New Zealand Adventure

This morning after breakfast, we’ll meet in the hotel lobby and set out on a morning sightseeing tour of Auckland. Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland is defined by its twin harbours, volcanic cones and a rich blend of Māori and European heritage. Our drive takes in the city’s highlights, granting an introduction to the city’s layered history, cultural character and its close connection to the sea.

Later in the morning, we’ll leave the city behind and travel south through rolling farmland to Glenbrook where we’ll pause for some lunch before boarding a special steam charter on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, New Zealand’s premier heritage steam railway, offering a nostalgic journey back in time aboard lovingly restored vintage steam trains. Step back in time as the train’s heritage carriages are hauled by a lovingly restored locomotive along the preserved branch line. The route passes rural scenery of green fields, wide skies and scattered farmsteads before arriving in Waiuku, a historic harbour town once central to the region’s shipping trade. During the journey, enjoy a photo stop and a private visit to the workshops where volunteers maintain the locomotives and rolling stock that keep this living museum alive.

After returning to Glenbrook in the late afternoon, we’ll return to Auckland for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Movenpick Auckland, Auckland (B,L)

It’s an early start this morning with breakfast boxes in our rooms before we check out and transfer to Auckland Station to take our seats in our Scenic Class carriage on board the Northern Explorer train for a full day journey to Wellington. This is one of New Zealand’s great rail journeys, traversing the length of the North Island, offering a front-row seat to the island’s diverse and dramatic landscapes. See the scenic wonders of Middle Earth, soar over towering viaducts, across the high plains of the volcanic plateau, and beneath three mighty volcanoes.

If the immense panoramic windows that rise from your seat and the skylights above giving you a spectacular 360° scenic viewing range aren’t enough, you can venture out into the open air viewing carriage to get even closer to the inspiring views. An onboard cafe will keep you replenished along the way. 

The journey begins with views of lush farmland, forest and rural towns, before climbing into the central volcanic plateau. Here, we encounter one of New Zealand’s most impressive feats of railway engineering, the Raurimu Spiral, a series of loops and tunnels that ingeniously overcome the steep gradients of the central plateau. As the train emerges, sweeping views open onto Tongariro National Park, home to the three majestic volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe, and Ruapehu, sacred landmarks in Māori culture and iconic symbols of the North Island. Continue through deep river gorges, rolling hills and remote stretches of bush, before descending to the Kapiti Coast, where rugged cliffs and wild beaches herald our approach to Wellington. 

After an epic day we’ll transfer directly to our hotel upon arrival in Wellington. After checking in and freshening up, we’ll gather for dinner together at the hotel’s restaurant.

Overnight: Rydges Hotel, Wellington (B, D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll embark on a city tour of New Zealand’s capital, beginning with a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car (which is actually a funicular railway) from the heart of the city centre, up through the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn to the lookout perched high above the city.

At the summit, explore the 25-hectare Botanic Gardens, where native bush and themed plantings create a hillside sanctuary. Here you’ll have time to visit the Cable Car Museum or enjoy a light lunch at the café.

In the early afternoon, we will return to the hotel with an optional stop at Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of New Zealand, renowned for exhibitions that bring Māori and Pacific cultures to life, alongside natural history and art collections. For those that wish to visit the museum, the hotel is located a short walk along the waterfront from the hotel.

The rest of the day and evening is at leisure. For those interested, the Carter Observatory’s “Space Place” offers an optional stargazing experience.

Overnight: Rydges Hotel, Wellington (B)

It’s a lazy morning today before we check out and transfer in the mid-morning to the airport for a short flight across Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds to Blenheim. On arrival, we’ll transfer to one of the region’s acclaimed wineries to sample the crisp Sauvignon Blancs and aromatic varietals that have earned Marlborough an international reputation, and have lunch in a native garden, offering a taste of the region’s fresh produce paired with local wines.

After lunch we’ll head to our hotel and check-in. You’ll have a few hours to relax or get out and explore Blenheim’s charming town centre before we enjoy dinner together in the hotel restaurant. 

Overnight: Carnmore Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim (B,L,D)

This morning after breakfast we’ll drive to Picton and board a Beachcomber Cruises vessel to explore the tranquil beauty and cultural importance of Queen Charlotte Sound. The sound holds deep cultural importance for Māori, and was a key site for inter-island trade between North and South Island Māori. European history began in 1642 when Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sighted the sounds but it was Captain James Cook, who entered the area during his first voyage in 1770, who named it after Queen Charlotte, using a small cove (Ship Cove) as his base for this and subsequent voyages. It was here that Cook proclaimed British sovereignty over the South Island. 

