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Enjoy New Zealand's Scenic Train Trips on Your Holiday

New Zealand is home to some of the most memorable scenic train journeys in the world, including the iconic TranzAlpine. Take the opportunity to see the world-renowned beauty of New Zealand's wilderness from the comfort of purpose-built carriages. Browse touring holiday itineraries featuring New Zealand scenic train trip experiences.

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9 days Map
  • Motels
  • 9 days/8 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
  • A classic South Island itinerary taking you through the dramatic scenery surrounding the Southern Alps.

price pp from

NZD$3,094

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15 days Map
  • Motels
  • 15 days/14 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Explore and enjoy some of New Zealand's unique flora, fauna and scenery on this 15 day South Island tour.

price pp from

NZD$7,830

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31 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 31 days/30 night Journey from Auckland to Christchurch
  • Leave no stone unturned on this comprehensive 31-day New Zealand itinerary. You'll experience Rotorua's geothermal wonders, the pristine beauty of the...

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    Leave no stone unturned on this comprehensive 31-day New Zealand itinerary. You'll experience Rotorua's geothermal wonders, the pristine beauty of the Abel Tasman, and the historic Bay of Islands, capped off with an unforgettable overnight escape to Waitai Lodge in Fiordland.

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NZD$13,216

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19 days Map
  • Motels
  • 19 days/18 night Journey from Auckland to Christchurch
  • Explore Auckland, the City of Sails before venturing south to Waitomo and the world-famous glow worm caves. From here travel to Rotorua enjoying adven...

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    Explore Auckland, the City of Sails before venturing south to Waitomo and the world-famous glow worm caves. From here travel to Rotorua enjoying adventure activities Maori culture and maybe the Tarata Fishaway. Leaving the North island you will pass the capital of New Zealand, Wellington, renowned for its great craft beer, wind and the "beehive" government building. Once across the Cook Strait you'll pass the rich wildlife of the Kaikoura coastline, the canterbury plains, southern lakes and glacial areas. There are plenty of adventures on your journey and highlights might include a helicopter ride over the glacier, the TranzAlpine train or even a swim with the world's smallest wild dolphins.

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NZD$7,071

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12 days Map
  • Hotel 3 star
  • 12 days/11 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Highlighting the best of what New Zealand's South Island has to offer this 12-day tour takes you through the foothills of the Southern Alps, Mt Cook N...

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    Highlighting the best of what New Zealand's South Island has to offer this 12-day tour takes you through the foothills of the Southern Alps, Mt Cook National Park, Milford Sound and the "adventure capital" Queenstown.

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NZD$4,192

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5 days Map
  • Motels
  • 5 days/4 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • A 5 day tour of the spectacular South Island. Visit Queenstown, explore Fiordland, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers, and finally experience the ...

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    A 5 day tour of the spectacular South Island. Visit Queenstown, explore Fiordland, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers, and finally experience the TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey.

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NZD$1,821

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23 days Map
  • Motels
  • 23 days/22 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • This comprehensive tour carves a figure eight through spectacular South Island scenery. From Christchurch travel through the Mackenzie Country to Mt C...

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    This comprehensive tour carves a figure eight through spectacular South Island scenery. From Christchurch travel through the Mackenzie Country to Mt Cook then on to Otago and Dunedin. A detailed exploration of Fiordland National Park follows, before heading north to Queenstown and then to the West Coast Glaciers. Crossing the Southern Alps enjoy a night in Arthur's Pass National Park before heading to the east coast and Kaikoura. Enjoy the Marlborough wine region and the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park before turning south along the wild west coast. You return to Christchurch on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

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NZD$7,369

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14 days Map
  • Boutique Lodges & Hotels
  • 14 days/13 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Experience the best of the South Island with time to explore Mt Cook National Park and a fully guided four-day Milford Track hike. From alpine trails ...

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    Experience the best of the South Island with time to explore Mt Cook National Park and a fully guided four-day Milford Track hike. From alpine trails to glaciers and the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, this journey is rich in natural wonders.

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NZD$9,342

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11 days Map
  • Luxury Lodges
  • 11 days/10 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Explore the South Island's heart taking in all the iconic scenery that makes this such a beautiful destination.  From Christchurch you cross the ...

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    Explore the South Island's heart taking in all the iconic scenery that makes this such a beautiful destination.  From Christchurch you cross the Southern Alps on the spectacular TranzAlpine train journey.  On the West Coast you'll travel from the rainforests of Punakaiki to the Glaciers of Franz Josef.  3 nights in Queenstown allow time for a fabulous flight over Milford Sound and Dart River Safari, before returning to Christchurch via Mt Cook National Park.

