Spend time in Auckland today before for your North Island rail adventure. The main shopping area around Queen Street leads down to the lively bars and restaurants along the Waterfront.

For a panoramic view of this harbourside city, ascend the Sky Tower, once the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, or hike to the summit of Eden Hill, the remnant of a prehistoric volcano within the city.

Skycity Auckland

Board the Northern Explorer today for one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Leaving the City of Sails behind, you will travel through the wide Waikato Plains, home to the Hobbiton film set. Then, as it meets the Southern Plateau, the train will climb over 450 feet through the astonishing Raurimu Spiral, an engineering masterpiece opened in 1908.

Traversing the Tongariro National Park, the peaks of several volcanoes come into view before the line soars over several deep ravines on a series of 30 to 80 metre tall majestic viaducts.

The Northern Explorer then descends through the narrow gorges of the Rangitikei River and over several more elegant bridges to the Kapiti Coast. There follows some spectacular ocean views before your late afternoon arrival into Wellington.

Auckland > Wellington | 648 kms by rail

Travelodge Wellington, 2 nights

Enjoy a full day exploring the delightful city of Wellington, New Zealand’s much loved capital.

For a great view of the harbour and mountains beyond, take the cable car to the pretty Wellington Botanical Gardens. Down below, be sure to visit the world class Te Papa Museum, which tell the history of New Zealand. Or Simply chill out around trendy Cuba Street, home to street artists, historic buildings and plenty of cosy cafés and bars.

Collect your car this morning for a leisurely drive through mountains, rolling hills, farms and wineries towards the Pacific coast. You will pass through historic Greytown, with many 19^th Century heritage buildings along its main street, and many other country towns and villages along the way.

Your overnight stay is in Napier on New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay. This fascinating art deco town was substantially rebuilt in the 1930s after a powerful earthquake. There are superb vineyards and beaches in the area.

Wellington > Napier | 325 kms

Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Drive inland from Napier through mountain forests and hillside pastures to the beautiful lakeside resort of Taupo. Close by are the spectacular Huka Falls and the thermal phenomena of Hells Gate, before arriving in Rotorua for a two night stay.

The popular waterside town of Rotorua is the centre of New Zealand’s geothermal region and there is plenty to explore, from steaming crevasses and mud pools to sulphur strings and geysers. There is also an excellent Maori village and culture centre.

Napier > Rotorua | 220 kms

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

The eastern route to Auckland is the most scenic, passing through the attractive town of Matamata, where fans of the Lord of the Rings can tour the Hobbiton filmset. A hiking trail near the town leads to the spectacular Wairere Falls, the highest in New Zealand.

Cross the fertile farmland of the Waikato Plain again to complete your circular Road and Rail trip in Auckland. Return your car here or talk to your FREEDOM consultant if you would like to extend your trip with stays in the Coromandel Peninsula or Bay of Islands.

Rotorua > Auckland | 225 kms