South Island Rail Tour in Summer

The South Island Rail Tour provides a stunning panorama of magnificent southern mountain scenery, meandering rivers and coastal plains. Experience the scenic south in style travelling by train and luxury coach.

Our south island rail tour takes us by train from Auckland to Wellington then also from Picton, along the Kaikoura coastline to Christchurch. We take the time to explore the City of Christchurch before we travel on the TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth. The West Coast, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island are all included before a special day in The Catlins.

Our south island rail tour is planned at a leisurely pace with frequent two night stops and our tour escort ensures your 14-day south island rail tour is relaxing, fun and hassle free.

South Island Rail Tour Highlights

• Northern Explorer Train
• Coastal Pacific Train
• Trans Alpine Train
• Wellington City Tour
• Walking tour of Christchurch
• Southern Alps and the rugged West Coast
• West Coast Glacier experiences
• Time in Queenstown and the panormaic views of Lake Wakitipu
• Lake Te Anau
• Lunchtime scenic cruise of Milford Sound
• Stewart Island day tour experience
• Enjoy the Catlins
• TSS Earnslaw Cruise and gourmet BBQ dinner
• Airfare from Dunedin to Auckland (and other home destinations)

South Island Rail Tour Accommodation

Accommodation has been carefully selected on location, a high standard of comfort and friendly, helpful service. Rooms have single, twin or double beds, en-suite bathroom, television, radio, telephone and generally have tea and coffee making facilities.

South Island Rail Tour Optional Extras

Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Helicopter Flight

Imagine flying the entire length of the Fox Glacier and there is time for a glacier snow landing before descending the Glacier Valley, with the mountains behind.

Queenstown Helicopter Flight

Look down on spectacular scenery as you cross Lake Wakatipu with a special landing during the flight. Continue over Ben Lomond and the famous historic Skippers Canyon. See the renowned steep canyon walls of the Shotover River and fly past Coronet Peak and the Wakatipu Basin. 

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
Described by the Sydney Morning Herald as “one of the most unusual limestone cave experiences on the planet’, the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves is a must-do for anyone visiting Fiordland.

Ulva Island Explorer

With lunch included this cruise will showcase some of Paterson Inlet’s stunning scenery with its hidden coves and un-spoilt beaches. While on board, keep a look out for fur seals and penguins. Paterson inlet is home to renowned wildlife sanctuary Ulva Island and we’ll stop there for a 45 minute guided walk. (Group numbers are limited).

Stewart Island Village and Bays Tour
Gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community, and learn about the history and environment of Stewart Island. You will have plenty of time to get off the bus for photo stops and short walks. Highlights include a visit to the gateway of Rakiura National Park, beautiful Horseshoe Bay and Observation Rock. 

These optional tours attract a separate charge and can be included at time of final payment.

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

Click here for alternate South Island Rail Tours