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NZD$7,957

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21 days Map
  • Motels
  • 21 days/20 night Journey from Christchurch to Auckland
  • Starting in Christchurch this 3-week tour takes you around New Zealand's South Island before heading north to immerse yourself in the Maori culture. F...

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    Starting in Christchurch this 3-week tour takes you around New Zealand's South Island before heading north to immerse yourself in the Maori culture. First, you'll visit the Mt Cook National Park, the Southern Lakes, cruise Milford Sound and meander up the dynamic west coast. Once you cross the Cook Strait you'll spend time in the quirky capital, journey the central plateau to the cultural centre, Rotorua. Highlights for many include a ride on the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Railway and perhaps catching a glimpse of a whale off the Kaikoura coast.

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NZD$6,064

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21 days Map
  • Motels
  • 21 days/20 night Journey from Queenstown to Auckland
  • A 21 day tour visiting the major attractions of both the North and South Islands, with a whole range of exciting activities included.

price pp from

NZD$8,765

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9 days Map
  • Motels
  • 9 days/8 night Journey from Queenstown to Wellington
  • This 9 day tour starts in the Queenstown in the heart of the Southern Alps for an unforgettable holiday touring the South Island highlights and finish...

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    This 9 day tour starts in the Queenstown in the heart of the Southern Alps for an unforgettable holiday touring the South Island highlights and finishing in the ‘Coolest Little Capital’ Wellington City.

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NZD$4,031

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9 days Map
  • Luxury Lodges
  • 9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Discover two of the South Island’s highly regarded boutique wine regions while exploring the magnificent scenery of the Southern Alps, Southern ...

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    Discover two of the South Island’s highly regarded boutique wine regions while exploring the magnificent scenery of the Southern Alps, Southern Lakes and West Coast on this 9 day adventure tour.

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NZD$13,500

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9 days Map
  • Motels
  • 9 days/8 night Journey from Auckland to Christchurch
  • Explore the hot spots of the North and South Island on this adventurous 9 day self drive road trip tour. Highlights include a cultural evening in Roto...

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    Explore the hot spots of the North and South Island on this adventurous 9 day self drive road trip tour. Highlights include a cultural evening in Rotorua, time in Milford Sound and exploration in the Coromandel.

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NZD$3,649

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15 days Map
  • Boutique Lodges & Hotels
  • 15 days/14 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Explore and enjoy some of New Zealand's unique flora, fauna and scenery on this 15 day South Island tour.  You begin with an Akaroa Harbour Natur...

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    Explore and enjoy some of New Zealand's unique flora, fauna and scenery on this 15 day South Island tour.  You begin with an Akaroa Harbour Nature cruise which takes you out to see the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin.  In Dunedin you’ll enjoy a full day encounter with the unique marine life that inhabits the Otago Peninsula before heading south towards Fiordland National Park.  Experience the ‘Sound of Silence’ with an overnight cruise in the remote untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound. No South Island trip is complete without time spent in the alpine playground of Queenstown then you continue to the beautiful West Coast.  Here you’ll marvel at the glaciers during your on-ice adventure, before crossing the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch.

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NZD$9,295

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12 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 12 days/11 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Explore the diverse vista of the South Island on this self drive adventure. This circuit takes you from Coast to Coast and all that is in-between.

price pp from

NZD$4,732

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19 days Map
  • Motels
  • 19 days/18 night Journey from Auckland to Christchurch
  • Explore City, Culture & Country! Visit the famous Waitomo Caves, check out Rotorua & its Maori culture & head to the funky capital city of...

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    Explore City, Culture & Country! Visit the famous Waitomo Caves, check out Rotorua & its Maori culture & head to the funky capital city of Wellington. Here you will cruise to the South Island & do a spot of whale watching before arriving into Christchurch. You will then take a trip to Akaroa and swim with the world's smallest dolphin, travel past Mt Cook & head into Queenstown! The wild West Coast returns you to Christchurch via the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

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NZD$7,311

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9 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Starting and finishing in Christchurch this tour begins the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train from Christchurch to the wild West Coast. The West ...

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    Starting and finishing in Christchurch this tour begins the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train from Christchurch to the wild West Coast. The West Coast Glaciers are next and two nights allow time to enjoy one of the many guided walk options or scenic flights. Then to Queenstown for two nights with time to relax or enjoy the countless activities here. You finish with a journey along the base of the Southern Alps, staying in the magnificent Mt Cook National Park before returning to Christchurch.

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NZD$3,794

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17 days Map
  • Motels
  • 17 days/16 night Journey from Auckland to Christchurch
  • Welcome to the Epic New Zealand Explorer, your gateway to an unforgettable adventure across one of the world's most breathtaking countries. From tower...

