Guided TourRail & Coach Tours

18 Day Signature Flavours of Aotearoa

Secure with a deposit
From NZ$ 16,499* per person (twin share)

Overview

Embark on a mouth-watering rail journey through New Zealand’s diverse culinary landscape. From the delicate flavours to the depth of heritage in unique destinations, come aboard to explore New Zealand through its food, wine, and culture.

Duration 18 days / 17 nights
Starts Auckland, North Island
Ends Queenstown, South Island
Destinations Auckland, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Hamilton, Hokitika, Kaikoura, Marlborough, Queenstown, Volcanic Plateau, Wellington
Operated by Great Journeys NZ

Inclusions

  • 17 nights of signature accommodation (4-5 star)
  • 17 breakfasts, 9 lunches & 9 dinners
  • Private transport with experienced Tour Director
  • Private shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
  • Group with max. 20 guests
  • Northern Explorer Scenic Plus dining experience
  • Interislander ferry crossing in Premium Lounge
  • Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus dining experience
  • TranzAlpine Scenic Plus dining experience
  • Waiheke Wine & Dine Tour
  • Zealong Tea Estate Tour, Tea Ceremony & Signature High Tea
  • Hamilton Gardens Guided Tour
  • Lunch at Lauren’s Lavender
  • Te Papa Kanaki Māori Tour
  • Marlborough Sounds Mailboat Cruise
  • Pāua Pearl Tour and Tasting
  • Marlborough Wine Tour & Lunch
  • Kaikōura Dolphin Encounter
  • Christchurch Food Walking Tour
  • Guided Pounamu Experience including Hokitika Gorge Walk
  • Ōkārito Eco-heritage Tour
  • Haast River Safari River Boat Cruise
  • Ayrburn Winery Tastings & Lunch
Departure
02 Apr 2025 Conclusion
NZ$ 16,499* per person (twin share)
Departure
11 Apr 2025 Conclusion
NZ$ 16,499* per person (twin share)
Departure
03 Dec 2025 Conclusion
NZ$ 16,499* per person (twin share)
Departure
24 Dec 2025 Conclusion
NZ$ 16,499* per person (twin share)
  • Your unforgettable journey starts in Auckland. Dive into the experience, meeting your fellow travellers and exclusive tour guide, enjoying refreshing welcome drinks at the hotels vibrant bar, then, indulge in a delightful welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant.

    Dinner, Welcome Drink
  • Today, embark on a journey with the Waiheke Island Wine & Dine experience. Upon arrival, join your guide for an insightful bus tour around the island, absorbing the scenery and local commentary. As the day unfolds, continue your island exploration independently or join your guide for a ferry ride back to Auckland city at a designated time.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • In the morning you’ll board your luxury coach as we whisk you away to the captivating Sanctuary Mountain. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Sanctuary Mountain with a bespoke two-hour tour blending the enchanting Secrets of the Tautari Wetland and the fascinating Rongoa Rakau, offering insights into Maori medicinal practices.

    After our sanctuary adventure, we return to Hamilton City where you will be free to explore.

    Breakfast
  • Today our journey begins as we depart from Hamilton in style aboard our exclusive coach, as we travel to the enchanting Zealong Tea Estate, where an immersive 1.5-hour tour and tea ceremony await, followed by the renowned Signature High Tea experience. You will then make your way to Zealong and head to the Hamilton Gardens for a captivating 75-minute Highlights tour. Our journey continues into the afternoon as we board our coach for a visit to the Hamilton Museum.

    Breakfast
  • Embark on a journey like no other as we board the Northern Explorer train from Hamilton Station. Prepare for a feast for the senses with our Scenic Plus dining experience, offering unparalleled views and culinary delights. As evening falls, indulge in culinary delight with a two-course dinner in Ohakune.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Delight your senses with a visit to the Forgotten World Gardens. Enjoy the ambiance as you spend a few hours in Taumarunui, exploring a local garden before your lunchtime feast at Laurens Lavender Farm. After your garden escapades, you’ll return to Ohakune, where the evening is yours to spend how you like.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Head away on an adventure, exploring the wonders of Turoa before arriving at National Park Station. Embark on the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus experience from National Park to Wellington.

