The Very Best of New Zealand Revisited
Wednesday 4 March to Monday 30 March 2026
27 days from £xxxxpp
Book Now
Holiday Highlights
- Visit Singapore’s Botanic Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Charter a Kitson Steam Tram
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu & Milford Sound
- Experience the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific & TranzAlpine trains
- Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
- Guided tour of Hobbiton™ Movie Set
- Time to explore in Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin & Christchurch
Tour itinerary
A fabulous 27-day tour that covers highlights of both North and South Islands of New Zealand including spectacular rail journeys and scenic sailings. Truly a trip of a lifetime, enhanced by stopovers in Singapore to break up the travel.
Day 1 – London to Singapore
Direct overnight flight to Singapore, arriving the following day.
Days 2 & 3 – Singapore’s Botanic Gardens
Overnight at a centrally located hotel before spending a morning at the Botanic Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit some of the city sights before transferring to the airport for our flight to New Zealand.
Day 4 – Arrive Auckland
Afternoon arrival into Auckland, transfer to our hotel for a 1-night stay and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Days 5 to 7 – Bay of Islands
A wonderful and relaxing 3-day excursion to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, including a sea cruise by catamaran and a return journey on the scenic Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. Return to Auckland for a 2-night stay.
Day 8 – Glenbrook Vintage Railway
We charter a steam train on the wonderful Glenbrook Vintage Railway, a run-past for photos should be possible. Return to the city centre for a free afternoon – why not pre-book to go up the Sky Tower for 360 views of the city or take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront.
Day 9 – Hobbiton™ Film Set
Enroute to Rotorua for an overnight stay, we stop at Matamata to visit the enchanting village of Hobbiton™, where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies were filmed.
Day 10 – Geysers & Glow Worms
Visit two natural wonders – the Te Puia thermal pools at Rotorua & Waitomo Glow Worm Caves before continuing to Hamilton for a 1-night stay.
Day 11 – Northern Explorer Train
Board the Northern Explorer train and head for Hamilton for an overnight stay. We will journey through the Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's oldest national park that holds dual UNESCO World Heritage status for culture and nature.
Day 12 – Wellington at Leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure in the capital. Take a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views of the city and harbour, take a local train out to Masterton, home to beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park, or visit Paekakariki on the coast.
Day 13 – Ferry & Coastal Pacific
Cross the Cook Strait by ferry to Picton, where we board the Coastal Pacific train. The track meanders along the Pacific coast, along rugged coastlines, across remote beaches, between mountains and sea. Evening arrival in Christchurch for a 2-night stay.
Day 14 – Ferrymead Heritage Park
Enjoy a city tour of Christchurch before transferring to Ferrymead Heritage Park. Here, we charter a Kitson Steam tram, enjoy a short steam train ride, and have some free time to explore the site. Lunch is also included.
Day 15 – TranzAlpine Train
Sit back and relax whilst taking in the South Island's stunning mountains and the vast Canterbury Plains aboard New Zealand's finest inland rail journey to Greymouth. We continue by road to Shantytown Heritage Park with a steam train journey included. Overnight at Fox Glacier.
Day 16 – Fox Glacier to Queenstown
After a short walk to a glacier viewpoint, we drive to Queenstown for a 3-night stay.
Day 17 – TSS Earnslaw Cruise
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic century-old coal fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Watch the stokers feed the coal fires, explore the historic vessel, and soak up the mountain views. A gourmet barbecue lunch is included at Walter Peak, before returning to the city for a free afternoon.
Day 18 – Queenstown at Leisure
A free day in this vibrant town, nestled amidst New Zealand’s spectacular alpine landscapes.
Day 19 – The Kingston Flyer
Board our private coach for travel to Te Anau for a 2-night stay. Enroute, subject to schedules, we hope to enjoy a return journey on the Kingston Flyer – take a step back in time on this historical vintage steam train.
Day 20 – Milford Sound Cruise
We take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound, in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Gliding past granite walls and glacier-fed waterfalls, learn about the diverse wildlife and geological formations found here. A packed lunch and evening meal are included today.
Day 21 – Continue to Dunedin
A day’s travel by road (with stops enroute) to Dunedin for a 3-night stay.
Day 22 – The Otago Peninsula
A short drive out of the city today to tour the scenic Otago Peninsula. Visit the educational Royal Albatross Centre, where we can walk out to their exclusive glass observatory, before returning to the city for a free afternoon.
Day 23 – Taieri Gorge Railway
Enjoy a scenic return journey on the Taieri Gorge Railway, now fully re-opened to the public. The spectacular route follows part of the historic Otago Central Railway route, constructed during Otago’s Gold Rush.
Day 24 – Dunedin to Christchurch
Drive north up the coast this morning, back to Christchurch for a 2-night stay. Stops will be made at Oamaru, the Moeraki Boulders and Pleasant Point Railway for a steam train ride and lunch.
Day 25 – Christchurch at Leisure
Relax and reflect on this trip of a lifetime in the charming city of Christchurch.
Days 26 & 27 – Homeward Bound
Transfer to the airport for a direct flight to Singapore. Overnight at an airport hotel, before flying back to the London the following day.
If you would prefer to plan your own itinerary we can tailor this tour for independent travel. Get in touch via this contact form.
Selected Hotels
Concorde Hotel, Singapore
Sky City Hotel, Auckland
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia
Rydges Rotorua, Rotorua
Distinction Hamilton, Hamilton
Rydges Wellington, Wellington
Rydges Latimer, Christchurch
Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier
Holiday Inn Express, Queenstown
Distinction Luxmore , Te Anau
Scenic Southern Cross, Dunedin
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Singapore
Please note - hotels can be subject to change
Price Includes
Flights in Economy Class on scheduled airlines
Accommodation in good quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
Rail journeys as detailed in itinerary
Ferry from North to South Island
Excursions and charters as stated
Coach transfers as required for group travel
3 lunches and 1 evening meal
Services of a tour leader from London and throughout the tour
Price per person
Escorted holiday: £TBC
Single room supplement: £TBC
Deposit for this holiday: £400
Book Now