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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 58 travelers

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.
Located close to the city center.
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.
Short walk from The Federal.
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.
Take a bus back to the city center (NZD 2, 15 min).
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Viaduct Harbour Walk

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, soaking in the yachts and lively atmosphere.
Just a short walk from The Glass Goose.
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.
Catch the ferry from the downtown Auckland ferry terminal (NZD 30, 40 min).
NZD 30, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Unwind with New Zealand-inspired dishes and share plates in a bustling setting.
Ferry back to Auckland and walk to Depot (NZD 30, 40 min).
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.
Located centrally, easy access from dinner location.
NZD 150, N/A
Find Hotels in Auckland

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.
Located nearby, just a short walk.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Train Ride to Rotorua

Board the scenic train for a picturesque journey to Rotorua, enjoying the stunning landscapes between the cities.
Head to the train station in Auckland to board the service to Rotorua.
NZD 70, 3 hours

1:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Settle into Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, boasting stunning views of the lake and comfortable accommodations.
Taxi or shuttle from the train station (NZD 10, 10 min).
NZD 190, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch at the Pavilion

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

4:00PM

Rotorua Gondola Ride

Experience breathtaking views of Rotorua and its surroundings on a scenic gondola ride.
A short taxi from the Pavilion (NZD 10, 5 min).
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.
Short taxi from the gondola station (NZD 10, 5 min).
NZD 100, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Eat Streat

Choose from various eateries on this popular dining street, offering affordable delicious cuisines.
Short walk from Polynesian Spa.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 3: Discover Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at Novotel Restaurant

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before more exploration.
Hotel dining area.
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.
Short taxi ride from Novotel (NZD 10, 10 min).
NZD 50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Skyline Rotorua

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

3:00PM

Explore Redwoods Treewalk

Experience the tranquil atmosphere and majestic trees on an elevated walkway in the Redwoods Forest.
Short taxi from Skyline (NZD 10, 10 min).
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel after a day of outdoor adventures.
Taxi back to Novotel (NZD 10, 5 min).
NZD 10, 30 min

5:00PM

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Dine at this charming eatery known for its innovative menu in a relaxed atmosphere.
Short walk from Novotel.
NZD 80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 4: Travel to Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

8:30AM

Breakfast at Novotel Restaurant

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

10:00AM

Train Ride to Wellington

Board the scenic train to Wellington, offering stunning views through the heart of the North Island.
Train station in Rotorua.
NZD 75, 6 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation: InterContinental Wellington

Arrive in Wellington and check into the luxury InterContinental hotel, perfectly located for exploring the city.
Short taxi or walk from the train station (NZD 10, 10 min).
NZD 260, 1 hour

5:30PM

Visit Wellington Waterfront

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

7:00PM

Dinner at Prefab Eatery

Indulge in local produce and coffee at this stylish eatery favored by locals.
Short walk from the waterfront.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Evening at Cuba Street

Explore the lively atmosphere, quaint shops, and bars of Wellington's Cuba Street.
Short walk from the dining location.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Wellington

Day 5: Discover Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at InterContinental

Start the day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
InterContinental dining area.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand's national museum, filled with engaging exhibits and cultural landmarks.
Short walk from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Field & Green

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

3:00PM

Explore Zealandia

Experience Wellington's unique wildlife at Zealandia, a protected habitat with walking tracks.
Book a bus or shuttle from the city center to Zealandia (NZD 20, 20 min).
NZD 20, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Capitol Restaurant

Indulge in contemporary Kiwi cuisine at a popular spot loved by locals.
Short walk back towards the hotel.
NZD 80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wellington

Day 6: Travel to Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at the InterContinental

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast before setting off for Queenstown.
InterContinental dining area.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Flight to Queenstown

Catch a budget morning flight to Queenstown from Wellington.
Wellington Airport; book flight tickets in advance.
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.
Short taxi ride from Queenstown Airport (NZD 15, 10 min).
NZD 120, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

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

2:30PM

Jet Boating Adventure

Experience the thrill of jet boating through the stunning landscapes of the Shotover River.
Short bus ride to the jet-boating site (NZD 10, 15 min).
NZD 200, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax by Lake Wakatipu

Unwind by the serene waters of Lake Wakatipu, enjoying the beautiful mountain views.
Easy walk from the jet-boating location.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Bunker

End your day with a fine dining experience specializing in local produce.
Short walk back towards Base.
NZD 110, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 7: Explore Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at Mrs. Ferg

Start your day with fantastic pastries and coffee at this lovely café known for its treats.
A short walk from Base.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Arrowtown

Explore the charming gold rush village of Arrowtown with its notable history.
Take a bus from Queenstown to Arrowtown (NZD 5, 20 min).
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Butcher's Pantry

Enjoy a lunch at a quaint café emphasizing local ingredients.
Short walk around Arrowtown.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Glenorchy Scenic Drive

Embark on a scenic drive to Glenorchy, enjoying breathtaking views.
Rent a bicycle for convenience (approximately NZD 25 for the day).
Variable, 3 hours

5:00PM

Relax and Explore in Glenorchy

Take in the stunning scenery and enjoy the tranquility of Glenorchy.
Explore on foot or bike.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Return to Queenstown

Head back to Queenstown, enjoying the lovely views along the way.
Ride back to Queenstown.
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 hostel.
NZD 110, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 8: Departure from Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hostel

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

9:30AM

Last-minute Souvenir Shopping

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

12:00PM

Flight back to Auckland

Prepare for your flight back to Auckland, concluding your memorable adventure in New Zealand.
Taxi to Queenstown Airport (NZD 15, 10 min).
NZD 220, 1.5 hours (travel and check-in)
Find Hotels in Auckland
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