Duration: from 3 Days
Price: from $3,889
Departure From: Auckland or Christchurch
Departure Date: Flexible Dates
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
Physical Grading: 2
ENQUIRE NOWLOCO Journeys premium Three Great Rail Journeys itinerary will deliver a fully encompassing luxury, rail travel experience.
Including each of New Zealand’s celebrated Great Rail Journeys, you will enjoy the delights of premium rail travel in Scenic Plus. This independent, flexible journey combines top-class rail travel with luxury accommodation choices and premium optional activities.
There is no absolute fixed itinerary with this premium tour. LOCO Journeys can tailor-make an exclusive journey that delivers to your desired destinations and your allowable time.
Fully Flexible Tour
All three great rail journeys of New Zealand are included in this premium tour.
New Zealand’s premier great rail journey dissects the Southern Alps running East to West from Christchurch to Greymouth and return. A stunning day-trip whatever the season, you can be sure to enjoy the contrasts from the Canterbury Plains to the rugged West Coast punctuated by stunning alpine splendour. Choose to take an optional stop along the way in Arthur’s Pass and find your inner alpine adventurer.
For your journey you will be allocated in Scenic Plus class. Please see below for further details on the inclusions.
The other of New Zealand’s great South Island train trips is the half-day Coastal Pacific. Tracking the Pacific Ocean from Christchurch to Picton, you will enjoy the marvellous variety of captivating coastline, mountain views of the Kaikoura Ranges and the beautiful scenery of Marlborough and it’s famous wine-growing country. If you want to take more time on this leg of your three great journeys, consider extending your stay in Kaikoura, Blenheim or Picton, each worthy destinations in their own right.
The Coastal Pacific offers two booking classes, Scenic Class and Scenic Plus. For your great rail journey you will enjoy the sights and delights of Scenic Plus. Please see below for further details on the inclusions. Please note, the Coastal Pacific does not operate between the months of May and August.
The third of our famous three great rail journeys is the epic Northern Explorer. A tremendous captivating adventure that traverses the varied topography of New Zealand’s North Island. This amazing train ride from Auckland to Wellington and vice versa travels 680 kilometres, from dawn until dusk. Extending your journey and hopping off to visit Waitomo Caves or spending time in the Tongariro National Park are popular options.
As befitting a premium tour, your journey on the Northern Explorer train will be in Scenic Plus class service.
LOCO Journeys 3 Great Rail Journeys Premium tour, features Scenic Plus class, described as more than a journey, as you are served flavours of the land you travel through.
Inside the refined Scenic Plus Class carriages, you’ll be treated to fresh food, captivating commentary, great hosting and spectacular views, all delivered to your seat while you ease back and enjoy the journey. There really is no better way to discover New Zealand.
At the heart of the Scenic Plus experience is the refined Scenic Plus Class carriage, with huge panoramic windows, glass shelves and skylights, bathing you in those gorgeous coastal and mountain landscapes.
With freshly prepared food inspired by the fields that glide past your window and regional wines to match, you’ll be immersed in the flavours of our land. As you admire the views and savour the flavours, our Scenic Plus hosts will recount the stories and histories of the passing landscapes and landmarks.
When you step off your great rail journeys, you will have experienced some of the best New Zealand has to offer.
By travelling independently, the team at LOCO Journeys will be able to completely customise your tour on these three great rail journeys. As long as it is possible within the timetable that Kiwirail are operating to, we can ensure you and your travelling companions enjoy all the premium highlights. When making your enquiry, if there are any specific journey requests you have, please make them known.
LOCO Journeys has access to all and every accommodation option that you may wish to consider and for our 3 Great Rail Journeys Premium Tour we will endevour to secure you the very best in accommodation choices that are close to your journeys end, easy to reach and meet the needs of travellers. If you have a specific accommodation request, then please ensure you make it known at the time of booking.
Our bespoke, premium accommodation choices include:
Auckland – The Hotel Britomart
Voted NZ’s #1 hotel, Hotel Britomart represents a soulful, smart and contemporary accommodation choice. The rooms at The Hotel Britomart are havens of calm in the bustle of downtown waterfront Auckland. Auckland’s glittering Waitematā Harbour has rarely looked better from the comfort of the harbour view rooms. The best of downtown Auckland is just outside your front door.
Wellington – Sofitel
Surrounded by lush botanic gardens, Sofitel blends French ‘art de vivre’ with New Zealand’s capital beauty. The Sofitel is central to Parliament’s precinct, premium shopping and Sky Stadium. Guest sanctuaries of luxury rooms and suites feature Sofitel MyBed and modern bathrooms with refined French amenities. Indulge in Club Sofitel enjoying the rituals of breakfast, all day refreshments, Le Goûter afternoon tea, and Apero Chic canapés. Socialise in luxury at La Serre Bar and renowned restaurant Jardin Grill, serving lively food and beverage.