As we cruise through the sound, passing secluded bays, forested peninsulas and the charming hideaways of Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove Resort, keep an eye out for the region’s rich marine and birdlife. Pods of dusky dolphins often play in the wake of boats, while New Zealand fur seals can sometimes be spotted basking on the rocks. The waters are home to little blue penguins, the world’s smallest penguin, and gannets, shags and terns can be seen diving for fish.

We’ll arrive back in Picton around midday and enjoy some free time and lunch at leisure in this charming harbour town before transferring back to Blenheim in the mid afternoon. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Carnmore Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim (B)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll make a quick transfer to Beaver Station and board the charming Riverside Railway for a short ride to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. This remarkable, world-class museum brings to life the dramatic story of aviation during two world wars, a period during which flight technology advanced at a breathtaking pace. Evocative displays, including life-like dioramas created by the team at Weta Workshop, capture both the daring exploits of pioneering pilots and the human stories behind the machines.

We’ll return to town for lunch at leisure before regrouping at Blenheim Station to board the Coastal Pacific train in the early afternoon. One of New Zealand’s most scenic rail journeys, the route hugs the spectacular Kaikōura Coastline, where the vast Pacific Ocean stretches to one side while rugged, bush-clad mountains loom on the other. As the train glides past black pebble beaches and dramatic headlands, keep watch for marine life – Kaikōura is renowned for its resident whales, seals and seabirds. 

The journey also highlights the impressive modern engineering that was required after the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake as the train traverses the remarkable reconstruction works. South of the coast, the line sweeps inland across the wide, fertile Canterbury Plains, a patchwork of farmland backdropped by the Southern Alps. Dinner is served on board as the sun sets over this quintessential South Island landscape.

Arriving in Christchurch in the evening, transfer to the hotel and check in for the next five nights.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Christchurch, Christchurch (B, D)

This morning after breakfast we’ll embark on a guided exploration of Christchurch – a city with a proud heritage and a remarkable story of renewal. Founded in 1850 as New Zealand’s first planned settlement, Christchurch was modelled on an English cathedral city, with broad avenues, elegant stone churches, and a garden landscape that earned it the nickname “the Garden City.” Much of this heritage was tragically lost in the devastating earthquakes of 2011 and 2012, which sadly toppled many of its iconic buildings. In the manner for which they’re known around the world, New Zealanders ‘got on with things’ and embraced innovation and resilience in the recovery and rebuild, creating a city that beautifully blends the old with the new.

Our tour begins with a visit to the striking “Cardboard Cathedral,” an inspiring symbol of hope and ingenuity built as a temporary replacement for the ruined Christ Church Cathedral, currently being reconstructed. We’ll also pause briefly at the moving Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial commemorating those who lost their lives in the earthquake. 

At the Canterbury Museum, currently housed in its temporary home while the magnificent original Gothic building is reconstructed, we’ll learn about the city’s early European settlers and rich natural history. Established in 1867, the Museum has been a cornerstone of the city’s Cultural Precinct for over 150 years, showcasing New Zealand’s natural history, social heritage, Māori and Pacific taonga (treasures), Antarctic exploration artifacts, and international collections. Here, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore Quake City, an interactive exhibition documenting the impact of the earthquakes and the extraordinary community spirit that has defined Christchurch’s recovery.

To cap off the morning, we’ll enjoy a ride on the restored Heritage Tram, which loops through the central city past new architecture and surviving landmarks alike. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours at leisure to continue exploring this inspiring city at your own pace.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Christchurch, Christchurch (B)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll depart the hotel for a full day exploring places close to Christchurch, including the site of New Zealand’s first railway. Our first stop is a short drive through the Port Hills to Lyttelton, a harbour town with a rich and colourful past. It was here in 1850 that Christchurch’s first European settlers landed before making their way over the hills to establish the new city on the plains, and it was here that the world’s first tunnel through volcanic rock was built in 1867 – The Lyttelton Rail Tunnel. 

Today, Lyttelton is a vibrant community of artists, musicians and creative souls, its streets lined with cafés, galleries and quirky shops that reflect its bohemian spirit. You’ll enjoy free time here to explore the town at your own pace and have some lunch at leisure in one of the local cafes. Perhaps you’ll even visit the historic steam tug Lyttelton, one of the world’s oldest preserved steam-powered harbour vessels. 

