You’ll love this tour
Discover the best of the North Island with Great Journeys New Zealand on the Classic Northern highlights tour.
This fully guided rail journey connects two of New Zealand’s most iconic cities while showcasing cultural, natural and scenic highlights, all with seamless, stress-free travel.
Guided by an experienced tour director, you’ll uncover hidden stories, sweeping landscapes and the kind of experiences that stay with you long after you return home
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 Kāpiti Coast
- Discover the sandstone cliffs of the Rangatikei River Gorge
- Be captivated by the storytelling of your tour director throughout your great journey
What's included
Activities
- 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
Transport
- Northern Explorer scenic train
- Private coaches to reach regional gems
- Private shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
- Porterage at selected locations
- Fully guided
Meals
- 5 Breakfasts
- 3 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
All in all it was a wonderful tour. Great places, interesting things to do and to see.
- Jessica
The hotels were very nice
Welcome to Wellington
Kia Ora!
Welcome to Wellington – New Zealand’s windy capital! Wellington is known for its world-class dining, great coffee, and eccentric shops.
After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Wellington has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to get cultured at Te Papa Museum or grab a drink at one of the many quirky bars on Cuba Street. You may even fancy a ride on the cable car!
After an exciting day on the town, your tour will officially begin as you join your fellow travelers and Tour Director at this evening’s welcome reception.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Dinner
Activities
Welcome Dinner
The Northern Explorer scenic train
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 Kāpiti 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 into the 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
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
The Northern Explorer scenic train
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 down 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, Dinner
Activities included
Northern Explorer scenic train experience
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 in Auckland)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities
Waiheke Hop-on Hop-off wine & dine
Farewell dinner
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
Explore Auckland
Kia ora
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 this evening, as you join your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome reception.
Accommodation
3 - 4 star accommodation (1 night)
Meals included
Dinner
A welcome drink is included in tonight's reception
Activities
Welcome reception
The Northern Explorer scenic train
Today, you will marvel at rural New Zealand’s lush landscapes from the comfort of your seat aboard the Northern Explorer scenic train. 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, dinner
Activities
Northern Explorer scenic train experience
Mini excursion to view expansive views across the volcanic landscape
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
Mini excursion to view expansive volcanic views across the North Island
Northern Explorer scenic train experience
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 a farewell dinner tonight with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Wellington)
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities
Introduction Tour at Te Papa Museum
Farewell Dinner
Departing Wellington
Your journey will end after enjoying breakfast at your hotel.
Not ready to leave Wellington? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay.
Meals included
Breakfast
Add more to your tour
There are dozens of optional activities you can enjoy on our Northern highlights tour, but these are our top four must-do activities:
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.
Start Auckland
13 MAR 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
18 MAR 2026
NZ$
3399
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
27 MAR 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
1 APR 2026
NZ$
3399
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
28 APR 2026
days
6
Finish Auckland
3 MAY 2026
NZ$
3399
per person
twin/share
Looking for more dates?
Sign up for updates and we'll contact you!
Start Auckland
11 SEPT 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
16 SEPT 2026
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
25 SEPT 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
30 SEPT 2026
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
9 OCT 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
14 OCT 2026
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
30 OCT 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
4 NOV 2026
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
13 NOV 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
18 NOV 2026
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
20 NOV 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
25 NOV 2026
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
4 DEC 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
9 DEC 2026
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
11 DEC 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
16 DEC 2026
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
22 JAN 2027
days
6
Finish Wellington
27 JAN 2027
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
29 JAN 2027
days
6
Finish Wellington
3 FEB 2027
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
12 FEB 2027
days
6
Finish Wellington
17 FEB 2027
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
19 FEB 2027
days
6
Finish Wellington
24 FEB 2027
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
5 MAR 2027
days
6
Finish Wellington
10 MAR 2027
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
12 MAR 2027
days
6
Finish Wellington
17 MAR 2027
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
2 APR 2027
days
6
Finish Wellington
7 APR 2027
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
Start Auckland
23 APR 2027
days
6
Finish Wellington
28 APR 2027
NZ$
3499
per person
twin/share
F
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.
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This tour date is guaranteed to depart
Single supplement available
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Northbound Tour: This tour travels from South to North
Important Information
Tales from the tours
Get the inside story by travelling with us aboard one of our New Zealand rail tours in our “Tales from the tours” blog series,
FAQS
Discover the best of the North Island with Great Journeys New Zealand on the Classic Northern highlights tour.
- Auckland city experience
- Discover Tongariro National Park
- Mini excursion to view expansive volcanic views across the North Island
- Wellington & Te Papa
- Expert tour director
- Northern Explorer
- Cultural highlights
- Small group travel
- No self-drive required
This North Island guided tour runs for 6 days.
The Northern Explorer scenic train.
Starts in Auckland and finishes in Wellington. Reverse departures available.
Travellers aged 16+ wanting a guided North Island rail holiday.
Daily breakfast and 6 nights in 3-4 star accommodation (twin share).
Seasonal departures September - April.
Yes, optional activities available.
Any questions?
Whether it's pricing, availability, future dates, tour options or extended itineraries, our super-friendly and knowledgeable New Zealand travel specialists are here to help.
Our Travel Centre are on hand to answer your questions and help you build your perfect New Zealand holiday.
Give us a call or contact us online; we can't wait to hear from you.