Explore New Zealand’s bustling cities and quaint towns in Auckland, Ohakune, and Wellington. Enjoy this guided scenic tour through the North Island, passing volcanic peaks, rolling hills, engineering marvels and sparkling coastlines.
Highlights
- Experience the Volcanic Plateau by world-renowned Northern Explorer train journey
- Encounter the volcanic peaks of Middle Earth in Tongariro National Park
- Witness the engineering marvels of Raurimu Spiral
- Marvel at the mesmerising coastal views of the Kapiti Coast
- Discover the sandstone cliffs of the Rangatikei River Gorge
- Be captivated by the storytelling of your Tour Director throughout your great journey
Travel Northbound: Wellington 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 between New Zealand's largest cities.
Inclusions
- Experienced Tour Director
- Te Papa Museum Introduction Tour
- The Northern Explorer Scenic Train
- Free time and optional excursions to personalise your holiday
*Please note: Tour inclusions may vary depending on the season of departure.
What you get along the way
Transportation
- Northern Explorer Scenic Train
- Private Coaches to reach regional gems
- Private shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
- Porterage
Meals
- 5 Breakfasts
- 2 Dinners
- 2 Train Meals on the Northern Explorer
Accommodation
- 3 - 4 Star Hotel (5 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.
Recommended additional activities
There are dozens of optional activities you can enjoy on our Northern Highlights Tour, but these are our top four must-do activities:
Explore Tongariro
Put your walking shoes on and explore the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park
Old Coach Road
Hire a bike or e-bike and explore Ohakune's historic Old Coach Road
Wellington Cable Car
Explore the heights of Wellington on the famous red Cable Car to take in the views over the city.
Scenic Helicopter Tour
Get a birdseye view of Wellington and the surrounding areas on a helicopter tour
Included journeys
Our Classic Northern Highlights Tour includes one of the greatest journeys in New Zealand - the Northern Explorer.
Northern Explorer
Traverse the volcanic plateau across soaring viaducts on the epic Northern Explorer journey
Scenic Class travel
Enjoy the supreme comfort of our Scenic Class carriages
Open-air Viewing Carriage
Experience the great outdoors whilst you travel!
Scenic Cafe
Take a break in our Scenic Cafe for a sumptuous selection of hot and cold food and drink
Journey highlights
The journey is part of the destination on our tours, and our Scenic trains are the ultimate way to see New Zealand.
On our Classic Northern Highlights Tour, your journey will begin aboard the Northern Explorer, leaving the towering Auckland skyline behind you and setting out across the mighty Waikato plains.
From Hamilton, your journey spirals up onto the volcanic plateau around the historic Raurimu Spiral. At the top, you will cruise beneath three mighty volcanic peaks before slowly descending across several soaring viaducts.
Your final journey brings you along the sparkling Kapiti Coast on your way into our glittering capital city, Wellington.
Available Dates
Product Code: CAW
Our Classic Northern 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.
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.
More tours to explore
Tales from the Tours
Get the inside story by travelling with us from Auckland to Queenstown aboard one of our New Zealand Rail Tours in our “Tales from the Tours” blog series!
Part 1 | Auckland to Wellington
Join the beginning of the tour as we traverse the volcanic plateau en route from Auckland to Wellington
Part 2 | Wellington to Christchurch
Set sail on part two of our touring adventure as we meander from Wellington to Christchurch
Part 3 | Christchurch to Queenstown
Weave through the Southern Alps and along the West Coast from Christchurch to Queenstown on our final leg
