New Zealand By Train | Signature - New Zealand Up Close
17 Days, North & South Islands
Visit: Auckland, Hamilton, Tongariro National Park, Wellington,
Picton, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown,
Milford Sound
From $9,150 per person
+ $150pp booking fee
$2,400 single supplement
As featured in the New York Times
52
places to go
Description
Road-tripping across New Zealand is a free-spirited traveler's dream. But a simpler and more sustainable way to go is by train.
A 17-day, three-train tour starts in Auckland and explores transcendent sites like the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park. Ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island and board another train to ride along the jagged coast, stopping to whale- and dolphin-watch before ending in Christchurch. The last leg climbs over the Southern Alps, with views to white-capped peaks, rushing rivers and alpine lakes.
Highlights
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Encounter the volcanic peaks of Middle Earth in Tongariro National Park
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Experience the bioluminescent glowworm caves of Waitomo
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Cruise through magnificent views while crossing the Cook Strait
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Sip world-class wine amongst the vines in Marlborough
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Discover Haast Pass on a unique Kiwi-style Road Trip adventure
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Uncover the home of the sacred pounamu, mesmerizing blue lakes, and ancient forests on the West Coast
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Be captivated by the storytelling of your Tour Director along this great journey
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Escape on nautical adventures along Milford Sound, Queen Charlotte Sound and Lake Wakatipu
Inclusions
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Experienced Tour Director
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Hamilton Gardens Guided Tour and Picnic
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Raglan Dinner Cruise
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Sanctuary Mountain Wildlife Experience
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Glowworm Caves Tour
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Wellington Tour
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Marlborough Wine Tour Experience
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Wildlife Experience in Kaikōura
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West Coast Tree Top Walk
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Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
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Haast River Safari
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Milford Sound Day Tour and Cruise
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TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise and Dinner Excursion
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Three World-Class Scenic Train Journeys
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Cook Strait Ferry Crossing
*Please note: Tour inclusions may vary depending on the season of departure.
17 Day Itinerary
Expand All Details
Day 1: Auckland
Day 2: Auckland - Hamilton | Northern Explorer Scenic Train
Day 3: Hamilton
Day 4: Hamilton - Tongariro National Park
Day 5: Tongariro National Park
Day 6: Tongariro National Park - Wellington
Day 7: Wellington
Day 8: Wellington - Picton by ferry
Day 9: Picton - Kaikoura
Day 10: Kaikoura
Day 11: Christchurch
Day 12: Christchurch - Hokitika | Tranz Alpine Train
Day 13: West Coast
Day 14: Franz Josef - Queenstown
Day 15: Queenstown | Explore Milford Sound
Day 16: Queenstown
Day 17: Queenstown
Signature | New Zealand Up Close Tour (via Ohakune)
Transportation
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Northern Explorer Scenic Train
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Interislander Ferry journey across the Cook Strait
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Coastal Pacific Scenic Train
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TranzAlpine Scenic Train
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Private Coaches to reach regional gems
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Private shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
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Porterage
Meals
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16 Breakfasts
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2 Lunches
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7 Dinners
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5 Meals on the train
Accommodation
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4 to 4.5 Star Hotel (16 nights)
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Twin Share
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Single Upgrade Available
Minimum Age:
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16 years and over
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Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Group Size
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Maximum of 20 people.
What you'll get along the way
2025/2026
Departure Dates
Depart Auckland | Ends Queenstown | Availability |
|---|---|---|
03 Sept 2025 | 19 Sept 2025 | Book Now |
*21 Sept 2025 | 07 Oct 2025 | Book Now |
24 Sept 2025 | 10 Oct 2025 | Book Now |
08 Oct 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | Book Now |
15 Oct 2025 | 31 Oct 2025 | Book Now |
26 Nov 2025 | 12 Dec 2025 | Book Now |
10 Dec 2025 | 26 Dec 2025 | Book Now |
14 Jan 2026 | 30 Jan 2026 | Book Now |
21 Jan 2026 | 06 Dec 2026 | Book Now |
04 Feb 2026 | 20 Feb 2026 | Book Now |
18 Feb 2026 | 06 Mar 2026 | Book Now |
25 Feb 2026 | 13 Mar 2026 | Book Now |
18 Mar 2026 | 03 Apr 2026 | Book Now |
01 Apr 2026 | 16 Apr 2026 | Book Now |
08 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | Book Now |
15 Apr 2026 | 01 May 2026 | Book Now |
* denotes trip starts in Queenstown and ends in Auckland
Solo Traveler Options
Guaranteed Share: If you are a solo traveler, you can choose the guaranteed Share option, and we will match you with another solo traveler of the same gender in a twin-bedded room. If we can't match you with another solo traveler, we will cover the Single Supplement cost.
Single Supplement: If you are a Solo Traveler and would like a room to yourself, you can select to pay the Single Supplement when confirming your booking.
Itinerary is strictly subject to availability at time of booking and subject.
Please review our booking conditions. All pricing in USD.