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    Welcome to the Epic New Zealand Explorer, your gateway to an unforgettable adventure across one of the world's most breathtaking countries. From towering mountains and pristine beaches to vibrant cities and serene countryside, this tour offers an epic journey through New Zealand's most iconic destinations and hidden gems.

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NZD$6,788

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21 days Map
  • Motels
  • 21 days/20 night Journey from Auckland to Christchurch
  • Experience the best of New Zealand’s North and South Islands on this unforgettable tour, from vibrant cities to awe-inspiring natural wonders. D...

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    Experience the best of New Zealand’s North and South Islands on this unforgettable tour, from vibrant cities to awe-inspiring natural wonders. Discover geothermal landscapes, rich Māori culture, majestic mountains, stunning coastlines, and thrilling adventures along the way.

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NZD$7,080

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8 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Take the scenic route on this 8 day taster of the magnificent South Island

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NZD$4,161

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11 days Map
  • Motels
  • 11 days/10 night Journey from Auckland to Auckland
  • Explore the North Islands' major cities including Martinborough with the spectacular Northern Explorer Scenic Train from Wellington back to Auckland.

price pp from

NZD$3,808

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13 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 13 days/12 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Explore New Zealand’s South Island on this accessible tour, designed for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Enjoy iconic sights a...

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    Explore New Zealand’s South Island on this accessible tour, designed for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Enjoy iconic sights and breathtaking landscapes with comfort and ease – car rental included.

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NZD$5,080

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9 days Map
  • Motels
  • 9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Explore the natural wonder of the South Islands vast landscapes and wildlife!

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NZD$2,485

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8 days Map
  • Hotel 3 star
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • This 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Visit its two largest cities, Christchurch...

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    This 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Visit its two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park and Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park. You then experience the excitement of Queenstown before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. The finale to this tour is crossing the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train as you return to Christchurch.

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NZD$2,611

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30 days Map
  • Motels
  • 30 days/29 night Journey from Auckland to Christchurch
  • The ultimate Kiwi adventure across New Zealand. This New Zealand tour allows you to explore all that New Zealand has to offer and takes you off the be...

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    The ultimate Kiwi adventure across New Zealand. This New Zealand tour allows you to explore all that New Zealand has to offer and takes you off the beaten track throughout your journey.

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NZD$8,929

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9 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 9 days/8 night Journey from Auckland to Auckland
  • A relaxed exploration of New Zealand's North Island as you meander your way South. Then  return to Auckland on board the famous Northern Explorer...

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    A relaxed exploration of New Zealand's North Island as you meander your way South. Then  return to Auckland on board the famous Northern Explorer scenic Train. this itinerary can be reversed.

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NZD$3,690

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13 days Map
  • Boutique Lodges & Hotels
  • 13 days/12 night Journey from Auckland to Wellington
  • A comprehensive North Island tour exploring from Cape Reinga in the north, to the charming capital city of Wellington in the south. Along the way you&...

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    A comprehensive North Island tour exploring from Cape Reinga in the north, to the charming capital city of Wellington in the south. Along the way you’ll travel at a relaxed pace and experience welcoming hospitality at some of the best boutique lodges. Highlights include the Bay of Islands cruise, Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach tour. In Rotorua you’ll take a tour by float plane to the Waimangu Valley and enjoy a visit to Tamaki Maori Village including dinner.

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NZD$5,591

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8 days Map
  • Motels
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Get a 'taste' for the South Island of New Zealand on this 8 day scenic journey.

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NZD$3,116

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21 days Map
  • Motels
  • 21 days/20 night Journey from Queenstown to Auckland
  • A 21 day tour visiting the major attractions of both the North and South Islands, with a whole range of exciting activities included.

price pp from

NZD$8,495

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6 days Map
  • Motels
  • 6 days/5 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • This short loop of the lower South Island visits the Mackenzie high country and Lake Tekapo first. With views of Mt Cook National Park you continue so...

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    This short loop of the lower South Island visits the Mackenzie high country and Lake Tekapo first. With views of Mt Cook National Park you continue south to the 'Adventure Capital' of Queenstown

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NZD$1,647

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16 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 16 days/15 night Journey from Auckland to Christchurch
  • Explore the best of New Zealand on this unforgettable journey, from the vibrant cities of Auckland and Wellington to the stunning landscapes of Mount ...

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    Explore the best of New Zealand on this unforgettable journey, from the vibrant cities of Auckland and Wellington to the stunning landscapes of Mount Cook, Queenstown, and the West Coast Glaciers. Experience diverse scenery, unique wildlife, and iconic highlights on this epic adventure.

