New Zealand Rail Adventure

ITINERARY

Day 1 – London to Singapore

Overnight flight to Singapore, arriving the following day.

Day 2 – Arrive Singapore

Evening arrival and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3 – Singapore to Christchurch

Enjoy getting to know Singapore on a leisurely half-day sightseeing tour of this vibrant city. A local guide will take us to the popular sightseeing landmarks and there will be some free time to explore independently and have lunch. Late afternoon, we transfer to the airport for a direct evening flight to Christchurch.

Day 4 – Arrive Christchurch

Morning arrival into Christchurch for a sightseeing tour by private bus which will include a break for lunch at the Bridge of Remembrance. Later on, we check in to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5 – Steam Tram & Weka Pass Charters

Today begins with two steam powered journeys at Ferrymead Heritage Park, one by loco and one by our specially chartered Kitson Steam tram! This afternoon, we transfer to the Weka Pass Railway where we charter a train over this scenic line through the unique limestone beauty of the Weka Pass.

Day 6 – Christchurch at Leisure

A day at leisure to enjoy this charming city. Why not take the Christchurch Gondola up into the Port Hills for stunning views across the city, to the Southern Alps in the north and west, and down into Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula in the south and east.

Day 7 – TranzAlpine Train

The TranzAlpine is considered to be one of the world's most scenic railway journeys. Sit back and relax whilst taking in the South Island's stunning mountains and the vast Canterbury Plains aboard New Zealand's finest inland rail journey to Greymouth. We continue by road to Shantytown Heritage Park with a steam train journey included. Overnight at Fox Glacier.

Day 8 – Fox Glacier to Queenstown

Enjoy a morning at leisure – walk through the surrounding woodlands to the Fox River or book a morning tour to see the Fox Glacier. This afternoon, we drive to Queenstown for a 2-night stay.

Day 9 – TSS Earnslaw Cruise

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic century-old coal fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Watch the stokers feed the coal fires, explore the historic vessel, and soak up the mountain views. A gourmet barbecue lunch is included at Walter Peak.

Day 10 - The Kingston Flyer

Board our private coach for travel to Te Anau for a 2-night stay. En route we hope to stop off for a return journey on the newly re-opened Kingston Flyer - take a step back in time on this historical vintage steam train.

Day 11 - Milford Sound Cruise

We take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound, in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Gliding past granite walls and glacier-fed waterfalls, learn about the diverse wildlife and geological formations found here. A picnic lunch is included today.

Day 12 - Te Anau to Dunedin

Travel by road to Dunedin where we stay for 2 nights. On the way, we visit Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre which features 1920s and 30s aircraft and a café.

Day 13 - Otago Peninsula Sightseeing

As the future of the Taieri Gorge Railway is sadly still uncertain, we are likely to opt for a day trip to the Otago Peninsula today. Enjoy a wildlife cruise during which we hope to spot sea lions and the world's only mainland colony of royal albatross. A visit to Penguin Place - a conservation reserve dedicated to helping the endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin survive - is also included.

Day 14 - Moeraki Boulders & Pleasant Point

Drive north up the coast from Dunedin this morning, a stop will be made to view the Moeraki Boulders. These mysteriously spherical stones are scattered across the beach and are quite a sight to behold. A lunchtime arrival at Pleasant Point Railway & Museum sees us enjoy a light lunch (included) and a steam train ride before continuing our journey to Christchurch for a 1-night stay.

Day 15 - Coastal Pacific Train

We take the Coastal Pacific train as far as Kaikoura today. This journey meanders down the Pacific coast, along rugged coastlines, across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and overnight stay in this picturesque coastal town.

Day 16 - Onwards to Picton

Continue down the coast on the Coastal Pacific to Picton, the end of the line. We transfer by road to Blenheim for a 2-night stay.

Day 17 - Marlborough Flyer

We hope to journey between Blenheim and Seddon on the world famous Marlborough Flyer steam train today (dependant on their schedules which are yet to be confirmed). Alternatively, we will have a day at leisure to explore Blenheim and/or Picton.

Day 18 - Interislander Ferry

A spectacular day travelling from South to North Island using the Interislander Ferry, arriving in Wellington for a 2-night stay. Optional visit to Steam Inc's depot at Paekakariki.

Day 19 - At Leisure in Wellington

Full day at leisure. Take a ride on the historic Cable Car all the way to the top to check out the panoramic views of the city and harbour, or take a local train to Masterton.

Day 20 - Northern Explorer Train

Board the Northern Explorer train and head for Hamilton for an overnight stay. We will journey through the Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's oldest national park that holds dual UNESCO World Heritage status for culture and nature.

Day 21 - Glow Worms & 'RailCruising'

Two very unique experiences to enjoy today. The glow worm, Arachnocampa Luminosa, is unique to New Zealand and thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakeable luminescent light in the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. In the afternoon, we 'RailCruise' along the Rotorua Railway line in self-powered rail cars.

Day 22 - Famous Geysers & Auckland

Morning guided tour around the Te Puia thermal area, see the famous geysers and mud pools before continuing by road to New Zealand's largest city for a 3-night stay.

Day 23 - Auckland at Leisure

A free day to explore this city, beautifully situated between two harbours. You can marvel at 360 degree views from the iconic Sky Tower or wander up the city's tallest natural point Mt. Eden, a dormant volcano, that also delivers great views.

Day 24 - Glenbrook Vintage Railway

Enjoy a return journey by steam (subject to operating schedules) on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. The trip includes a stop off at the Pukeoware Workshops to view their current restoration projects.

Day 25 - Fly to San Francisco

Fly direct from Auckland to San Francisco for a 1-night stay.

Days 26 & 27 - San Francisco to London

Day at leisure before transferring to the airport for our overnight flight home.