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Continue Your Journey
14 Night Grand Rail Journey
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Experience New Zealand by Rail
Experience New Zealand’s most celebrated landscapes by rail, road and sea on this unforgettable journey. Travel the country’s great scenic railways, from the Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific to the iconic Taieri Gorge Railway, complemented by a relaxed self-drive across the South Island. With premium accommodation, seamless transfers, an Interislander ferry crossing and a breathtaking Milford Sound cruise, this itinerary blends classic rail travel with immersive sightseeing for a truly grand New Zealand adventure.
*14 nights in the same stateroom: + $100pp (double occupancy)
*14 nights in the same stateroom: +$200pp (single occupancy)
*There are only a limited amount of staterooms available on each sailing where moving is not going to be necessary.
Inclusions
– 14-night in superior accommodation 4*
– 8-days car rental from Christchurch to Greymouth, Ford Puma Hybrid 2WD automatic or similar with 0$ excess insurance
– Northern Explorer Scenic Train from Auckland to Wellington
– Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton
– Coastal Pacific Scenic Train from Picton to Christchurch
– Taieri Gorge Return Scenic Rail trip with Dunedin Railways
– Southern Discoveries Milford Sound Cruise
– TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch
– Mixture of Shared Coach and Private Transfers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch
Priority Access
» Priority check-in
» Priority access to specialty restaurant reservations
» Priority line at the Guest Services desk
» Priority line at the Shore Excursions desk
» Priority access to tenders ashore in select ports
» Priority disembarkation
Premium Dining
» Expanded 24-hour room service breakfast menu
» Pinnacle Class ships: Private dining venue for breakfast and dinner with an expanded menu
» All other ships: Priority seating in the Dining Room for breakfast and dinner with an expanded menu
Exclusive Amenities
» Complimentary stateroom upgrade
» Dedicated concierge service
» Welcome glass of sparkling wine on embarkation day
» Premium bathrobes
» Club Orange keycard
» Exclusive Club Orange tote bag (one per stateroom)
More information
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Visit a film location for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings. Set on 14 acres, this two hour excursion is very popular with all ages!
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Avon River
This peaceful, scenic river winds through the Botanic Gardens and city. Punting on the Avon River is a classic Christchurch experience.
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Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Deep within Fiordland National Park lies the rugged and remote Milford Sound - the only New Zealand fiord accessible by road. Sheer cliffs, waterfalls and rocky valleys surround the water. Watch for dolphins, seals, penguins, along with some of NZ's rarest flora and fauna.
Shotover River
This 75-kilometre long, fast flowing river winds through narrow canyons past rocky outcrops and boulders. The favourite way to experience this river is by taking a breathtaking jetboat ride through the dramatic landscape!
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DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND
Arrive into Auckland and enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring New Zealand’s largest city, set between sparkling harbours and volcanic landscapes.
Accommodation : Auckland for 2 nights
DAY 2 AUCKLAND
Enjoy a full day to discover Auckland at your own pace. From waterfront dining and boutique shopping to island escapes or cultural attractions, the “City of Sails” offers a relaxed introduction to your journey.
DAY 3 AUCKLAND - NORTHERN EXPLORER RAIL JOURNEY - WELLINGTON
Transfer to Auckland Railway Station and board the iconic Northern Explorer, one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys. Travel south through rolling farmland, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and along river gorges before arriving in the capital city of Wellington. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Accommodation : Wellington for 2 nights
DAY 4 WELLINGTON
Spend the day exploring Wellington, a compact and vibrant city known for its creative culture, museums, waterfront promenade, and café scene. Ride the cable car, visit Te Papa, or simply soak up the city’s coastal charm.
DAY 5 WELLINGTON - INTERISLANDER FERRY - COASTAL PACIFIC RAIL JOURNEY - CHRISTCHURCH
This morning, transfer to the ferry terminal and sail across Cook Strait aboard the Interislander Ferry, enjoying spectacular views of Wellington Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds. On arrival in Picton, connect with the Coastal Pacific train and travel south along a stunning coastline, with ocean views and vineyard-dotted landscapes, before arriving in Christchurch. Transfer to your hotel and relax.
Accommodation : Christchurch for 2 nights
DAY 6 CHRISTCHURCH
Enjoy a day at leisure in Christchurch, a city reinventing itself with innovative architecture, riverside precincts, gardens, and vibrant dining. Explore the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, or nearby attractions at your own pace.
DAY 7 CHRISTCHURCH - TAIERI GORGE RAIL JOURNEY - DUNEDIN
Collect your rental car and begin a scenic drive south. Today features the spectacular Taieri Gorge Rail Journey, travelling through dramatic canyons, historic tunnels, and sweeping viaducts carved deep into the Otago landscape. Settle in for the evening in Dunedin.
Accommodation : Dunedin for 2 nights
DAY 8 DUNEDIN
Enjoy a day on the road, travelling through ever-changing scenery including rolling countryside, lakes, and mountain backdrops. Take your time to enjoy the journey and the freedom of exploring at your own pace.
DAY 9 DUNEDIN - TE ANAU
Arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the relaxed lakeside atmosphere and prepare for one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural experiences.
Accommodation : Te Anau for 1 night
DAY 10 TE ANAU - MILFORD SOUND NATURE CRUISE - QUEENSTOWN
Travel into the heart of Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Glide beneath towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and rainforest-covered peaks as you explore one of the world’s most dramatic fiords. Return in the evening with unforgettable memories before continuing onward to Queenstown for the night.
Accommodation : Queenstown for 2 nights
DAY 11 QUEENSTOWN
Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Queenstown offers a vibrant and scenic setting. The day is free to enjoy the town’s lively atmosphere, take a lakeside walk, or choose from a range of optional adventure experiences.
DAY 12 QUEENSTOWN - FRANZ JOSEF
Depart Queenstown and travel north along the rugged West Coast, where alpine scenery gives way to rainforest, glaciers, and wild coastline. Arrive in Franz Josef and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Accommodation : Franz Josef for 2 nights
DAY 13 FRANZ JOSEF
Spend the day exploring the West Coast. Options include glacier viewpoints, short walks, hot pools, or simply enjoying the dramatic natural setting of this remote region.
DAY 14 FRANZ JOSEF - TRANZALPINE RAIL JOURNEY - CHRISTCHURCH
Travel to Greymouth and board the legendary TranzAlpine, widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Cross the Southern Alps via towering viaducts, river valleys, and alpine passes before descending onto the Canterbury Plains and arriving in Christchurch. Transfer to your hotel for a final night.
Accommodation : Christchurch for 1 night
DAY 15 CHRISTCHURCH - DEPARTURE
Your journey of New Zealand comes to an end today. Check out of your accommodation and transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward journey.
However, no representation or description of the protection made by CruisePlus Management Ltd to you, constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the protection. We (CruisePlus) are not an insurance company and we do not have the responsibility for ensuring adherence to the insurance terms & conditions, submission, payment or adjustment of claims.
We strongly suggest you read through the insurance information provided upon purchase and email us with any questions.
Covid-19 is considered a known event and exclusions apply for most, if not all policies.