Itinerary
- Day 1
Wellington
You'll arrive in Wellington and settle into your hotel, then you've got the afternoon and evening to check out the city. Te Papa Museum is worth your time if you're interested in New Zealand's culture and history, or you could wander through Cuba Street where you'll find quirky shops and local character. The cable car offers nice views over the city and harbor. Later this evening, everyone meets up for a welcome reception to connect with other travelers and your tour director.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Welcome Reception
Optional Activities
- Visit Te Papa Museum
- Explore Cuba Street shops
- Cable car ride
Landmarks Te Papa Museum Cuba Street Wellington Cable Car - Day 2
Wellington to Ohakune
Early boarding of the Northern Explorer train takes you north along the Kāpiti Coast, and the ride itself is part of the experience with dramatic river valleys and gorges visible from your seat. At National Park, you'll head up Mt Ruapehu on a mini excursion to see the volcanic landscape and get photos of the surrounding terrain. After reaching Ohakune for a brief town walk, you've got the evening free before dinner. The train ride covers significant ground, so expect to spend a good portion of the day on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Meal on the train), Dinner
Included Activities
- Northern Explorer Scenic Train journey
- Mt Ruapehu volcanic geology experience and guided excursion
- Ohakune town tour
Landmarks Tongariro National Park Mt Ruapehu Kāpiti Coast - Day 3
Ohakune
This day is yours to spend how you'd like in Tongariro National Park. A historical rail cart journey lets you travel through the landscape on restored tracks, or you could try horse trekking through the hills and native forests if you prefer a slower pace. E-bikes are another option, giving you the freedom to cycle the Old Coach Road with its old viaducts and tunnels at your own speed. You can mix and match these activities or just pick one depending on your energy level and interests.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Historical rail cart journey
- Horse trekking experience
- E-bike rental and Old Coach Road cycle trail
Landmarks Tongariro National Park Old Coach Road - Day 4
Ohakune to Hamilton
After breakfast, there's a mini-excursion up to Tūroa ski field for more photos of the surrounding mountains and volcanic terrain. Then you'll board the Northern Explorer train again, traveling north over mountain streams as you head toward Hamilton. The evening is free to wander Hamilton's riverside paths and shops along the Waikato River. Plenty of restaurants along the riverfront mean you can choose where to eat based on what sounds good to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Meal on the train)
Included Activities
- Tūroa ski field mini-excursion
- Northern Explorer Scenic Train journey
Optional Activities
- Riverside walks in Hamilton
- Restaurant dining in Hamilton
Landmarks Tūroa Ski Field Waikato River 
- Day 5
Hamilton to Raglan
You'll head to Maungatautiri Sanctuary Mountain, which protects native forests and endangered species behind one of the world's longest pest-proof fences. After lunch in Otorohanga, known locally as the Kiwiana Capital, the afternoon takes you to Waitomo Glowworm Caves where you'll boat through underground formations lit by thousands of glowworms. This evening wraps up with a special dinner aboard the Raglan Sunset Cruise featuring local cuisine and views of the coastline.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch stop in Otorohanga), Dinner (Raglan Sunset Cruise with local cuisine)
Included Activities
- Sanctuary Mountain Wildlife Experience at Maungatautiri
- Glowworm Caves guided tour and boat experience
- Raglan Sunset Cruise dinner
Landmarks Maungatautiri Sanctuary Mountain Otorohanga Waitomo Glowworm Caves Whaingaroa Harbour - Day 6
Raglan to Auckland
You'll have a relaxed morning before heading to Hamilton Gardens, where a guide shows you through different themed garden rooms and explains the history behind each one. The gardens are spacious and peaceful, and there's time for a picnic on the grass if you want to linger. Mid-afternoon, you'll board the Northern Explorer again for a scenic train journey up alongside the Waikato River and through the Whangamarino Wetland on your way to Auckland.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic on the lush lawns at Hamilton Gardens)
Included Activities
- Hamilton Gardens guided tour
- Picnic lunch at Hamilton Gardens
- Northern Explorer Scenic Train journey
Landmarks Hamilton Gardens Waikato River Whangamarino Wetland - Day 7
Auckland to Waiheke Island
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll head to the Downtown Ferry Terminal for a day on Waiheke Island. Your ferry and hourly bus passes give you flexibility to explore the island however you'd like, getting on and off as you choose. Lunch happens at Stonyridge Vineyard where you'll have a platter with local wines. Later you'll take the ferry back to Auckland in time for a farewell dinner with your guide at a restaurant in the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Sumptuous platter lunch with local wines at Stonyridge Vineyard), Dinner (Farewell dinner at an Auckland restaurant)
Included Activities
- Ferry to Waiheke Island
- Island bus transport and exploration
- Stonyridge Vineyard platter lunch with local wines
- Farewell dinner in Auckland
Landmarks Waiheke Island Stonyridge Vineyard Downtown Ferry Terminal - Day 8
Departing Auckland
Your tour concludes after a final breakfast with the group. If you're not ready to head home, the Travel Centre can help arrange an extended stay in New Zealand.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Extended stay in Auckland (pre-arrange with Travel Centre)
