Home Coach Tours New! 10 Day Classic Cities & Coastal Highlights Explore New Zealand’s bustling cities and quaint towns in Auckland, Ohakune, Wellington, and Christchurch. Immerse yourself in history, culture, and geology as you travel off the beaten track from coast to coast. Operated by Great Journeys NZ Classic Rail Tours Overview price from 5,186 AUD per person (twin share) duration 10 days and 9 nights you will visit Auckland, Ohakune, Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch Both Islands Saved to favourites View tour dates Enquire about this tour Itinerary Explore New Zealand’s bustling cities and quaint towns in Auckland, Ohakune, Wellington, and Christchurch. Immerse yourself in history, culture, and geology as you travel off the beaten track from coast to coast. Day 1 - Arrive Auckland Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails! Auckland is known for its multicultural hub of food, music, arts, and culture. After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Auckland has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the Sky Tower or go shopping along bustling Queen Street. You may even fancy a drink in one of the charming bars or eateries of Vulcan Lane. Your tour officially begins as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome reception. Day 2 - Auckland to Ohakune Today you will marvel at rural New Zealand’s lush landscapes from the comfort of your seat on board the Northern Explorer scenic train journey. From the green pastures of the Waikato to the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, you won’t want to miss a moment. If you are interested in culture and history, be sure to listen to the audio commentary as you cross historic viaducts and traverse up the Raurimu Spiral, an engineering marvel. This experience is one like no other. At the base of this geological wonder is Ohakune, ‘the carrot capital of New Zealand’, where you’ll stay the next two nights to experience your chosen adventure. Day 3 - Tongariro National Park Today is free for you to discover one of the region’s many exciting excursions. Choose from the optional activities on offer and personalise your perfect holiday. Perhaps you will enjoy a hot tub soak, or a meander along the lazy river. If you’re after an active day, why not explore Ohakune’s historical cycle trail? Rent e-bikes and discover old viaducts, tunnels, old settlers’ camps and reclaimed native forests along the Old Coach Road! Day 4 - Ohakune to Wellington After breakfast, we begin our day by travelling from National Park to Mt Ruapehu. You won’t want to leave this mini excursion to Middle Earth without a panoramic photo in hand! Joining the Northern Explorer train once again, you will wave goodbye to this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you settle into your uber-comfortable seat. Don’t get too comfortable though; dramatic rivers, gorges and ravines are just around the bend! Stretch your legs and explore the open-air carriage to acquire the best views from the train. As you glide through rich green farmland and past a dramatic coastline, indulge in afternoon tea while drinking in the views. All too soon, the train will arrive into Wellington, leaving the picturesque Porirua Harbour behind you. Arriving at Wellington Railway Station, you are just a stone’s throw from downtown, the Beehive, and Parliament Buildings. Welcome to New Zealand’s Capital City! You won’t want to waste a moment of time after checking into the hotel – your evening is free to explore this award-winning cultural and culinary capital from Queen’s Wharf to Cuba Street and beyond. Day 5 - Wellington The perfect day does exist – and it includes exploring Wellington! Today is free for you to experience vibrant Wellington as you please. Start by joining an included tour at Te Papa Museum and then head off to explore Cuba Street’s cafés, bookstores, and eccentric shops. Surround yourself by native birdlife and regenerating forest at Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary. You won’t get bored with the plethora of activities on offer. From coffee, culture, historic buildings to botanic gardens and much more…the list goes on! If you need any suggestions or recommendations, just reach out to your helpful Tour Director or our Travel Centre to pre-book an experience. Enjoy dinner tonight with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Day 6 - Wellington to Marlborough This morning you will say poroporoaki ki te motu raki (good-bye to the North Island) as you sail to the South