Ride the Rails

Experience the Northern Explorer from Auckland and journey through the breathtaking scenery of the Central Plateau in Tongariro National Park. The Northern Explorer is New Zealand's longest running passenger service and offers a spectacular way to take in the countryside of the North Island. You'll arrive in National Park Village (home to three volcanic mountains - Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu). You're up early on Day 1 of your trip to catch the 7.45am train from Auckland Strand Railway Station. Arriving into National Park Village (NZ's highest urban township) at 1.15pm, allows you free time to explore the area. The town offers a number of eateries and activities such as mini-golf and rafting, as well as many walks in the region if you're looking to stretch your legs after the train journey. Alternatively, you could take a ride on the Sky Waka Gondola at Mt Ruapehu to get a better perspective of this magnificent region.

Inclusions:

• Train ride from Auckland to National Park
• Hotel accommodation in National Park

Local Tips:

• Stop in at Chateau Tongariro for afternoon tea (take a shuttle from National Park)
• Hike the Tupapakurua Falls Track . This out and back route means you can choose how far you want to go. After 20 minutes walking, you'll reach the Taranaki Lookout with a view towards Mt Taranaki, and views back to Mt Ruapehu and Hauhungatahi.
• Grab dinner at The Spiral Restaurant & Bar in the National Park Village - offering good views and tasty food.

Today, you'll embark on New Zealand's most popular one-day walks and one synonymous with Lord of the Rings... the Tongariro Crossing , in the glow of Mount Doom. The National Park region encompasses three active volcanoes and was established in 1894 as New Zealand's first National Park. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dual status that recognises not only the outstanding landscape, but also the spiritual and cultural significance the landscape holds for the local Māori people. The 19.4km trek over layers of ancient lava flows while being rewarded with astonishing views of volcanic peaks, red Mars-like craters and past the stunning Emerald and Blue Lakes. You'll climb some 1200 metres so this is definitely not a walk in the park, but one so magnificent, the memories will be with you forever, so worth the effort! A shuttle will take you to the start of the trail from National Park Village in the morning, then you'll be picked up at the end of the walk, and returned to National Park Village. Re-fuel this evening from your day's adventures at one of the restaurants in town.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Shuttle to/from Tongariro Crossing
• Packed lunch
• Hotel accommodation in National Park Village

Local Tips:

• The weather can be very changeable in the National Park, so pack several layers, a hat and sunscreen just in case.
• Get your camera ready for some epic shots!
• Reward yourself from today's strenuous activities at the Schnapps Bar, Restaurant - with great views, an open fire and good food.

This morning is yours to enjoy. Choose to take on another of the local hikes (if your legs aren't too sore from yesterday!), or drop in early at the Station Cafe for brunch ahead of catching your train to Wellington at 1.15pm. This afternoon you can sit back and relax as you take the scenic route to Wellington on board the Northern Explorer train. You'll arrive into NZ's capital city, Wellington at 6.25pm, which is sufficient time to take a wander around this cultural hub and sample the many bars and restaurants on offer, which many say are the best in New Zealand!

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Train ride from National Park to Wellington
• Hotel accommodation in Wellington

Local Tips:

• Take a walk along colourful Cuba Street - one of the most popular streets filled with quirky cafes, vintage clothing shops, record stores and more.
• If you're after a decadent sundowner, drop into the Night Flower. This upstairs “Punch Bar” is hidden away between Cuba Street's 1154 Pastaria and The Rogue & Vagabond, and well worth the search!
• Or if you're after something a little more casual drop into Fortune Favours, on Leeds Street for a tasty brew. Located in an old industrial building the team are on a mission to share their love for great beer.

You're free to enjoy our capital city, Wellington at your own leisure. A couple of must-do activities would be Te Papa Museum and the Historic Cable Car. Te Papa is our national museum, translated as ‘Our Place', and is a museum like no other. Admission is free (although charges apply to some short-term exhibitions), and with its interesting design and cutting-edge interactive exhibitions, is well worth a visit. Whilst from the top of the Wellington Cable Car, you could visit Wellington Botanic Garden; the Carter Observatory (for those interested in the night sky), or opt to take the shuttle to Zealandia - an amazing eco-sanctuary. For those foodie fans, you're in luck! The city is known for it's amazing array of excellent cafes, bars and breweries to sample (14 to be exact!). The coffee culture is also huge, with Wellington holding the reputation as having the best in the country. It's therefore no wonder why so many people enjoy spending time in this lively little city. Whilst there is much to explore, the wonderful thing about Wellington is that it's easy to get around on foot. In fact, sometimes the quickest way to get from one side of the city to the other is to take a scenic walk along the harbour, enjoying the diversity of the public art, the waterfront cafes and all the people-watching on the way. Check our blog on Wellington to read more about this iconic city.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Train ride
• Hotel accommodation in Wellington

Local Tips:

• Wander along the tastiest laneway you'll encounter, featuring Wellington's Chocolate Factory to Fix & Fogg Peanut Butter Shop and Hanging Ditch cocktail bar to name just a few!
• Take a stroll to Aro Cafe - a hidden gem located in one of the city's most colourful neighbourhoods - the Aro Valley. They roast their own coffee and offer fresh, seasonal, organic food in their cafe.
• If beer is your jam, take a tour of Parrotdog Brewery.

