Day 1: Auckland to National Park

Depart: 7.25am - Arrive: 12:50pm

This morning you board the Overlander train at Auckland and head south passing through the farming landscape of the Waikato region to the rugged bush country ascending to the Volcanic Plateau via the famous Raurimu Spiral, passing the the Volcano's of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro for your destination at National Park. In the summer you will find every thing you need to get out and enjoy the Tongariro and Whanganui National Park from hiking, biking and kayaking. In the winter National Park Village is the ideal base to Ski Whakapapa Ski field on Mt Ruapehu.

Day 2: National Park to Wellington

Depart: 1.35pm - Arrive: 7.25pm

The next morning board the Overlander train at National Park Station. From National Park you pass Mt Ruapehu before descending through stunning river gorges of the central North Island to the rolling farming landscape of the Palmerston North region to Wellington - the Harbour Capital for a 2 night stay in New Zealand's capital city.

Day 3: Wellington

A free day to enjoy the many attractions that this boutique city has to offer.

Day 4: Wellington to Kaikoura

Depart: 8.25am - Arrive: 3.20pm

From Wellington you board an Interislander ferry for a daytime sailing from Wellington, with it's picturesque harbour, crossing Cook Strait before entering the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. The 3 hour (92 kilometers) ferry journey is aboard the ferry “Kaitaki', a  modern ship with a range of on board facilities from eateries, a shop, two movie theaters, a games arcade, a large bar with live entertainment, numerous passenger lounges, 3 open air decks and a friendly on board  crew to assist  you. Your Interislander journey ends at Picton located in a sheltered marine harbor where you will have time to experience this charming small town. From Picton you board The TranzCoastal train traveling South along the eastern coast of the South Island, passing through the local Marlborough vineyards, Lake Grassmere Salt Ponds and stopping at Kaikoura - famous for viewing whales and dolphins.

Day 5: Kaikoura to Christchurch

Depart: 3.28pm - Arrive: 6.20pm

The next day you board the TranzCoastal Train at Kaikoura Station to travel south following the stunning coastline before heading inland through the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch.

Day 6: Christchurch

A free day to explore the many attractions that Christchurch has to offer.

Day 7: 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 you descending through the Otira Tunnel to the lush beech rain forests to the West Coast to Greymouth. After a hour stopover in Greymouth, The TranzAlpine train departs Greymouth heading east heading east to the Southern Alps ascending up through the Otira Tunnel to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass slowly descending to the Canterbury through river valleys of the Waimakariri River, crossing the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

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Christchurch to Greymouth

Depart: 8.15am - Arrive: 12.45pm

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 you descending through the Otira Tunnel to the lush beech rain forests to the West Coast to Greymouth. – a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers. From Greymouth you can head south to the the Glaciers for 1 or 2 night stopover in the townships of Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. From Greymouth you can head south to the the Glaciers for 1 or 2 night stopover in the townships of Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and onto Wanaka and Queenstown or north to Westport through the Buller Gorge to Nelson.