Overview
Itinerary
After an exciting day on the town, join your fellow travellers as well as the Tour Director at this evening's welcome reception. Stay: Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart (or similar), Auckland
Engross yourself in the garden collection as you are led by an experienced botanist. Learn about the history, context and meaning of each garden before finishing this delightful morning with a picnic on the lush lawns. Surrounded by beauty, you will learn about the history, context and meaning of each garden. In the early afternoon, enjoy some free time in the heart of Hamilton before departing for your Raglan Cruise and renowned kiwi dinner. Stay: Ventura Inn and Suites (or similar), Hamilton (B/L/D)
Tonight, you will have a free evening to explore Hamilton's riverside walks and shops. Enjoy one of the many nearby restaurants as the sun sets on the Waikato River. Stay: Ventura Inn and Suites (or similar), Hamilton (B)
Tonight, enjoy a special treat and dinner with your fellow travellers. Stay: Powderhorn Hotel (or similar), Ohakune (B/D)
Today is free for you to discover one of the region's exciting excursions. Choose from the many optional activities on offer and personalise your perfect holiday. Perhaps you will hop aboard a 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 Hotel (or similar), Ohakune (B)
Stretch your legs and explore the open-air carriage to get the best view on the train. A little later, why not indulge in a treat from our onboard licensed café? As you glide through rich green farmland and past dramatic coastline, enjoy the picturesque Porirua Harbour as you arrive at Wellington.
Welcome to Wellington – New Zealand's windy capital! You've arrived at Wellington Railway Station which is just a stone's throw from downtown, the Beehive and Parliament Buildings. You won't want to waste a moment of time after checking into the hotel - your evening is free to explore this culinary capital from 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! Enjoy dinner tonight with your fellow travelers. 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 Signature Auckland to Wellington 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.
- Explore the bioluminescent glow worm caves of Waitomo
- Visit endangered species at a wildlife sanctuary
- Discover the natural wonders of Tongariro National Park
- Experience New Zealand's city life in Auckland, Hamilton, and Wellington
- Cruise along the Tawatahi River on a dinner cruise in Raglan
- Be captivated by the storytelling of your local tour director along this great journey
- Experienced Tour Director
- Hamilton Gardens Guided Tour and Picnic
- Sanctuary Mountain Wildlife Experience
- Volcanic Geology Experiences
- Wellington City Tour
- The Northern Explorer Scenic Train
- Arrival transfer
- Optional activities (unless specified)
- Meals (unless specified)
- Airfares
- Personal spending money
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Each Signature Tour takes you deep into New Zealand culture on a unique rail journey filled with amazing local experiences.
Travel to New Zealand's most spectacular locations, while enjoying a Tour Director, 4-4.5 star accommodation, breakfasts, select meals, train journeys, premium activities and transfers.
Dates & Pricing
USD
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.
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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