    Indulge in an afternoon tea and dinner served onboard the train, enhancing your journey breathtaking vistas. As evening approaches, Tranzit will transfer you from Wellington Station to your Hotel.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Embark on a captivating journey with a 90-minute Maori Experience Kinaki Tour at Te Papa, led by a knowledgeable Maori guide. Explore the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand as you discover the unique tools, foods, and medicines of the Iwi taketake (first peoples of the land).

    Conclude your tour with a Kai, a traditional food tasting experience, and engaging conversations with your hosts. Indulge in an included dinner at a renowned Wellington restaurant, savoring culinary delights that reflect the vibrant flavors of New Zealand.

    Breakfast, Dinner
  • This morning you will be transfered to the Interislander Ferry Terminal. Here you will board the ferry, where the Premium Plus Lounge awaits, offering a full buffet breakfast and complimentary bar service. Upon arriving in the south, set sail on the Mailboat Cruise with Beachcomber Cruises, immersing yourself in the stunning scenery of the Marlborough Sounds.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Paua Pearl Farm Tour, a journey filled with morning tea and Paua tastings. On arrival back in Picton, embark on an unforgettable afternoon with Sounds Connection. Indulge in a gourmet experience as you journey through the renowned Marlborough region, savoring a three-course lunch menu at Allan Scott Wines Bistro, accompanied by a glass of wine with your main meal. After lunch, the adventure continues with visits to two more wineries for included tastings, and a stop at the Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory.

    Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch
  • Indulge in a free morning in Picton, before embarking on a journey aboard the Coastal Pacific, where every moment is elevated in the Scenic Plus class. Delight in a light lunch complemented by beverages, followed by afternoon tea amidst breathtaking vistas. Indulge in an included dinner at a renowned Kaikōura restaurant, enjoying the flavours of the region.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Set sail from Encounter Kaikōura on an enchanting dolphin viewing escapade. Gather again for the next leg of your journey. Late afternoon, board the Coastal Pacific for the Scenic Plus experience, treating yourself to unparalleled vistas as you glide along the coastline. Arrive at Christchurch Station, where a coach awaits to transfer you to your accommodation in Christchurch.

    Breakfast, Dinner
  • Join a cultural food walking tour of Christchurch, a journey blending history, storytelling, and tantalizing local tastings. With the afternoon at your leisure, explore Christchurch at your own pace. For dinner, gather for a culinary delight at a renowned Christchurch restaurant with your tour group.

    Breakfast, Dinner
  • Prepare to be enchanted as you board the TranzAlpine train in the morning, enjoying the Scenic Plus package that treats you to a sumptuous breakfast and lunch. Arrive in Greymouth, where your transport awaits to whisk you away to Hokitika, where a truly authentic experience awaits with a local Iwi member from Hokitika Scenic Tours. Mid afternoon, bid farewell to Hokitika as coaches depart for Franz Josef, where your accommodation and a delicious dinner awaits.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Set off on a scenic coach journey from Franz Josef to the picturesque village of Okarito. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Okarito with the Okarito Heritage EcoTour. With approximately two hours of free time, marvel at the beauty of Okarito before returning to Franz Josef, where the afternoon beckons with a myriad of optional activities.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Bid farewell to Franz Josef as you set off for the unforgettable Haast River Safari. During your safari, make a stop at the charming Fruit Emporium, where you can indulge in locally sourced delights and refreshments. As your safari concludes, anticipation builds as you arrive in the vibrant town of Queenstown.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • With the morning at your leisure, explore Queenstown at your own pace. Around noon, embark on a delightful journey with Ayrburn Arrowtown. Prepare for a treat as you’re transported to Ayrburn for a wine tasting experience paired with a buffet lunch. Following lunch, take some time to wander the charming Arrowtown. This serves as a farewell function, marking the end of your tour with memorable flavors and experiences.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • It’s time to say goodbye as you check out of the hotel. As you prepare to depart, rest assured that your departure transfer is included, ensuring a seamless transition as you head towards your next destination.

    Breakfast

Pricing featured is based on per person twin share and priced in New Zealand Dollars. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice. Valid for travel on select departure dates from Sep 2025 to Mar 2026. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at time of booking. Final balance is due 70 days prior to departure date. Single supplement is available for a surcharge and can be quoted by ANZCRO at time of enquiry. All guided tours are subject to operational capabilities and itinerary changes due to train track maintenance and weather conditions. No flights or arrival airport transfers are included. This tour is operated by Great Journeys of New Zealand and their conditions and policies apply.

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