New Zealand by Train and Private Transfers

Your driver will be waiting at the airport to take you to your first accommodation. Auckland is the most important city in the country and benefits from a temperate climate that makes it pleasant to explore. Each neighborhood has its own particularity and charm; set off to discover them or enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Overnight at Hotel Britomart.

After breakfast, a private driver will pick you up from your accommodation to take you to Hobbiton, the village from the first installment of Peter Jackson’s trilogy, «The Lord of the Rings». Then, travel on to Rotorua, a city famous for its geothermal activity and hot springs. Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, the Wai Ariki complex offers a relaxation space and another rejuvenating option. Wai Ariki is inspired by ancestral Māori methods used in the Rotorua region, which you will discover throughout the revitalizing session, experiencing hot and cold, mud and water, air and steam. Overnight at On The Point.

Private transfer to discover Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu, two magnificent geothermal parks, each with a very different atmosphere. Overnight at On The Point.

This morning, your driver will take you to Tongariro, from where you will board the train to reach the country’s capital, Wellington. This train, linking Wellington to Auckland, is an institution. It takes you through the North Island’s farms and pastures, rivers, and native forests, without forgetting, of course, the Central Plateau and Tongariro National Park. You will have access to the « Scenic Plus » option, which offers more comfort with spacious seats and extensive panoramic views. A meal will be served, and the presence of a guide will allow you to learn everything about the region and the history of this legendary train. Overnight at QT Wellington.

Set off for a full day to discover Wellington with a guided tour that will show you the hidden corners of this exciting and charming city. Overnight at QT Wellington.

This morning, you will be transferred to the ferry terminal, which will take you across the Cook Strait to Picton. This small town, located at the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, is very pleasant. You will then be transferred to Blenheim, an agricultural town known for its aviation museum, but above all for its vineyards. In the 1990s, there were only 18 vineyards; today, there are 160! Overnight at The Marlborough.

Discover the best of Marlborough: its wines and the bays of the Marlborough Sounds. The day starts with visits to two vineyards, where tastings are planned and explained by passionate people who are deeply involved in producing their wine. Then, a barbecue lunch will be served before your cruise departs at 12:30 in the Marlborough Sounds, during which seafood accompanied by Sauvignon Blanc will be served. Overnight at The Marlborough.

This wonderful train journey from Picton to Christchurch will take you through an impressive variety of landscapes. From the Kaikoura mountains—NZ’s capital for whale and dolphin watching, where you will also spend the night—to the vineyards of Blenheim, at the heart of the country’s largest wine region, Marlborough, you will have traveled along 98 kilometers of the Pacific Ocean coastline. Just like your train journey on the North Island, you will have access to the « Scenic Plus » option. Overnight at Hapuku Lodge.

It would be a shame to be in Kaikoura and not take a cruise to observe the local wildlife. Each outing is a unique experience. The sperm whale is the most likely whale to spot, as it is found year-round in Kaikoura. During this excursion, it’s not uncommon to see fur seals, groups of dusky dolphins, and the majestic albatross, which is an endangered species. Depending on the season, you may also see humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales, and right whales. In the late afternoon, you will take the train again to reach Christchurch. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Overnight at The George.

This journey from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea is legendary in New Zealand and is one of the most beautiful train trips in the world. You will cross the Canterbury Plains and their farms before heading into the Southern Alps. Your stop in Arthur’s Pass is an opportunity for a great hike if you wish. Two outdoor platforms allow you to fully enjoy the scenery. Once again, you will enjoy the « Scenic Plus » experience for more comfort! Return to Christchurch in the late afternoon, followed by another transfer to reach your accommodation. Overnight at The George.

A private driver will pick you up from your accommodation to take you to Tekapo. This town is now one of the world’s few dark-sky reserves, recognized as such in June 2012. You will be amazed by the turquoise color of its lake, the snow-capped mountains surrounding it, and the green hills. Many free or paid activities are possible from the town. We recommend visiting the famous Church of the Good Shepherd or walking to the Tekapo Observatory, which offers an exceptional panoramic view over the surrounding lakes and mountains. Overnight at Ranginui Luxury B&B.

The Cass Valley Backcountry Tour is an authentic, comfortable, scenic 4WD tour through the high-country wilderness of the Mackenzie Country. This tour offers stunning scenery and passes through Glenmore Station, one of New Zealand's finest merino wool suppliers and incredible high-country stations. Private access provides remote entry to the remarkable backcountry and outstanding scenery of the Cass Valley. Overnight at Ranginui Luxury B&B.

Queenstown is the most active city in the South Island. As the world capital of outdoor activities, you can choose from a multitude of options: cruises, cycling, wine tastings, luge, hiking, farm visits... There’s no doubt you’ll find the perfect fit! You can also opt for a walk along the lake to the botanical gardens or enjoy the magnificent view from the top of the Skyline! Overnight at Hulbert House.

From Queenstown, you will travel to Milford Sound by air before enjoying a magnificent 2-hour cruise to take in this beautiful fjord, then return to Queenstown by seaplane. This half-day activity allows you to save precious time on your itinerary and have an aerial viewpoint that can’t be matched! Overnight at Hulbert House.

Enjoy your final moments in Queenstown and its Remarkables mountain range before heading to Queenstown Airport. End of your stay.