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Exploring New Zealand by Rail: A 7-Day Adventure

Viewed by 83 travelers

Day 1: City Vibes

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Start your day with a hearty New York-inspired breakfast.
Head to the Federal Delicatessen in the Auckland CBD.
NZ$20, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore the Auckland Art Gallery

Immerse yourself in New Zealand's art scene at this impressive gallery.
Take a short walk from the restaurant to the gallery.
NZ$15, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar

Indulge in fresh seafood and a casual dining experience.
Head to Depot Eatery in Auckland's Federal Street.
NZ$30, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Sky Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of Auckland from the iconic Sky Tower.
Short walk from the restaurant to the Sky Tower.
NZ$32, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at O'Connell Street Bistro

Savor contemporary New Zealand cuisine in a cozy bistro setting.
Head to O'Connell Street in Auckland for dinner.
NZ$50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 2: Coastal Journey

Wellington, New Zealand

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Loretta

Start your day with a delicious farm-to-table breakfast at Loretta.
Head to Cuba Street in Wellington for breakfast.
NZ$25, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand's national museum with interactive exhibits for all ages.
Short walk from Loretta to Te Papa Museum.
Free, 2-3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Prefab Eatery

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and tasty dishes at this popular spot.
Head to Jessie Street for lunch.
NZ$20, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Ride the Wellington Cable Car

Take a scenic ride up to the Wellington Botanic Garden for stunning views.
Walk to Lambton Quay for the cable car.
NZ$7, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Logan Brown

Treat yourself to fine dining in an elegant setting at one of Wellington's best restaurants.
Head to Cuba Street for dinner.
NZ$70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wellington

Day 3: Cultural Delights

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:30 AM

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Experience quirky dining at a café with pneumatic tube food delivery.
Visit C1 Espresso in the Christchurch CBD.
NZ$18, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Discover Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through lush gardens and admire the beautiful landscapes.
Short walk from C1 to the Botanic Gardens.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Riverside Market

Explore a variety of eateries offering delicious food in a vibrant market setting.
Head to the Riverside Market in Christchurch.
NZ$25, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Canterbury Museum

Learn about the region’s history, culture, and natural heritage.
Walk to Rolleston Avenue for the museum.
NZ$15, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Twenty Seven Steps

Enjoy a cozy and intimate dining experience with delicious modern cuisine.
Head to New Regent Street for dinner.
NZ$60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 4: Adventure in the South

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast in a bustling café.
Head to Rees Street to find Vudu Cafe.
NZ$20, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Skyline Gondola Ride

Get panoramic views of Queenstown and enjoy thrill activities at the top.
Take the Skyline Gondola from Brecon Street.
NZ$44, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Savor the famous gourmet burgers that Queenstown is known for.
Head to Shotover Street for lunch.
NZ$15, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Milford Sound

Embark on a scenic cruise through the stunning fiord of Milford Sound.
Take a day trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown.
NZ$150, 4 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Rata

Experience award-winning cuisine using seasonal local ingredients.
Head to Ballarat Street for dinner.
NZ$80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 5: Glacier Experience

Franz Josef, New Zealand

8:30 AM

Breakfast at The Landing

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast with stunning views of the Franz Josef Glacier.
Visit The Landing cafe for breakfast.
NZ$25, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Helicopter Tour over Franz Josef Glacier

Explore the glacier from above on an unforgettable helicopter tour.
Meet at the helipad for your tour.
NZ$400, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at King Tiger East Asian Cuisine

Savor delicious Asian dishes with a scenic backdrop.
Head to Cron Street for lunch.
NZ$30, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Hike to Sentinel Rock

Experience a short but rewarding hike with panoramic views of the glacier.
Drive to the trailhead near Franz Josef town.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at SnakeBite Brewery

Sip on craft beer and enjoy hearty pub food with friendly local vibes.
Head to Cowan Street for dinner.
NZ$40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef

Day 6: Wild West Coast

Greymouth, New Zealand

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Maggie's Kitchen

Start your day with a lovely meal at a cozy café in Greymouth.
Visit Maggie's Kitchen for breakfast.
NZ$20, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Shantytown

Step back in time and experience a recreated gold rush town.
Drive to the Shantytown Heritage Park.
NZ$40, 2-3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Fat Pipi Pizza

Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and other tasty bites at this popular spot.
Head to Mackay Street for lunch.
NZ$20, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

Marvel at the unique limestone formations on the rugged coastline.
Drive to Punakaiki for this natural wonder.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Monteith's Brewing Co.

Enjoy a delicious meal paired with local brewery's finest beers.
Head to Herbert Street for dinner.
NZ$50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Greymouth

Day 7: Historical Charm

Dunedin, New Zealand

8:30 AM

Breakfast at Vogel Street Kitchen

Begin your day with a trendy breakfast at a popular café in Dunedin.
Visit Vogel Street Kitchen for breakfast.
NZ$18, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Larnach Castle

Visit New Zealand's only castle with beautiful gardens and panoramic views.
Drive to Otago Peninsula for the castle visit.
NZ$34, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Etrusco at the Savoy

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a charming historic building.
Head to Moray Place for lunch.
NZ$35, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Otago Museum

Discover fascinating exhibits on nature, culture, and science.
Walk to Great King Street for the museum.
NZ$15, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant

Unwind with a selection of fine wines and gourmet dishes at this elegant spot.
Head to Rattray Street for dinner.
NZ$70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Dunedin
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