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New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery Christchurch → Auckland (2027)

19 days
From Christchurch to Auckland
4.2 (27 reviews)

No departure dates available

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Plan your adventure:
Nature & Wildlife
Explore untamed landscapes teeming with wildlife
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 200
Ages 8+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Christchurch

    Christchurch
    Meals
    Dinner (Welcome dinner)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Rydges Latimer Christchurch)

    Included Activities

    • Tram Ride Through Christchurch with drinks and canapés
    Landmarks
    Christchurch
    Itinerary Image 1
  2. Day 2

    Christchurch

    Christchurch
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Rydges Latimer Christchurch)

    Optional Activities

    • Akaroa Nature Cruise - viewing Hector's dolphins, fur seals, penguins and seabirds
    • Punting on the Avon River with skilled punter in Edwardian attire
    • Ōtautahi Christchurch City Meander Walking Tour - guided tour with local producers tastings
    Landmarks
    Akaroa
    Avon River
  3. Day 3

    Christchurch to Franz Josef

    Christchurch to Franz Josef
    Meals
    Dinner (Four-course degustation fine dining)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Franz Josef/Waiau)

    Included Activities

    • TranzAlpine Train - journey through Southern Alps and Waimakariri River valley
    • Coach drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park to Franz Josef/Waiau
    • Four-course degustation fine dining at Te Waonui Forest Retreat
    Landmarks
    Southern Alps
    Waimakariri River
    Westland Tai Poutini National Park
    Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  4. Day 4

    Franz Josef to Queenstown

    Franz Josef to Queenstown
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Millennium Hotel Queenstown)

    Included Activities

    • Drive through Haast Pass with scenic mountain views
    Landmarks
    Haast Pass
    Itinerary Image 1
  5. Day 5

    Queenstown

    Queenstown
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Millennium Hotel Queenstown)

    Optional Activities

    • Lord of the Rings 4WD Safari - visit iconic filming locations
    • Skippers Canyon 4WD adventure - scenic drive along Shotover River Valley with rocky cliffs and river gorges
    • Dart River Wilderness Jet - jet boat journey through Mount Aspiring National Park with guide commentary
    • Wine Tour - personalised sightseeing tour of New Zealand's southernmost wine region with tastings at various wineries
    • Best of Queenstown - panoramic views of Queenstown, visit Arrowtown and Ayrburn, wine tasting and cheese platter at local winery
    Landmarks
    Mount Aspiring National Park
    Dart River
    Shotover River Valley
    Arrowtown
    Ayrburn
  6. Day 6

    Queenstown to Te Anau

    Queenstown to Te Anau
    Meals
    Dinner (Taste of Fiordland at MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar - regional cuisine with artisan produce)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas)

    Included Activities

    • Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise - viewing snow-dusted mountains, waterfalls, seals and penguins
    • Taste of Fiordland Dinner at MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar - regional cuisine with artisan produce
    Landmarks
    Milford Road
    Fiordland National Park
    Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  7. Day 7

    Te Anau

    Te Anau
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Doubtful Sound/Patea Overnight Cruise)

    Included Activities

    • Doubtful Sound/Patea Overnight Cruise - exploring rugged peaks, hidden islets and rainforests
    Landmarks
    Manapouri
    Doubtful Sound/Patea
  8. Day 8

    Doubtful Sound to Invercargill

    Doubtful Sound to Invercargill
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Invercargill Hotel)

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Invercargill township and Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco heritage buildings
    Landmarks
    Invercargill
  9. Day 9

    Invercargill

    Invercargill
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Invercargill Hotel)

    Optional Activities

    • Stewart Island Day Trip with Return Ferry Transfers - exploring Lee Bay, Rakiura National Park and Observation Rock
    • Bill Richardson Transport World and Motorcycle Mecca Guided Tour - over 300 classic motorcycles and vintage memorabilia
    • High Tea at Distinction Invercargill Hotel - scones with cream and jam, club sandwiches, tartlets, macarons and unlimited tea
    Landmarks
    Stewart Island
    Rakiura National Park
    Lee Bay
    Bill Richardson Transport World
  10. Day 10

    Invercargill to Dunedin

    Invercargill to Dunedin
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Dunedin Hotel)

    Included Activities

    • Monarch Wildlife Cruise - viewing royal albatrosses, fur seals, penguins, sea lions, cormorants and dolphins
    Landmarks
    Otago Harbour
    Dunedin
    Itinerary Image 1
  11. Day 11

    Dunedin to Aoraki/Mount Cook

    Dunedin to Aoraki/Mount Cook
    Meals
    Dinner (Buffet dinner at Hermitage Hotel's Alpine Restaurant with seasonal local ingredients)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hermitage Hotel)

    Included Activities

    • Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
    • Buffet dinner at Hermitage Hotel's Alpine Restaurant with seasonal local ingredients

