SOUTH ISLAND: LUXURY EXPLORER BY TRAIN
SUGGESTED 18 DAY ROUTE
from £6,595pp
36.8509° S, 174.7645° E
Itinerary Highlights
Take a scenic flight or stargaze in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Explore the charming town center and dine with stunning lake and mountain views
Cruise the serene waters of Milford Sound, surrounded by towering peaks and cascading waterfalls
Immerse yourself in the geothermal wonders of Te Puia and witness the Pohutu Geyser
PRICE INCLUDES
SCHEDULED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
ALL ACCOMMODATION
SELECT ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
24-HOUR SUPPORT WHILE YOU TRAVEL
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Day 1: Departure
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Today marks the beginning of your extraordinary adventure as you board your international outbound flight bound for New Zealand. Get ready to embark on a captivating journey filled with natural wonders and unforgettable experiences. As you settle into your flight, anticipate the mesmerizing landscapes, scenic views, and spectacular wildlife that awaits you in New Zealand…
Day 2: Arrival in Christchurch
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Arrive in Christchurch, settle into your accommodation. Depending on time of arrival, enjoy a casual exploration of Cathedral Square. Take in the local atmosphere with a coffee at a nearby cafe and perhaps a stroll along the Avon River. Evening brings diverse dining experiences in the city center. Rest up for the exciting adventures awaiting you in Christchurch.
Day 3: Christchurch
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Begin your day at the tranquil Christchurch Botanic Gardens, followed by a visit to the Canterbury Museum to uncover the region’s history. Enjoy lunch along the Avon River, and experience the iconic tradition of punting. In the evening, dine in Cathedral Square amidst Christchurch’s historic architecture.
Day 4: Franz Josef
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Commence your journey at Christchurch Railway Station, boarding the renowned TranzAlpine train. This iconic 223-kilometer journey spans almost five hours, showcasing stunning vistas. Traverse the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, and native beech forests. Luxury coaches will await in Greymouth to transfer you to Franz Josef. Conclude the day with relaxation at the Glacier Hot Pools.
Day 5: Queenstown
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Consider a helicopter tour of Franz Josef Glacier before departure. Travel down the West Coast through Haast Pass, surrounded by rainforests, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. Pass by lakes Wanaka, Hawea, and Dunstan. Arrive in Queenstown, taking in the Remarkables Mountain Range and Lake Wakatipu from your hotel.
Day 6: Queenstown
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Embark on a lake cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm, followed by a gourmet BBQ lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring Arrowtown and visiting the Lakes District Museum.
Day 7: Te Anau
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Depart for Kingston, where the Kingston Flyer Steam Train awaits for a memorable journey. Traverse the Southern Scenic Route, visiting the Takahe Bird Sanctuary. Explore Te Anau and experience the wonders of Milford Sound.
Day 8: Te Anau
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Take a one-day tour to Milford Sound, witnessing exceptional alpine scenery. Cruise the fiord, marveling at landmarks like Mitre Peak. Return to Te Anau in the evening.
Day 9: Dunedin
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Depart for Dunedin via Mandeville and the Croydon Aviation Museum. Enjoy the luxury coach journey through Southland’s pristine beauty.
Day 10: Dunedin
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Explore the remote Taieri Gorge by Dunedin Rail, weaving through historic tunnels and arriving at the Wingatui Viaduct. Optionally, discover Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula, enjoying high tea and a guided garden tour.
Day 11: Mount Cook
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Depart Dunedin by rail, hugging the coast towards Oamaru. Detour inland via Omarama and Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mt Cook. Optionally, enjoy star-gazing at the Planetarium in the evening.
Day 12: Mount Cook
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Spend a leisurely morning at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Optionally, embark on a glacier ski plane tour or scenic flight. Afternoon scenic drive through the National Park. Dinner with a guest speaker from the Hillary family.
Day 13: Christchurch
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Morning departure, leaving Aoraki/Mt Cook by coach. Journey back to the coast via Tekapo and Fairlie on the way to Christchurch. Explore modern day Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre.
Day 14: Kaikoura
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Embark on the Coastal Pacific Scenic Train, showcasing the breathtaking coastal journey. Arrive in Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea. Kaikoura is known for its resident whales, and you may have the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures. The guardians of the seas, the mountains of the Southern Alps, rise majestically from the deep trenches of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the coastal scenery and stay at the newly opened Sudima Hotel or equivalent, taking in spectacular views of the Kaikoura Esplanade.
