Coastal Pacific Train
Milford Sound
TranzAlpine Journey
Curated by ANZCRO

16 Day New Zealand Rail Discovery

A Comprehensive Journey Across Both Islands

16 days, 15 nights
From $5,150 per person
Explore Itinerary

"New Zealand is not just a destination; it's a journey through some of the world's most spectacular landscapes, where every rail journey reveals another chapter of natural wonder."

ANZCRO

Your Expert New Zealand Partner: ANZCRO

ANZCRO Partnership

For over 30 years, ANZCRO has been the gateway to authentic New Zealand experiences, connecting travelers with the soul of this extraordinary country.

With access to 40,000+ carefully curated travel products and deep regional expertise, ANZCRO ensures every moment of your rail journey reflects New Zealand's unique character and natural beauty.

From the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound to scenic alpine crossings, this carefully crafted itinerary showcases the very best of New Zealand's landscapes and culture.

Your Itinerary

01

Arrive Auckland - City of Sails Welcome

voco Auckland City Centre

Your New Zealand rail adventure begins in Auckland, the vibrant 'City of Sails'. Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, enjoy a private transfer to your centrally located accommodation.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the nearby Viaduct Harbour or taking in panoramic views from the iconic Sky Tower.

Auckland City Skyline
02

Auckland to Rotorua - Journey to Geothermal Wonders

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Embark on a scenic coach journey from Auckland to Rotorua, with a captivating stop at the world-famous Waitomo Caves.

Experience the magical underground world of glowworms before continuing to Rotorua, New Zealand's geothermal capital.

Waitomo Caves
Rotorua Geothermal Activity
03

Rotorua - Māori Culture and Traditions

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Morning at leisure to explore Rotorua's unique geothermal attractions or enjoy the lakeside setting.

Evening highlights include Te Pā Tū, an authentic Māori cultural experience featuring traditional storytelling, cultural performances, and a feast prepared using geothermal cooking methods.

Māori Cultural Performance
04

Rotorua to Napier - Art Deco Capital Journey

Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Travel by comfortable coach from Rotorua to Napier, passing through the heart of the North Island's scenic countryside.

Arrive in Napier and spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps strolling along the famous Marine Parade with its palm trees and stunning bay views.

Napier Art Deco Architecture
05

Napier - Art Deco and Wine Country

Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Begin with a guided Art Deco City Stroll, exploring Napier's unique 1930s architecture, rebuilt after the devastating 1931 earthquake.

Afternoon wine tour through the renowned Hawke's Bay wine region, sampling world-class wines amid rolling vineyard landscapes.

Hawke's Bay Vineyards
06

Napier to Wellington - Capital City Arrival

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

Travel by coach from Napier to Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital city.

Afternoon at leisure to explore Wellington's compact city center, waterfront precinct, or visit the world-renowned Te Papa Museum.

Wellington Harbour
07

Wellington to Nelson - Interislander Ferry Crossing

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Cross the Cook Strait aboard the Interislander Ferry, enjoying spectacular views of the Marlborough Sounds.

Continue by coach through the wine region of Blenheim to Nelson, known for its sunny climate and vibrant arts scene.

Marlborough Sounds
08

Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park Adventure

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Full day exploring Abel Tasman National Park with its golden sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Experience a combination cruise and walk, with opportunities to spot seals and enjoy the pristine coastal environment of New Zealand's smallest national park.

Abel Tasman National Park
09

Nelson to Christchurch - Coastal Pacific Rail Journey

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Travel to Blenheim, then board the renowned Coastal Pacific train for one of the world's most scenic rail journeys.

Experience breathtaking coastal views as the train follows the rugged Pacific coastline to Christchurch, the Garden City.

Coastal Pacific Train Journey
10

Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook - Alpine Majesty

The Hermitage Hotel

Journey by coach through the Canterbury Plains to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest peak.

Afternoon at leisure to explore alpine walking trails or simply marvel at the dramatic mountain scenery and Hooker Valley.

Mount Cook National Park
11

Mount Cook to Queenstown - Adventure Capital Arrival

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Travel through spectacular Central Otago landscapes to reach Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.

Settle into your lakeside accommodation with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

Queenstown Lake Wakatipu
12

Queenstown - Free Day for Adventure

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Full day at leisure in Queenstown with endless optional activities available.

Choose from scenic helicopter flights, lake cruises, wine tours, bungy jumping, or simply enjoying the lakefront atmosphere and mountain views.

Queenstown Adventure Activities
13

Queenstown to Milford Sound - Fiordland Spectacular

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Full-day guided tour to magnificent Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most famous natural attractions.

Enjoy a boutique cruise among cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and pristine wilderness, with opportunities to spot local wildlife including seals and dolphins.

Milford Sound Cruise
14

Queenstown to Franz Josef - Glacier Country

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Journey by coach through some of New Zealand's most dramatic scenery to Franz Josef Glacier.

Experience the transition from alpine lakes to temperate rainforest and glacial valleys on the West Coast.

Franz Josef Glacier
15

Franz Josef to Christchurch - TranzAlpine Crossing

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Transfer to Greymouth, then board the world-famous TranzAlpine train for the spectacular journey across the Southern Alps.

Experience one of the world's great train rides, crossing from the West Coast through Arthur's Pass to Christchurch.

TranzAlpine Railway
16

Christchurch - Journey's End

Departure

Final morning in the Garden City of Christchurch, perhaps time for last-minute shopping or exploring the rebuilt city center.

Private transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward journey, taking with you memories of an extraordinary New Zealand rail discovery.

Christchurch Garden City

Your Extraordinary Story Awaits

This itinerary is more than a collection of sights and activities; it is a carefully woven tapestry of scenic rail journeys, Maori culture, dramatic landscapes, and authentic New Zealand hospitality.

Contact Us to Learn More

At-a-Glance Itinerary

  • Day 01
    Arrive Auckland - City of Sails Welcome
    voco Auckland City Centre
  • Day 02
    Auckland to Rotorua - Journey to Geothermal Wonders
    Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
  • Day 03
    Rotorua - Māori Culture and Traditions
    Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
  • Day 04
    Rotorua to Napier - Art Deco Capital Journey
    Scenic Hotel Te Pania
  • Day 05
    Napier - Art Deco and Wine Country
    Scenic Hotel Te Pania
  • Day 06
    Napier to Wellington - Capital City Arrival
    James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
  • Day 07
    Wellington to Nelson - Interislander Ferry Crossing
    Rutherford Hotel Nelson
  • Day 08
    Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park Adventure
    Rutherford Hotel Nelson
  • Day 09
    Nelson to Christchurch - Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
    Distinction Christchurch Hotel
  • Day 10
    Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook - Alpine Majesty
    The Hermitage Hotel
  • Day 11
    Mount Cook to Queenstown - Adventure Capital Arrival
    Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
  • Day 12
    Queenstown - Free Day for Adventure
    Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
  • Day 13
    Queenstown to Milford Sound - Fiordland Spectacular
    Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
  • Day 14
    Queenstown to Franz Josef - Glacier Country
    Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
  • Day 15
    Franz Josef to Christchurch - TranzAlpine Crossing
    Distinction Christchurch Hotel
  • Day 16
    Christchurch - Journey's End
    Departure

Ready to Begin?

Experience the ultimate New Zealand rail discovery with expert local guidance and carefully curated experiences.

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