Signature Inspiring North Island Rail Tour, Auckland to Wellington (via Ohakune)

New Zealand
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SAVE up to 20%*

Availability

Valid for select departures 3 September 2025 - 15 April 2026

What's included

Save up to 20%*/strong>.
PLUS add international flights & Comprehensive Travel Insurance and SAVE $500* per booking in-store with Bundle + Save.
Accommodation 7 nights in 4 - 4.5* hotels.
Meals 7 Breakfasts, 1 Picnic Lunch, 4 Dinners & 3 Meals onboard the train.
Transport Northern Explorer Scenic Train, Private Coaches, Private Shuttles (excluding airport arrival).
Included Sightseeing.
Experienced Tour Director.
Hamilton Gardens Guided Tour and Picnic.
Raglan Dinner Cruise.
Sanctuary Mountain Wildlife Experience.
Glowworm Caves Guided Tour.
Volcanic Geology Experiences.
Wellington City Tour.
*Please note: Tour inclusions may vary depending on the season of departure.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 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 shop 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 4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night) Meals Included Dinner with Welcome Drink.
  • Day 2 Auckland to Hamilton. Your journey awaits as you join the Northern Explorer Scenic train. Marvel at rural New Zealand's lush landscapes from the comfort of your scenic carriage. From the sparkling waters of the Waitemat? Harbour to the green pastures of the Waikato - you won't want to miss a moment. Arriving in Hamilton, your coach awaits you to bring you to the famous Hamilton Gardens. Engross yourself in the garden's collection of themed rooms as you are led by an experienced guide. Learn about the history, context and meaning of each garden before finishing this delightful morning with a picnic on the lush lawns. Surrounded by beauty, you will be in utter bliss. In the early afternoon, enjoy some free time in the heart of Hamilton before departing for an evening visit to Raglan - a seaside surfer town. It's here that you'll enjoy a Sunset Dinner Cruise on the pristine harbour. Please note: The tour departing January 27, 2025 will journey by coach from Auckland to Hamilton (2hrs). Accommodation 4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Hamilton) Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
  • Day 3 Hamilton. This morning you will depart for your next exciting excursion - Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain. Let your guide transport you into an ancient world of ecological wonders as you explore New Zealand's very own pest-free environment, within native forest. On this excursion, you will walk through the home of some of New Zealand's most endangered species. Discover North Island's robins, tomtits, k?k?, p?pokotea, bellbirds, hihi, t?eke, fantails, kereru and w?t?. This pre-human paradise has one of the world's longest pest-proof fences. Your expedition continues after a lunch stop in New Zealand's "Kiwiana Capital", Otorohanga. Make sure you capture a photo of the giant Kiwi birds Next, discover the famous Waitomo Glow worm Caves and be dazzled by the seemingly star-filled sky as you glide by boat through this impressive cave formation. Tonight, explore Hamilton's riverside walks and shops on this free evening. Enjoy one of the many nearby restaurants as the sun sets over the Waikato River. Accommodation 4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Hamilton) Meals Included Breakfast.
  • Day 4 Hamilton to Tongariro National Park. Joining the Northern Explorer train once again, today you'll soar over icy mountain streams as you travel to Tongariro National Park, the home of three volcanic mountains. Tongariro National Park has a diverse range of ecosystems and spectacular landscapes. In 1993, it was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and was the first property to be inscribed with the criteria describing the cultural values it holds for M?ori. Enjoy a mini excursion up to T?roa ski field. Here you'll want to capture a panoramic photo of Middle Earth before descending into Ohakune. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner with your fellow travellers. Accommodation 4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Ohakune) Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner.
  • Day 5 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 hop aboard a rail cart journey or join a horse trekking experience that takes you along expansive hills, mountains, rivers and into native forest. 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 4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Ohakune) Meals Included Breakfast.
  • Day 6 Tongariro National Park. Your day begins with an elevated experience up the northern face of Mt Ruapehu for panoramic views of the volcanic landscape. Drink in the views of Mt Ng?uruhoe, Mt Tongariro, and beyond across the central North Island. Joining the Northern Explorer train once again, waving goodbye to Tongariro National Park, 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 get the best view from the train. A little later, why not indulge in a treat from our onboard licensed cafe? As you glide through rich green farmland and past dramatic coastlines, enjoy the picturesque Porirua Harbour as you arrive into Wellington. Welcome to Wellington - New Zealand's windy capital You've arrived at Wellington Railway Station which is just a stone's throw from downtown, the Beehive and Parliament Buildings. You won't want to waste a moment of time after checking into the hotel - your evening is free to explore this culinary capital from Queen's Wharf to Cuba street and beyond. Accommodation 4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Wellington) Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner.
  • Day 7 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 our Wellington City introduction tour and then head off to explore Cuba Street's cafes, bookstores, and eccentric shops. Get cultured at Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, or visit Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary to surround yourself by native birdlife and regenerating P1forest. 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 your final dinner tonight with your fellow travellers. Accommodation 4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Wellington) Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner.
  • Day 8 Depart Wellington. Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast at your hotel. Meals Included Breakfast.
  • Book and pay for an International Flight and Comprehensive Travel Insurance and add on either a 7-night international cruise, or tour, or hotel to SAVE $500 off your booking. Minimum spend of $7,000 applies. Exclusive to customers subscribed to Flight Centre's Deals database at the time of receiving saving. Join for free in store or online at flightcentre.com.au/subscribe. Customers can unsubscribe from Flight Centre Yes to Deals at any later time should they choose to do so. Cruise, tour or hotel component bundled to booking must individually be 7 days. $500 saving is redeemable once, on a once per booking basis (irrespective of the number of passengers) and for new bookings only from 09 September 2024. Offer does not apply to online bookings. Comprehensive Travel Insurance must cover all passengers for the trip duration. The $500 saving will be applied as a discount at the time final payment is made. $500 saving is not otherwise redeemable or refundable. Offer cannot be redeemed by Flight Centre Travel Group staff. Flight Centre's standard booking terms and conditions apply.
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