26 Day 5 Wellington to Christchurch Board your transfer, then cruise across Cook Strait and picturesque Marlborough Sounds on the Interislander Ferry. On arrival in Picton, connect onto the Coastal Pacific Train on a journey that takes you breathtakingly close to the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic Kaikoura Mountains. A transfer will take you to your hotel when you reach Christchurch. P 92km by ferry (3 hr 10 min) r 348km by train (5 hr 20 min) h STANDARD - Bella Vista Christchurch, 1 night SUPERIOR - Quest Christchurch Day 6 Christchurch to Fox Glacier Join your transfer to Christchurch Station to begin your journey aboard one of the world’s most famous rail experiences - the TranzAlpine Train. Cross fertile farmlands and enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges. Traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Collect your rental car on arrival at Greymouth, then travel along the West Coast to reach Fox Glacier. Depending on your arrival time into Fox Glacier, you may like to take a scenic flight or guided walk to the terminal face of the glacier. r 223km by train (4 hr 30 min) " 197km by road (2 hr 30 min) h STANDARD - Sunset Motel Fox Glacier, 1 night SUPERIOR - Distinction Fox Glacier Day 7 Fox Glacier to Queenstown via Wanaka Drive down the wild West Coast, continuing south and inland over Haast Pass. Stop at the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka for a leisurely lunch and stroll along the lakefront. We recommend a visit to the unique and eccentric Puzzling World or a scenic flight on a vintage Tiger Moth aircraft for the more adventurous. Travel over the spectacular Crown Range to the alpine resort of Queenstown. " 367km by road (4 hr 30 min) h STANDARD - Blue Peaks Lodge, 3 nights SUPERIOR - The Rees Hotel (Lakeview) Day 8 Queenstown Today is at your leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand - try the thrills and spills of jet boating or bungy jumping. If you prefer a slower pace, indulge in a wine tour or explore the region with Nomad Safaris. Another way to spend the day is with a trip to picturesque Arrowtown, only a pleasant 20 minute drive away. Once a bustling gold rush town, Arrowtown is now a peaceful village featuring heritage buildings and a tree-lined main street full of interesting shops and great eateries. Our Favourite Journeys | 14 Day New Zealand Rail & Self Drive 14 Day New Zealand Rail & Self Drive Day 1 Arrive Auckland On arrival in Auckland, a transfer will take you to your hotel. The day is at your leisure; take a stroll around the Viaduct Harbour or visit the Auckland Museum for an introduction to New Zealand history. A great destination for the evening is Auckland Sky Tower. The Orbit Revolving Restaurant is situated at the top of the Sky Tower, 190 metres above the ground. The dining room rotates once every hour, providing a truly unique experience and amazing 360-degree views. h STANDARD - Scenic Hotel Auckland, 2 nights SUPERIOR - Heritage Auckland Day 2 Auckland Today you are free to explore the ‘City of Sails’ or you might like to venture a little further afield. An Ananda Tour of Waiheke Island is a great way to start your holiday in New Zealand. Explore Waiheke’s boutique wine industry including a scenic tour of the island along with visits to three vineyards. On conclusion of your guided tour, take advantage of the all day bus pass allowing you to further explore the island. Alternatively, you may like to join a day tour to the Bay of Islands, Rotorua or the Waitomo Caves. Day 3 Auckland to Wellington Be transferred to Britomart Transport Centre this morning to board the Northern Explorer train, a great way to experience the North Island’s extraordinary range of scenery in one journey. This remarkable daytime journey between Auckland and Wellington takes you through lush green farmland and native forests, past quaint country towns and across New Zealand’s Volcanic plateau. The highlight of the trip is the Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains and extreme landscape featuring snow-covered fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests. Also marvel at the Raurimu Spiral, a truly amazing feat of railway engineering which enable the train to climb 139m in less than 6km. Upon your arrival in Wellington, a transfer will be waiting to take to your hotel. r 681km by train (10 hr 35 min) h STANDARD - Grand Mercure Central City, 2 nights SUPERIOR - Rydges Wellington Day 4 Wellington Wellington City and its surrounds offer a fantastic range of experiences - from culture and high end art in the city’s galleries and theatres to wildlife encounters and waterfront walkways. New Zealand’s capital is home to fantastic shopping, gourmet food and more cafes and bars than you could wish for. Explore the city on a number of guided bus and walking tours or take a ride on the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views of the city and harbour. Alternatively, join a tour of the surrounding Wairarapa wine region internationally renowned for its world class Pinot Noir. Inclusions & Highlights h ACCOMMODATION • 13 nights in your chosen category TRAVEL • 8 days Budget rental car (CDAR) • Total driving distance approx 1,774km, train 1,252km, ferry 92km • Interislander Ferry Crossing • Airport & railway station transfers ICONIC SIGHTSEEING • Northern Explorer Train Journey • Coastal Pacific Train Journey • TranzAlpine Train Journey • Taieri Gorge Railway Train Journey • Milford Sound Nature Cruise Your Journey... Your package includes these ‘must do’ train journeys & cruise in New Zealand. Northern Explorer: Travel through the heart of the North, between Auckland and Wellington, across farmlands, volcanic plateaus and gorges. Coastal Pacific: This delightful journey from Picton to Christchurch is a scenic feast of mountain ranges, rugged coastline and wildlife. (*replaced by coach in winter) TranzAlpine: One of the world’s great journeys from Christchurch to Greymouth. Marvel at gorges, river valleys, lush forest and glaciers. Milford Sound Nature Cruise: 2.5 hour cruise along the length of the iconic fiord. Experience waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and unique wildlife.