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NZD$6,609

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8 days Map
  • Hotel 3 star
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
  • This short South Island highlights tour takes you through the countryside of Canterbury, Otago, Southland and the West Coast. Along the way you’...

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    This short South Island highlights tour takes you through the countryside of Canterbury, Otago, Southland and the West Coast. Along the way you’ll pass alpine lakes, enjoy views of the Southern Alps, explore the historic city of Dunedin and ride the world famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

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NZD$3,211

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11 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 11 days/10 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Experience the South Island's iconic fiords, glaciers, and mountains on a self-drive adventure, complete with extended stays and unique explorations.

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NZD$4,332

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10 days Map
  • Motels
  • 10 days/9 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • A relaxed 10 day tour exploring the cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, with its wonderful architecture and the magnificent peninsula. You cross the h...

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    A relaxed 10 day tour exploring the cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, with its wonderful architecture and the magnificent peninsula. You cross the historic Central Otago goldfields region to the alpine town of Queenstown, where adventure beckons. Travel to the West Coast glaciers via the majestic forests of Mt Aspiring National Park. After exploring the glacier region you’ll return to Christchurch on board the world renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

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NZD$2,929

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7 days Map
  • Motels
  • 7 days/6 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Leaving Christchurch you will journey into Mackenzie county and the alpine village of Lake Tekapo. The following day you will pass Lake Pukaki with vi...

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    Leaving Christchurch you will journey into Mackenzie county and the alpine village of Lake Tekapo. The following day you will pass Lake Pukaki with views of Mt Cook on route to the ‘adventure capital’ of Queenstown. From Queenstown you will take a luxury coach to Milford Sound, where you’ll enjoy a scenic nature cruise in the pristine fiord. You then travel north stopping at Franz Josef for a night to explore the glacier, before heading back to Christchurch via the Tranz Alpine Train.

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NZD$2,871

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16 days Map
  • Motels
  • 16 days/15 night Journey from Auckland to Christchurch
  • Explore the highlights of New Zealand, from Auckland all the way south to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, this tour has something for every...

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    Explore the highlights of New Zealand, from Auckland all the way south to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, this tour has something for everyone. You’ll begin your journey with the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. From there you'll travel south enjoying an amazing range of included activities along the way. Highlights of the North Island include snorkelling in the Coromandel Peninsula and a wine tour in Hawkes Bay. In the south, there is plenty of adventure and forays into the pristine South Island wilderness, including visits to three national parks.

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NZD$6,489

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17 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 17 days/16 night Journey from Auckland to Christchurch
  • Travelling through the heart of the North Island this tour allows you to see the incredible diversity that New Zealand offers. The South Island's moun...

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    Travelling through the heart of the North Island this tour allows you to see the incredible diversity that New Zealand offers. The South Island's mountains, lakes and glaciers and the North Islands rich Maori culture and its modern cosmopolitan cities.

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NZD$6,153

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Did you find what you were looking for?

We can modify any of the touring holiday ideas suggested here to suit you perfectly. In fact 95% of our guests have a tailor made itinerary created for them by our team of New Zealand specialists. So if you have a specific interest or want to stay longer in a specific location, stay in a luxury lodge one night and camp the next night, hike one of our world famous trails or tick off that scary bucket list experience our team can make it happen.
We are based in Wanaka, right in the heart of the South Island. We regularly explore New Zealand checking out the places to see, where to stay and what to do. We live and breath everything New Zealand so to get the best local advice on your New Zealand holiday get in touch with the team today.

Why choose New Zealand self drive tours?

At NZSD we have built a business based on one simple belief - that every customer deserves excellent service and honest, accurate advice. Since 2004 we have been creating New Zealand holidays for visitors from all over the world. In fact that's all we do. We are the absolute experts at creating great touring experiences across the North & South Islands.
So how does it work? Well our site contains over 200 great self drive itinerary ideas. You can see exactly where you are going, where you will stay and how much it will cost. But we also know that even with 200 great ideas such as these most visitors want something slightly different or something to suit them specifically. Our team of travel specialists are absolute experts at designing great New Zealand touring holidays. All you need to do is get in touch with us and one of the team will make contact and chat with you about the kind of experience you are looking for. We tailor make a proposed itinerary for you which you can tweak and adjust as much as you wish. When you are happy with the plans you go ahead and book using our secure systems. A deposit payment is needed to book with the balance payment due before you travel. We ensure everything is booked accurately, we ensure that all your timings work, and your itinerary is uploaded to our custom APP so you get lots of great information and features as you travel. While you are here we also provide in country support and help if you need it.
So why work with us? Because we are dedicated to ensuring your New Zealand holiday experience is the best holiday experience you will ever have.