NZ Rail Adventure

Duration: 15 Days

Price: from NZ$7,395 - Includes $600pp Saving

Departure From: Auckland

Departure Date: Summer/Spring/Summer 25-26

Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Meal Plan: B&B and selected meals

Physical Grading: 2/5

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Enjoy a taste of each of New Zealand’s scenic rail experiences on this NZ rail adventure, including a distinctive ride on the Glenbrook Vintage Steam Railway.

Across fifteen days full of sightseeing, we will tour the length of the country enjoying the highlights on offer and, of course, take the opportunity to ride on New Zealand’s popular train journeys.

Book now and save up to $1,200 per couple! See pricing below

From Price Already Includes Discount

Enthralling scenery and breathtaking views stretch as far as the eyes can see. Check out the tour map and highlights below of this marvelous NZ rail adventure.

NZ Rail Adventure Highlights

  • Time in Auckland, the City of Sails
  • A day out to Glenbrook Steam Railway including ‘behind the scenes’ viewing
  • Enjoy ‘Rail Cruising’ a new on-rail adventure activity
  • Savour an authentic Maori Hangi and Concert
  • Enjoy a ride on the epic Northern Explorer train.
  • Take a ride on scenic segments of the Coastal Pacific rail journeys
  • Take time in New Zealand’s capital Wellington
  • We ride the famous TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth
  • Enjoy Queenstown and the beautiful scenery
  • Discover the delights of Milford Sound by boat
  • Experience stunning views in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Cultural Experience Rotorua LOCO Journeys

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions, please see below.

2025 New Zealand Rail Adventure Departure Dates

15 Day Tour, Auckland to Christchurch

  • 29 March 2025 – SOLD OUT
  • 12 April 2025 – from $7,995 Now $7,395 – Save $600 per couple
  • 26 April 2025 – SOLD OUT
  • 09 September 2025 – from $8,895 Now $8,295 – Save $1,200 per couple
  • 23 September 2025 – SOLD OUT
  • 07 & 21 October 2025 – from $9,595 Now $8995 – Save $1,200 per couple
  • 04 & 18 November 2025 – from $9,595 Now $8,995 – Save $1,200 per couple
  • 13 January 2026 – from $9,595 Now $8,595 – Save $2,000 per couple
  • 10 & 24 February 2026 – from $9,595 Now $8,595 – Save $2,000 per couple
  • 10, 24 & 31 March 2026 – from $9,595 Now $8,595 – Save $2,000 per couple
  • 14 & 28 April 2026 from $9,095 Now $8,095 – Save $2,000 per couple

Please note, couple savings are based on a per person discount and subject to change.

Click here for alternate rail-based New Zealand tours.



Tour Inclusions

  • 14 nights in premium accommodation
  • 24 meals as indicated within the itinerary; 14 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 9 dinners (D)
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Premium air-conditioned coach travel
  • All sightseeing, cruises, rail travel and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
  • The services of an experienced tour director

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person, twin share
  • ‘From’ price includes discount
  • Non-refundable deposit of $200 per person is due within 7 days of booking
  • Full non-refundable balance of tour payment will be advised at the time of booking
  • Full payment is required 100 days prior to departure
  • A single supplement is available on request
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
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Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Auckland (D)
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.
Today we head through the Auckland suburbs to ride the vintage Glenbrook Steam Railway. 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. Re-board and travel back to Glenbrook before returning to Auckland by coach.
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.
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.
Today we travel the Thermal Explorer Higway before disembarking our coach in National Park Village. From here we board the Northern Explorer train in Otorohanga and embark on a scenic journey southward, through the central Volcanic Plateau. Experience the engineering marvel of the Raurimu Spiral, renowned for its intricate and breathtaking design. Its carriages feature an advanced air-bag system which allows for a smooth and quiet ride. Enjoy uninterrupted views through panoramic, non-reflective windows on the sides and roof. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city bound by its magnificent harbour.
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.
This morning, step aboard the Interislander ferry and cruise from Wellington Harbour across Cook Strait, through the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds to Picton. You will then join the Coastal Pacific train to Kaikoura. Afterwards, re-board your coach and travel to Christchurch.
This morning after breakfast, you will enjoy your TranzAlpine journey, considered to be one of the world’s greatest rail adventures. You will follow the Waimakariri River and travel across the Southern Alps within Arthur’s Pass National Park. 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.
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).
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.
Follow The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Today, enjoy a memorable cruise on Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.. Cruise the full length of the fiord with views of waterfalls, dense rainforest and sheer cliffs.
Enjoy spectacular scenery today as you drive from Te Anau to the Scottish-inspired southern city of Dunedin.
Today you will journey north to view the Moeraki Boulders before continuing to Oamaru. Afterwards, visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Later, arrive at your resort.
Head into the stunning scenery of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Later, head back to Christchurch for a special Farewell Dinner.
Your tour concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.