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8-Day Relaxation Rail Trip Through New Zealand: From Auckland to Queenstown with Extended Stay in Rotorua and Wellington

Viewed by 100 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: 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 3: Discover Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before exploring more of Rotorua.
Hotel dining area.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Te Puia

Discover Maori culture while observing the geothermal wonders at Te Puia, home of the famous Pohutu Geyser.
Short taxi ride from Sudima Hotel (NZD 10, 10 min).
NZD 56, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Skyline Rotorua

Enjoy lunch with stunning views at Skyline’s restaurant, overlooking the geothermal areas.
Ride the gondola back for lunch.
NZD 90, 2 hours

2:30PM

Explore Wai-O-Tapu

Marvel at the colorful geothermal features and unique landscapes at the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Book a shuttle (NZD 20, 30 min).
NZD 30, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel after a day of geothermal wonders.
Shuttle back to Sudima (NZD 20, 30 min).
NZD 20, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Dine at this stylish eatery known for its innovative menu and relaxed atmosphere.
Short walk from Sudima Hotel.
NZD 100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 4: Travel to Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

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

10:30AM

Train to Wellington

Set off on a scenic train journey across the North Island to Wellington.
KiwiRail station in Rotorua, book tickets in advance.
NZD 180, 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: Discover Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start the day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Hotel dining area.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Enjoy exploring New Zealand's national museum offering exhibits that showcase the country's culture and history.
Short walk from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Field & Green

Enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes at this popular café known for its breakfast and lunch options.
Short walk from Te Papa.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ride the Wellington Cable Car

Take a scenic ride up to the Kelburn lookout for picturesque views of the city.
Catch the cable car near the city center.
NZD 10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at the Botanic Garden

Wander through the stunning gardens and relax in the beauty of the city's green spaces.
Short walk from the cable car station.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Capitol Restaurant

Indulge in contemporary Kiwi cuisine at this popular spot loved by locals.
Short walk back towards the hotel.
NZD 100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wellington

Day 6: Travel to Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast in Wellington at your hotel.
Hotel dining area.
NZD 60, 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 7: Explore 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: Departure

Auckland, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the Cordis before your departure.
Hotel dining area.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Last-minute Souvenir Shopping

Take the opportunity to buy some souvenirs to remember your journey.
Short walk to Queen Street.
Variable, 2 hours

12:30PM

Departure to Airport

Get ready for your flight from Auckland Airport, concluding your memorable trip in New Zealand.
Taxi to the airport (NZD 50, 30 min).
NZD 50, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Auckland
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