12 Day New Zealand Guided Coach & Scenic Train Tour

This morning we’ll travel south to Waitomo, famous for its incredible limestone caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms. You can choose to drift through the caves on a boat under a galaxy of glowworms, or gear up for an adventure with abseiling and climbing through the caves — either way, it’s a magical start to your trip!

We’ll then continue on to Rotorua, the North Island’s geothermal hotspot and cultural heart of Māori heritage. We’ll arrive in the early evening and check into our hotel — complete with a spa, swimming pool, and unlimited Wi-Fi (a rare treat in New Zealand!).

Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua or similar
Meal options: Local eateries
Optional paid activities: Waitomo Cave experiences

Today it’s all about the Roto (Māori for “Lake”). After breakfast, travel past the vibrant Blue and Green Lakes on the way to Lake Tarawera, where the mighty volcano Mt Tarawera looms on the horizon. From there, take an aqua taxi to Te Rata Bay, home to Hot Water Beach (note: not the Hot Water Beach located next to Hahei), where a hot thermal spring feeds into the lake water.

For those keen for a hike, take a quick soak before embarking on the 15km (4.5–5 hrs) Tarawera Trail, with incredible views over Lakes Rotomahana and Tarawera. If you’d prefer a more relaxing morning, indulge in a long soak in the steamy waters, sit on the warm sands, and spend your morning in geothermal heaven before heading back to Rotorua after lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll be collected from the beach and taken back to the city, where you can go white water rafting down the Kaituna River, zipline through the trees on an eco-tour, or visit Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa. If you’d like to see some geothermal activity for free, head to Kuirau Park to see boiling mud pools and steaming lakes.

• Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast included. Optional local restaurants
• Included: Hot Water Beach Tarawera Water Taxi
• Free: Tarawera Trail hike, Kuirau Park
• Optional (paid): Ziplining, White Water Rafting, Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa

After a few days in Rotorua, it’s time to slow down and experience authentic New Zealand culture. After lunch, we’ll head to Lake Aniwhenua and the incredible Kohutapu Lodge, owned by a local Māori family passionate about their heritage and community.

We’ll be welcomed onto tribal land before visiting the lodge to watch the preparation of a traditional ground-cooked hangi. Enjoy afternoon tea with fresh fried bread, learn about Māori weaving and haka, and then sit down to feast on your freshly prepared hangi dinner — quite possibly the best meal you’ll have in New Zealand!

Exclusive experience includes:

• Welcome to tribal lands and guided tour of sacred Māori rock carvings
• Introduction to Murupara’s people, history, and challenges
• Afternoon tea
• Mau Rakau (Māori stick games)
• Weaving and haka lessons
• Storytelling around the fire pit
• 1-night stay at lakeside Kohutapu Lodge
• Full traditional hangi dinner & dessert
• Continental breakfast

Accommodation: Scenic lakefront cabins
Meals included: Breakfast, traditional hangi dinner & dessert
Free activities: Māori rock carvings, volleyball

This morning, after a buffet breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts at the lakeside lodge before departing for Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the frothy Huka Falls, before heading inland to Blue Duck Station for an immersive, off-the-grid experience.

Blue Duck Station is the most sustainable high-country sheep and cattle station in New Zealand. Surrounded by the stunning Whanganui National Park, driving into the station feels like entering the world of King Kong or Jurassic Park. The team at Blue Duck has made it their mission to protect their native environment for the sake of their namesake, the rare Whio (blue duck).

On arrival, settle in to learn about daily life at the station, its interesting settlement history, and its sustainability efforts, before a home-cooked meal and relaxing around the campfire.

• Accommodation: Country station lodge
• Meals Included: Continental breakfast and dinner
• Free: Huka Falls, Spa Park walk, Taupo
• Optional (paid): Skydiving or bungy jumping in Taupo

Hop in a 4WD vehicle and ride through native bush to the “Top of the World,” where you’ll see Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe. Learn about the station’s history, enjoy sweeping views, and spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace.

Hike to the Kaiwhakauka Waterfall, spot rare blue ducks, or relax by the fire in the evening — maybe even make s’mores!

