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8-Day Relaxation Rail Trip Through New Zealand

Viewed by 109 travelers

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Giapo

Start your day with artisanal ice cream at Giapo, famous for its creative flavors and stunning presentation.
Located a short walk from the city center.
NZD 15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Sky Tower Visit

Elevate your experience with breathtaking views of the city from the top of Sky Tower.
Short walk from Giapo to Sky Tower.
NZD 32, 2 hours

11:00AM

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Discover Maori culture and New Zealand history at this iconic museum set in a beautiful park.
Take a short bus ride from Sky Tower.
NZD 25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Glass Goose Bar & Eatery

Savor fresh local ingredients at this stylish eatery with a laid-back vibe.
Take a bus back to the city center.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Viaduct Harbour Walk

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, taking in the yachts and lively atmosphere.
Just a short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Unwind with New Zealand-inspired dishes and share plates in a bustling setting.
Located around the corner from the Viaduct Harbour.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Evening at Auckland Sunset

End your day by watching the stunning sunset at the Auckland Waterfront.
Short walk from Depot Eatery.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 2: Day Trip to Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at Circus Circus

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, perfect to fuel your day trip to Waiheke Island.
Short walk to the ferry terminal.
NZD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Catch the ferry for a relaxing 40-minute ride to Waiheke Island, known for its beautiful beaches and vineyards.
Depart from Auckland Ferry Terminal.
NZD 22, 1 hour

10:00AM

Wine Tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard

Indulge in innovative wines and stunning views over the Hauraki Gulf.
A short taxi ride from the ferry terminal.
NZD 25, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cable Bay Vineyard

Enjoy a gourmet meal paired with exquisite wines while gazing at the ocean views.
Walk back or take a taxi from Mudbrick.
NZD 45, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Oneroa Beach Relaxation

Spend your afternoon lounging on Oneroa Beach, soaking up the sun.
Short walk from Cable Bay Vineyard.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Ferry back to Auckland

Catch the ferry back to Auckland and enjoy the scenic views during your return journey.
Ferry Terminal.
NZD 22, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ponsony Road

Enjoy contemporary New Zealand cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
Take a city bus back to Ponsony.
NZD 55, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Waiheke Island

Day 3: Journey to Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Sweetah

Start your morning with a delightful pastry and coffee to energize for travel.
Located nearby, just a short walk.
NZD 15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Rotorua

Board the scenic train to Rotorua and enjoy the picturesque views along the way.
KiwiRail station, book in advance.
NZD 90, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Settle into your chosen hotel, ready to explore the incredible geothermal wonders.
Short taxi or shuttle ride from the train station.
NZD 150, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Pavilion

Enjoy a fresh local lunch at a relaxed setting within the Government Gardens.
Short walk from your accommodation.
NZD 30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Sulphur Point and Lake Rotorua

Take a leisurely walk around Sulphur Point to see the geothermal features and stunning lake views.
Short distance from The Pavilion.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

Learn about Maori culture and geothermal activity in an authentic Maori village.
Take a local bus or taxi.
NZD 50, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Eat Streat

Choose from various eateries on this popular dining street, offering diverse cuisines.
Short walk from Whakarewarewa.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 4: Travel to Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Rotorua Night Market

Experience local breakfast delicacies at the Rotorua Night Market, offering artisan dishes.
Take short taxi to the market.
NZD 20, 1 hour

8:15AM

Train to Wellington

Set off on your journey to the capital city, taking in beautiful landscapes on your way.
Catch the KiwiRail service.
NZD 89, 6 hours

2:15PM

Check-in and Lunch at the hotel

Arrive in Wellington, check into your accommodation, and grab a light lunch.
Immediate hotel - Restaurant on site.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Te Papa Tongarewa

Enjoy New Zealand's national museum with interactive exhibits and Maori culture.
Short walk from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ortega Fish Shack

Indulge in a seafood dining experience with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Short walk from Te Papa.
NZD 60, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening at Wellington Waterfront

Take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront to enjoy the city lights and ambiance.
Walk back along the waterfront.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Wellington

Day 5: Discover Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Tannery

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at this historic venue known for its ambiance and superb dishes.
Walk or short taxi from the hotel.
NZD 25, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Train to Christchurch

Travel south on the TranzAlpine train, renowned for its stunning views of the Southern Alps.
KiwiRail station, pre-book tickets.
NZD 150, 4.5 hours

2:00PM

Check-in and Lunch at the hotel

Arrive in Christchurch, check into accommodation and unwind with lunch.
Hotel restaurant available.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through stunning gardens, taking in a variety of plant species.
Short walk from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fiddlesticks

Delight in modern New Zealand cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Walk back from the gardens.
NZD 55, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 6: Queenstown Adventure

Queenstown, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Vanilla Kitchen

Wake up with a hearty breakfast at this local favorite known for its great coffee.
Short walk from your accommodation.
NZD 20, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Flight to Queenstown

Catch a morning flight to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Christchurch airport; book tickets in advance.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Check-in at Accommodation

Arrive in Queenstown, drop off your bags, and get ready for adventure!
Short taxi ride from Queenstown Airport.
NZD 150, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Skyline Restaurant

Ride the gondola to enjoy a delicious lunch with panoramic views of the Remarkables.
Gondola located near the town center.
NZD 45, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Jet Boating Adventure

Experience the thrill of jet boating through the stunning landscapes of the Shotover River.
Short bus ride to the jet-boating site.
NZD 140, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax by Lake Wakatipu

Unwind by the serene waters of Lake Wakatipu, enjoying the majestic mountain views.
Easy walk from the jet-boating site.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Bunker

Indulge in a fine dining experience specializing in local produce with a cozy atmosphere.
Short walk back towards the town.
NZD 70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 7: Dunedin Exploration

Dunedin, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading to Dunedin.
Hotel dining area.
NZD 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Dunedin

Travel on the scenic train journey to Dunedin, known for its Scottish heritage.
KiwiRail station in Queenstown.
NZD 80, 3 hours

12:30PM

Check-in and Lunch at the hotel

Arrive in Dunedin, check into your lodging, and have lunch.
Hotel restaurant available.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Larnach Castle

Explore New Zealand's only castle, offering guided tours and beautiful gardens.
Short taxi ride from your hotel.
NZD 45, 2 hours

5:00PM

Penguin Place Visit

Witness the fascinating royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguins in their natural habitat.
Taxi or shuttle ride from the castle.
NZD 55, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Modaks

Enjoy locally inspired cuisine with a focus on sustainability and fresh produce.
A short taxi ride from Penguin Place.
NZD 50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Dunedin

Day 8: Return to Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Dunedin at your hotel before your journey back.
Hotel dining area.
NZD 30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Christchurch

Travel back towards Christchurch on the scenic route via train.
KiwiRail station, booking necessary.
NZD 80, 3 hours

11:30AM

Flight to Auckland

Catch your flight back to Auckland to conclude your wonderful trip to New Zealand.
Christchurch Airport.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at AHI

Indulge in fine dining with a focus on local ingredients and contemporary presentations.
Located in Auckland's central area.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping at Queen Street

Explore the vibrant shops and boutiques in Auckland's shopping precinct.
Short walk from AHI.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Final Dinner at The Grove

Celebrate your journey with an exquisite dinner at one of Auckland's award-winning restaurants.
Easy walk from the shopping area.
NZD 100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Auckland
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