Today you will experience two scenic ways of travel, starting with the Cook Strait Crossing on the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton. Keep an eye out during the journey for possible whale sightings! The Cook Strait separates New Zealand's North and South Islands, and it will take approximately 3-3.5hrs to cross. You'll enjoy stunning views as you journey through the Marlborough Sounds. Upon arrival in Picton, you will have a chance for a leg stretch and bite to eat before you hop on the Coastal Pacific train at 1.40pm. This is one of New Zealand's most picturesque journeys as you travel along rugged coastlines and arrive into Kaikōura at approximately 4.20pm. The Kaikōura Peninsula is famous for its marine life such as whales, dolphins and seals.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Ferry from Wellington to Picton
• Train ride from Picton to Kaikōura
• Motel accommodation in Kaikōura

Local Tips:

• Kaikōura is the maori name to mean ‘eat crayfish', so why not sample the local delicacy whilst in town at Nin's Bin food truck.
• Take a stroll along the Kaikōura Coastline to visit the sea lion colony, who reside on the rocky peninsula at the end of the walkway.
• Visit Emporium Brewing, where you can grab a beer, test out the Escape Room, or try your hand at mini-golf

After breakfast this morning, you will enjoy the beautiful coast of Kaikōura in a unique way by kayaking amongst the local fur seals! This is a relaxed 2-3hr kayak trip (so no prior experience required!), and fun for adults and children alike. If you're lucky enough you may even spot dusky dolphins and blue penguins. A fun activity for adults and children alike. You'll then have time for some lunch and a wander around town before catching the Coastal Pacific train to Christchurch at 4.25pm. The train arrives into Christchurch at 7.20pm, so you have time for a wander around this fantastic city, known for its English Heritage, and chance to sample one of the many bars and restaurants on offer.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Guided kayaking trip with seals
• Train from Kaikōura to Christchurch
• Accommodation in Christchurch

Local Tips:

• Enjoy lunch at The Beach House Cafe, Kaikoura.
• Try out one of the many cool new bars and restaurants located in The Terrace, Christchurch.

Today you will embark on the final train ride of the trip, the TranzAlpine train to Arthurs Pass and back - regarded as one of the world's most scenic rail journeys. Departing Christchurch Railway Station at 8.15am, you'll arrive into Arthurs Pass at 10.52am and will have a few hours to spend in this unique spot. You can visit the famous Devils' Punchbowl and maybe a small hike. Keep a lookout for one of the many native birds in the area - fantails, tomtits, riflemen, bellbirds and the notorious cheeky keas! Arthurs Pass itself has much history - offering a stop to provide fresh travellers to weary travellers taking the two-three day trek from coast to coast, as well as becoming a workers' camp during construction of the Otira railway tunnel between 1907 and 1923. There are many walks available which vary in length between 1-3hrs. Take a look at the Department of Conversation (DOC) Brochure for Arthur's Pass, to choose one that suits you. Then stop in at the Arthur's Pass Cafe & Store for a bite to eat before re-embarking on the TranzAlpine train for the return journey to Christchurch. You'll arrive back into Christchurch at 6.31pm so have an evening at your leisure to explore this wonderful city.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Return TranzAlpine Train (Christchurch - Arthurs Pass - Christchurch)
• Accommodation in Christchurch

Local Tips:

• At Arthur's Pass, take a short hike to the the famous Devil's Punchbowl (2km return) to view the spectacular waterfall.
• Christchurch is becoming a rooftop bar city so why not indulge in a drink this evening at Mr Brightside or Pink Lady.
• Take a peek into the Riverside Markets in Christchurch - an exciting new development incorporating boutique retail, restaurants, cafes and bars.

You're free to enjoy awesome Christchurch at your own leisure before heading home. Choose to end your trip here, or add a couple of nights to get to know Christchurch - regarded as New Zealand's Garden City. This is the largest city of the South Island, and there is plenty to explore - from wandering around the Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park - the largest urban open space in Christchurch. If you're a fan of the beach, then take a trip to Sumner Beach - surrounded by rugged cliffs - makes for a good sport to relax, stretch the legs or drop by for a coffee. Akaroa (located on the Bank's Peninsula and founded by French settlers and Lyttlelton (a historical port town with a bohemian vibe), are also worth a visit .

Inclusions:

• Breakfast Local tips:
• If you have children in tow (or even if you don't!), the marvellous Margaret Mahy Playground is a worthwhile visit.
• Stretch your legs along the Taylors Mistake/Godley Head Coastal Walk and enjoy fabulous ocean views