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Classic Northern Highlights Tour

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New Release Fully Guided Coach Group Rail Short Break Scenic
Our Price From 2,969 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 30 Per Person
 Trip Length
6 Days
 Trip Starts
Auckland
 Trip Finishes
Wellington
6 Day Classic Northern Highlights Tour Itinerary (Great Journeys New Zealand)
Countries Explored: New Zealand
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Classic
Departures
Accommodation
3.5 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
35
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CAW6

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Great Journeys New Zealand's 6 Day Classic Northern Highlights Tour. Join us on this guided scenic tour through the North Island passing mountain peaks, icy rivers and engineering marvels. This is the perfect option for those who enjoy free time to create their own adventure while having the structure of a guided expert. Meet like-minded travellers and share this journey of a lifetime on a truly magnificent expedition between New Zealand's largest cities.

Itinerary

Kia Ora! Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand's City of Sails! Auckland is known for its multi-cultural hub of food, music, arts, and culture.

Your great journey will officially begin the moment you check into your hotel room. After 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 shop along bustling Queen Street. You may even fancy a drink in one of the charming bars or eateries of Vulcan Lane.

After an exciting day on the town, join your fellow travellers as well as the Tour Director at this evening's welcome reception. Stay: Travelodge Hotel Wyndyard Quarter (or similar), Auckland

Today you will marvel at rural New Zealand's lush landscapes from the comfort of your seat onboard 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, enjoy the audio commentary as you cross historic viaducts and traverse up the Raurimu Spiral. This experience is one like no other.

For the next two nights, you will stay in Ohakune. This charming town is the adventure base for the Tongariro National Park - home to three volcanic mountains. Tongariro National Park is also recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Join your fellow travellers for dinner. Stay: Powderhorn Chateau (or similar), Ohakune (B/D)

Today is free for you to discover one of Ohakune's exciting excursions. Choose from the many optional activities on offer and personalise your perfect holiday. Perhaps you will hop aboard a historical rail cart journey or join a horse trekking experience that takes you along expansive hills, mountains, rivers and into the native bush. 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: Powderhorn Chateau (or similar), Ohakune (B)

After breakfast, we begin our day by travelling to the Tūroa ski field. 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 Ohakune 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 view on the train.

As you glide through rich green farmland and past a dramatic coastline, why not indulge in a treat from our onboard licensed café? All too soon the train will arrive into Wellington leaving the picturesque Porirua Harbour behind. You have arrived at Wellington Railway Station.

Welcome to New Zealand's windy capital! You won't want to waste a moment of time after checking into the hotel - your evening is free to explore this award-winning culinary capital from Queen's Wharf, Cuba Street and beyond. Stay: Rydges Wellington (or similar), 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 our Wellington City introduction tour and then heading off to explore Cuba street's cafes, bookstores and eccentric shops. Get cultured at the Te Papa Museum or Zealandia to uncover the rich stories of Aotearoa New Zealand. You won't get bored with the plethora of activities on offer.

From urban eco-sanctuary, cable cars, botanical gardens and more, the list goes on! If you need any suggestions or recommendations, just reach out to your experienced Tour Director. Stay: Rydges Wellington (or similar), Wellington (B/D)

Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travellers. (B)

Trip Inclusions

The journey is part of the destination on our tours, and our Scenic trains are the ultimate way to see New Zealand. On our Classic Northern Highlights Tour, your journey will begin aboard the Northern Explorer, leaving the towering Auckland skyline behind you and setting out across the mighty Waikato plains.

From Hamilton, your journey spirals up onto the volcanic plateau around the historic Raurimu Spiral. At the top, you will cruise beneath three mighty volcanic peaks before slowly descending across several soaring viaducts. Your final journey brings you along the sparkling Kapiti Coast on your way into our glittering capital city, Wellington.

  • 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 Kapiti Coast
  • Discover the sandstone cliffs of the Rangatikei River Gorge
  • Be captivated by the storytelling of your Tour Director throughout your great journey

  • Experienced Tour Director
  • Wellington City Tour
  • The Northern Explorer Scenic Train
  • Free time and optional excursions to personalise your holiday

Not Included:

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

Availability

Exclusive Savings
Friday 05 Apr 2024
Wednesday 10 Apr 2024
Status
From: $2,999 $2,969
Save $30 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 19 Apr 2024
Wednesday 24 Apr 2024
Status
From: $2,999 $2,969
Save $30 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 05 Apr 2024
Wednesday 10 Apr 2024
Status
From: $3,848 $3,810
Save $38 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 19 Apr 2024
Wednesday 24 Apr 2024
Status
From: $3,848 $3,810
Save $38 Enquire
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 enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. 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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time 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 Great Journeys New Zealand. These 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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