    Day 9: Picton
    This morning we board the Interislander Ferry and cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. From there, join the Coastal Pacific, a remarkable rail journey running between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. We meet the coach in Kaikoura and continue south to Christchurch.
    Day 10: Christchurch
    Today we visit the International Antarctic Centre, which offers a fascinating insight into life on Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch. Later, enjoy a journey on the Christchurch Tram at your leisure. This evening is free for you to discover the local dining scene.
    Day 11: Christchurch
    This morning we board the TranzAlpine, widely regarded as one of the world’s great train journeys. Travel across river valleys, deep gorges and towering viaducts as we climb into Arthur’s Pass.

    Rejoining the coach, we continue to Hokitika, known for its greenstone, before arriving in Franz Josef. Time is available for an optional scenic flight over the glaciers, weather permitting.
    Day 12: Franz Josef
    See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty. Continue to picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu.

    This evening is free, and you may choose to dine out at one of the many restaurants.
    Day 13: Queenstown
    Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. This evening, board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station.

    At the Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner featuring fresh seasonal produce. After dinner, there is time for a short farm tour before we reboard the TSS Earnslaw for the return cruise to Queenstown, complete with a sing-along around the piano.
    Day 14: Queenstown
    This morning we travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum before continuing via Te Anau to Milford Sound. Here we board the Milford Mariner for an unforgettable overnight cruise.

    There is ample time to take in the dramatic scenery - waterfalls, rainforest, towering peaks and native wildlife. You may see seals and, with luck, dolphins or penguins. There is also the opportunity to explore by tender boat or kayak, or simply relax on board. In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared carvery buffet dinner.
    Day 15: Milford Sound
    Start the day with a hearty breakfast before cruising towards the Tasman Sea, weather permitting, for further views of the fiord. Back at the wharf, we rejoin the coach and travel to Te Anau, where the afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves on an optional excursion.
    Day 16: Te Anau
    We travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, a city known for its rich Scottish heritage and striking Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating from the gold rush era. On arrival, enjoy a city tour of New Zealand’s oldest university city.
    Day 17: Dunedin
    Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where a guided tour reveals the tragic and scandal-filled history of New Zealand’s only castle. Enjoy a Devonshire Tea followed by time to stroll through the garden, recognised as a Garden of International Significance.

    We then return to Dunedin for free time. Optional activities include a wildlife excursion or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home. This evening is free to dine at leisure.
    Day 18: Dunedin
    Today we travel to Oamaru, known for its distinctive limestone architecture, before continuing north to Christchurch. This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reflect on the journey with your fellow travellers at the farewell dinner.
    Day 19: Christchurch
    Kia ora. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

    Please note: If departing the hotel before the restaurant opens, breakfast is not included.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    You should choose this tour for a comprehensive and premium exploration of New Zealand over 19 unforgettable days. This journey offers a diverse mix of travel experiences, including premium coach travel, scenic rail journeys like the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific, and four spectacular cruises, featuring a unique overnight stay on Milford Sound. You will experience a wonderful blend of Maori culture, geothermal wonders, and the dramatic landscapes of both the North and South Islands.
    This tour is designed for travellers who appreciate a premium, guided experience that balances structured sightseeing with moments of leisure. It is ideal for those who enjoy diverse modes of transport and want to see a wide array of highlights—from cosmopolitan cities and historic museums to rugged glaciers and serene fiords—all within one seamless itinerary.
    The pros of this tour include its extensive coverage of New Zealand's key regions, the variety of transport methods used to see the scenery, and the inclusion of unique experiences like the overnight cruise in Milford Sound and Maori cultural events. A potential con is that some of the most specific activities, such as scenic flights over glaciers or visits to glowworm caves, are offered as optional extras rather than being included in the base price.
    This tour is a fantastic option for all these groups. The supplier specifically mentions that their guided group tours are a great choice for single travellers, while the premium nature and romantic landscapes make it ideal for couples. Additionally, the supplier highlights their ability to provide unforgettable family adventures.
    This tour is exceptionally well-suited for first-time visitors to New Zealand. Because it travels from Auckland to Christchurch and covers the most iconic landmarks, cities, and natural wonders across both islands, it provides a perfect introductory overview of the country's best offerings.
    Yes, this tour is likely suitable for those with mobility concerns as it has an 'Easy' physicality rating. The journey primarily utilizes premium coaches, trains, and cruises to move between destinations, minimizing strenuous physical exertion.
    This tour provides a balanced blend of all three. It focuses heavily on sightseeing through its scenic rail and coach journeys, emphasizes culture with visits to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and traditional Maori Hangi and concerts, and incorporates adventure through activities like the Rotorua luge and exploring the rugged beauty of Milford Sound.
    The pace of this tour is described as relaxed yet activity-packed. While it covers a significant amount of ground over 19 days, it incorporates several free days in locations like the Bay of Islands and Queenstown, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
    The itinerary feels relaxed, as it provides ample time to soak up the landscapes, culture, and wildlife. By spreading the journey over nearly three weeks and including dedicated leisure time in key cities, it ensures you can enjoy the highlights without feeling hurried.
    Yes, the tour includes many of New Zealand's most famous highlights. You will visit the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown, and Dunedin, and experience landmarks such as the TranzAlpine rail journey, Te Papa National Museum, the Southern Alps, and the breathtaking Milford Sound.
    While the text does not explicitly mention language barriers, the tour is led by a professional tour leader who accompanies the group, ensuring that guests are guided and supported throughout the journey.
    Disclaimer:
    These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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