Explore New Zealand’s bustling cities and quaint towns in Auckland, Ohakune, Wellington, and Christchurch. Immerse yourself in history, culture, and geology as you travel off the beaten track from coast to coast.
Highlights
- Learn about the geological landscape of the North Island Volcanic Plateau
- Marvel at the mesmerising coastal views of the Kapiti Coast
- Discover the sandstone cliffs of the Rangatikei River Gorge
- Sail across the scenic Cook Strait
- Whales, dolphins, and sea life – spend a day by the ocean in Kaikōura
- Let your captivating Tour Director guide you on this great journey
Travel Northbound: Christchurch to Auckland Tours Available
You'll love this tour
This is the perfect option for those who enjoy free time to create their own adventure while having the structure of a guided expert. Meet like-minded travellers and share this journey of a lifetime on a truly magnificent expedition.
Inclusions
- Experienced Tour Director
- Te Papa Museum Introduction Tour
- Christchurch City Tours
- World-Famous Scenic Train Journeys
- Cook Strait Ferry Crossing
- Free time and optional excursions to personalise your holiday
*Please note: Tour inclusions may vary depending on the season of departure.
The Tour Director Heather was fabulous! We can't wait to return to NZ and take another Great Journey. - Tom
What you get along the way
Transportation
- Northern Explorer Train
- Interislander Ferry journey across the Cook Strait
- Coastal Pacific Train
- Private Coaches to reach regional gems
- Private shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
- Porterage
Meals
- 9 Breakfasts
- 3 Dinners
- 3 Meals on the train
Accommodation
- 3 - 4 Star Hotel (9 nights)
- Twin Share
- Single Upgrade Available
Minimum Age:
- 16 years and over
- Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Group Size
Maximum of 35 people.
- Welcome Dinner – Christchurch Historic Dinner Tram
- Coastal Pacific Train
- Te Papa Museum Introduction Tour
- Group Dinner
- Northern Explorer Scenic Train
- Northern Explorer Scenic Train
- Waiheke Hop on Hop off Wine & Dine
- Farewell Dinner
Kia ora!
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 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.
Your journey will officially begin as you join your fellow travelers and Tour Director at this evening’s welcome dinner.
Accommodation
3 – 4 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Welcome Dinner
Activities
The Coastal Pacific Train to Kaikōura
Your first train journey departs Christchurch on route to Kaikoura. Enjoy a hot 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.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Activities Included
Coastal Pacific Train Journey
The Coastal Pacific Train to Blenheim
After breakfast, your Tour Director will guide you back to the Kaikoura 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, soak up the views and enjoy the tastings as you sip delicious wine amongst the vines. Listen to passionate wine makers describe the history and processes of these flavorful grapes.
Arriving in to Picton, the evening is free to explore.
Accommodation
3 – 4 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Activities
Crossing the Cook Strait
Adventure to the North
This morning you'll say good-bye to the South Island as you sail to the North Island. Crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. The South Island shores will slowly disappear as you enjoy a hearty seafaring lunch on board.
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’s capital city
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights Wellington)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch in Premium Ferry Lounge
Activities
Interislander Ferry
Explore Wellington
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 travelers once again to tell them about the exciting places you have discovered.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Wellington)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities
Wellington to National Park: The Northern Explorer
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 Kapiti 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 at National Park, the afternoon is free for you to experience all the outdoor activities Ohakune has to offer.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Ohakune)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities Included
Discover Tongariro National Park
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!
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Ohakune)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Scenic Train Journey to Auckland
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 through 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.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Auckland)
Meals
Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Activities Included
Island and Winery Hopping
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.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities Included
Departing Auckland
Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travelers.
Not ready to leave Auckland? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Activities
Transfer to airport
- Northern Explorer Scenic Train Experience
- Mini excursion to view expansive views across the volcanic landscape
- Northern Explorer Scenic Train
- Mini excursion to view expansive volcanic views across the North Island
- Introduction Tour at Te Papa Museum
- Group Dinner
- Interislander Ferry
- Christchurch Tram City Tour
- Farewell Dinner
Explore Auckland
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails! Auckland is known for its multicultural hub of food, music, arts, and culture.
