South Island Double Train & Glacier Grand Circuit — 8 Days + North Island — 4 Days
Travel through Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass, the West Coast, Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown, Dunedin, Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo, then fly to Auckland for Waitomo, Rotorua and Hobbiton. Includes scenic and steam trains, gold panning, Skyline Gondola, Larnach Castle, Māori village admission, and a luxury-yacht sunset cruise with Western dinner. Airfares are not included.
Highlights
- TranzAlpine scenic train and Shantytown gold panning and steam train
- Pancake Rocks, Fox Glacier viewpoints, Haast and the Blue Pools walk
- Wanaka and Queenstown Skyline Gondola
- Dunedin, Speight’s brewery lunch and Larnach Castle
- Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Whakarewarewa Māori village and Hobbiton
- Auckland luxury-yacht sunset cruise with Western dinner
Daily Itinerary
Arrive in Christchurch, a South Pacific city with a classical English atmosphere. Your guide will introduce this beautiful “Garden City”. Stroll through the historic Arts Centre, admire the elegant Avon River scenery and pass the Bridge of Remembrance, a symbol of resilience and commemoration, experiencing the city’s cultural heritage and peaceful atmosphere. Hotel: Hotel Elms Christchurch or a similar 4-star hotel Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: At your own expense
After breakfast, board the ★TranzAlpine scenic train, described as one of the world’s ten most beautiful rail journeys. Cross the Canterbury Plains, the Waita Valley and the Southern Alps, enjoying glacier-fed blue rivers, dense forests and dramatic mountains. At Arthur’s Pass, meet your guide and continue west to ★Shantytown, a heritage town recreating the 19th-century gold rush, combining history, hands-on activities and education as one of the South Island West Coast’s representative cultural experiences. With your guide, explore period buildings including the old post office, blacksmith and barber shop. Ride the vintage ★steam train (12.30 pm and 2.00 pm) through native forest and gold-mining relics, with a stop to get off and take photographs. Try the ★gold-panning activity and receive a small bottle of “gold dust” as a souvenir. Check in and rest in the evening. Hotel: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, Beachfront Hotel Hokitika, Copthorne Hotel Greymouth or a hotel of the same standard Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast; Lunch: Three-course buffet; Dinner: At your own expense
After breakfast, visit the West Coast geological wonder of Pancake Rocks. Layers of limestone resemble stacks of pancakes, shaped over millions of years by waves and wind. Waves surge into blowholes and send water several metres into the air like natural fountains. The coastal walkway is scenic and is one of New Zealand’s best-known geological attractions. Continue south along State Highway 6 towards Fox Glacier through the world-famous “wet West Coast rainforest belt”, where native forest, streams, cliffs and glacier mist create a spectacular landscape. If conditions permit, stop at a glacier lookout to view the blue glacial river formed by melting ice. Arrive in Haast in the evening, the “southern gateway” linking the West Coast and southern lakes, with pristine scenery and ecology. Tonight’s West Coast dinner features a local favourite, whitebait fritters made with West Coast whitebait and egg, accompanied by an American-style burger and crisp fries. Ingredients may vary seasonally or be replaced with other dishes. Hotel: Heartland Hotel Haast or a similar 3-star hotel Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: Game-style whitebait fritter, burger and fries
After breakfast, travel along the scenic Makarora route through the Haast River Valley Scenic Reserve, into representative pristine South Island landscapes. At the Blue Pools, take a refreshing short walk through forest and across suspension bridges to clear blue glacial-melt pools hidden in the woods. Continue to Wanaka for free time. This lakeside town beneath the Southern Alps offers a relaxed local atmosphere. Enjoy a lakeside café, handmade ice cream or a photo stop at the iconic That Wanaka Tree. In the evening, arrive in Queenstown. Ride the ★Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak, 790 metres above sea level, for views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu and towards Glenorchy and the surrounding mountains. Walk the summit viewing platform, try the luge at your own expense or relax at the summit café. In severe weather, the Blue Pools walk may be replaced for safety reasons by a lakeside walk in Wanaka. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown or a similar 4-star hotel Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: At your own expense
Enjoy a full day at leisure in picturesque Queenstown, set between mountains and lakes and renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful holiday destinations—a haven for relaxation and adventure. Plan your day according to your interests: • Thrill-seekers can choose skydiving, bungy jumping, paragliding or jet boating, among the world’s leading adventure sports. • For a gentler pace, fly by helicopter over snow-covered mountains and glaciers or taste authentic New Zealand wines at a winery. • Alternatively, stroll through town, watch street performers and enjoy coffee, sunshine and the lakeside breeze. • A Milford Sound cruise is especially recommended: explore the magnificent fiord, view waterfalls, seals and dolphins up close, and experience the charm of the “eighth wonder of the world” for an even more memorable New Zealand journey. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown or a similar 4-star hotel Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: At your own expense
