Great Journeys of New Zealand - Classic Cities & Coastal Highlights Tour (Northbound)

Welcome to Christchurch – New Zealand’s Garden City! The largest city in the South Island, Christchurch is known for its historical earthquake in 2011 and how it rebuilt itself into a charming, multicultural city that blends modern architecture and technology with the existing 19th-century Anglican 'gothic revival' architectural influence. After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Christchurch has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to wander through the enticing stalls at Riverside Market or explore the botanical gardens before heading to the art gallery, museums, and other city attractions. After an exciting day on the town, your journey will officially begin as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director at this evening’s welcome reception.

Your first train journey departs Christchurch on route to Kaikōura. Enjoy breakfast on board as the smell of aromatic coffee dances through the carriages. In a few short hours, you will step foot into marine wildlife paradise.
Kaikōura has a range of exciting activities to choose from. Will you seek the whale watching, albatross, or dolphin encounter, or simply peruse the local artisan and gift shops? The rest of the day is yours to explore. 

After breakfast, your Tour Director will guide you back to the Kaikōura Railway Station to board the Coastal Pacific train for the next leg of your journey.  Relax and let the train glide you across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breath-taking beauty. Keep an eye out for the fur seals lazing on the rocks!  
This afternoon you'll arrive into your final South Island destination. Soak up the views and maybe even join a wine tour to enjoy delicious wine amongst the vines. Listen to passionate wine makers describe the history and processes of these flavourful grapes.  The evening is free for you to explore.

This morning you'll say good-bye to the South Island as you sail towards the capital. Crossing Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry, the South Island shores will slowly disappear as you enjoy a hearty seafaring lunch onboard.  
Spoiled with harbour views, admire the coastal paradise as you glide through the scenic Queen Charlotte Sound and arrive into Wellington. Step off the Interislander Ferry and start your North Island adventure by exploring Wellington city.

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 a Te Papa Introduction Tour and then head off to explore Cuba Street’s cafes, bookstores, and eccentric shops. Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary is just around the corner where you can surround yourself by native birdlife and regenerating forest. You won’t get bored with the plethora of activities on offer. From coffee, culture, historic buildings botanic gardens and more, the list goes on! If you need any suggestions or recommendations, just reach out to your helpful Tour Director or our Travel Centre to pre-book an experience. 
Dinner awaits as you join your fellow travellers once again to tell them about the exciting places you have discovered.

Today you’ll be heading north aboard the Northern Explorer Train to explore Tongariro National Park. Sit back and relax while the smooth train travels along the Kāpiti Coast. You won’t want to get too comfortable though; dramatic rivers, gorges and ravines are just around the bend! Stretch your legs and explore the open-air carriage to get the best view of the fantastic scenery.  
Upon arrival into the national park, the afternoon is free for you to experience all the outdoor activities Ohakune has to offer. 

Today is free for you to discover one of Ohakune’s exciting excursions. Choose from the many optional activities on offer and personalise your perfect holiday. Perhaps you will hop aboard a historical 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!
For dinner, we recommend taking a casual stroll around town. Grab some kai (food) and a drink alongside the locals at the pub in true Kiwi fashion.

After a charming morning exploring the local shops and cafés of Ohakune, you will once again board the Northern Explorer train heading north to Auckland.
Along the way you'll wind down the historic Raurimu Spiral and traverse the Central Plateau with its three iconic volcanic mountains dominating the desert plains of Tongariro National Park. Soar over the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu and traverse into the Waikato, famous for its dairy farming and green pastures.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an indulgent day out on Waiheke Island.  
Enjoy the freedom of hopping on and off as you please with your included ferry and bus tickets, departing hourly from the Downtown Ferry Terminal. Explore the picturesque Waiheke Island at your leisure, with buses ready to whisk you away to the next scenic spot half-hourly from the island's ferry terminal.  
After a day of sipping and sightseeing, choose any return ferry back to Auckland, ensuring you're on time for a memorable farewell dinner with your guide at one of Auckland's renowned restaurants.  

Your journey will finish after breakfast. You will be transferred to Auckland Airport for your departing flight.