Departing from Auckland, our four-day package will take you on a journey through the heart of the North island to a sparkling capital city where relaxation and entertainment are a passion!
Highlights
- Encounter dramatic changes in scenery and engineering marvels on the Northern Explorer train
- Take in the city sites and main attractions on a sightseeing tour
- Discover movie magic at the famous movie workshop
- Learn about New Zealand’s history and culture at Te Papa museum
You'll love this break
If you are looking to experience the incredible Northern Explorer train journey from Auckland to Wellington and then enjoy the magical capital without any hassle, then this is the break for you.
Inclusions
- One way travel on Northern Explorer train from Auckland or Hamilton to Wellington with morning and afternoon tea and lunch
- 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Wellington CBD, including breakfast
- Wellington City tour
- Guided tour of Te Papa Museum
- Behind the scenes movie workshop tour
- Hotel transfer
Wellington City Itinerary
Northern Explorer train
Journey through the heart of the North Island on the Northern Explorer train, and soak up the views of the ever changing scenery from the comfort of your seat.
On this full day journey, you’ll encounter spectacular railway engineering feats like the Raurimu spiral, as you glide through rolling green farmland, past quaint country towns and along rocky coasts. Travel through Tongariro National Park with its three spectacular volcanic mountains –Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu, and on over huge viaducts spanning deep gorges. Your Northern Explorer train trip includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea en route.
On arrival into Wellington, you will walk or transfer to your accommodation. The evening is at your leisure.
Sightseeing tour
Start your day with a breakfast buffet with cooked and continental selections at your accommodation, and then head to the iSite to begin a half-day sightseeing tour.
Take in breath-taking scenic views and photo opportunities of this beautiful capital, and visit some of the city’s most iconic attractions and landmarks like the Botanic Gardens, Parliament Grounds and the Cable Car.
In the afternoon enjoy a private tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, known for its interactive displays and impressive exhibits.
Movie Workshop
After breakfast this morning, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the famous movie workshop known for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
On the way, you’ll visit some movie locations from the Lord of the Rings in the Hobbit woods.
The workshop tour includes a short documentary movie, and an exclusive behind the scenes experience. Here you’ll learn about how the movie props are made, pose for photos with famous movie characters and props and even have the opportunity to buy souvenirs.
The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Why not add on an optional activity to your special escape – perhaps a visit to Zealandia - a spectacular wildlife reserve, home to a thriving population of native birds and reptiles.
Choose your day
Your package concludes after breakfast, but there’s plenty more to explore! Optional activities include a visit to Martinborough Wine region, or head out to the coast for a Cape Palliser Lighthouse and seal tour.
From here, you might want to extend your stay in Wellington, travel back to Auckland, or connect to the South Island for more adventures.
An epic voyage on the Northern Explorer train
One of the biggest highlights of your Wellington City Break will be the journey.
Climbing aboard the Northern Explorer in Auckland or Hamilton, your Wellington break will start in relaxing style as you ease back in your reclined seat and enjoy the views through your panoramic window.
Along the way, you'll see hobbits and orcs and wizards - well, maybe, on a clear day. But this is Middle Earth, and highlights do include the conical peak of the volcano Ngauruhoe, which featured as Mount Doom in LOTR. And the rural scenery of rolling hills, paddocks, and pastures is also reminiscent of the Shire.
Soaring viaducts and the historical Raurimu Spiral are also highlights of this day long adventure through the heart of the North Island. And with our licensed bar serving drinks throughout the afternoon, this will certainly be a relaxing start to your break.
An unforgettable travel experience
With spacious reclined seats, huge panoramic windows, air conditioning, roomy toilets, and an on board licensed café, your journey through New Zealand couldn't be more comfortable.
Add to this our famous Open-air viewing experience to get you immersed in that stunning New Zealand scenery, and you'll be blown away - almost laterally.
Discover more about our travel experience to find out what awaits.