Day 15: Christchurch
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This morning, introduce yourself to a true “rockstar of rail,” the historic Marlborough Flyer. Hauled by the glorious steam locomotive Ab608 Passchendaele, this train journey takes you through the Dashwood Pass and Awatere Valley to Marlborough, the famous wine region boasting over 100 vineyards. Conclude the day at the Picton Yacht Club or equivalent, the premier hotel in Picton located on the stunning waterfront.
Day 16: Marlborough
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On the final full day of the tour, enjoy the picturesque ferry crossing, weaving through the Queen Charlotte Sound, and cruise across the Cook Strait to the harbor city of Wellington.
Day 17: Wellington
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Delve into Wellington’s charm with a morning visit to Te Papa Museum, showcasing New Zealand’s captivating history and culture. Ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic city views and explore the lush Botanic Garden. Enjoy a delectable lunch in downtown Wellington, followed by an afternoon stroll through the eclectic Cuba Street for unique shopping experiences.
Day 18: Departure from Wellington
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On your departure day, bid farewell to Wellington’s dynamic atmosphere. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, take in any last-minute sights, or do some final souvenir shopping. Head to Wellington International Airport, reflecting on the memories of your enchanting journey through New Zealand.
Create a bespoke travel experience – your itinerary can be uniquely tailored, fully customizable, and designed to reflect your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s not necessary to choose an existing itinerary. With Travel Platino, you have the option to create a completely customised journey tailored to your specific interests and preferences, assisted by our experienced consultants. Alternatively, you can take one of our pre-designed itineraries and modify it to better suit your needs. This could mean adjusting the pace of your trip or focusing on particular themes like gastronomy or adventure activities. Our aim is to provide a personalised travel experience that perfectly matches your individual desires, offering you the freedom and flexibility to design your ideal trip.
Once we receive the specifics of the tailor-made experience you’re interested in, our specialist will work swiftly to provide you with an estimated pricing proposal. Typically, we aim to deliver this information within 24 hours. Our team prioritises efficiency and accuracy to ensure you get a timely response, allowing you to proceed with planning your personalised journey as soon as possible.
Your pricing proposal from Travel Platino will comprehensively cover the key components of your trip. This includes all flights, tours, activities, and accommodations. Depending on the specifics of your itinerary, the proposal may also include additional elements such as park entrance fees and some meals. It’s important to note that each itinerary is unique, so the inclusion of these extra items can vary. We tailor every proposal to match the specific details and preferences of your personalised travel plan, ensuring that you have a clear and detailed understanding of what your journey entails.
The minimum number of people required for a tailor-made trip with Travel Platino is just one. You can certainly embark on a personalised journey as an individual. However, it’s important to note that the itineraries listed on our website are typically priced based on two people sharing a room. If you’re traveling alone, we can adjust the itinerary and pricing to suit your individual needs, ensuring you enjoy a customised and fulfilling travel experience tailored specifically to you.
At Travel Platino, your safety is our top priority, especially on tailor-made trips. We ensure your well-being by partnering exclusively with reputable guides and tour operators who meet our stringent standards for safety and reliability. Our team members are experienced professionals who deeply understand the destinations and activities included in your journey.
Furthermore, our travel specialists dedicated to your destination are available 24/7 to assist with any concerns or emergencies that may arise during your trip. They are equipped to provide immediate support and guidance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. With these measures in place, you can travel with the confidence that you are in capable and caring hands throughout your journey.
We provide 24/7 support to ensure that you have a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. This means that no matter where you are or what time it is, our team is always available to assist you with any queries, concerns, or unexpected situations that may arise during your journey.
The process of creating your tailor-made trip with Travel Platino is both thorough and flexible. Here’s how it works:
Initial Contact: When you reach out to us, we’ll start by getting a clear understanding of your travel aspirations, preferences, and specific needs for the itinerary.
1. Proposal Within 24 Hours: Within 24 hours of our initial discussion, our team will craft and present you with a selection of itinerary options. These suggestions are based on the information you’ve provided and are designed to align closely with your travel goals.
2. Tweaking: After you receive our proposed itineraries, the door is open for further customisation. We understand that crafting the perfect trip is a process, and we’re committed to making any necessary adjustments to ensure your itinerary is exactly what you’re looking for.
3. Local Insights and Flexibility: Throughout this process, we offer you the opportunity to speak with our local ambassadors in the destinations you’re planning to visit. They provide valuable insights and on-the-ground knowledge, ensuring your trip is not only enjoyable but also deeply connected to the local culture and environment.
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