Classic
(114 reviews)Celebrated for its vivid natural beauty, multicultural cities and superb railways, New Zealand is a destination where intrigue abounds. On a curated Great Rail Journeys holiday, all the details of long-haul travel are accounted for by the experts as you experience pristine Fiordland, the beautiful Marlborough wine region, or iconic cultural destinations. Connect these locations with fantastic rail journeys, such as the Northern Explorer from Hamilton to Wellington, the Coastal Pacific between the mountains and the ocean, or the TranzAlpine, which meanders through the Southern Alps.
Besides fantastic rail journeys and film-worthy scenery, New Zealand promises an exciting food scene and welcoming Māori culture, which you can uncover on our Grand Tour of New Zealand that explores the length of the North and South Islands, or on our Wonders of New Zealand's South Island tour, which takes a deep dive into the beauty of the untamed South Island. The spectacular awaits on New Zealand's islands, and our range of tours sets the stage for experiences of a lifetime.
Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.
Take the best seat in the house for a journey across the South Island on the TranzAlpine railway. Settle in beside a large window, and watch as views of the Canterbury Plain, the Waimakiriri River Gorge and the Southern Alps unfold as you travel between Arthur's Pass and Christchurch. Each mile opens up a new perspective on New Zealand, as the train navigates over viaducts and through river valleys on its scenic route.
A showcase of coastlines, dense bush, rolling farmland and volcanic scenery beckons on the Northern Explorer train, an railway travelling the length of New Zealand's Northern Island. Riders step aboard restored carriages for its route from Auckland to Wellington, passing through the island's most notable destinations enroute. From Hamilton to Waimarino National Park, there is much to uncover from our picture windows.
Travel approximately 210 miles down the South Island's Pacific Coast on the picturesque Coastal Pacific train. While travelling between Picton and Christchurch, the route weaves past the Seaward and Inland Kaikoura mountains and presents postcard-worthy views of the Marlborough wine region. Contrasting these views are glittering scenes of brilliant turquoise waters, providing exceptional scenery from every angle.
Step aboard the fully restored 1930s carriages of the South Island's most scenic heritage railway. This five-hour journey embraces the wild beauty of the region, travelling through the Taieri River Gorge and the Otago countryside with majestic mountain views. Historic bridges and beautiful viaducts dot the route, giving you plenty to admire as onboard storytellers reveal little-known facts and stories of the region.
Classic
(114 reviews)Discover New Zealand's dynamic cities, extraordinary national parks, spectacular alpine mountains, glacial lakes and breathtaking Fiordland on this extensive tour of the North and South Islands. This epic adventure combines the greatest features of this country in one holiday: superb railways, incredible landscapes and the warm and...
Classic
Embark on a journey of a lifetime, witnessing iconic landmarks, spectacular natural wonders and top locations throughout Australia and New Zealand. Encounter cities like Melbourne and Sydney in southern Australia and the many allures of the tropical north, including the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef. Then, explore New Zealand's North and...
Classic
Embark on an immersive tour of New Zealand's diverse South Island, connected by breathtaking rail journeys on the Coastal Pacific, the TranzAlpine and the Taieri Gorge Railway. Witness natural wonders including Te Anau's Glowworm Caves, Franz Josef Glacier and Mount Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand's highest peak. Explore Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh of the...
Classic
Experience New Zealand's beloved railways, spectacular scenery and fascinating cultural heritage on this tour of the country's most popular sights. Enjoy the interactive All Blacks Experience in Auckland before heading south to the otherworldly Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Ride the famed Northern Explorer into a volcanic region once ruled by...
When you join Great Rail Journeys for an escorted rail tour of New Zealand you can be sure of two things: firstly that you are in for an exciting and pleasureable adventure of a lifetime and, secondly, that you're obtaining exceptional value for money. Since all flights, rail, coach and ferry travel, hotel accommodation, an itinerary filled with wonderful guided tours and sightseeing visits and a selection of meals are already included in the cost of your New Zealand train holiday, all you'll need is your spending money.
You'll also benefit from the services of a friendly, experienced and helpful Tour Manager who will be on hand throughout your trip to assist with any requests, answer questions and dispense information, advice and recommendations relating to the places you'll visit.
You'll stay in hotels that have been specially selected by us on the basis of their location and value, and which offer the highest standards of comfort, service and guest facilities. Where possible we prefer to use local, family-owned hotels for their preferential service and relaxed environment. In fact, with all of the arrangements taken care of on your behalf, you're entirely free to sit back, relax and enjoy the very best of New Zealand by train.
Located approximately 1,500 kilometres east of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is roughly equivalent in size to Great Britain yet has only around four million inhabitants. The Māori people were first to inhabit the islands, around a thousand years ago. The seventeenth-century Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, after whom Tasmania is named, was the first European to sight New Zealand, but the British were the first to colonise the islands after they were mapped by Captain James Cook in 1769. The legacy of these European visitors remains in some of New Zealand's place names and a wealth of colonial architecture.
16/02/2026 · By Tim Hall
Tour Manager Tim Hall discusses what to expect on a Great Rail Journeys holiday to New Zealand, including breathtaking natural wonders and friendly people.
Read more
11/09/2024 · By Sam Preece
Discover the best winter sun destinations with Great Rail Journeys. Escape the cold with our top picks for sunny getaways in stunning locations.
Read more
01/06/2022 · By Karen Overend
Follow in the tracks of Queen Elizabeth on a majestic journey with Great Rail Journeys. Read our blog for insights into this fascinating royal adventure.
Read more
07/01/2019 · By Jack Stacey
A list of our top 5 travel gadgets - and they're not expensive either, and are perfect when travelling by rail!
Read more