Picton – Escape to Picton
Escape to Picton is a boutique hotel & restaurant in Picton, Marlborough, New Zealand. The hotel is enviably sited by the town’s waterfront, overlooking the marina. Within a stone’s throw are regular boating tours of the Marlborough Sounds, and connections to the famous Queen Charlotte Track. A mere 20-minute drive separates us from the world famous vineyards of Marlborough’s Wairau and Awatere valleys. Much thought and effort has gone into creating accommodation befitting the astonishingly beautiful Marlborough surrounds.
Christchurch – The George
As a prestigious boutique hotel, The George guarantees an unparalleled level of service. It represents the pinnacle of luxury in Christchurch, boasting extensive facilities, comprehensive services, exceptional quality, and meticulous attention to detail. Our signature style and consistently personalised service create an unforgettable experience.
Queenstown – The Spire Hotel
Should your journey include Queenstown, we will include this beautiful boutique experience. Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier holiday destination, The Spire Hotel offers award-winning luxury accommodation within a lively precinct. Ours is a distinct experience, merging exceptional service and impeccable style with genuine hospitality and inner-city vibrancy. Inheriting its name from a nearby church steeple, The Spire is a globally recognised establishment offering more than a luxurious escape. From the rooms to the streets, our boutique service will ensure your stay in Queenstown is every bit as indulgent and relaxing as it is lively and exciting.
Regarding Accommodation Options, please note: Our preferred accommodation choices are based on being available at the time of your journey. If these choices are not available, we will recommend alternative premium choices for you to consider.
Depending on your itinerary, time allowed for your journey and intended travel direction, it may be that you are not required or do not choose to stay in each of these listed destinations.
The Three Great Rail Journeys in Scenic Class are incredible experiences. Combine these with some of New Zealand’s ultimate activities you can enjoy once you have arrived in your destination, and you’ll have a complete holiday experience.
LOCO Journeys has partnered with a select group of scenic flight operators to offer stunning scenic excursions across New Zealand. Please ask for more details.
Waiheke Island Experiences – Combine a thrilling helicopter flight with world-class wineries and fine dining to create an amazing luxury experience. Enjoy vineyards, restaurants, art galleries, pristine beaches and much more. Choose from different options including Wine & Dine, Fly & Wine, or enjoy activities such as ziplining and horse trekking, all including a luxury helicopter transfers from Auckland.
Wellington City Scenic Flight – Experience a truly unique view of our nation’s capital city from the luxury of our modern helicopter. This exhilarating flight starts in the heart of the capital and takes you over the Wellington CBD and harbour, which look magnificent from the air. Get a bird’s eye view of iconic buildings such as Te Papa, the Beehive, New Zealand’s parliament building. Weather permitting you will be treated to views of the South Island’s Marlborough Sounds across the Cook Strait.
Akaroa & Banks Peninsula by Air – This tour first sees you fly over the city centre to view the progress of the 2011 Earthquake rebuild. We continue on to the beautiful Banks Peninsula and the picturesque French harbour settlement of Akaroa, before touching down on a mountain top to take in yet more magnificent views. Our pilots will personalise this experience for you by sharing their local knowledge and insights of our big backyard as you fly over remarkable sights and landmarks. We have plenty to share with you and can’t wait for you to experience it.
Transfers from the station to accommodation are included in your journey. Your transfer options and distances will clearly be detailed in your itinerary. Each transfer will be private to only you and your travelling companions.
If you are journeying from overseas and require an airport transfer, we can include this in your tour. Please advise at the time of your enquiry.
Each of the Three Great Rail Journeys not only travel through some marvelous countryside, but there are plenty of brilliant destinations along the way that if you have time, are worth exploring and enjoying. There is no additional cost to stop en route, so be sure to make the most of your the time in New Zealand.
The most popular stops are National Park or Ohakune in the North Island for volcanic landscapes, and active adventures. Blenheim for the Marlborough vineyards and Kaikoura for the incredible sea-life are considered the must-do stops on the Coastal Pacific. Arthur’s Pass is the popular choice on the TranzAlpine for accessing the heart of the Southern Alps for hiking and other mountain escapades.
If your intended journey crosses islands, we will automatically include the Inter-islander in your great rail journeys premium tour. Once you have crossed the Cook Strait passage, most travellers thoroughly enjoy the delightful cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton.
As part or your Premium tour inclusions, you will be entitled to enjoy the Premium Lounge onboard the Interislander ferry. The Premium Lounge includes spacious and comfortable seating, a complimentary buffet meal accompanied by your choice of regional New Zealand wine or craft beer. The attentive Premium Lounge hosts will make sure you feel right at home during the journey.
Our southbound itinerary outlined below is based on an express trip of 4 days and 3 nights from Auckland to Christchurch suited to travellers who are limited for time. The guide price for this journey is based on enjoying the three great rail journeys, the inter-island ferry, plus three nights in luxury accommodation.
The proposed itinerary should be used as an idea starter. Remember, everything is flexible including where you start and end your journey and what you include. All options and combinations, delivered with comfort in a premium style are possible, just ask us how.
For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions for your Premium 3 Great Journeys, please see below.
Departure Dates
Click here for alternate South Island tours.
Click here for alternate North Island tours.
For our suggested itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions, please see below.
For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.