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8-Day Relaxation Rail Trip Through New Zealand

Viewed by 61 travelers

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Federal Delicatessen

Kick start your day with a delicious New York-style breakfast filled with fresh ingredients and hearty options.
Located a short walk from the city center.
NZD 25, 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 The Federal Delicatessen to Sky Tower.
NZD 32, 2 hours

11:00AM

Auckland Domain Park

Take a leisurely stroll in Auckland's oldest park, enjoying the lush greenery and beautiful landscapes.
Take a short bus ride from Sky Tower.
Free, 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 Vino Vino

Enjoy a beautifully crafted breakfast and espresso at this winery café before heading out to the island.
Take a short walk to the ferry terminal afterwards.
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 Ponsonby Road

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

Day 3: Journey to Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at BRAC Cafe

Start your morning with local flavors at this cozy café with great coffee and breakfast options.
Located nearby, just a short walk.
NZD 15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Rotorua

Board the scenic train to Rotorua and enjoy 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

Kuirau Park Sketching

Unwind with a walk in Kuirau Park, where you can sketch the unique geothermal features.
Short drive or walk from The Pavilion.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relaxation at Polynesian Spa

Indulge in restorative thermal bathing at this renowned spa on the shores of Lake Rotorua.
Short taxi ride from Kuirau Park.
NZD 65, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Eat Streat

Choose from various eateries on this popular dining street, offering diverse cuisines.
Short walk from Polynesian Spa.
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 Wellington Waterfront

Stroll along the waterfront, taking in the scenic views and artistic installations.
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 the waterfront.
NZD 60, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening at Cuba Street

Explore the vibrant nightlife and charming shops of Wellington's famous Cuba Street.
Short walk from Ortega.
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 the beautiful gardens, taking in a variety of blossoms and greenery.
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 Vanilla Kitchen

Wake up to a hearty breakfast at this local favorite known for its great coffee and delightful pastries.
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

Feel the thrill during a jet boating adventure 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 Tunnel Beach

Discover the stunning coastal cliffs and unique rock formations at Tunnel Beach.
Short taxi or rental car ride from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at St. Clair Beach

Experience the sandy shores and perhaps a sunset stroll along St. Clair Beach.
Another short taxi ride from Tunnel Beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Modaks

Enjoy locally inspired cuisine with a focus on sustainability and fresh produce.
A short taxi ride from St. Clair Beach.
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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