Peter Harrison

The Very Best of New Zealand

The Ultimate Touring Holiday

Tour Overview

An unforgettable rail and self-drive tour of New Zealand that takes you on a journey through the country’s most iconic landscapes and cultural highlights.

Begin your adventure in Christchurch, exploring its revitalized city centre, the serene Avon River, and the immersive Ferrymead Heritage Park. From there, travel on the breathtaking TranzAlpine train, crossing the Southern Alps for a chance to visit the towering ice fields of Fox Glacier.
Queenstown is a perfect base from which to explore stunning landscapes, including the amazing Milford Sound before indulging a passion for heritage railways, including the nostalgic Kingston Flyer and the dramatic Taieri Gorge Railway.
Continue your journey to the North Island via the Coastal Pacific train and InterIslander Ferry from Christchurch to Wellington, continuing to Auckland onboard the Northern Explorer, travelling through rugged coastlines and verdant plains. Visit Rotorua’s bubbling geothermal wonders, the glow-in-the-dark Waitomo Caves, and the idyllic Bay of Islands, where azure waters and white-sand beaches await.
Enjoy the diverse cultures of Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington, and Auckland, each offering unique flavours of Kiwi hospitality.
With a perfect balance of rail journeys and self-drive adventures, this epic tour lets you experience the magic of New Zealand at ground level, uncovering hidden gems and unforgettable vistas along the way.

Travel Tips

Be sure to include the 3 spectacularly scenic long-distance routes: the Northern Explorer, the Coastal Pacific and the TranzAlpine.
Steam-hauled journeys are possible on the Kingston Flyer, Taieri Gorge and Glenbrook Vintage Railway.
The best way to get around is to hire a car and self-drive, as some areas are only accessible by road.
Travel during the summer months of December to March, which bring long, bright and sunny days – perfect for making the most of the beautiful beaches and the numerous outdoor activities which are available.
Christchurch’s Ferrymead Heritage Park is home to numerous historical societies, visit on a weekend for the opportunity to take a steam train ride.
Travel between North and South Island is via ferry, two companies operate ferries on the route between Wellington and Picton.
Milford Sound is the country’s most popular destination, cruises run throughout the day and are operated by a variety of different companies.
Pre-book your rail journeys as they are very popular and can sell out.
Paihia is the main gateway to the Bay of Islands and a popular base for exploring the area. It offers stunning views, beautiful beaches, and a variety of tours and activities, including dolphin watching and boat trips to nearby islands.
Places to stay include Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Wellington, Rotorua, Paihia and Auckland.