Island, crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. As the shores of the North Island slowly disappear, enjoy a hearty seafaring breakfast on board. Around midday, you will be spoiled with captivating harbour views as you enter the Queen Charlotte Sound. Admire the beauty of this coastal paradise as you arrive at the gateway of the South Island, Picton. Step off the Interislander Ferry and join experience Marlborough. Day 7 - Marlborough to Kaikoura The morning is yours to explore. Meander through the local craft stores and coastal walks in Picton, or perhaps discover the Omaka Aviation Museum in Blenheim. Enjoy the waterfront cafés before boarding the Coastal Pacific train for another highlight rail journey through the Marlborough Wine Region. Today you will be travelling into Kaikōura. Relax and let the train glide you across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty. Keep an eye out for the fur seals lazing on the rocks! Once in Kaikōura, the evening will be yours to enjoy some iconic kai moana (seafood) at one of the quaint restaurants. Day 8 - Kaikoura to Christchurch Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will have the opportunity to go whale watching! Enjoy today’s optional thrill of an up-close encounter with the world’s largest-toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale, who live in the waters of Kaikoura year-round. Want to get an aerial experience of the wildlife? Why not request a plane ride to capture the true grandeur of it all? Whether you have decided to go whale watching or swimming with the dolphins and seals, we’re sure you will be feeling peckish. Head to the hub of the action on the main street to sample some iconic New Zealand food – you can’t go wrong with the humble Kiwiana fish and chips. Work off the deep-fried delights by wandering through the wonderful array of local artisan stores and souvenir shops. In the late afternoon, your journey will continue, once again, on the Coastal Pacific Train en route to Christchurch, or “The Garden City”. The spectacular scenery won’t cease to amaze as you journey south through the rolling hills and extensive plains. Enjoy the relaxing journey with a glass of wine in hand. Day 9 - Christchurch Christchurch, the hub for South Island exploration, is also a wonderful city that blends modern architecture and technology with the existing 19th-century Anglican ‘gothic revival’ architectural influence. Often remembered for its earthquake in 2011, the city is rebuilding itself as a multi-cultural haven. So, without further delay, jump on the historic tram to learn the history, tales and culture of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Enjoy your free time as you explore the Arts Centre, Quake City Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery, and Botanical Gardens. Ride on the city tram to uncover Christchurch’s great history, or relax as you punt on the Avon River. There is also a multitude of delicious cafés tucked into quaint side streets we’re sure you will love. If you are in the mood for something different, set off for Akaroa, an ‘incroyable’ French coastal settlement just an hour and half from the city centre. Dinner awaits as you join your fellow travellers one last time. Enjoy a wonderful evening of conversation with your new friends before departing tomorrow. Day 10 - Depart Christchurch Your journey will end after enjoying breakfast at your hotel. Expand All | Collapse All Inclusions 9 Nights of 4-4.5 star accommodations 9 Breakfasts, 3 dinners, and 3 meals on the train Experienced Tour Director Te Papa Museum Introduction Tour Christchurch City Tours Northern Explorer Train Journey Coastal Pacific Train Journey Cook Strait Ferry Crossing Free time and optional excursions Operated by Tour Style Classic Rail Tours Dates & Pricing 2024 2025 Guaranteed departure Pending confirmation Dec 13 Start Date End Date RRP Twin ShareSingle Our Price Twin ShareSingle You Save Check Availability 13 Dec 2024 22 Dec 2024 5,186 AUD 5,186 AUD Enquire Jan 17 Feb 07 Start Date End Date RRP Twin ShareSingle Our Price Twin ShareSingle You Save Check Availability 17 Jan 2025 26 Jan 2025 5,186 AUD 5,186 AUD Enquire 07 Feb 2025 16 Feb 2025 5,186 AUD 5,186 AUD Sold Out Enquire about 10 Day Classic Cities & Coastal Highlights Select your preferred dates, request an availability check and receive a personalised quote. 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15 Day Classic New Zealand Highlights Both Islands Auckland, Ohakune & more price from 8,957 AUD per person (twin share) Learn more