After lunch we’ll continue to Ferrymead Heritage Park, a unique living history museum set on the site of New Zealand’s very first railway in 1863. Dedicated to preserving and showcasing New Zealand’s rich heritage, particularly the transport, technological, and social history of the Canterbury region, including the recreation of an Edwardian township from the early 1900s, allowing you to really step back in time and experience daily life in early Christchurch. You’ll also have time to wander the fascinating array of transport heritage – from the extensive collection of rolling stock and restored steam locomotives to vintage trams, trolley buses, fire engines and even early aircraft. 

We’ll return to Christchurch in the late afternoon. After some time to freshen up, we’ll gather for dinner together in the hotel restaurant. 

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Christchurch, Christchurch (B,D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll transfer to Addington Station to board the celebrated TranzAlpine train to Greymouth, regarded as one of the world’s great rail journeys. 

Leaving Christchurch, the train travels across the fertile patchwork of the Canterbury Plains before entering the foothills of the Southern Alps. The line follows the dramatic Staircase Gorge and traces the course of the Waimakariri River, with its wide shingle beds and turquoise waters, before climbing steadily towards the alpine settlement of Arthur’s Pass. From here the railway plunges into the 8.5-kilometre Otira Tunnel, an extraordinary feat of early 20th-century engineering that burrows beneath the Main Divide. Emerging on the western side, the landscapes transform into lush rainforest and wild river valleys characteristic of the rugged West Coast.

After arriving in Greymouth in the early afternoon, there’ll be time for a quick exploration of this town, shaped by its gold-mining, timber and coal heritage, and lunch at leisure before reboarding the train for the return journey to Christchurch. 

This evening is at leisure. 

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Christchurch, Christchurch (B)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll set off to explore the Waipara Valley, one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, and enjoy a wine tasting and relaxed lunch at a boutique winery known for its award-winning Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. Nestled among rolling hills and sheltered valleys, the Waipara region provides an ideal climate for viticulture, making it a highlight for both wine lovers and those interested in the region’s agricultural traditions.

After lunch, we’ll continue to Glenmark Station and board the Weka Pass Railway. This heritage line, built in the 1880s to service local farming communities, follows a section of the former Waiau Branch railway, and was built by workers hand-digging massive cuttings and embankments in the challenging limestone terrain to create the route.

Travelling in restored carriages hauled by a vintage diesel locomotive, the train travels across the open plains before tackling the one-in-fifty (2%) gradient climb through the scenic limestone hills of the Weka Pass to Waikari. Highlights include dramatic limestone formations like Frog Rock and The Seal, high embankments, and views of the Weka Creek. There’ll be time to explore the small rural village of Waikari while the locomotive is turned and prepared for the return journey to Waipara and our coach. 

Upon our arrival back in Christchurch, your evening is at leisure. 

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Christchurch, Christchurch (B, L)

This morning we bid farewell to Christchurch. After breakfast and check-out, we’ll board our private coach and begin the journey south along the coast towards Dunedin. Our first stop is the Plains Railway, a volunteer-run heritage railway beautifully preserving a slice of New Zealand’s steam era. Here you’ll see the impressive 1887 Rogers K92 locomotive, built in the United States and lovingly restored to working order, along with other historic rolling stock.

Our next stop is the Pleasant Point Railway near Timaru, New Zealand’s oldest operating heritage railway. Like heritage railways everywhere, it’s run entirely by volunteers and is famous for three world-firsts in steam technology. Here, we’ll enjoy a short ride on the preserved track and peruse the museum displays before enjoying a hearty country-style lunch accompanied by stories of the line’s noble past. 

Upon our arrival in Dunedin in the late afternoon, we’ll go directly to our centrally located hotel and check in and take some time to relax and freshen up before dinner together in the hotel restaurant. 

Overnight: Distinction Hotel, Dunedin (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we’ll set out on a guided coach tour of Dunedin, a city shaped by its Scottish heritage, Victorian architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Known as the “Edinburgh of the South,” this vibrant city boasts the iconic Larnach Castle, the world’s steepest street at Baldwin Street, and the historic Dunedin Railway Station, a masterpiece of Flemish Renaissance design. We’ll be visiting all three today. 

Our first stop is Dunedin’s architectural jewel – the Railway Station. Opened in 1906, this grand Flemish Renaissance-style landmark combines black basalt and white Oamaru limestone in a striking design that earned its architect, George Troup, the nickname “Gingerbread George.” Inside, the lavishly detailed booking hall features an ornate mosaic floor of nearly 750,000 Royal Doulton tiles, a testament to the city’s turn-of-the-century wealth and ambition.

