South Island Spring Rail

Thursday 11 November

Board the Northern Explorer for a spectacular daytime journey from Auckland to Wellington including the famous Raurimu Spiral, views of Mt Ruapehu, the Rangitikei River and scenic Kapiti Coast. Arrive in the capital for an overnight stay and welcome dinner.

Friday 12 November

Enjoy a morning city tour, before arriving at the ferry for an early afternoon Cook Strait crossing to the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. Coach to Blenheim for our overnight stay.

Saturday 13 November

A leisurely morning before a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim followed by a vineyard lunch. We then continue our journey onboard the Coastal Pacific Train travelling along the picturesque Kaikoura Coast to Christchurch. We pass through Kaikoura, famous for its whale watching, and head inland through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury. 

Sunday 14 November

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a walking tour of the regenerated city. Lunch at own expense, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Monday 15 November

This morning board the TranzAlpine train to journey across the spectacular Southern Alps to the rugged West Coast. Climb the mountain range with scenic stops along the way including Arthurs Pass. Continue through the renowned rain forests and wetlands to arrive in Greymouth. Transfer to a coach and enjoy a scenic drive to Franz Josef for a two night stay.

Tuesday 16 November

A sightseeing day to this unique part of New Zealand.  The opportunity to explore both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, or simply a day to relax. If you prefer an optional helicopter ride to Franz Josef Glacier is available. Return to Franz Josef for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Optional Tour - Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Helicopter Flight .Imagine flying the entire length of the Fox Glacier with time for a glacier snow landing before descending the Glacier Valley, with the mountains behind.       

Wednesday 17 November

Today your journey continues south past Fox Glacier winding through lush forests and eventually back to the coastline to the last village before catapulting you into the mountains and over one of the most spectacular mountain passes, the Haast Pass. The road then continues alongside the two mountain fed lakes of Wanaka and Hawea before entering the wine country at Cromwell and on into the Kawarau Gorge arriving into Queenstown late afternoon for a two night stay.

Thursday 18 November

Today is at leisure to enjoy  The Jewel of the South’. Maybe take the gondola to admire the panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, or for the more adventurous a helicopter ride – there’s plenty of choice. This evening enjoy a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw before a special gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak Station.

Optional Tour - Queenstown Helicopter Flight. Look down on spectacular scenery as you cross Lake Wakatipu with a special landing during the flight. Continue over Ben Lomond and the famous historic Skippers Canyon. See the renowned steep canyon walls of the Shotover River and fly past Coronet Peak and the Wakatipu Basin. 

Friday 19 November

After breakfast, travel by coach along the Lake Wakatipu shoreline through farmland to the beautiful Lake Te Anau for a two night stay. An optional afternoon tour is available to the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. 

Optional Tour - Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. Described by the Sydney Morning Herald as ‘one of the most unusual limestone cave experiences on the planet’, the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves is a must-do for anyone visiting Fiordland.

Saturday 20 November

Drive through mountain beech forests framed by spectacular snow-capped mountains and the Homer Tunnel before emerging at Milford Sound for your lunch time cruise.

Sunday 21 November

After breakfast drive along the scenic southern route and rich Southland countryside to Invercargill with the afternoon at leisure to explore. Why not discover the world class vintage truck collection at Bill Richardson Transport World, or learn about the legend of speed, Burt Munro, at E Hayes Motorworks. Or, simply take a stroll through the botanical gardens. 

Monday 22 November

This morning travel to Bluff and cross Foveaux Strait by large modern catamaran to Stewart Island. Once on the island you can enjoy an optional leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and Ulva Island, or explore the small township of Oban by foot. Return mid-afternoon to your Invercargill hotel. Dinner is included tonight.

Stewart Island’s densely forested hills, tiny population and untouched coastline of rocky outcrops and creamy golden sand beaches make it a natural refuge for marine and bird life and a wonderful destination for people who value nature and wild places.

Optional Tour - Ulva Island Explorer. Enjoy a scenic cruise through Paterson Inlet with lunch included, taking in hidden coves, unspoilt beaches and the chance to spot fur seals and penguins. Visit the renowned wildlife sanctuary of Ulva Island for a 1.5 hour guided walk. Group numbers are limited. 

*A good standard of fitness and mobility is required due to the beach landing.

Optional Tour - Stewart Island Village and Bays Tour. Gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community, and learn about the history and environment of Stewart Island. You will have plenty of time to get off the bus for photo stops and short walks. Highlights include a visit to the gateway of Rakiura National Park, beautiful Horseshoe Bay and Observation Rock.

Tuesday 23 November

After breakfast drive through the Catlins. Highlights include podocarp forests, rugged coastlines, hidden lakes and stunning waterfalls. The natural landscapes are enthralling. Continue north to your inner-city hotel in Dunedin and a farewell dinner tonight.

Wednesday 24 November

Enjoy a leisurely morning with time to explore one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere, before heading to the airport for your afternoon flight home.