Inspiring North Island Tour (Northbound)

The capital of New Zealand! You'll meet your tour director and fellow travellers in the evening, when your tour officially begins. If you arrive earlier, spend the day uncovering the heart of Wellington, New Zealand's capital of creativity, culture and coffee. Explore the iconic Beehive, Parliament Buildings, Mt Victoria lookout and more.

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.

Begin your final 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.

In the afternoon, board the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus for the last leg of your rail adventure. Travel north past rolling farmland and alongside the Waikato River before arriving into Auckland, the City of Sails.

Enjoy Scenic Plus dinner onboard as you toast to your journey. Upon arrival, gather for a farewell cocktail at your Auckland hotel.

Today you'll board the final stretch of 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.