7 DAY ITINTERARY - CHRISTCHURCH TO AUCKLAND
Travel Day 1: Greymouth to Christchurch
Depart: 1.45pm - Arrive: 6.05pm
This afternoon, you depart Greymouth on The TranzAlpine train heading east to the Southern Alps ascending up through the Otira tunnel to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass, then slowly descending through river valleys of the Waimakariri River, crossing the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch – The Garden City for 1 or more nights stay.
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Christchurch to Greymouth Day Excursion
Depart: 8.15am - Return: 6.05pm
Today travel between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other and return. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, as you ascend through the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass. From Arthurs Pass you'll descend through the Otira tunnel to the lush beech rain forests of the West Coast through to Greymouth. After a hour stopover in Greymouth, The TranzAlpine train departs Greymouth heading east to the Southern Alps ascending up through the Otira tunnel to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass, then slowly descending through river valleys of the Waimakariri River, crossing the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch for 1 or more nights stay.
Travel Day 2: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Depart: 7.00am - Arrive: 9.45am
This morning you board the Coastal Pacific train traveling north travelling through the north Canterbury plains before heading east to the coast and north along the rugged coastline the separates the majestic Kaikoura Ranges from the sea to Kaikoura famous for viewing whales and dolphins, for 1 or more nights stay.
Travel Day 3: Kaikoura to Wellington
Depart: 9.54am - Arrive: 4.35pm
This morning you leave Kaikoura your journey takes you north on the Coastal Pacific train, along the coastline before turning inland passing Lake Grassmere Salt Ponds and the wineries of Blenheim to the Picton – the gate way of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. At Picton, you board your Interislander ferry for your 3 hour (92 kilometre) journey on board a modern ship with a range of on board facilities from eateries, a shop, movie theatre, a games arcade, a large bar with live entertainment, numerous passenger lounges, open air decks and a friendly on board crew to assist you through the Marlborough Sounds and out to Cook Strait before entering picturesque harbour of Wellington – The Harbour Capital and New Zealand's capital city for 1 or more nights stay.
Travel Day 4: Wellington to Ohakune
Depart 07.55am – Arrive 12.45pm
Situated at the southern gateway to the magnificent Turoa ski field, Ohakune is the perfect place to visit in winter. And in summer, enjoy the Ohakune Old Coach Road walking and cycling track. Thsi is a great way to experience the unique sights of the southern volcanic plateau.
Travel Day 5: Ohakune to National Park
Depart: 12.45pm - Arrive: 1.15pm
This morning you board the Northern Explorer train heading along the Wellington's coast line to the rolling farming landscape of the Palmerston North ascending up through stunning river gorges of the central North Island to the volcanic plateau passing Mt Ruapehu to National Park for 1 or more nights stay.
This service operates Tuesday, Friday and Sunday only
Travel Day 6: National Park to Hamilton
Depart: 1.15pm - Arrive: 4.30pm
Hamilton is New Zealand’s fifth largest city and gateway to the Waikato. Time spent there is never boring with so many great adventures within close proximity. Whether it’s black water rafting, glow worms and caves or communing with hobbits, Hamilton is the place to start.
This service operates Tuesday, Friday and Sunday only
Travel Day 7: Hamilton to Auckland
Depart 4.30pm – Arrive 6.50pm
A visit to the hustle and bustle of Auckland is hard to beat. Whether it’s a weekend exploring the waterfront or a few days further a field, there is always lots to do in this vibrant city.
What better way to get there and experience it all, than on the Northern Explorer train. You'll arrive right in the middle of town at the Britomart Precinct - close to restaurants, bars, fashion boutiques, art spaces and a short walk from the Viaduct and ferry terminal (for trips on the harbour and out to the islands).
Please note: You must purchase a Scenic Rail Pass before you can make any travel sector reservations.
Itineraries are a guide only and times / schedules are subject to change. Accommodation is additional and not included with your pass.
