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Pick your currency
Our currency converter is based on weekly exchange rates and is provided to give you an idea of the itinerary prices in your local currency. The final cost for itineraries can be confirmed by our team of consultants.
Join Great Journeys for an unforgettable 6-day guided rail adventure from Auckland to Wellington. Discover the best of New Zealand’s bustling cities and charming towns, including Auckland, Ohakune, and Wellington. Relax as you travel through the North Island’s stunning landscapes, passing majestic volcanic peaks, rolling hills, engineering marvels, and sparkling coastlines. This fully guided journey combines the comfort of scenic rail travel with the excitement of exploring some of New Zealand’s most picturesque locations. Guided excursions, local insights from your Tour Director, and 3–4 star accommodation make this an unforgettable Kiwi adventure.
Note: You can also enjoy this tour in reverse, travelling from Wellington to Auckland. Contact your consultant to explore available dates and start planning your unforgettable adventure.
Check out why we love Great Journeys here and read their booking terms and conditions here.
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails! Auckland is known for its multicultural hub of food, music, arts, and culture. After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Auckland has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the Sky Tower or shop along bustling Queen Street. You may even fancy a drink in one of the charming bars or eateries of Vulcan Lane.
Your tour officially begins this evening, as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome reception.
Meals Included – A welcome drink is included in tonight’s reception
Activities – Welcome Reception
Today, you will marvel at rural New Zealand’s lush landscapes from the comfort of your seat aboard the Northern Explorer scenic train. From the green pastures of the Waikato to the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, you won’t want to miss a moment. If you are interested in culture and history, be sure to listen to the audio commentary as you cross historic viaducts and traverse up the Raurimu Spiral, an engineering marvel. This experience is one like no other.
At the base of this geological wonder is Ohakune, ‘the carrot capital of New Zealand’, where you’ll stay the next two nights to experience your chosen adventure.
Meals Included – Breakfast
Activities – Northern Explorer Scenic Train Experience, Mini excursion to view expansive views across the volcanic landscape
Discover Tongariro National Park! Today is free for you to discover one of the region’s many exciting excursions. Choose from the optional activities on offer and personalise your perfect holiday. Perhaps you will enjoy a hot tub soak, or a meander along the lazy river.
If you’re after an active day, why not explore Ohakune’s historical cycle trail? Rent e-bikes and discover old viaducts, tunnels, old settlers’ camps and reclaimed native forests along the Old Coach Road!
Meals Included – Breakfast
After breakfast, we begin our day by travelling to Mount Ruapehu. You won’t want to leave this mini excursion to Middle Earth without a panoramic photo in hand!
Joining the Northern Explorer train once again, you will wave goodbye to this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you settle into your uber-comfortable seat. Don’t get too comfortable though; dramatic rivers, gorges, and ravines are just around the bend! Stretch your legs and explore the open-air carriage to acquire the best views from the train.
As you glide through rich green farmland and past a dramatic coastline, indulge in afternoon tea while drinking in the views. All too soon the train will arrive into Wellington leaving the picturesque Porirua Harbour behind you.
Arriving at Wellington Railway Station, you are just a stone’s throw from downtown, the Beehive, and Parliament Buildings. Welcome to New Zealand’s Capital City! You won’t want to waste a moment of time after checking into the hotel – your evening is free to explore this award-winning cultural and culinary capital from Queen’s Wharf to Cuba Street and beyond.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Afternoon tea aboard the train
Activities – Mini excursion to view expansive volcanic views across the North Island, Northern Explorer Scenic Train Experience
The perfect day does exist – and it includes exploring Wellington! Today is free for you to experience vibrant Wellington as you please. Start by joining an included tour at Te Papa Museum and then head off to explore Cuba Street’s cafés, bookstores, and eccentric shops. Surround yourself by native birdlife and regenerating forest at Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary. You won’t get bored with the plethora of activities on offer. From coffee, culture, historic buildings to botanic gardens and much more…the list goes on! If you need any suggestions or recommendations, just reach out to your helpful Tour Director or our Travel Centre to pre-book an experience.
Enjoy dinner tonight with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Dinner
Activities – Introduction Tour at Te Papa Museum, Farewell Dinner
Today your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travellers.
Not ready to leave Welllington? Reach out to your consultant to pre-organise your extended stay.
Meals – Breakfast
Activities – Transfer to airport
This is the perfect option for those who enjoy free time to create their own adventure while having the structure of a guided expert. Meet like-minded travellers and share this journey of a lifetime on a truly magnificent expedition between New Zealand’s largest cities.
Packed with lots of tips, highlights, activities and helpful information of our diverse country.
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