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

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Federal Delicatessen

Start your day with a delicious New York-style breakfast filled with fresh ingredients and hearty options.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Sky Tower Visit

Elevate your experience with breathtaking views of the city from the top of Sky Tower.
NZD 44, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Glass Goose Bar & Eatery

Savor fresh local ingredients at this stylish eatery with a vibrant atmosphere.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Viaduct Harbour Walk

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, soaking in the yachts and lively atmosphere.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Waiheke Island (Option for Budget Conscious)

Take a ferry to Waiheke Island to explore its vineyards and beautiful beaches, or remain in Auckland for local parks.
NZD 30, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Unwind with New Zealand-inspired dishes and share plates in a bustling setting.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Accommodation Check-in: VR Queen Street

Rest your head at the VR Queen Street for comfortable and budget-friendly lodging.
NZD 150, N/A

Day 2: Journey to Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:30AM

Breakfast at BRAC Cafe

Start your morning with local flavors at this cozy café before heading to Rotorua.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Bus to Rotorua

Catch a bus to Rotorua with scenic views and comfortable seating.
NZD 50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation: Kiwi Paka Rotorua

Settle into Kiwi Paka, a friendly hostel-style option with great facilities.
NZD 100, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch at the Pavilion

Enjoy a fresh local lunch at a relaxed setting within the Government Gardens.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Rotorua Gondola Ride

Experience breathtaking views of Rotorua and its surroundings on a scenic gondola ride.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Relaxation at Polynesian Spa

Indulge in restorative thermal bathing at this renowned spa on the shores of Lake Rotorua.
NZD 100, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Eat Streat

Choose from various eateries on this popular dining street, offering affordable delicious cuisines.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Discover Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before more exploration.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Te Puia

Discover Maori culture and geothermal wonders at Te Puia, where the famous Pohutu Geyser erupts.
NZD 50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Skyline Rotorua

Enjoy lunch with stunning views at Skyline’s restaurant, overlooking the geothermal areas.
NZD 60, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Redwoods Treewalk

Experience the tranquil atmosphere and majestic trees on an elevated walkway in the Redwoods Forest.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel after a day of outdoor adventures.
NZD 10, 30 min

5:00PM

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Dine at this charming eatery known for its innovative menu in a relaxed atmosphere.
NZD 80, 2 hours

Day 4: Travel to Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

8:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with a delightful breakfast before heading to Wellington.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Bus to Wellington

Set off on a scenic bus journey across the North Island to Wellington.
NZD 50, 6 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation: Nomads Wellington

Arrive in Wellington and check into the budget-friendly Nomads hostel with great facilities.
NZD 100, 1 hour

5:30PM

Visit Wellington Waterfront

Stroll along the waterfront, taking in the scenic views and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Prefab Eatery

Indulge in local produce and coffee at this stylish eatery favored by locals.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Evening at Cuba Street

Explore the lively atmosphere, quaint shops, and bars of Wellington's Cuba Street.
Free, 1 hour

Day 5: Discover Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start the day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand's national museum, filled with engaging exhibits and cultural landmarks.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Field & Green

Enjoy fresh seasonal dishes at this café known for its breakfast and lunch options.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Zealandia

Experience Wellington's unique wildlife at Zealandia, a protected habitat with walking tracks.
NZD 20, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Capitol Restaurant

Indulge in contemporary Kiwi cuisine at a popular spot loved by locals.
NZD 80, 2 hours

Day 6: Travel to Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast before setting off for Queenstown.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Flight to Queenstown

Catch a budget morning flight to Queenstown from Wellington.
NZD 220, 1.5 hours (travel and check-in)

12:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation: Base Queenstown

Arrive in Queenstown and check into Base, a popular hostel with great amenities.
NZD 120, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Tuck into a famous Fergburger for a hearty and delicious meal.
NZD 50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Jet Boating Adventure

Experience the thrill of jet boating through the stunning landscapes of the Shotover River.
NZD 200, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax by Lake Wakatipu

Unwind by the serene waters of Lake Wakatipu, enjoying the beautiful mountain views.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Bunker

End your day with a fine dining experience specializing in local produce.
NZD 110, 2 hours

Day 7: Explore Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Have breakfast at Base before starting your exploration.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Arrowtown

Explore the charming gold rush village of Arrowtown with its notable history.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Butcher's Pantry

Enjoy a lunch at a quaint café emphasizing local ingredients.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Glenorchy Scenic Drive

Embark on a scenic drive to Glenorchy, enjoying breathtaking views.
Variable, 3 hours

5:00PM

Relax and Explore in Glenorchy

Take in the stunning scenery and enjoy the tranquility of Glenorchy.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Return to Queenstown

Head back to Queenstown, enjoying the lovely views along the way.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Bunker

Finish the day with a cozy fine dining experience while enjoying local produce.
NZD 110, 2 hours

Day 8: Departure from Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hostel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Base before your departure.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Last-minute Souvenir Shopping

Take the opportunity to buy some souvenirs to remember your journey.
Variable, 2 hours

12:00PM

Flight to Melbourne

Prepare for your flight back to Melbourne, concluding your memorable adventure in New Zealand.
NZD 220, 1.5 hours (travel and check-in)