Holidays to New Zealand - New Zealand Railways Rail-and-Drive Tour Ref: NZ100

Day 8
Goldfields Railway - Rotorua - Maori Hangi

Journey to the top of Mt Eden, Auckland's highest extinct volcano, then head southward to Goldfields Railway. This vintage train will carry you through the upper reaches of the stunning Karangahake Gorge - admission $15 payable locally. Continue o­n to Mt Maunganui before arriving in Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture. Tonight you will be entertained at a traditional Maori cultural performance followed by an included Maori Hangi feast.
Overnights (2): Sudima Hotel - Rotorua

Day 9
Rotorua attractions

Today explore Rotorua's premier attractions with o­ne easy pass. Te Puia - visit Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, see the world famous Pohutu Geyser and experience the best Maori arts, craft and culture. Skyline Skyrides - ride the Gondola for magnificent views of Rotorua. Fresh, local cuisine served daily in the fully licensed restaurant and café. Optional luge riding is available. Polynesian Spa - complete your day by bathing in the relaxing hot mineral spring water. Experience o­ne of the World's top ten thermal and medical spas, as voted by Conde Nast magazine.


Day 10
Roturua to Hamilton
Leisurely day in Rotorua before driving to nearby Hamilton for overnight. Return your car o­n arrival.
Overnight (1): Kingsgate Hotel, Hamilton

Day 11
Overlander Train - Raurimu Spiral - Wellington
This morning board the Overlander for a magnificent day's journey through the heart of the North Island to Wellington, New Zealand's arts and culture capital. Along the way you pass the central North Island ski towns of National Park and Ohakune, views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges - all from panoramic windows or open air viewing decks allowing you the best possible views.
Overnights (1): Mercure Hotel - Wellington

Day 12
Marlborough Sounds - Transcoastal Train - Christchurch

This morning embark o­n the ferry from Wellington to Picton for a three hour cruise across the Cook Strait.The TranzCoastal provides a daily link between the picturesque port of Picton, in the Marlborough Sounds, and Christchurch, the major gateway of the South Island. The TranzCoastal connects with the Interislander ferry before crossing through grape country and over plains, South down the East coast through salt mountains and river valleys. For over 100 kilometres it runs along a thin ledge of land pinned between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges, followed by the lush beauty of farms and vineyards of North Canterbury. The TranzCoastal train includes an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air.
Overnight (1): Grand Chancellor Hotel - Christchurch

Day 13
TranzAlpine Train - Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers

Today's touring takes you for an unforgettable rail journey through the magnificent Southern Alps o­n the TranzAlpine. The award winning TranzAlpine runs daily from coast to coast - from Pacific Ocean to Tasman Sea. It is described as 'The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure' and is rated as o­ne of the top six scenic train journeys in the world. After crossing the huge and fertile patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, The TranzAlpine winds its way over massive viaducts, through spectacular river gorges and the stunning Waimakariri River valley. It tracks its way up and across the Southern Alps via the alpine village of Arthurs Pass, situated at 737 metres above sea level, before descending through lush beech forests, past the beautiful Lake Brunner to the west coast town of Greymouth.
Disembark at Greymouth to collect your second hire car and continue to Hokitika to see skilled craftsmen carving Pounama (Jade). It's then o­n to view the awesome Franz Josef Glacier. Opportunity to experience a scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (own expense and weather permitting).
Overnight (1): Heartland Hotel Glacier Country Fox Glacier

Day 14
Haast Valley - Arrowtown - Queenstown

Travel through sub-tropical rainforest to Haast Pass. Visit popular Arrowtown, a quaint and historic gold mining town. Continue o­n to picturesque Queenstown and your hotel overlooking beautiful Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Late this afternoon cruise Lake Wakatipu o­n board the coal fired vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw - a historic ship launched by New Zealand Railways in 1912. Cruise from Queenstown Bay to Walter Peak High Country Farm. The captain provides an interesting commentary as visitors enjoy spectacular views of Cecil and Walter Peaks and the western shores of Lake Wakatipu. The original steam engines can be seen in operation from the open viewing area.
Overnights (2): Mercure Resort - Queenstown

Day 16
Queenstown - Dunedin

Morning at leisure in Queenstown and in the afternoon drive to Dunedin, a university city of Scottish heritage and New Zealand's oldest city. Your historic hotel is located o­n the Otago Peninsula famous for yellow-eyed penguins and albatross.
Overnights (2): Larnach Lodge at Larnach Castle- Dunedin - (inc. breakfast)

Day 17
Taieri Gorge Rail Journey - Dunedin

This morning join the Taieri Gorge for a scenic rail journey through Central Otago. One of the World's great train trips. Sit back and relax as the train negotiates this spectacular and exhilarating narrow river gorge with cliff hugging tunnels and viaducts soaring high above the river. The ever-changing scenery along the way will leave you amazed at what scenery Dunedin has to offer. The train will also stop for you to disembark for scenic and photo opportunities. You can also take the opportunity to stand o­n our open-air platforms – most carriages have these and they are perfect for photography!


Day 18
Dunedin - Omarama
This morning depart Dunedin for Omarama. En-route visit the intriguing Moeraki Boulders.
Overnight (1): Heritage Gateway Hotel - Omarama

Day 19
Mt Cook National Park - Lake Tekapo - Christchurch