DAY 1 Thursday 5 March 2026 Departure/Auckland
Today we depart Australia on our flights to Auckland. On arrival, we will
be met by our private coach and transferred to the hotel for check in.
Please book flights to arrive for a 4.00pm transfer.
DAY 2 Friday 6 March 2026 Auckland
This morning we enjoy a tour of the main sights of Auckland including
the Harbor Bridge which spans the beautiful Waitemata Harbor, the Sky
Tower, Auckland City Hall, the Ferry Building and the quaint and stylish
shopping area of Parnell. This afternoon we enjoy a visit to the Auckland
Museum where we will enjoy a special Maori Cultural Performance and
time to explore the museum exhibits at leisure. This evening we enjoy an
included Welcome Dinner.
DAY 3 Saturday 7 March 2026 Wellington
This morning we board the Northern Explorer train for our journey
to Wellington. The train service is a scenic rail journey through the
five unique geographical regions of the North Island. We travel from
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, through the central heartland of
the Northern Island. Along the way, we enjoy the farming landscapes and
rocky sea scapes of the lower North Island and ascend through stunning
river gorges to the volcanic plateau passing the majestic volcanoes of Mt
Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu, the home of the North Island
ski fields. Upon arrival in Wellington, we are transferred to our hotel.
DAY 4 Sunday 8 March 2026 Wellington
This morning we will have a sightseeing tour of the main sights of
Wellington, including the Houses of Parliament known as “the Beehive”.
We visit Mount Victoria, where we have 360 degree views of the city,
then travel by cable car to the Botanical Gardens. This afternoon will
be free to explore Wellington or perhaps visit the award winning New
Zealand museum.
DAY 5 Monday 9 March 2026 Nelson
This morning we take the Interislander ferry across Cook Straight to
Picton, gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sound and the famous
wine growing region of Blenheim. There will be time for lunch before
we visit a local winery to taste some of the Sauvignon Blanc the region
is famous for. We continue onto Nelson, located on the doorstep of
Abel Tasman National Park. Nelson is a popular holiday spot due to its
sunshine and golden beaches.
DAY 6 Tuesday 10 March 2026 Nelson
This morning we will enjoy a cruise along the coast of the Abel Tasman
National Park. We will cruise past the famous Split Apple Rock and view
sea birds and seals at Tonga and Adele Islands. After the conclusion of
our cruise, we continue our tour of the region, finishing in Nelson.
DAY 7 Wednesday 11 March 2026
Christchurch
This morning we return to Picton, where we will embark the Coastal
Pacific train to Christchurch. We travel via Kaikoura, the home of whale
watching with the rugged Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of our
train, the Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. We will have views of
marine wildlife such as seals and penguins all from the comfort of our
carriage. The journey then takes us through some of New Zealand’s
finest horticultural and farmland areas of the Canterbury Plains. Arriving
into the South Island’s largest city Christchurch, we are transferred to
our hotel where we spend the next two nights.
DAY 8 Thursday 12 March 2026
Christchurch
We begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Christchurch with its very
English feel. It is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand.
The city boasts modern architecture and historic buildings set against
beautiful parks, gardens, rivers and beaches. After time for lunch we
drive to the nearby village of Akaroa. Originally founded by the French,
it is now a delightful town, still retaining the ambience of France.
DAY 9 Friday 13 March 2026
Franz Josef Glacier
On our excursion today we travel on one of the most scenic train journeys
in New Zealand – the TranzAlpine Express Train. From Christchurch we
cross the flat Canterbury Plains to the small community of Darfield. We
continue through beautiful alpine scenery as we enter the Arthur’s Pass
National Park. Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across
the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern
Alps. After arrival in Greymouth we board our coach and transfer to
Franz Josef Glacier. We stop along the way in the gold rush town of
Hokitika where you will have the opportunity to shop for green jade and
take a look at traditional Maori art. On arrival into Franz Josef, we check
into our hotel.
