the great scenic train journey of new zealand

There’s more to Auckland than you might think – the region offers access to world-class luxury accommodation, award winning wineries, vibrant culture and unique experiences making it a hot spot for kiwis. The City of Sails sprawls over volcanic hills and around twin harbours, offering an exhilarating mix of natural wonders and urban adventures.

It is the largest Polynesian city in the world, and with over 180 different ethnic groups, Auckland has blossomed into a multi-cultural hub of culture and art making it a bustling, cosmopolitan and vibrant city.

Lying on the southern edge of the great Lake Taupo, the little town of Turangi is a magnet for fans of the outdoors. Besides its location on the water, the town is also a gateway to the beautiful landscapes of the Tongariro National Park, Kaimanawa Forest Park and Kaweka Forest Park. A host of nature-based activities can be enjoyed here, including hiking, biking, canoeing, river rafting, boat cruises and most notably, world-class trout fishing. The self-proclaimed ‘trout-fishing capital of the world’, Turangi draws fly fishermen from far and wide. Just outside of town is the Tokaanu Thermal Pools complex, where visitors can soak their aches and pains away in an array of communal and private pools fed by mineral-rich hot springs renowned for their therapeutic qualities. Don’t miss a visit to Opotaka, a historic fortified village where the Maori’s famous Ka Mate Haka was created.

Located at the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island, the Lonely Planet names Wellington as “the coolest little capital in the world”.

As well as being a ‘cool little capital’ and the seat of government, Wellington is compact and easy to get around, locals often say you can walk anywhere in under 30 minutes. On most visitors list of places to visit is the National Museum, also known as Te Papa, meaning ‘our place’; one of the world’s best interactive museums. A ride on the city’s cable car takes you up the hill to Kelburn and the city’s botanical gardens, from here you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the city and across the sea.

Wellington is well known as the country’s culinary capital, home to some of the New Zealand’s best award-winning restaurants, great bars and some wonderfully quirky cafes, great food trucks, day and night markets. Almost everything about Wellington, the mix of history, culture and creative energy epitomise the diversity, colour and inclusiveness of this city surrounded by water and hills.

Picturesque Picton is sandwiched between the lush green rolling hills of the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and the calm, tranquil waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. This peaceful seaside town is known as the gateway to the greater Marlborough area and makes an excellent base for exploring the Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track or the wonderful wine region around Blenheim. The town’s favourable location in a sheltered harbour makes it the perfect spot for boat cruising, fishing, dolphin watching or sea kayaking. Less energetic travellers can enjoy browsing local craft markets, exploring the floating maritime museum or simply watching the world pass by at one of the numerous cafés and bars lining the waterfront.

Where mountains meet the sea and wildlife takes over civilisation, Kaikōura is best known for its vast coastline which hugs the Pacific Ocean. Kaikōura is a year-round destination featuring some of the most memorable experiences that New Zealand has to offer including Whale Watching and one of our all-time favourite activities in New Zealand, Swimming with the Dolphins.

Add in a visit to the local seal colonies, watching the incredibly graceful Royal Albatross, a walk around the Kaikōura Peninsular, a visit to the museum and simply taking in sun rising over the Pacific; there’s lots to do here.

Situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the vibrant city of Christchurch is the largest city on the island. Dubbed the 'Garden City', it is known for its many lush green spaces and possesses a multicultural charm with an added dash of Victorian flair.

The city offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning, whale and dolphin watching. Enjoy a stroll around the beautifully sculptured parks, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and browse numerous art galleries. 

Arthur's Pass National Park lies in the centre of the South Island of New Zealand. With its towering mountains, steep gorges, wide braided rivers and breath-taking waterfalls, it is an adventure seeker’s dream. The wide riverbeds and vast beech forests of the eastern side of the park stand in striking contrast to the deeply gorged rivers flowing through the dense rain forest of the west.

Down the middle of 'the great divide' between these distinct areas is an alpine wonderland of snow-covered peaks, glaciers and scree slopes providing a mecca for skiers, snowboarders and mountaineers. Take a scenic train ride through the park and pop into the lovely little village of Arthur’s Pass. This tiny hamlet, often shrouded in a thick cloud of mist, is located within the park and offers accommodation and a few quaint restaurants.

The quaint west coast town of Franz Josef has a few hundred permanent residents, with numbers swelling during the holidays to around 2000 visitors per day. This is glacier country and Franz Josef glacier (after which the town is named) and Fox Glacier, some 23 kilometres further south, are the main attractions. The town offers a myriad of options for cozy accommodation, especially after the snow and ice activities on offer. Combine a helicopter tour with a guided walk on the glacial terrain to view ice caves, and spectacular crevasses and pinnacles. Helicopter tours over the two glaciers are also available, with a stop off at the head of either glacier so you can experience the frozen landscape up close.

Nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu, and with a reputation as the adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown is a sophisticated resort destination like no other.

The gateway to the Fiordland National Park, the town is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of exciting tour options. 

The second-largest city on the South Island, Dunedin (Celtic for Edinburgh) overlooks the Otago Harbour and Peninsula. There’s no urban sprawl here, instead, you’ll find impressive historic architecture, parks, and natural beauty in abundance. More than 20 beaches can be reached within 30 minutes and stunning, unspoilt coastlines make for excellent hikes and sunset shots. You’ll want to visit Gothic-revival Larnach Castle, known for its colourful history, a resident ghost and impressive treats, Speight’s Brewery for tours, tastings and hearty meals, glorious St Paul’s Cathedral and the Ice Stadium to watch a game or two of curling. Art lovers should make sure to explore the impressive street art trail through the historic buildings of the Warehouse Precinct.

Nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu, and with a reputation as the adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown is a sophisticated resort destination like no other.

The gateway to the Fiordland National Park, the town is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of exciting tour options.