Today, we’re departing for our 10-day New Zealand Rail Explorer Tour! Our first stop is the is the Brisbane 
International Airport. We are checking in and making our way to the Gate for the departure to Auckland for approx. 3 hours.

Our transfer will take us to our Accommodation for 1 night. Dinner at the accommodation. Overnight in 
Auckland.

After an early breakfast, transfer to Auckland Strand Railway Station for the 7:45 am scenic rail journey to Otorohanga Railway Station, travelling through the lush dairy landscapes of the Waikato Region while enjoying panoramic windows, an open-air viewing carriage, and onboard café service. Arriving mid-morning, continue to Rotorua for a two-night luxury stay beside Lake Rotorua, perfectly located near the famous Polynesian Spa.

This afternoon, ascend with the Skyline Rotorua gondola for breathtaking panoramic views across the lake and city. The evening concludes with a sumptuous buffet dinner featuring award-winning cuisine prepared by expert chefs, served in a spectacular hilltop setting overlooking Rotorua.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free time to explore Rotorua before gathering in the late afternoon for a guided cultural experience at Te Puia. Discover the traditional arts at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and explore the dramatic Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, home to the spectacular Pōhutu Geyser.

The evening continues with Te Puia’s world-famous hāngī buffet dinner at Pātaka Kai Restaurant, followed by an unforgettable Māori cultural performance in the beautifully carved meeting house Te Aronui a Rua featuring pōhiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (chant), poi, and the powerful haka.

The night concludes with hot chocolate under the stars as steam rises from the illuminated geyser terraces—an atmospheric finale to the Te Pō experience, lasting approximately 4.5 hours.

After breakfast, we make our way from Rotorua to Taupō, traveling by bus through lush farmland, native forests, and geothermal landscapes, with breathtaking views of sparkling lakes and distant volcanic peaks. 

Along the way, you'll experience the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s central North Island at every turn. Travel time: approximately 1 hour 15–30 minutes. Once in Taupō, we’ll have time to check in and get 
familiar with the area before heading out for our Lakefront Cruise. 

Cruise along Lake Taupō’s bays and the Taupō Lakefront on a relaxing 2-hour journey, getting up close to the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings.

Bring your towel — if conditions allow, there will be a chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupō. What a wonderful day! 

We’ll meet for dinner at our accommodation to share stories and reflections on the day’s adventures.

We enjoy a lovely breakfast and have time for some leisure time before departing for the National Railway Station to catch the train to Wellington.

We travel through the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park, with towering peaks like Mount Ruapehu and lush rolling farmland below. Glide past rivers, gorges, and charming towns such as Ohakune and Levin, capturing the essence of rural North Island life. Descend through the scenic Rimutaka Ranges with glimpses of the Cook Strait before arriving in Wellington after 6:00 pm.

Our transfer will be waiting for us, taking us to our accommodation for 2 nights. 

In the morning, we discover Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital, exploring the iconic Beehive and 
Parliament Buildings, the historic Old Saint Paul’s Cathedral, and the fragrant Lady Norwood Rose Gardens.

We ride the charming historic cable car up to Mount Victoria for breathtaking 360° views of the city, sparkling harbour, and surrounding forested hills, then visit Te Papa, the national museum, and stroll the lively waterfront lined with galleries, cafés, and historic architecture.

The afternoon is free to soak up Wellington’s culture and atmosphere at your leisure before we gather again for dinner.

We will enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing from our accommodation to the Wellington Ferry Terminal for a one-way ferry journey to Picton.

The Cook Strait crossing spans 96 kilometres (52 nautical miles) and takes approximately three and a half hours. Recognised as one of the world’s most scenic ferry journeys, two-thirds of the trip treats passengers to stunning landscapes, as the ferry loops around Wellington Harbour and winds through the fjord-like channels and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds.

The remaining third takes us across Te Moana o Raukawakawa / Cook Strait, offering a thrilling seafaring adventure through the rugged waters where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. The ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton typically lasts about three hours on either the Interislander or Bluebridge ferries, depending on the vessel and weather conditions.

Upon arrival in Picton, we will be transferred to our accommodation, followed by dinner. Overnight stay in Picton.

Today we continue our journey to Picton Railway Station to Christchurch Railway Station, arriving at 7.30 pm.

You will travel on the Coastal Pacific train from Picton, gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, 
through Blenheim’s wine region to Kaikoura—famous for whale watching—and on to Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city.

The journey showcases the Kaikoura mountains on one side, the Pacific 
coastline with seals and penguins on the other, and the fertile Canterbury Plains, all from the comfort of your carriage.

You are booked into the Scenic Plus Experience, enjoying an exclusive carriage with freshly prepared seasonal meals served at your seat, paired with New Zealand wines, beer, or coffee. Dedicated hosts provide local insights and ensure your journey through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery is unforgettable 2 nights in Christchurch.

This morning, travel from Christchurch to Greymouth on the return journey aboard the TranzAlpine. Crossing the South Island from east to west, the train passes over the Canterbury Plains and through the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. A brief stop is made at the alpine village of Arthur's Pass before descending through the Otira Tunnel to the lush rainforests of the West Coast.

We have the pleasure of experiencing the Scenic Plus Experience, travelling in an exclusive carriage with freshly prepared seasonal meals served at our seats, complemented by New Zealand wines, beer, or coffee. 

Dedicated hosts provide attentive service and local insights, enhancing this breathtaking journey. After 
approximately one hour in Greymouth, we return to Christchurch, where our transfer will take us back to our accommodation in the evening.

Enjoy our final breakfast together before departing for our flight back to Brisbane. This morning, we explore Christchurch using the Christchurch Tram, Punting & Gondola Pass, offering flexibility and ease as we discover the city. The hop-on, hop-off tram provides unlimited rides to 18 key stops, including the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, and colourful New Regent Street.

The pass also includes a relaxing 30-minute punt along the Avon River, where we can unwind while gliding past lush gardens and historic landmarks. We will meet again for lunch before making our 
way to the airport for our afternoon flight to Brisbane.

Upon arrival, our transfer will be waiting to take us back to Toowoomba, giving us time to reflect on a wonderful 10 days exploring both islands of New Zealand.