8-Day Relaxation Rail Trip Through New Zealand: From Auckland to Queenstown

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

9:00AM

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 50, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

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 64, 2 hours

12:30PM

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

2:30PM

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 60, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Viaduct Harbour Walk

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

5:00PM

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 100, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Evening at Auckland Sunset

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

8:00PM

Accommodation Check-in: Cordis, Auckland

Rest your head at the luxurious Cordis, Auckland, known for its exceptional service and amenities.
Located central, easy access from dinner location.
NZD 500, N/A
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Day 2: Day Trip to Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

9:00AM

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 40, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

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 44, 1 hour

11:30AM

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 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

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 90, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Oneroa Beach Relaxation

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

4:30PM

Ferry back to Auckland

Catch the ferry back to Auckland and enjoy the scenic views during your return journey.
Ferry Terminal.
NZD 44, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Ponsonby Road

Enjoy contemporary New Zealand cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
Take a city bus back to Ponsonby.
NZD 110, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Accommodation: Cordis, Auckland

Return to the Cordis for another restful night amidst luxury and comfort.
Walk back from dinner.
NZD 500, N/A
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Day 3: Journey to Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

9:00AM

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 30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Train to Rotorua

Board the scenic train to Rotorua and enjoy picturesque views along the way.
KiwiRail station, book in advance.
NZD 180, 3 hours

1:30PM

Check-in at Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Rotorua

Settle into Sudima Hotel, conveniently located near geothermal attractions.
Short taxi or shuttle ride from the train station.
NZD 320, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at The Pavilion

Enjoy a fresh local lunch at a relaxed setting within the Government Gardens.
Short walk from Sudima Hotel.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Rotorua Gondola Ride

Experience breathtaking views of Rotorua and its surroundings on a scenic gondola ride.
A short taxi or shuttle from The Pavilion.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Relaxation at Polynesian Spa

Indulge in restorative thermal bathing at this renowned spa on the shores of Lake Rotorua.
Short taxi from the gondola station.
NZD 130, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Eat Streat

Choose from various eateries on this popular dining street, offering diverse cuisines.
Short walk from Polynesian Spa.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Rotorua Night Market

Experience local breakfast delicacies at the Rotorua Night Market, offering artisan dishes.
Take a short taxi to the market.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Train to Wellington

Set off on your journey to the capital city, taking in beautiful landscapes on your way.
Catch the KiwiRail service.
NZD 178, 6 hours

4:30PM

Check-in at Accommodation: InterContinental Wellington

Arrive in Wellington and check into the luxurious InterContinental, known for its stunning harbor views.
Immediate hotel - Restaurant on site.
NZD 580, 1 hour

6:00PM

Visit Wellington Waterfront

Stroll along the waterfront, taking in the scenic views and artistic installations.
Short walk from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Ortega Fish Shack

Indulge in a seafood dining experience with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Short walk from the waterfront.
NZD 120, 2 hours

10:00PM

Evening at Cuba Street

Explore the vibrant nightlife and charming shops of Wellington's famous Cuba Street.
Short walk from Ortega.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 5: Queenstown Adventure

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00AM

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 40, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Flight to Queenstown

Catch a morning flight to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Wellington Airport; book tickets in advance.
NZD 240, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation: Rees Hotel

Arrive in Queenstown, drop off your bags at the stunning Rees Hotel overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
Short taxi ride from Queenstown Airport.
NZD 560, 1 hour

1:00PM

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 90, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

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 280, 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

5:00PM

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 140, 2 hours
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Day 6: Dunedin Exploration

Dunedin, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading to Dunedin.
Hotel dining area.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Train to Dunedin

Travel on the scenic train journey to Dunedin, known for its Scottish heritage.
KiwiRail station in Queenstown.
NZD 160, 3 hours

1:30PM

Check-in at Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Southerncross

Arrive in Dunedin, check into Scenic Hotel located centrally with comfortable amenities.
Within walking distance from the train station.
NZD 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

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 100, 2 hours
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Day 7: Exploration in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast in your hotel before venturing out.
Hotel dining area.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Arrowtown

Take a journey to Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village filled with history.
Short taxi ride from Queenstown.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Butcher's Pantry

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a quaint café with local ingredients.
Short walk around Arrowtown.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Glenorchy Scenic Drive

Embark on a stunning drive to Glenorchy for breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Rent a car for convenience.
Variable, 3 hours

5:00PM

Relax and Explore in Glenorchy

Take in the majestic scenery and enjoy the serene atmosphere in Glenorchy.
Explore on foot or by local nature trails.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Return to Queenstown

Head back to Queenstown with scenic views along the way.
Drive back.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Bunker

Finish the day with a cozy fine dining experience while enjoying local produce.
Short walk from your hotel.
NZD 140, 2 hours
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Day 8: Return to Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Queenstown at your hotel before your journey back.
Hotel dining area.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Flight to Auckland

Catch your flight back to Auckland to conclude your wonderful trip to New Zealand.
Queenstown Airport.
NZD 240, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at AHI

Indulge in fine dining with a focus on local ingredients and contemporary presentations.
Located in Auckland's central area.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Shopping at Queen Street

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

3:30PM

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 200, 2 hours

5:30PM

Final Accommodation: Cordis, Auckland

Conclude your trip with one last night at Cordis, Auckland for a perfect end to your vacation.
Conveniently reassured near dining options.
NZD 500, N/A
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