After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Auckland has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the Sky Tower or go shopping along bustling Queen Street. You may even fancy a drink in one of the charming bars or eateries of Vulcan Lane.
Your tour officially begins as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome reception.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation(1 night)
Meals Included
A welcome drink is included in tonight's reception.
Activities
Welcome Reception
The Northern Explorer Scenic Train
A Scenic Journey to Ohakune
Today you will marvel at rural New Zealand’s lush landscapes from the comfort of your seat on board the Northern Explorer scenic train journey. From the green pastures of the Waikato to the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, you won’t want to miss a moment. If you are interested in culture and history, be sure to listen to the audio commentary as you cross historic viaducts and traverse up the Raurimu Spiral, an engineering marvel. This experience is one like no other.
At the base of this geological wonder is Ohakune, 'the carrot capital of New Zealand', where you’ll stay the next two nights to experience your chosen adventure.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Ohakune)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Activities
Discover Tongariro National Park
Today is free for you to discover one of the region's many exciting excursions. Choose from the optional activities on offer and personalise your perfect holiday. Perhaps you will enjoy a hot tub soak, or a meander along the lazy river.
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!
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Ohakune)
Meals Included
Breakfast
The Northern Explorer Scenic Train
After breakfast, we begin our day by travelling from National Park to Mt Ruapehu. You won't want to leave this mini excursion to Middle Earth without a panoramic photo in hand!
Joining the Northern Explorer train once again, you will wave goodbye to this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you settle into your uber-comfortable seat. Don’t get too comfortable though; dramatic rivers, gorges and ravines are just around the bend! Stretch your legs and explore the open-air carriage to acquire the best views from the train.
As you glide through rich green farmland and past a dramatic coastline, indulge in afternoon tea while drinking in the views. All too soon, the train will arrive into Wellington, leaving the picturesque Porirua Harbour behind you.
Arriving at Wellington Railway Station, you are just a stone’s throw from downtown, the Beehive, and Parliament Buildings. Welcome to New Zealand’s Capital City! You won't want to waste a moment of time after checking into the hotel – your evening is free to explore this award-winning cultural and culinary capital from Queen's Wharf to Cuba Street and beyond.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Wellington)
Meals Included
Breakfast, Afternoon tea aboard the train
Activities
Explore Wellington
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 an included tour at Te Papa Museum and then head off to explore Cuba Street’s cafés, bookstores, and eccentric shops. Surround yourself by native birdlife and regenerating forest at Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary. You won’t get bored with the plethora of activities on offer. From coffee, culture, historic buildings to botanic gardens and much 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.
Enjoy dinner tonight with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Wellington)
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities
Crossing the Cook Strait
Adventure to the South - Haere ra to Te Ika a Maui
This morning you will say poroporoaki ki te motu raki (good-bye to the North Island) as you sail to the South Island, crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. As the shores of the North Island slowly disappear, enjoy a hearty seafaring breakfast on board.
Around midday, you will be spoiled with captivating harbour views as you enter the Queen Charlotte Sound. Admire the beauty of this coastal paradise as you arrive at the gateway of the South Island, Picton. Step off the Interislander Ferry and join experience Marlborough.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation(1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Activities
The Coastal Pacific Scenic Train
The morning is yours to explore. Meander through the local craft stores and coastal walks in Picton, or perhaps discover the Omaka Aviation Museum in Blenheim. Enjoy the waterfront cafés before boarding the Coastal Pacific train for another highlight rail journey through the Marlborough Wine Region.
Today you will be travelling into Kaikōura. Relax and let the train glide you across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty. Keep an eye out for the fur seals lazing on the rocks!
Once in Kaikōura, the evening will be yours to enjoy some iconic kai moana (seafood) at one of the quaint restaurants.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Activities
Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Experience
Explore Kaikōura
Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will have the opportunity to go whale watching! Enjoy today’s optional thrill of an up-close encounter with the world's largest-toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale, who live in the waters of Kaikoura year-round.
Want to get an aerial experience of the wildlife? Why not request a plane ride to capture the true grandeur of it all?
Whether you have decided to go whale watching or swimming with the dolphins and seals, we're sure you will be feeling peckish. Head to the hub of the action on the main street to sample some iconic New Zealand food - you can't go wrong with the humble Kiwiana fish and chips. Work off the deep-fried delights by wandering through the wonderful array of local artisan stores and souvenir shops.
