Northern Highlights Tour

6 Days Auckland to Wellington
Northern Highlights Tour
Northern Highlights Tour
Northern Highlights Tour
Coach Group Rail Short Break Scenic Northern Explorer

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Great Journeys New Zealand's 6 Day Northern Highlights Tour. Discover the best of the North Island with Great Journeys New Zealand on the Classic Northern highlights tour. This fully guided rail journey connects two of New Zealand’s most iconic cities while showcasing cultural, natural and scenic highlights, all with seamless, stress-free travel. Guided by an experienced tour director, you’ll uncover hidden stories, sweeping landscapes and the kind of experiences that stay with you long after you return home
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Our Price From
US$2,078 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $231 per person
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Trip Length
Trip Length

6 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Auckland

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Wellington

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
Great Journeys
Trip Style
Trip Style

Classic

Accommodation
Accommodation

3.5 - 4 Star

Budget
Budget

Affordable

Age Range
Age Range

16-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

35

Guide Style
Guide Style

Fully Guided, Locally Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

CAW

Itinerary

Kia ora! 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 this evening, as you join your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome reception. Stay: 3 - 4 Star Accommodation, Auckland (D)

Today, you will marvel at rural New Zealand's lush landscapes from the comfort of your seat aboard the Northern Explorer scenic train. 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. Stay: 3 - 4 Star Accommodation, Tongariro National Park (B/D)

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! Stay: 3 - 4 Star Accommodation, Tongariro National Park (B)

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. Stay: 3 - 4 Star Accommodation, Wellington (B)

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 a farewell dinner tonight with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Stay: 3 - 4 Star Accommodation, Wellington (B/D)

Your journey will end after enjoying breakfast at your hotel.

Not ready to leave Wellington? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Experience the Volcanic Plateau by world-renowned Northern Explorer train journey
  • Encounter the volcanic peaks of Middle Earth in Tongariro National Park
  • Witness the engineering marvels of Raurimu Spiral
  • Marvel at the mesmerising coastal views of the Kāpiti Coast
  • Discover the sandstone cliffs of the Rangatikei River Gorge
  • Be captivated by the storytelling of your tour director throughout your great journey

Activities
  • Experienced tour director
  • Te Papa Museum introduction tour
  • The Northern Explorer scenic train
  • Free time and optional excursions to personalise your holiday
Transport
  • Northern Explorer scenic train
  • Private coaches to reach regional gems
  • Private shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
  • Porterage at selected locations
  • Fully guided
Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts
  • 3 Dinners
  • 2 Train meals on the Northern Explorer
Accommodation
  • 3–4 star hotel (5 nights)
  • Twin share
  • Single upgrade available
Minimum age
  • 16 years and over
  • Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Group size
  • Maximum of 35 people

Not Included:

  • Arrival transfer
  • Optional activities (unless specified)
  • Meals (unless specified)
  • Airfares
  • Personal spending money
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Operator

Great Journeys New Zealand
 (0)
Total No. of Rail Journeys11
Let us take you there. Travel through New Zealand's picturesque landscapes on one of our unique rail tours, visiting world-famous destinations and idyllic locations on a voyage of discovery. Hosted aboard our award-winning scenic trains, you'll weave through New Zealand's dramatic landscapes in spectacular style.

With more picture-postcard views flowing seamlessly through your panoramic window, the journey will astound you. As your Tour Director leads you beyond the well-beaten paths and highways, you'll become immersed in authentic New Zealand culture. Our unique rail tours take you beyond boundaries on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that you'll treasure forever.
Trip Style: Classic
Trip Style: Classic

Great Journey's Classic Tours provide an exciting balance of organised travel with more spare time and greater flexibility to enjoy your chosen activities.

Tours include a Tour Director, 3-4 star accommodation, breakfasts, select meals, train journeys, and transfers.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Friday 11 Sep 2026 11 Sep 26 Auckland
Wednesday 16 Sep 2026 16 Sep 26 Wellington
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive 10% Pay In Full Discount
Was: $2,309
US$2,078
Save $231
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 25 Sep 2026 25 Sep 26 Auckland
Wednesday 30 Sep 2026 30 Sep 26 Wellington
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive 10% Pay In Full Discount
Was: $2,309
US$2,078
Save $231
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Great Journeys New Zealand. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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