New Zealand Up Close Tour (Northbound)

Kia ora and welcome to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the mighty Remarkables, Queenstown offers a stunning introduction to the South Island.

You'll meet your tour director and fellow travellers in the mid-afternoon before heading across the lake aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. At Walter Peak Station, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner and soak in the serene lakeside views, a memorable way to begin your 17-day journey through Aotearoa.

Today, venture into Fiordland National Park for a full-day tour to the world-renowned Milford Sound. Travel along one of the most scenic drives in the country, stopping at mirror lakes, alpine meadows and dramatic viewpoints.

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the sound, surrounded by towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and, if you're lucky, pods of dolphins. After a picnic lunch on board, return to Queenstown by coach or optional scenic flight (weather permitting).

Depart Queenstown this morning and travel north along the wild West Coast. Enjoy a photo stop in Wānaka, then journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Haast Pass, where waterfalls tumble through ancient beech forests.

En route, experience the spectacular Haast River Safari, a jet boat adventure through a stunning UNESCO World Heritage wilderness.

Arrive in the glacier region of Franz Josef, a charming village nestled near the base of its mighty namesake glacier. This evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, surrounded by native rainforest.

Begin your day with a visit to the Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint, or choose an optional scenic helicopter flight (weather dependent) for a truly unforgettable perspective of the glacier and surrounding peaks.

Next, enjoy an exclusive VIP backstage tour at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, where you'll learn about the conservation of New Zealand's rarest kiwi – the rowi – and see this endangered species up close.

In the afternoon, travel north to the artistic town of Hokitika, famous for its greenstone (pounamu). The evening is yours to explore, with the option to visit the enchanting Hokitika Glowworm Dell after dark – a magical end to the day.

Start your day with a scenic journey north to Hokitika, where you'll enjoy a Greenstone carving demonstration and guided walk through the stunning Hokitika Gorge, known for its vibrant turquoise waters.

Then, board the TranzAlpine Scenic Plus train in Greymouth. Enjoy a premium rail experience with locally inspired cuisine and full onboard service as you cross the Southern Alps via dramatic viaducts and Arthur's Pass, arriving in Christchurch by evening.

Spend the day discovering Christchurch, a city of remarkable transformation. Your guided city tour will highlight the Botanic Gardens, Transitional Cardboard Cathedral and the creative urban rebuild projects.

Your Hop-On Hop-Off Tram ticket allows you to explore the city at your own pace. This evening, gather with your group for a special dinner at Earl, a celebrated local restaurant known for its seasonal cuisine and warm hospitality.

Travel north along the spectacular coastline aboard the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train. Relax with premium seating and gourmet cuisine as you journey past vineyards, surf beaches, and dramatic headlands.

Arriving in Kaikōura, choose to explore the seaside village or join an included Dolphin Encounter – with the option to upgrade to swim with these playful marine mammals. This evening, enjoy a relaxed night by the ocean and perhaps a seafood dinner featuring local crayfish.

Depart Kaikōura and continue your journey north into the Marlborough region, New Zealand's largest and most famous wine-producing area.

Enjoy a three-course lunch at a boutique winery, paired with their award-winning wines. Visit two more cellar doors and the Makana Chocolate Boutique before arriving at your hotel in Blenheim.

Start your day with a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to an extraordinary collection of WWI and WWII aircraft brought to life with creative dioramas curated by Sir Peter Jackson. Gain a unique insight into New Zealand's wartime aviation history.

After your museum visit, you'll journey by scenic water taxi into the tranquil beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. Take in the breathtaking views as you cruise to your resort-style accommodation, tucked away in this peaceful paradise.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure; kayak, hike the nearby trails, or simply relax and take in the stillness of the sea.

This evening, gather for a delicious dinner at your Marlborough Sounds accommodation.

After a relaxing morning, board a water taxi back to Picton, where a special visit awaits – the Pāua Pearl Farm. Learn how these unique iridescent pearls are cultivated and enjoy a chance to sample fresh pāua with a morning tea overlooking the Marlborough Sounds.

Later in the afternoon, board the Interislander Ferry for your scenic cruise across the Cook Strait. Enjoy premium lounge access, with complimentary afternoon tea and beverages as you sail into Wellington Harbour. Your ferry docks around 5:15pm, delivering you into the heart of New Zealand's capital.

Spend the day uncovering the heart of Wellington, New Zealand's capital of creativity, culture and coffee. Begin with a 2-hour guided city tour, taking in the iconic Beehive, Parliament Buildings, Mt Victoria lookout and more as your guide shares stories of the city's history and modern-day vibrancy.

This evening, enjoy a hosted group dinner at a local Wellington restaurant, sampling some of the capital's best cuisine alongside your fellow travellers.

Board the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus carriage this morning and enjoy a premium rail experience as you depart Wellington. Relax with locally inspired food and drink as you glide through river gorges and lush farmland, bound for the volcanic heart of the North Island.

By early afternoon, you'll arrive in either Tongariro National Park or Rotorua, depending on your chosen itinerary. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening.

If staying in Tongariro National Park:

Start your day with a scenic drive to Tūroa ski field on Mt Ruapehu. Here, panoramic views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed volcanic landscape await. Capture your own slice of Middle Earth before descending into Ohakune for an evening of relaxation or exploration.

If staying in Rotorua:

Experience the magical Redwoods Treewalk – a series of suspension bridges through towering Californian redwoods. In the evening, be transported to another world with the Summer Harvest Experience at Te Pā Tū, an unforgettable fusion of Māori culture, seasonal cuisine, and storytelling under the stars.

If travelling via Ohakune:

Rejoin the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus for a day of rail travel through the heart of the North Island, passing the volcanic plateau and the iconic Raurimu Spiral. Disembark in Hamilton for an evening at leisure. Please Note: No dinner is included this evening.

If travelling via Rotorua:

Travel by coach through the rolling hills of the Waikato region and arrive in Hamilton. Later, journey west to the charming surf town of Raglan for a relaxing sunset dinner cruise, complete with classic Kiwi fish and chips as you take in the coastal views.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari on a bespoke two-hour tour through its ancient forests. Discover the indigenous flora and fauna, their traditional uses, and gain fascinating insights into Māori herbal medicinal practices, the unique Rongoā Rākau. This unforgettable journey will take you deep into the heart of New Zealand's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Your expedition continues after a lunch stop in New Zealand's “Kiwiana Capital”, Otorohanga. Make sure you capture a photo of the giant Kiwi birds! Next, discover the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and be dazzled by the seemingly star-filled sky as you glide by boat through this impressive cave formation.

Tonight, explore Hamilton's riverside walks and shops on this free evening. Enjoy one of the many nearby restaurants as the sun sets over the Waikato River.

Begin your day with a visit to the elegant Zealong Tea Estate, New Zealand's only commercial tea plantation. Enjoy a guided tour and traditional tea tasting, followed by a Signature high tea lunch surrounded by serene views of the estate.

Then its all aboard on the Northern Explorer as you head into New Zealand's largest city, Auckland. Glide past farmland and alongside the sparkling Waikato River, before arriving in the heart of the City of Sails.

This afternoon is yours to explore – head up the Sky Tower for sweeping views, visit the Auckland Art Gallery, or relax in one of the many waterfront eateries. This evening, join your fellow travellers and tour director for a celebratory farewell dinner.

After breakfast, your tour concludes. Whether you're flying home or continuing your travels, take with you a camera full of photos, new friendships, and memories to last a lifetime.