New Zealand Rail Adventure
New Zealand Rail Adventure
New Zealand Rail Adventure
15 Days
Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Queenstown, NZ, Te Anau, Dunedin, Lake Tekapo
Tour operator:
Tour Overview
Discover some of the worlds' most incredible scenery in New Zealand. Enjoy some iconic rail journeys, the Glenbrook Steam Train, TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific Railways. Admire the southern fiords and landscapes of Franz Josef/Waiau, cruise the full length of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and savour a Maori Hangi feast in Rotorua.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Sudima Auckland City
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in the ‘City of Sails’ and be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner as you get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2 : Auckland, Glenbrook Vintage Steam Train
Location: Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning travel to Glenbrook and board the Glenbrook Vintage Steam Train. Take a journey through the beautiful rural Franklin countryside before stopping at the Pukeoware Depot to explore the workshop, view other historic locomotives, and enjoy a morning tea. After your time here, return to Auckland by coach.
Day 3 : Auckland, Rail Cruise Experience, Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Sudima Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, board your coach and head towards the Mamaku Ranges for a special rail experience. In Rotorua, visit Te Puia Cultural Centre, and tour the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute before an evening of traditional culture and food.
Day 4 : Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Maori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to one of New Zealand’s best-loved attractions, the Agrodome, and then enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further or simply relax.
Day 5 : Rotorua, Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Travelodge Hotel Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway through the heart of the North Island travelling through green countryside, beautiful native bush, and some of the largest alpine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. We view the Wairakei Thermal Valley, then visit the spectacular Huka Falls and tranquil Lake Taupo, the water-filled crater of an ancient volcano. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city bound by its magnificent harbour.
Day 6 : Wellington
Location: Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast today, head to Featherston to visit the fascinating Fell Locomotive Museum which houses the only remaining steam-powered Fell locomotive in the world. It ran from 1877, using a unique system of four grip wheels on a raised centre rail to enable it to pull carriages up the steep Rimutaka Incline.
After heading back to Wellington, set off on a sightseeing tour of the city’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa. This innovative and interactive museum celebrates the treasures of the country. Later, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city.
Day 7 : Wellington, Picton, Coastal Pacific Train, Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Christchurch, Quality Hotel Elms
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, step aboard the Interislander ferry to cruise from Wellington Harbour across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific train to Kaikoura. Return to your coach to travel to Christchurch.
Day 8 : Christchurch, Tranzalpine Train, Fox Glacier
Location: Fox Glacier
Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast, you will board the renowned TranzAlpine trains to cross the South Island. Upon arrival at Greymouth, you will disembark and travel by coach to the incredible natural surrounds at Franz Josef/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere and Fox Glaciers.
Day 9 : Fox Glacier, Queenstown
Location: Queenstown, NZ
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Queenstown, Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a day of truly beautiful scenery as you travel to the alpine resort of Queenstown. Known as the country’s adventure capital, Queenstown is also renowned for its world-class culinary scene. This evening you may like to sample some of the region’s fresh flavours at one of the many restaurants in walking distance from your hotel (own expense).
Day 10 : Queenstown
Location: Queenstown, NZ
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Soar to the top of a Queenstown peak and check out the view as all of Queenstown spreads below you. Following this, enjoy lunch at one of the FergFoods restaurants located throughout the city centre (Fergburger, FergsBar, Mrs. Ferg & FergBaker). The rest of the day is at leisure, so you have the freedom to simply relax or choose one of Travelmarvel’s exciting Select Experiences. For the adventurous, perhaps head out on a jet boat ride. The Shotover Jet Boat roars through dramatic river canyons within centimetres of sheer rock walls.
Day 11 : Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau
Location: Te Anau
Accommodation Name: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Follow The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Today, enjoy a memorable cruise on Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.
Day 12 : Te Anau, Dunedin
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy spectacular scenery today as you drive from Te Anau to the Scottish-inspired southern city of Dunedin.
Day 13 : Dunedin, Lake Tekapo
Location: Lake Tekapo
Accommodation Name: Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey north to view the Moeraki Boulders then continue to Oamaru and visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Later, arrive at your resort.
Day 14 : Aoraki/Mount Cook, Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head into the stunning scenery of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Later, head back to Christchurch for a special Farewell Dinner.
Day 15 : Depart Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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14 nights in premium accommodation
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The services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and experienced Driver
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24 meals – 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 9 dinners including special Welcome and Farewell Dinners
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Take a ride aboard the Glenbrook Vintage Steam Train
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Savour an authentic Maori Hangi feast in Rotorua
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Ride the Coastal Pacific Train along the Kaikoura coastline
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Take the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth
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Cruise the full length of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a magnificent fiord with views of waterfalls
Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Prices include all sightseeing, cruises, rail travel, entrance fees as specified, and airport transfers on the first and last day
Prices are for land
ail only. Flights not included
Check out our Q&As
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What if I have special dietary requirements?
Please ensure you advise APT during your booking process if you or any of your travelling companions have special dietary needs or requests. We aim to cater for all requests which are advised at the time of making your booking.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel Documents are sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Certain information may be required to help finalise your booking.
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What are Freedom of Choice Touring options?
For APT tour programs, you may have the opportunity to select a Freedom of Choice Touring activity. These options are at no additional cost, and confirmed whilst on tour. The Tour Directors will guide you through all of the available options, and assist with booking these for those who are interested. Your brochure or our website will feature Freedom of Choice options for some tours - where applicable. Should time permit, passengers may be given the opportunity to experience a second option by purchasing that option.
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Where do I join the tour?
Most of our itineraries commence with a transfer from the airport, or a meet and greet on Day 1. There may be times recommended for you to fly, which your Sales consultant will provide you. If you choose to fly in a few days prior to your tour commencing and explore independently you will be advised of a time and location to meet the tour group. If booking pre tour accommodation with APT on an exclusive APT tour itinerary, you will receive both a transfer from the airport and on Day 1 of the tour to join your fellow guests. For Europe River cruises, the vessels are available for early boarding upon your arrival. Luggage can be stored at reception, and passengers have access to the main lounge. Cabin check in is available from 3pm.
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How do I advise of Health/Mobility Requirements?
Your Sales consultant will ask you for any requirements pertaining to your Health & Fitness during your booking process. A questionnaire may be required to be completed, which you will be advised.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
APT has been operating for over 95 years!
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What are the luggage requirements?
Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160cm - length/height/width (63 inches), weight limit 20kgs (44 pounds). Additional fees may apply for additional luggage, and must be requested by time of final payment. Some safari / adventure tours may have further luggage restrictions where passengers need to pack down to a small soft duffle 10-15kg bag due to the smaller vehicles that are used whilst on tour, this includes Kimberley Wilderness Adventure, Outback Wilderness Adventures, Africa. Your Sales consultant can provide you with specific regulations.
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Is tipping included on my APT tour?
Tipping is included for all APT operated tours. There are a few activities whereby tipping is not included such as Tailor Made Holidays, Africa & South America's City Stays & Extensions, and the Northern Lights Adventure in North America.
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Low Deposit
APT requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 100 days before departure.
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