In the late afternoon, your journey will continue, once again, on the Coastal Pacific Train en route to Christchurch, or “The Garden City”. The spectacular scenery won’t cease to amaze as you journey south through the rolling hills and extensive plains. Enjoy the relaxing journey with a glass of wine in hand.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Christchurch)
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner on train
Activities
Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey
Explore Christchurch
Christchurch, the hub for South Island exploration, is also a wonderful city that blends modern architecture and technology with the existing 19th-century Anglican ‘gothic revival’ architectural influence. Often remembered for its earthquake in 2011, the city is rebuilding itself as a multi-cultural haven. So, without further delay, jump on the historic tram to learn the history, tales and culture of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Enjoy your free time as you explore the Arts Centre, Quake City Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery, and Botanical Gardens. Ride on the city tram to uncover Christchurch's great history, or relax as you punt on the Avon River. There is also a multitude of delicious cafés tucked into quaint side streets we're sure you will love. If you are in the mood for something different, set off for Akaroa, an ‘incroyable’ French coastal settlement just an hour and half from the city centre.
Dinner awaits as you join your fellow travellers one last time. Enjoy a wonderful evening of conversation with your new friends before departing tomorrow.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Christchurch)
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities
Departing Christchurch
Your journey will end after enjoying breakfast at your hotel.
Not ready to leave Christchurch? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Activities
Transfer to airport
Things to do...
There are dozens of activities you can enjoy on your Cities & Coastal Highlights Tour, but these are our top four must-do activities:
Included journeys
Our Classic Cities and Coastal Highlights Tour between Auckland and Christchurch includes three of the greatest journeys in New Zealand - the Northern Explorer train, Interislander Cook Strait crossing and Coastal Pacific train.
Journey highlights
On our Classic Cities & Coastal Highlights Tour, you will see it all, travelling aboard all four of our world-famous journeys.
Boarding in Auckland, your first few days include a series of journeys aboard our Northern Explorer train travelling through the volcanic heart of the North Island.
Cruising between islands, the Interislander ferry plots a leisurely course around Wellington Harbour and through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds to Picton.
From Picton, you'll voyage through vineyards and along the Pacific Coast to Kaikoura aboard the Coastal Pacific train.
Your final journey is again aboard the Coastal Pacific train, meandering alongside secluded beaches on your way to Christchurch.
Available Dates
Product Code: CAC
Our Classic Cities & Coastal Highlights Tour departs on the following dates. To book your place, either call us on 0800 872 467 (+64 4 495 0775) or click the Book Now button and complete the enquiry form. You can choose to pay 20% and then pay the balance 66 days before departure.
Start Auckland
20 SEPT 2024
days
10
Finish Christchurch
29 SEPT 2024
NZ$
5499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
11 OCT 2024
days
10
Finish Christchurch
20 OCT 2024
NZ$
5499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
13 DEC 2024
days
10
Finish Christchurch
22 DEC 2024
NZ$
5499
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
13 DEC 2024
days
10
Finish Auckland
22 DEC 2024
NZ$
5899
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
17 JAN 2025
days
10
Finish Christchurch
26 JAN 2025
NZ$
5499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
7 FEB 2025
days
10
Finish Christchurch
16 FEB 2025
NZ$
5499
per person
twin/share
Solo Traveller Options
Guaranteed Share: If you are a solo traveller, you can choose the guaranteed Share option, and we will match you with another solo traveller of the same gender in a twin-bedded room. If we can't match you with another solo traveller, we will cover the Single Supplement cost.
Single Supplement: If you are a Solo Traveller and would like a room to yourself, you can select to pay the Single Supplement when confirming your booking.
Symbol Key
This tour date is guaranteed to depart
Single supplement available
Hurry! This tour is either almost sold out or close to departure
Northbound Tour: This tour travels from South to North
Important Information
Any questions?
Whether it's pricing, availability, future dates, tour options or extended itineraries, our super-friendly and knowledgeable Travel Centre team is on hand to answer your questions and help build your perfect New Zealand holiday.
Give us a call or contact us online, we can't wait to hear from you.
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