After breakfast, drive to Dunedin, known as the “Edinburgh of the South”, for a city tour. See St Paul’s Cathedral, an English Gothic landmark beside the Octagon; the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university, founded in 1869, with its Scottish-style stone main building; Dunedin Railway Station, famed as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most beautiful stations and resembling a gingerbread house; and Baldwin Street, Guinness-certified as the world’s steepest street, where the brave may walk up the slope and enjoy the view from the top. Enjoy a special two-course Western-style lunch at the century-old Speight’s brewery, recalling Dunedin’s food heritage in a warm, vintage setting. In the afternoon visit ★Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Explore its grand Victorian architecture, hear family stories from a century ago and enjoy the gardens and history. Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross or a similar 4-star hotel Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast; Lunch: Two-course brewery meal; Dinner: Chinese individual hotpot
After breakfast, depart for Mount Cook National Park. En route, pass a renowned five-star salmon farm in the Southern Hemisphere, where you may taste fresh salmon at your own expense. Mount Cook National Park lies in one of the Southern Alps’ most magnificent areas, rich in natural scenery and remarkable landforms, with time to explore this pristine wilderness. Weather permitting, you may take a helicopter at your own expense to the Tasman Glacier, described as the largest in the South Pacific, and land on the glacier to experience its striking silver-white scenery. In the afternoon, reach beautiful Lake Tekapo. The itinerary explains Tekapo’s Māori name as “a sleeping mat at night”, also calling it “a place to sleep beneath the stars”. Stroll by the lake and visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. At night, enjoy the starry skies of this globally renowned stargazing reserve. Stay overnight in distinctive holiday-home accommodation. Accommodation: Character holiday home (a whole house for each party is not guaranteed; each party is guaranteed a separate bedroom, with shared living room and kitchen) Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: Buffet
After breakfast, take photographs beside picturesque Lake Tekapo and enjoy its dreamlike turquoise-blue water. Drive back to Christchurch for the airport transfer, completing the South Island journey, then fly to the North Island. Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and the ‘City of Sails’. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel to rest. Note: The latest North Island airport pickup is 18:30. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City or a similar 4-star hotel Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: At your own expense
Leave Auckland early for the natural wonders of the central North Island. First visit the famous ★Waitomo Glowworm Caves. First discovered by a Māori chief in 1887, these mysterious caves contain stalactites and a winding underground river. Accompanied by a guide, glide by boat into the dark, quiet cave: tens of thousands of blue glowworms sparkle overhead like stars in the night sky, creating the impression of entering the Milky Way. In the afternoon arrive in Rotorua, the ‘geothermal capital’. Walk beside the lake and through the flower-filled Government Gardens, noticing the sulphur in the air. Visit ★Whakarewarewa Māori village in the Whakarewarewa Valley, one of New Zealand’s most representative attractions. More than 20 households still live here, descendants in the fourth and fifth generations of the original Māori residents. Experience authentic Māori culture and traditions alongside impressive geothermal scenery. Evening recommendation: At your own expense, visit the Polynesian Spa geothermal pools, described as among the world’s ten finest spas. Soak in mineral-rich natural thermal water beneath the stars, relax after the day’s activities and enjoy peace and comfort. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Rotorua or a similar 4-star hotel Breakfast: Hotel buffet; Lunch: Western buffet; Dinner: Special venison meal — tender game, nourishing and warming
After breakfast, enjoy a day combining culture and fantasy. Visit ★Hobbiton Movie Set, a pilgrimage site for film fans. Cross lush green farmland into the fairy-tale world of Middle-earth. Explore the iconic Bag End, hobbit houses, Green Dragon Inn, Party Tree and mill, imagining yourself as a hobbit meeting Gandalf. A professional guide reveals fascinating filming details and brings classic scenes back to life. Return to Auckland in the afternoon and board the ★million-dollar luxury yacht, awarded a five-star rating, for a specially tailored experience at sea. The yacht is 20 metres long with three spacious levels, a viewing deck, boutique suites and high-end facilities. It is berthed at Auckland’s landmark Viaduct Harbour, the America’s Cup marina, an excellent place to watch the harbour sunset. With a gentle sea breeze and golden light on the deck, admire Auckland’s skyline while enjoying an onboard burger set meal for an unforgettable North Island evening. Important: If weather or other force-majeure circumstances prevent sailing, you will receive a luxury-yacht experience ticket for a future visit or a refund. Thank you for your understanding. Afterwards check in and prepare for your journey home. Hotel: Jet Park Auckland Airport Hotel or a similar 4-star airport hotel Breakfast: Hotel buffet breakfast; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: Sunset cruise + Western dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, take the airport hotel’s shuttle to Auckland International Airport. Bid farewell to this pristine South Pacific destination as your North Island cultural and nature journey ends. May every moment of the trip become a treasured memory. Breakfast: Hotel buffet
Price Table
| Item | Price NZD |
|---|---|
| Adult | NZ$3848 |
| Child aged 12–4 sharing with one adult (per-child price) | NZ$3463 |
| Child aged 12–4 sharing with two adults (per-child price) | NZ$3079 |
| Child aged 4–2 | NZ$2684 |
| Under 2 without a bed (infant receives a seat only, no other services) | NZ$1320 |
| Single-room supplement | NZ$1205 |
Departure Dates
2026-10-09 2026-10-16 2026-10-30 2026-11-13 2026-11-27 2026-12-11 2026-12-25 (Christmas surcharge NZD 260) 2027-01-08 2027-01-22 2027-02-05 (Lunar New Year surcharge NZD 280) 2027-02-19 2027-03-05 2027-03-19
Included
- 1. Accommodation: 9 nights in star-rated hotels with breakfast and 1 night in distinctive holiday-home accommodation with breakfast.
