Discover New Zealand by rail
Journey through Aotearoa New Zealand by rail, where celebrated destinations meet places few travellers ever see. Our hosted rail tours connect you to landscapes, stories and local communities.
Travel aboard award-winning scenic trains, guided by an experienced tour director. Every journey is thoughtfully hosted, with comfort, connection and manaakitanga (hospitality) at its heart.
Settle in as mountains, coastlines and valleys unfold beyond your panoramic window. Each stretch of track is as memorable as the destination itself.
Explore beyond highways and well worn paths. Discover a slower, more meaningful way to travel, shaped by culture, care and a deep sense of place.
Signature tours
Our Signature tours take you deep into New Zealand culture on a unique rail tour filled with amazing local experiences. Travel to New Zealand's most spectacular locations, while enjoying a tour director, 4 to 4.5-star accommodation, breakfast, select meals, train journeys, premium activities and transfers.
Why choose a rail tour?
Our fully guided rail tours offer a richer way to experience Aotearoa New Zealand. More ease than independent travel. More depth than a traditional coach tour. Every detail is considered so the journey feels as meaningful as the places you explore.
Settle into your seat on our world‑famous scenic trains. Watch landscapes unfold through panoramic windows. With a knowledgeable tour director guiding the way, each day flows effortlessly from rail to road, from story to place. Get a glimpse of what makes touring with us so special.
Guided storytelling • Our experienced tour directors share the stories that shape the land. Local insights. Thoughtful context. Answers when curiosity strikes.
Scenic rail travel • Travel in comfort through some of the most remarkable landscapes in the world. From alpine passes to rugged coastlines, the train journey becomes a highlight in its own right.
Effortless travel • Our Travel Centre manages your bookings while your tour director looks after you on the ground. Less planning. Less stress. More time to relax and enjoy the moment.
Shared connections • Travel alongside like‑minded guests in a warm, unhurried setting. Conversations come easily. Friendships form naturally. Before long, it feels like travelling with old friends.
Signature experiences • Each itinerary brings together iconic destinations and carefully chosen activities. There is also freedom to personalise your journey, so your interests shape the experience.
Meaningful travel • Sustainability guides everything we do. By supporting local operators and regional communities, your journey helps care for the land and people of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Classic tours
Our Classic tours provide an exciting balance of organised travel with time to enjoy your chosen activities and include a tour director, 3-4 star accommodation, breakfast, select meals, train journeys, and transfers.
Classic vs Signature
Classic
Our Classic tours provide more spare time and greater flexibility to choose activities that suit your interests.
You'll still get all the benefits of a tour director and Scenic train travel, but you'll also get more time to do the things you want to do.
Signature
Our Signature tours offer greater comfort and bring you closer to New Zealand through authentic cultural experiences, additional activities, and more destinations.
If you are looking for a more comfortable and relaxing way to see the best of New Zealand with all the details taken care of, then our Signature tours are just the ticket.
|
Signature
|
Classic
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Tour director | ◉ | ◉ |
| Scenic train travel | ◉ | ◉ |
| Scenic Plus | ◉ | ◉ |
| Interislander Premium Lounge | ◉ | ◉ |
| Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown | ◉ | ◉ |
| Hamilton, Waitomo, Raglan, Milford Sound | ◉ | ◉ |
| Complete itinerary of activities | ◉ | ◉ |
| Pre and post tour accommodation | ◉ | ◉ |
| Breakfasts included | ◉ | ◉ |
| Evening dinners | 7 | 4 |
| Accommodation star rating | 4 - 4½ | 3 - 4 |
| Included = ◉ Optional = ◉ Not included = ◉ |
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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!