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NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand Rail Spectacular
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Inclusions
Departure Dates
More Tours



The cruise and/or tour map shown is provided as a guide only.
The actual route of the cruise or tour may vary.
Tour Summary
Tour name: New Zealand Rail Spectacular
Tour code: EZCT  
Days: 14  
Overview:

  
Tour Itinerary
Day 1Arrive Auckland
“Haere Mai” (welcome) to New Zealand! You will be met upon arrival and transferred* to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city of sails or you may choose to pre-purchase one of the extra sightseeing activities to enhance your Auckland experience.
Overnight Stay: Auckland
Day 2Goldfields Railway – Rotorua – Rainbow Springs & Kiwi Encounter (B)
Journey to the top of Mt Eden, Auckland’s highest extinct volcano for spectacular views of the city and harbour, then head southward to Goldfields Railway. This vintage train will carry you through the upper reaches of the stunning Karangahake Gorge. Arrive in Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture. Visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park, a native wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout, and Kiwi Encounter dedicated to the conservation of the National Kiwi.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua
Day 3Gondola ride – Thermal Reserve – Cultural Performance & Maori Hangi (HB,HD)
Enjoy a Gondola ride up to Skyline Restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast continue on to the Agrodome for an entertaining show of sheep shearing and farm dog trials. Then visit the bubbling mud pools and thermal geyser at the amazing Te Puia Thermal Valley and the Maori Arts and Craft Institute. This afternoon is at leisure giving you time to either soak in the thermal hot springs or explore more of Rotorua. Tonight we journey out to Tamaki Maori Village where you will be entertained at a traditional Maori cultural performance followed by a Hangi feast.
Day 4Overlander Train – Raurimu Spiral – Wellington (B)
Journey to Taumaranui and board the Overlander for a magnificent afternoon’s journey up the famous Raurimu Spiral and onto New Zealand’s awesome volcanic plateau. After the ‘drop’, the route becomes green and lush again. See the dramatic white cliffs and viaducts of the Rangitekei River and view Kapiti Island. Late this afternoon we arrive into the Nation’s Capital Wellington where you will have time to explore the city at your leisure.
Overnight Stay: Wellington
Day 5 Marlborough Sounds – TranzCoastal Train – Christchurch (B,D)
Cruise through the picturesque Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds to the south island. Board the Tranz- Coastal train for one of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal journeys! Hugging the Kaikoura Coast, the train passes scenic vineyards, salt mountains and river valleys - a visual feast.
Overnight Stay: Christchurch
Day 6TranzAlpine Rail – Jade Factory - Franz Josef & Fox Glacier (B,D)
Today’s touring takes you for an unforgettable rail journey through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and continue on to Hokitika to see skilled craftsmen carving Pounamo (Jade). Its then on to view the awesome Franz Josef Glacier.
Overnight Stay: Fox Glacier

Opportunity to experience a scenic helicopter flight with snow landing.  Weather permitting and at own expense.
Day 7Arrowtown – Queenstown (B,D)
Travel through sub-tropical rainforest to Haast Pass, view the spectacular Thunder Creek Falls and travel to the small mountain town of Wanaka. Visit popular Arrowtown, a quaint and historic gold mining town, previously one of the  richest rivers in the world. Continue on to picturesque Queenstown and your hotel overlooking beautiful Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown
Day 8Queenstown at leisure (B,HD)
Today is free to explore at your own pace. Your Tour Director will assist with suggestions. Late this afternoon cruise Lake Wakatipu on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Enjoy wine tasting and highlight dinner at Walter Peak High Country Station followed by a farm tour.
Day 9Milford Sound Cruise (B,D)
Today travel through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you will experience an unforgettable cruise. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak. Return to the lakeside town of Te Anau.
Overnight Stay: Te Anau
Day 10Larnach Castle - Taieri Gorge Rail - Dunedin (B,D)
Journey to Dunedin, a university city of Scottish heritage and New Zealand’s oldest city, and onto the Otago Peninsula for a visit to Larnach Castle. Experience a guided tour of the castle with its tragic and fascinating history. This afternoon join the Taieri Gorge for a scenic rail journey through Central Otago.
Overnight Stay: Dunedin

Dunedin Homestay Option: Stay with a local family overnight, included in tour price. Must be pre-booked.
Day 11Moeraki Boulders – Omarama (B,D)
This morning you will be captivated by the grandeur of a bygone era during a guided tour of historic Olveston House. Depart Dunedin for Omarama, famous for its limestone. En-route visit the intriguing Moeraki Boulders. 
Overnight Stay: Omarama
Day 12Mt Cook National Park – Lake Tekapo – Christchurch (B,HD)
Pass picturesque Lake Pukaki, then stop and view Mt Cook (weather permitting). Continue on to visit Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, and then on to Christchurch for a sightseeing tour. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner.
Two Night Stay: Christchurch
Day 13Christchurch Historic Tram (B)
Today is free to enjoy this beautiful city at your own pace on the Christchurch historic tram. This restored heritage tram follows an inner city route of the most interesting and historic city sights. Choose to hop on and off as you like, to explore the city further.
Day 14Depart Christchurch (B)
After breakfast transfer* to the airport for your flight home. (Flight at own expense, please pre-book with Travel Agent). It’s “haere ra” (goodbye) to New Zealand.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation -  refer to your booking summary.
Tour itinerary is valid from 01/06/2009 to 31/05/2010 and is subject to change. Enquire for itinerary details that fall outside of these dates. If you have booked on a tour please refer to the itinerary provided in your tour documentation or on Tour Personaliser for any changes that have been made.


Evergreen Tours (a division of Scenic Tours Pty Ltd)
Lic No 2TA 002 633