Railbookers: 8D7N Essential New Zealand

You will be met on your arrival in this amazing country and driven to your hotel to check-in. Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to this vibrant city and its beautiful harbor. The ‘City of Sails’ as it’s affectionally known as is full of world class restaurants to enjoy dinner. (Overnight Auckland)

Continue exploring Auckland today, starting with an extensive morning tour. Cross the Harbor Bridge and sample an authentic Flat White and a stroll on the beach in Devonport, then pay a visit to the Fish market for some delicious nibbles, and the pretty Viaduct Harbor. Here you could wander around the Auckland museum to discover its rich history, then enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (Overnight Auckland)

It’s an early start this morning as you are collected from your hotel and transferred to the station for a journey aboard the Northern Explorer Train* to Wellington. The train plows through some amazing and diverse scenery, from rolling countryside to the volcanic mountains of the Tongariro National Park and across the Central Plateau before arriving in the capital city. (Overnight Wellington)

**Please note that the Northern Explorer only operates on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

Following breakfast head over to Te Papa – New Zealand’s amazing National Museum where you have a one-hour guided tour included. Then explore at your leisure. The cable car to Kelburn is certainly a highlight as would be a tour of the impressive Parliament Buildings. (Overnight Wellington)

Today you are escorted to the ferry terminal and then cross the legendary Cook Strait onboard the Interislander ferry. Once across this busy and unpredictable stretch of water you will enjoy some jaw-dropping scenery as the ship navigates the Fjord like Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton. From here take the scenic Coastal Pacific Train* down the Pacific coastline to Christchurch where you will be escorted to your hotel. (Overnight Christchurch)

 **The Coastal Pacific is a seasonal train, running from Spring (October) through to Autumn (April). Between April-October, the rail service will be replaced by coach

Enjoy a day exploring ‘the most English city outside England’ today. Be sure to pay the Botanic Gardens a visit and ride the historic tram around the city. Also, don’t miss the Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch Art Gallery. (Overnight Christchurch)

You are collected this morning and transferred to the station for the early departure of the TranzAlpine train and one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Travelling west crossing the Canterbury Plains, the train slowly ascends through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River and on to Arthurs Pass. From here it heads into the Southern Alps where the views are breathtaking at times, before hitting the coast. Grab some lunch in this atmospheric old mining town before getting back on the train to make your way back to Christchurch. (Overnight Christchurch)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking your car to the airport for your flight home, or to continue your travels elsewhere.