New Zealand Rail Discovery 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

On arrival in Auckland you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the "City of Sails." Overnight: Auckland

Day 2: Auckland-Waitomo-Rotorua

Travel south to Rotorua via Waikato, to the Waitomo Caves for lunch. Enjoy a guided tour of the famous Glow Worm grotto. Continue via Lake Karapiro to Rotorua. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. Overnight: Rotorua for 2 nights (L,D)

Day 3: Rotorua Sightseeing

Today experience all Rotorua has to offer. Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mud pools and shooting geysers and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. Next, Agrodome Sheep Show and Rainbow Springs Nature Park-a showcase of flora and fauna and endangered species. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 4: Rotorua-Wellington

Fly to Wellington today (airfare not included), New Zealand's capital city. Remainder of day at leisure. Overnight: Wellington

Day 5: Wellington-Christchurch

Travel by ferry through the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds to Picton. Join the TranzCoastal Train to Christchurch, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Christchurch for 2 nights

Day 6: Christchurch at Leisure

Today is at leisure in Christchurch to enjoy the "Garden City."

Day 7: Christchurch-Mt Cook-Dunedin

Travel by coach to Lake Tekapo, continuing to Mt Cook National Park. Continue on to the southernmost city of Dunedin. Overnight: Dunedin

Day 8: Dunedin-Queenstown

Board the Taieri Gorge Train to Queenstown and experience breathtaking views on this historic journey with sightseeing along the way. Optional: add an extra day in Dunedin. Overnight: Queenstown for 3 nights

Day 9: Milford Sound Day Excursion

Travel by coach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. From the Homer Tunnel emerge into the Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound Cruise for an unforgettable experience. Return to Queenstown.

Day 10: Queenstown at Leisure

Today you have a free day to enjoy Queenstown.

Day 11: Queenstown-Franz Josef

Travel north up the rugged West Coast through the Haast Pass to Franz Josef Village. Overnight: Franz Josef

Day 12: Franz Josef-Christchurch

Today travel to Greymouth and board the scenic TranzAlpine Train for a spectacular rail journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch, where your tour concludes. Transfer to the Christchurch Airport for your onward flight (flight own expense).

Departs: Daily