Accommodation: Country station lodge
Meals included: Continental breakfast, lunch & dinner
Included activity: 4WD farm eco-tour
Free activities: Waterfall hike, glowworm viewing

This morning, rise early and make your way to Tongariro National Park to tackle what is widely regarded as the best one-day walk in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This unforgettable 19km journey traverses an awe-inspiring landscape of volcanic peaks, vast craters, and striking turquoise alpine lakes.

The Crossing can be walked year-round, and when snow or ice is present, a qualified alpine guide and specialized equipment are required (additional costs may apply). These alpine conditions, typically from May to October but possible at any time, can make the experience even more spectacular, showcasing Tongariro in its purest form. All plans remain weather dependent for comfort and safety, and if conditions aren’t suitable, there are other excellent walks in the national park to enjoy.

After an incredible day on the trails, return to your accommodation and soak in the outdoor spa while admiring the surrounding mountain views, the perfect way to unwind.

Please note: For health and safety reasons, if weather conditions deteriorate and snow or ice is present (typically April 1 – October 31, though adverse weather may occur year-round), additional costs will apply for professional alpine guides and required safety equipment (crampons, ice axes, etc.). These supplementary fees are approximately $350+ NZD under winter conditions and are payable directly to the supplier or guide at the time of the tour.

• Accommodation: The Park Hotel (or similar)
• Meals Included: Continental breakfast. For the Crossing, pack a lunch and plenty of snacks and water
• Included: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

After breakfast, we’ll drive south to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city! We recommend starting with a visit to the Te Papa National Museum (own expense), then explore the city your way — enjoy a local craft beer, hike to Mt. Victoria for panoramic views, stroll along the waterfront, or indulge in what’s often called the best coffee in New Zealand.

Accommodation: Ibis Wellington or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Free activities: Walk Oriental Parade, climb Mt. Victoria
Optional paid activities: Te Papa National Museum

We’ll catch an early Bluebridge Ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island today. If the weather’s good, head out to the viewing deck for incredible views of the Marlborough Sounds. When we arrive in Picton, the top of the South Island, we’ll set off through the picturesque Marlborough region and up to Marahau, situated right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park. We’ll spend our evening in this beautiful location relaxing around the campfire and looking at the stars.

• Accommodation: The Barn Marahau (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast included. Stop at a supermarket to stock up on supplies, self-cater or join the optional group dinner
• Included: Ferry Crossing to the South Island
• Free: Stargazing
• Optional (paid): Wine tasting ($15pp)

Enjoy a free day in Abel Tasman National Park. From our accommodation, you can hike directly onto the Abel Tasman Coastal Track to Anchorage Bay — no water taxi needed! The trail offers golden beaches, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters. The walk takes about four hours each way, but you can take a water taxi back if you prefer a shorter day.

Accommodation: The Barn or similar
Meals included: Continental breakfast
Free activities: Hiking, beach time, visit Cleopatra’s Pools
Optional paid activities: Kayaking, water taxi, canyoning, sailing

We’re buckling up for an awesome day driving down the incredibly scenic “wild” West Coast, an area known for its untamed beaches and lush rainforest. Through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, there’s not much cell phone reception, but we’re not going to need it. This road offers views for days, and we won’t want to stop looking out the window for a second.

We’ll stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique part of the coastline before continuing on to Greymouth, where you’ll say farewell to your guide and some of your mates and board the TranzAlpine scenic train down to Christchurch. When you arrive, make your way to the Scenic Cotswold Christchurch and check in, then spend your evening exploring this vibrant city.

TranzAlpine Departure Info: 2:05 pm, Greymouth Train Station, 164 MacKay Street, Greymouth. Subject to change. Check-in closes 20 minutes prior to departure.

• Accommodation: Scenic Cotswold Christchurch (or similar)
• Meals Included: Continental breakfast included. Local eateries (own cost)
• Included: TranzAlpine Train experience
• Free: Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park

This morning, we highly recommend exploring Christchurch. Wander the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art intended to bring cheer and color to a city once buried in rubble, check out the modern shopping district, go for a beer at one of the quirky local pubs, spend an hour punting down the Avon River, explore the stunning Botanic Gardens, or hop on the historic tourist tram and see it all. As this is the final day, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and go your separate ways.

• Meals Included: Breakfast