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

Viewed by 73 travelers

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 (NZD 3, 15 min).
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 3, 15 min).
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
Find Hotels in Auckland

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 (including waiting time)

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 15, 10 min).
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 15, 10 min).
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 (including waiting time)

5:30PM

Dinner at Ponsonby Road

Enjoy contemporary New Zealand cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
Take a city bus back to Ponsonby (NZD 3, 15 min).
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
Find Hotels in Waiheke Island

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 10, 5 min).
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 10, 5 min).
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 10, 5 min).
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
Find Hotels in Rotorua

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 10, 10 min).
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 - Within walking distance from the train station.
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
Find Hotels in Wellington

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 (travel and check-in)

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 15, 10 min).
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, short taxi ride (NZD 10, 10 min).
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 10, 15 min).
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
Find Hotels in Queenstown

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 (NZD 15, 10 min).
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 (NZD 15, 10 min).
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 15, 10 min).
NZD 100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Dunedin

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 (NZD 25, 20 min).
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
Find Hotels in Queenstown

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 (travel and check-in)

12:00PM

Lunch at AHI

Indulge in fine dining with a focus on local ingredients and contemporary presentations.
Located in Auckland's central area (Short taxi ride, NZD 15, 20 min).
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
Find Hotels in Auckland
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