From here, we’ll make our way to the Scottish baronial style Larnach Castle and Gardens, New Zealand’s only castle. Built between 1871- 1887 by merchant baron and politician William Larnach for his first wife Eliza, the castle took more than 200 workmen three years to complete the 43-room shell, with European craftsmen spending a further 12 years adorning the interiors. Larnach spared no expense, sourcing the finest materials from around the world to create the couple’s dream home. Tragically, Eliza passed away in 1880, shortly after its completion. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the richly decorated rooms and have time to stroll the extensive gardens, including Alice’s lawn, the whimsical Alice in Wonderland themed garden, before sitting down to lunch within the castle grounds.

Back in town, the remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure, with time to discover Dunedin’s vibrant café culture, visit its galleries, or simply relax in the city’s historic heart.

Overnight: Distinction Hotel, Dunedin (B, L)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll transfer to Dunedin Station and board the historic Dunedin Railways service and journey into the dramatic landscapes of the Taieri Gorge.

As the train climbs out of the city, the scenery quickly transforms into rugged hillsides and sheer cliffs carved by the Taieri River. Cross soaring wrought-iron viaducts and pass through hand-hewn tunnels – feats of engineering dating back to the late 19th century when the line was built to serve Otago’s gold-mining settlements. Commentary on board highlights the history of the railway and the challenges faced by the engineers who created it. A light lunch is available from the cafe car to enjoy as the train winds its way through the gorge, with ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking vistas from open-air viewing platforms.

At Pukerangi, the end of the line, the train reverses direction for the return journey, offering fresh perspectives of the gorge and the surrounding highland plateaus. On arrival back at Dunedin Station in the early afternoon, you’ll have time at leisure to relax or continue your exploration of the city on your own before we regroup for dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Distinction Hotel, Dunedin (B, D)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll travel inland on a scenic loop through the southern reaches of the South Island to Mandeville, near Gore, for a visit to the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre. This nationally significant museum preserves New Zealand’s rich civil aviation history and is home to a rare collection of operational vintage aircraft, many built by the renowned De Havilland Aircraft Factory. The centre not only showcases these beautifully restored flying machines but also shares the stories of the pioneering aviators who helped open up New Zealand’s skies in the early 20th century.

Following lunch at leisure in the museum cafe, we’ll continue through Southland, pausing at the small township of Kingston, nestled at the southern tip of Lake Wakatipu, for a leg stretch before continuing to Queenstown, our home for the next three nights. 

After checking in and some to relax and freshen up, we’ll gather for dinner together at the hotel.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express, Queenstown (B, D)

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll embark on an excursion to nearby Arrowtown, a charming settlement steeped in gold rush history. Established in the 1860s during the height of the Otago goldfields, Arrowtown has carefully preserved its heritage, with more than 70 authentic buildings, monuments and features from the era still standing. Recognised in 2020 as “the most beautiful small town” in New Zealand, its tree-lined streets, stone cottages and historic shopfronts create a picturesque backdrop for exploration.

We’ll enjoy a tour of the town before some free time to wander at your own pace, perhaps visiting the restored Chinese miners’ settlement, browsing the boutiques and galleries, or enjoying lunch in one of the many inviting cafés and restaurants.

We’ll return to Queenstown in the early afternoon – the rest of the day and evening is at leisure to enjoy the numerous activities on offer in Queenstown, or simply rest and relax. 

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express, Queenstown (B)

Enjoy a leisurely morning before regrouping at the hotel to walk across to the wharf and board the coal-fired steamship TSS Earnslaw, affectionately known as the “Lady of the Lake”. Launched in 1912, it’s the oldest freshwater steamship still operating anywhere in the world. Meticulously maintained in her original condition, she offers a nostalgic way to experience the scenic splendour of Lake Wakatipu. During the voyage, you may wish to relax with a drink at the bar, step out on deck to take in the views, or descend to the engine room to watch the giant steam engines at work.

On reaching Walter Peak on the far shore, we’ll disembark and stroll through the lakeside gardens surrounding the Colonel’s Homestead before gathering for a barbecue lunch set against the backdrop of the high country and lake. 

Returning to Queenstown in the afternoon, there is time to relax before regrouping in the evening for farewell dinner at the hotel, to toast the end of your adventure.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express, Queenstown (B, L, D)

Our epic tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Airport transfers will be arranged to align with your flights home or onward to more adventures. 

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