Arrive in Perth, Western Australia’s capital. Rest and recover from your journey before exploring this wonderful city, known for its sunshine, neighbouring beaches, and relaxed pace of life. During your 3 night stay you can wander the picturesque gardens of Kings Park, choose to visit the beautiful Rottnest Island, historic Fremantle, or the vineyards of Margaret River.

Your chosen Perth hotel

Board the Indian Pacific train in Perth, for your journey through Australia’s Outback and across the Nullarbor Desert to Adelaide. Relax in your own private cabin and enjoy the fine cuisine in the restaurant carriages as the scenery passes by.

Leave the Pacific coast behind as you depart the city lights of Perth and head out across the Western Australian outback. Along the route enjoy guided off-train experiences in the mining town of Kalgoorlie, the outback sheep station at Rawlinna, the abandoned ghost-town of Cook. Roughly 2700km of railway later and you will arrive in the university city of Adelaide.

Onboard the Indian Pacific

Disembark from the Indian Pacific as it arrives in the city of Adelaide. Spend the night in this beautiful city famed for its food and wine produce. Venture out to the neighbouring Adelaide Hills or just enjoy a city stay exploring the streets, gardens and museums of the South Australian Capital.

Your chosen Adelaide hotel

Depart Adelaide Airport to arrive into the gateway city of Auckland for a two night stay. The “City of Sails” sits proudly between two natural harbours, so naturally much of the city has a nautical theme. Gain your bearings by visiting the top of the iconic Sky Tower, or wander past the yachts in Viaduct Harbour. Better still stop in a waterfront café and let the world pass by.

You could choose to join an expert-led tour that will take you to the picturesque Bay of Islands where you can visit the Whangarei Waterfalls, explore Urupukapuka Island and enjoy a cruise through the Hole in the Rock to Cape Brett.

Alternatively, you can also choose to continue with the food and wine theme and venture over to Waiheke Island, to visit the top boutique vineyards for a tour and tasting.

Your chosen Auckland hotel

Travel the length of the North Island from Auckland to Wellington on the Northern Explorer passing volcanic plateaus, sweeping farmland and dramatic forest scenery.

A relaxed two night stay in Wellington follows your rail journey. Take the famous tram to the top of the Botanical Gardens, learn about the fascinating history of New Zealand at Te Papa Museum or relax on the harbour with a refreshing glass of New Zealand’s finest produce. You could also join a tour to go behind the scenes of the Weta Workshop to see how movies are made or learn more about New Zealand’s flora and fauna on private Zealandia tour.

Your chosen Wellington hotel

Trade the rails for sails as you board the InterIslander Ferry to the South Island. Your arrival will co-inside with the departure of the newly redeveloped Coastal Pacific Railway. Climb on board and enjoy the scenery before arriving into the coastal resort town of Kaikoura,

Kaikoura is famed for its abundance of marine life and spectacular surrounding mountain scenery. A two night stay here will allow you to jump on board a whale watching cruise or flight to see the migrating whales in their element.

Your chosen Kaikoura hotel

Re-board the train and continue down the east coast from Kaikoura to Christchurch on the Coastal Pacific as you complete its route, eventually arriving into Christchurch. Spend two days exploring this fascinating city and learn about the English heritage that still influences the city on the River Avon.

Christchurch is a great city that can easily be explored on foot, or even by punt along the river, but you may also enjoy a relaxed scenic cruise and a visit to the French-influenced town of Akaroa.

Your chosen Christchurch hotel

Depart Christchurch Railway Station onboard the TranzAlpine Train for the journey across Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth on the opposite coast. The TranzAlpine train journey is rated as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys.

From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, change to the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rainforest to the west coast town of Greymouth.

On arrival at Greymouth you will collect your rental car and make your way to your chosen hotel in Greymouth.

Your chosen Greymouth hotel

This morning make your way down the West Coast to Franz Josef from Greymouth or Hokitika. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Franz Josef. Nowhere in the world’s temperate zones are glaciers as accessible as South Westland’s most famous pair, Franz Josef and Fox. Both descend to levels of about 1000 feet (300 metres) above sea level.

Franz Josef Glacier is a remnant of a much older, larger glacier, which flowed from the alpine snowfields right to the sea. The glacier is over 12 km long extending into the rainforest just 5km from the Franz Josef Township, making it easy to visit. Walk to viewpoints, for for a close-up view of the spectacular ice formations, take a walk along the valley floor or heli-hike on Franz-Josef Glacier.

Greymouth > Franz Josef | 180 kms

Your chosen Franz Josef hotel

Follow the road inland, through the mountains, to the picturesque Queenstown. Queenstown nestles in a bay, about midway along the eastern shores of the azure blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. Striking mountain peaks surround Queenstown, and although still rural in character, the town has developed into a tourist resort for all seasons.

Situated more than 300 metres above sea level, it is sufficiently inland to provide a sharp contrast between the hot summer and bracing winter. The Autumn colours and the Lake District are justly famous and a delight to photographers and painters. Winter brings spectacular snow scenery, ice-skating, white water rafting and much more.

Whilst you are in Queenstown you may choose to experience a thrilling jet boat ride, a vintage steamer lake cruise, a visit to local movie locations, or a mountain gondola ride. You will also have plenty of time to relax and marvel at the beautiful scenery.

Franz Josef > Queenstown | 348 kms

Your chosen Queenstown hotel

The road from Queenstown to Milford Sound is spectacular, with snow-capped mountains on both sides and calm lakes in-between. However, nothing can prepare you for the natural beauty of Milford Sound, a deep fjord, surrounded by steep cliffs and waterfalls. If time permits, join a scenic cruise along Milford Sound to appreciate the majesty of the scenery. (Must be booked in advance)

Queenstown > Te Anau | 420 kms

Your chosen Te Anau hotel

Drive out of the Fiordland National Park and make your way to Dunedin – the “Edinburgh of the South”. This afternoon in Dunedin time is available to explore — you may like to visit the Otago Peninsula – home of the Royal Albatross Colony, the Yellow Penguins or historic Larnach Castle.

Te Anau > Dunedin | 290 kms

Your chosen Dunedin hotel

Depart Dunedin and make your way back to Christchurch, where there is plenty of time for some present shopping and dinner before packing ready for your departure in the morning.

Dunedin > Christchurch | 360 kms

Your chosen Christchurch hotel

Depart your hotel and return your car to Christchurch Airport in time to board your return or onward flight.