    Optional Activities

    • MAC boat ride to view icebergs on Tasman Glacier terminal lake (additional expense, must be pre-booked)
    Landmarks
    Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
    Aoraki/Mount Cook
    Tasman Glacier
  12. Day 12

    Aoraki/Mount Cook to Christchurch

    Aoraki/Mount Cook to Christchurch
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Rydges Latimer Christchurch)

    Included Activities

    • Stop to view Church of the Good Shepherd in Tekapo
    Landmarks
    Church of the Good Shepherd
    Tekapo
  13. Day 13

    Christchurch to Wellington

    Christchurch to Wellington
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Wellington)

    Included Activities

    • Coastal Pacific Train - Christchurch to Picton through Marlborough Sounds
    • Interislander Ferry - Picton to Wellington across Cook Strait
    Landmarks
    Christchurch Station
    Marlborough Sounds
    Picton
    Cook Strait
    Wellington Harbour
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  14. Day 14

    Wellington

    Wellington
    Meals
    Dinner (Dinner with fellow guests)

    Optional Activities

    • Wēta Workshop - behind-the-scenes look at props, weapons, costumes and vehicles from Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Narnia
    • Introducing Te Papa Tour - New Zealand history, culture, unique wildlife and Māori traditions
    • Seal Coast Safari - 4WD Mercedes through working farm with panoramic Cook Strait views and snacks with fur seal viewing
    • Garage Project's Wild Workshop Beer Tasting - fermentation space tour, brewing education and beer sampling
    Landmarks
    Wēta Workshop
    Te Papa
    Kaikoura Ranges
    Garage Project
  15. Day 15

    Wellington to Rotorua

    Wellington to Rotorua
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Millennium Rotorua)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Lake Taupō
    • Visit Huka Falls
    Landmarks
    Lake Taupō
    Huka Falls
    Itinerary Image 1
  16. Day 16

    Rotorua

    Rotorua
    Meals
    Dinner (Seasonal three-course dinner at Te Pā Tū Māori Village with seasonal canapés and chef selected aperitifs)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Millennium Rotorua)

    Included Activities

    • Te Pā Tū Māori Village - Haka welcome, cultural performances, storytelling, and three-course dinner with seasonal canapés and chef selected aperitifs

    Optional Activities

    • Rotorua Icons - Agrodome Farm Show, National Kiwi Hatchery, and Te Puia Thermal Reserve
    • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - visit filming locations from The Lord of the Rings trilogy
    • Eco-Thermal Tour - drive through forest and farmland to visit New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and Waiotapu hot springs
    • Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa - 7-step multisensory geothermal experience combining Māori culture and traditional healing practices
    Landmarks
    Te Puia Thermal Reserve
    Agrodome
    National Kiwi Hatchery
    Hobbiton Movie Set
    Waiotapu
    Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa
    Te Pā Tū Māori Village
  17. Day 17

    Rotorua to Auckland

    Rotorua to Auckland
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Cordis)

    Included Activities

    • Glenbrook Vintage Railway - historic steam train journey through North Island landscapes
    Landmarks
    Glenbrook Vintage Railway
    Itinerary Image 1
  18. Day 18

    Auckland

    Auckland
    Meals
    Dinner (Farewell dinner at Eight Restaurant - interactive dining experience with eight international kitchens hosted by expert chefs)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Cordis)

    Included Activities

    • Farewell dinner at Eight Restaurant - interactive dining with eight international kitchens hosted by expert chefs

    Optional Activities

    • Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise - under Harbour Bridge with volcanic peaks and city skyline views
    • All Blacks Experience - rugby history and culture guided encounter
    • Wēta Workshop Unleashed - Academy Award-winning team demonstrating blockbuster film creation
    • Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo - six habitats with native flora, fauna and kiwi viewing
    • Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure - half-day tour to black sand beaches and rainforest
    Landmarks
    Auckland Harbour Bridge
    Wēta Workshop
    Auckland Zoo
    Eight Restaurant
  19. Day 19

    Auckland

    Auckland
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Landmarks
    Auckland Airport

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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

APT

Rating
4.2 (27 reviews)
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
67%
Cancellation policy

Reviews from other tours by APT

  • John4.0February 2023
    The tour started on a wrong note because we were not met at the airport in Auckland. After some time and effort...
    Show more
  • David5.0March 2020
    Our tour director, Daniel, did a really good job and made our 6 days very enjoyable. The bus driver was also very...
    Show more
  • Anonymous4.0January 2012
    We went on the Southern Sensation premier plus tour. It was absolutely amazing!! We live in the North Island and i...
    Show more

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 234825

  • Currency
    $
    New Zealand Dollar
    New Zealand
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.

    Type I
    New Zealand
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before November 14th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after November 14th, 2026, a minimum payment of $750 is required to confirm your booking with APT. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 120 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • The following cards are accepted for "APT" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec