12 Day Grand Rail Explorer

Overview

This once-in-a-lifetime rail holiday in will combine three of New Zealand’s great train journeys with five days of driving the untamed West Coast from Queenstown, home to giant glaciers, waterfalls & blowholes.

Duration	12 days / 11 nights
Starts	Queenstown, South Island
Ends	Auckland, North Island
Destinations	Auckland, Christchurch, Milford Sound, Picton, Queenstown, Wellington, West Coast
Code	ANZ2512DGRE

Inclusions

- Edinburgh Flights
- 01 Sep – 15 Sep 2025: Fly from Edinburgh from £3,848* pp
- 22 Sep 2025 – 19 Jan 2026: Fly from Edinburgh from £4,082* p
- 26 Jan – 16 Mar 2026: Fly from Edinburgh from £4,217* pp
- Manchester Flights
- 01 Sep – 15 Sep 2025: Fly from Manchester from £34,143* pp
- 22 Sep 2025 – 19 Jan 2026: Fly from Manchester from £4,377* p
- 26 Jan – 16 Mar 2026: Fly from Manchester from £4,512* pp
- London Heathrow flight prices are reflected below
11 nights of superior accommodation (3.5/4 star)
5 Days Car Hire from Queenstown to Greymouth
Premium car hire insurance with a nil excess
Small Group Milford Sound Coach & Cruise with Lunch
Explore the Glacier Country in Franz Josef
TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey
Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey
Interislander Ferry from Picton to Wellington
Northern Explorer Scenic Train Journey
Shuttle Transfers in Christchurch, Wellington & Auckland

Pricing & Dates

Travel from	Travel until	Price from
01 Sep 2025	15 Sep 2025	GB£ 3,993* per person (twin share)
22 Sep 2025	19 Jan 2026	GB£ 4,227* per person (twin share)
26 Jan 2026	16 Mar 2026	GB£ 4,362* per person (twin share)

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Itinerary

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Welcome to Queenstown! After arriving, pick up your rental car from the airport and head to your accommodation.

Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Set off on an unforgettable journey to the breathtaking Milford Sound today. Depart early aboard your coach for a scenic drive through Fiordland’s spectacular landscapes before arriving at the Milford Docks. Spend the afternoon cruising through majestic fiords and glistening waters, keeping watch for New Zealand’s unique wildlife. After your cruise, sit back and relax as your coach takes you back to Queenstown.

Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Travel up the stunning West Coast today as you make your way to Franz Josef, the glacial heart of the South Island. The rest of the day is yours to explore this remarkable region at your leisure.

58 On Cron
Spend the day exploring this incredible region however you like. Take a walk around the glaciers, drive to Punakaiki to see the famous Pancake Rocks, or take in the breathtaking scenery from above on a scenic helicopter flight.

58 On Cron
Drop off your rental car in Greymouth this morning before heading to the station to board the renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey. Sit back and relax as you travel through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island aboard this world-class train. On arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation.

Fable Christchurch
Enjoy a day in Christchurch, known as the ‘Garden City,’ and discover its many attractions. Wander through the Riverside Markets, immerse yourself in the International Antarctic Centre, or simply explore the city at your own pace.

Fable Christchurch
Say goodbye to the South Island as you embark on the Coastal Pacific Rail Journey towards Wellington. Take in the everchanging scenery, from lush greenery and coastal vistas to breathtaking alpine landscapes. Then, board the Interislander Ferry and cruise through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds before crossing the Cook Strait. Upon arrival in Wellington, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation.

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
The next few days are yours to discover the capital at your own pace. Stroll along the waterfront or vibrant Cuba Street, visit Te Papa for a dose of culture, or step into the world of film at Weta Workshop.

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Arriving at Wellington Railway Station this morning, board the Northern Explorer for your journey to Auckland. Travel through the North Island’s diverse landscapes, from lush farmland to the dramatic scenery of Tongariro National Park. Upon reaching the ‘City of Sails,’ you’ll be transferred to your accommodation.

Rendezvous Heritage Auckland
Discover Auckland at your own pace today. Take a ferry to Waiheke Island and sample world-class wines, explore the vibrant eateries of the Viaduct and SkyCity precinct, or visit Auckland Zoo or the Auckland Museum for a dose of wildlife and history. Whether you choose to unwind or explore, make the most of your final full day in the ‘City of Sails.’

Rendezvous Heritage Auckland
Squeeze in some final sightseeing this morning before your transfer to Auckland Airport, where you’ll prepare to depart for your next adventure.

Terms and Conditions

Pricing featured is based on 2 adults sharing and priced as per person in Great British Pounds. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice. Valid for select travel dates in 2025 & 2026. Due to Great Train Journeys schedules, this package must start on a Monday. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates apply including special events and holiday periods. Accommodation will be confirmed at time of booking. Car hire is based on a Toyota Corolla Hybrid or similar with Ezi Car Rental including Premium Insurance with a NIL excess. Pick up is from Queenstown Airport and drop off is at Greymouth. A one-way fee of NZ$150 is to be paid direct. Return international flights included are with Qatar Airways flying economy class with 23kg checked luggage. Flight supplier terms and conditions apply.