The Very Best of New Zealand

ITINERARY

Days 1 – London to Singapore

Direct overnight flight to Singapore, arriving the following day.

Days 2 & 3 – Singapore’s Botanic Gardens

Overnight at a centrally located hotel before spending a relaxing morning at the Botanic Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – including a visit to the National Orchid Garden. Enjoy a guided tour of some of the city sights before transferring to the airport for our flight to New Zealand.

Day 4 – Arrive Christchurch

Morning arrival into Christchurch for a sightseeing tour by private bus. Later, we check in to our hotel for a 2-night stay and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5 – Ferrymead Heritage Park

Enjoy a second city tour of Christchurch, with free time for lunch, before transferring to Ferrymead Heritage Park. Here, we charter their Kitson Steam tram, enjoy a short steam train ride, and have time to explore the site.

Day 6 – TranzAlpine Train

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 7 – Fox Glacier to Queenstown

After an optional walk to a glacier viewpoint, we drive to Queenstown for a 2-night stay.

Day 8 – 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 9 – The Kingston Flyer

Board our private coach for travel to Te Anau for a 1-night stay. En route, subject to schedules, we plan to stop off for a return journey on the Kingston Flyer – take a step back in time on this historical vintage steam train.

Day 10 – 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. Afterwards, we transfer by road to Dunedin for a 3-night stay.

Days 11 – Dunedin & Albatrosses

Morning city sights tour, followed by an afternoon visit to the Albatross Colony.

Day 12 – Taieri Gorge Railway

A return journey on the Taieri Gorge’s ‘Inlander’ train today (subject to schedules). This return 3.5-hour trip is a fascinating scenic journey, that follows part of the historic Otago Central Railway route, constructed during Otago's Gold Rush.

Day 13 – Dunedin to Christchurch

Drive north up the coast this morning, back to Christchurch for a 1-night stay. Stops will be made at Oamaru Harbour Railway for a charter train to the coast, and Pleasant Point Railway & Museum for a steam train ride and lunch.

Day 14 – Coastal Pacific & Ferry

Take the Coastal Pacific train to Picton this morning, followed by an afternoon ferry to Wellington for a 2-night stay.

Day 15 – Wellington at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure or join an optional visit to Steam Inc’s depot for a tour.

Day 16 – 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 17 – Glow Worms & RailCruising

Two unique experiences to enjoy today. Visit Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, followed by a RailCruise along the Rotorua Railway line in self-powered rail cars. 1-night stay in Rotorua.

Day 18 – Famous Geysers & Huntly

Guided tour around the Te Puia thermal area, before calling at the Bush Tramway Club where we charter a train in this unique location. Continue by road to Auckland for a 2-night stay.

Day 19 – MOTAT

Morning visit to MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology), which is located on the outskirts of the city. This comprehensive transport museum also has a fleet of heritage trams which operate throughout the day (included in entry fee).

Days 20 to 22 – Bay of Islands

A wonderful 3-day excursion to the Bay of Islands, including a sea cruise by catamaran and a steam charter on the Bay of Islands Railway.

Day 23 – Glenbrook Vintage Railway

Enjoy a return journey by steam (subject to operating schedules) on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Later, transfer to the airport for a direct flight to Singapore for a 1-night stay at an airport hotel.

Day 24 – Singapore to London

Direct flight back to London Heathrow.