The highs and lows as you go top to tail
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This top-to-tail tour of New Zealand takes you from Auckland's heady northern heights way down south to 'The Edinburgh of the South', Dunedin.
Much of the transportation is by romantic train travel including the Northern Explorer, the Coastal Pacific and the TranzAlpine.
Spend a day in Auckland enjoying the main sights, Harbor Bridge, Sky Tower, and Waitemata Harbor before a stop to shop at the quaint and stylish area of Parnell.
Join the Northern Explorer on the first leg of the rail journey to Wellington travelling through the very heart of the North Island. Watch the changing landscapes zip by: farming land, rocky sea-scapes, river gorges and the volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu.
Take a tour of pretty Wellington, the nation's capital, before heading by Interislander ferry across Cook Straight to Picton. This area is renowned for its wine, notably the Sauvignon Blanc.
Nelson is situated on the doorstep of the Abel Tasman National Park and is known for its sunshine and golden beaches. Cruise along the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park and be awed by the local wildlife.
The Coastal Pacific train is the ticket to Christchurch. Relax as you spot seals and penguins from the comfort of the train carriage.
Franz Josef Glacier is close to Christchurch and is reached by the TranzAlpine Express Train, one of the most scenic train journeys in New Zealand, arguably the world.
Running across the flat Canterbury Plains and through Arthur's Pass National Park, the train winds its way along the highest, most spectacular mountain pass of the Southern Alps.
After arriving in Greymouth, the group boards a coach headed for Franz Josef Glacier, one of the steepest in the country.
Beginning high in the Southern Alps, the glacier descends into the lush native rainforest of Westland's National Park. Enjoy a Glacier Valley Walk that takes hikers along the Waiho River bed which is the natural path of the glacier's retreat.
Travelling further south the train travels through Haast Pass, an area of ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls.
See Wanaka, a picturesque ski resort town on the way to Queenstown that is set on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains.
Queenstown too is surrounded by snow capped mountains. A highlight of time spent here is a ride on the 450m high skyline that gives spectacular views.
Spend time in historic Arrowtown, established during the goldrush of the 1860s and still a vibrant tourist town. Steamship TSS Earnslaw is the vehicle from which to savour a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu.
Dunedin and its beautifully preserved buildings, including Larnach Castle circa 1871, is next on the itinerary. The last full day of the trip is spent on a Wildlife Cruise. See the huge royal albatross, fur seal colonies, dolphins, penguins and other rare birds on a day that will stay with you forever.
Set aside March 6 to 21, 2025.
- This is branded content for Travelrite.