- 2. Meals listed in the itinerary (Chinese group-meal standard for groups larger than 6: 6 guests—6 dishes and 1 soup; 7 guests—7 dishes and 1 soup; groups of 8 or more—8 dishes and 1 soup).
- 3. Transport: 7–39-seat vehicle throughout, with a Chinese-speaking driver-guide. The driver-guide works ten hours per day; overtime costs NZD 150, payable to the guide in cash.
- 4. Initial admission fees for 9 attractions: TranzAlpine scenic train; Shantytown gold panning and steam train; Skyline Gondola; Larnach Castle; Waitomo Glowworm Caves; Hobbiton; Whakarewarewa Māori village; Agrodome farm tour; million-dollar luxury yacht with Western dinner.
- 5. Note: Adults and children must pay additional holiday surcharges during Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year. Ask your sales consultant for details.
Not Included
- 1. Guide gratuities (suggested NZD 6 per person per day).
- 2. Lunches and dinners marked as at your own expense, airfares, visa fees and optional activities.
- 3. Extra costs arising from circumstances beyond human control, such as weather or hotel-room issues.
- 4. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Notes
2026.10–2027.03 (departures every Friday) 3–4-star itinerary: $3,848 NZD per person. Price per person in a standard twin room; prices in NZD. Reminder: bookings made within 10 days of departure may incur hotel surcharges. Thank you for your understanding; contact your sales consultant with questions. Special reminders: 1. Hotel star ratings may change depending on reservations, rooms may be unavailable, or room surcharges may apply during major events and public holidays or other exceptional circumstances. The final confirmed quotation applies. 2. Triple rooms in New Zealand normally consist of one large bed plus one small bed, two large beds, or sofa beds, folding beds or camp beds; three beds of the same standard cannot be guaranteed. If you require 3 separate beds, state this in advance. If the hotel cannot confirm them, you may choose a different room type and pay the additional cost. 3. Guests are strongly advised to buy travel and personal-belongings insurance themselves. The local operator is not responsible for costs arising from these matters. Cancellation and amendment policy: A 50% deposit per person is collected when the quotation is confirmed; the balance must be paid 21 days before departure. For cancellation for any reason, refunds are calculated as follows: 30–15 days before departure (inclusive): cancellation or amendment incurs a charge of 30% of the tour fare. 14–8 days before departure (inclusive): cancellation or amendment incurs a charge of 50% of the tour fare. Within 7 days before departure (inclusive): no refund for cancellation or amendment. If guests cannot travel because of an epidemic, the same refund rules apply. The company accepts no responsibility if guests fail to meet the guide on time for personal reasons. All activities depend on local conditions. The company may adjust sightseeing as needed because of weather or flights and reserves final decision-making and interpretation rights. If listed hotels are fully booked, the company may substitute other hotels of the same category. Booking information: Special reminder: hotel star ratings may change depending on reservations, rooms may be unavailable, or room surcharges may apply during major events and public holidays or other exceptional circumstances. The final confirmed quotation applies. Smoking is prohibited in hotel rooms and on their balconies; fines start at NZD 500 under hotel requirements. If a hotel issues a fine for smoking in the room, the person responsible for that room must pay it. If the fine is refused, under the agency’s agreement with the hotel the hotel will submit the matter to New Zealand’s small claims tribunal. Any subsequent fines, litigation, visa and entry/exit issues are the individual’s responsibility. If prone to motion sickness, prepare medication and vomit bags in advance. Terms and restrictions: the agency may change the itinerary according to weather. If force majeure prevents participation in an attraction, the agency will refund its fee or arrange a product of equivalent value. Shopping undertaken independently during free time is a personal activity unrelated to the agency. Insurance: travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover unforeseen expenses such as additional transport, cancellation fees and losses of valuables. Guests who voluntarily decline insurance must bear such losses themselves in the event of an incident, including additional transport, accommodation, cancellation charges and lost valuables. If weather, war, strikes, earthquakes or other force majeure prevents travel, the agency will refund unused attraction tickets in accordance with the travel agency agreement. Other items follow the suppliers’ policies. No refund is given if guests voluntarily abandon the tour at short notice for personal reasons. The agency accepts limited liability only for the services and associated matters listed in this text, and no responsibility beyond this description, including interpersonal or personal matters, unforeseen emergencies, legal or criminal matters, religious beliefs and other such responsibilities. All prices marked NZD or $ are in New Zealand dollars. All conditions, restrictions and itinerary descriptions are based on relevant New Zealand laws and regulations and are subject to their governance and protection. All text, images, logos and icons are the agency’s copyright; unauthorised reproduction will be pursued. If an updated itinerary is available, its latest content takes precedence.
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Departure info
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