DAY 10 Saturday 14 March 2026
Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier is one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand,
descending from its origins high in the Southern Alps deep into the
lush native rainforest of Westland’s National Park. It also moves faster
than your average glacier at around 50cm per day. Today we will enjoy
a Glacier Valley Walk. You will be taken up alongside the mighty Waiho
River bed following the glacier’s path of retreat in this remarkable
landscape. You will learn about the glacier’s history, see what is left
behind by this majestic giant, and learn the legend of Kā Roimata o Hine
Hukatere.
DAY 11 Sunday 15 March 2026
Queenstown
We depart Franz Josef today and head south to Queenstown, travelling
through Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and
waterfalls. Along the way, we will stop in the town Wanaka, a pretty
ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. On
arrival into Queenstown we check into our hotel.
DAY 12 Monday 16 March 2026 Queenstown
Queenstown lies on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and is surrounded by
beautiful snow-capped mountains. Today we will enjoy a sightseeing
tour of Queenstown, including a ride on the 450m high skyline for
spectacular views. In the afternoon, we visit historic Arrowtown.
Established during the gold rush of the 1860s, it is still a vibrant town
centre today. This evening enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu
aboard the iconic century-old coal-fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw.
DAY 13 Tuesday 17 March 2026 Dunedin
Today we travel to Dunedin. Originally founded by Scottish settlers and
known as the “Edinburgh of the South”, it now consists of beautifully
preserved buildings overlooking parklands. On arrival we enjoy a
sightseeing tour of the city including the historic Larnach Castle which
has a rich history that dates back to 1871 as well as time to explore the
exquisite gardens. We check into our hotel late afternoon.
DAY 14 Wednesday 18 March 2026
Dunedin
This morning we travel along the beautiful Otago Peninsula and join
a one-hour Wildlife Cruise from Wellers Rock Wharf. The cruise travels
out to sea, past dramatic volcanic cliffs, pristine sandy beaches and a
historic lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll see the huge royal albatross,
their nesting sites and a large fur seal colony. You may also spot other
animals including rare seabirds and other albatross species, sealions,
dolphins and blue penguins. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Albatross
Centre where you will enjoy intimate insights into the amazing world of
the Royal Albatross. Witness the fascinating social and family life of the
breeding colony and have the chance to be awed by the soaring three
metre wingspan of the albatross flying above. We return to Dunedin late
afternoon.
DAY 15 Thursday 19 March 2026
Christchurch
Today we head back north along the coast to Christchurch for an
overnight stay before flying home tomorrow. This evening we enjoy a
Farewell Dinner to celebrate the fabulous trip!
DAY 16 Friday 20 March 2026
Departure
Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.
| Twin Fare per person | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $6,490 | $8,390 |
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd, (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on general transport, entry, and accommodation costs. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 60 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $750 per passenger for is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days before departure for the New Zealand Rail and Coach Exploration. Cancellation over 60 days will results in loss of deposit. Cancellation under 60 days before tour departs will result in a loss of all monies paid. Payment may be made by direct deposit, cheque or cash. A 1.5% administration fee will be charged on payments made by credit cards.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers And Conditions: The tour has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked 60 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost.
Tour Organisation: Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any
refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals, airfare or other
services not utilized after the tour has commenced.
Baggage: Due to coach restrictions, tour members can only bring one large suitcase. Tour members need to be able to carry their own bags for train journeys.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibility: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organizer. Travelrite acts only as an agent in the making of arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other service and does not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in the tour, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite Interna
tional to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite
International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts
between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation
and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite International may
without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your
agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good
or service which Travelrite International reasonably believes is necessary
for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise
accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the
tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite
International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite International
in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain
travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such
good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a non-refundable deposit of $750 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 35 years and operating in Victoria for more than 40 years. It has an office in Balwyn which is IATA accredited. As such we directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel Industry Association – ATIA.
“Being part of an organised tour was a new and enjoyable experience for us. We could relax because the Tour Manager had everything organised.”
“The Tairei Gorge out of Dunedin was our favourite – it had great scenery, bridges and tunnels!”
