4 places you sleep in over 5 nights. Select a place in the list to find it on the map.
1Overnight stop, in route orderVisited on the wayScenic trainCoach with your driver guideStarts in Auckland, ends in Wellington. 4 overnight stops across 6 days, about 40 km of driving. Select a marker to open that day.
Overview
Guided tour, coach group. A driver guide travels with you the whole way, on a full-size coach, with the luggage and every booking handled.
The journey is part of the destination, and scenic trains are the ultimate way to see New Zealand. 6 days through the North Island, running Auckland to Wellington. Along the way: A Scenic Journey to Ohakune, Discover Ohakune, Ruapheu or Tongariro National Park, Ohakune to Wellington on the Northern Explorer Train. Every night is booked and the travelling is handled, so the itinerary below is what you actually do rather than a list of things you could arrange yourself.
Kia ora! Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails! Auckland is known for its multicultural hub of food, music, arts, and culture. After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Auckland has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the Sky Tower or go shopping along bustling Queen Street. You may even fancy a drink in one of the charming bars or eateries of Vulcan Lane. Your tour officially begins this evening, as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome reception.
Today, you will marvel at rural New Zealand’s lush landscapes from the comfort of your seat aboard the Northern Explorer scenic train. From the green pastures of the Waikato to the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, you won’t want to miss a moment. If you are interested in culture and history, be sure to listen to the audio commentary as you cross historic viaducts and traverse up the Raurimu Spiral, an engineering marvel. This experience is one like no other. At the base of this geological wonder is Ohakune, 'the carrot capital of New Zealand', where you’ll stay the next two nights to experience your chosen adventure.
Tonight3-3.5 Star Hotel, named on your quoteBreakfast and dinner
Today is free for you to discover one of the region’s many exciting excursions. Choose from the optional activities on offer and personalise your perfect holiday. Perhaps you will enjoy a hot tub soak, or a meander along the lazy river. If you’re after an active day, why not explore Ohakune’s historical cycle trail? Rent e-bikes and discover old viaducts, tunnels, old settlers’ camps and reclaimed native forests along the Old Coach Road!
Tonight3-3.5 Star Hotel, named on your quoteBreakfast
After breakfast, we begin our day by travelling from National Park to Mt Ruapehu. You won’t want to leave this mini excursion to Middle Earth without a panoramic photo in hand! Joining the Northern Explorer train once again, you will wave goodbye to this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you settle into your uber-comfortable seat. Don’t get too comfortable though; dramatic rivers, gorges, and ravines are just around the bend! Stretch your legs and explore the open-air carriage to acquire the best views from the train. As you glide through rich green farmland and past a dramatic coastline, indulge in afternoon tea while drinking in the views. All too soon the train will arrive into Wellington leaving the picturesque Porirua Harbour behind you. Arriving at Wellington Railway Station, you are just a stone’s throw from downtown, the Beehive, and Parliament Buildings. Welcome to New Zealand’s capital city! You won’t want to waste a moment of time after checking into the hotel - your evening is free to explore this award-winning cultural and culinary capital from Queen’s Wharf to Cuba Street and beyond.
Tonight3-3.5 Star Hotel, named on your quoteBreakfast
The perfect day does exist - and it includes exploring Wellington! Today is free for you to experience vibrant Wellington as you please. Start by joining a Te Papa Introduction Tour and then head off to explore Cuba Street’s cafes, bookstores, and eccentric shops. Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary is just around the corner where you can surround yourself by native birdlife and regenerating forest. You won’t get bored with the plethora of activities on offer. From coffee, culture, historic buildings botanic gardens and more, the list goes on! If you need any suggestions or recommendations, just reach out to your helpful Tour Director or our Travel Centre to pre-book an experience. Dinner awaits as you join your fellow travellers once again to tell them about the exciting places you have discovered.
Tonight3-3.5 Star Hotel, named on your quoteBreakfast and dinner
Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travellers. You will be transferred to Wellington Airport for your departing flight.
Good to know
Departures
6 Day Classic runs on set dates. These are the departures still open, with what each one costs per person, two sharing.
Fri, 6 Nov 2026Sold out
Fri, 13 Nov 2026Sold out
Fri, 20 Nov 2026Sold out
Fri, 27 Nov 2026Sold out
Fri, 11 Dec 2026Sold out
Availability checked 26 October 2026 from the operator's own bookings. Guaranteed means the operator has confirmed the departure will run; sold out dates stay on the list so you can see what is left.
A date not listed is not being sold. Choose one and your quote comes back against that departure, at that departure's price.
Before and after
The tour itself runs as published. Nights in Auckland before it starts or in Wellington after it ends, and any of the optional experiences, can be added to your quote.
Never travelling alone
Your whole itinerary lives in a smart travel app with live vouchers, maps and daily guidance, and your own travel specialist is reachable seven days a week while you are on the road. If plans change, we rearrange them in real time.
Who you are booking with
Operator
This itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. We book it for you and stay your point of contact.
Silver Fern Travel
Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist (Insider), IATA certified, based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Prices
Quoted from the operator's own booking engine and refreshed weekly. The figure on this page is the one you will be quoted.
Yes, and most guests change something. Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or start from a different city: tell us what you would change and we re-quote 6 Day Classic at no cost and no obligation.
A professional driver-guide from our New Zealand operations team, on the ground with you throughout. Every itinerary we sell is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator, the highest grading in the country's official quality mark.
6 Day Classic runs on 21 scheduled departure dates, listed with their prices on this page. Choose one when you enquire and your quote comes back against that departure, usually within one working day.
5 nights in hotel 3 star. Every property is confirmed by name on your written quote, before you pay anything, so you can look each one up before you commit. The trip runs one way, Auckland to Wellington, so there is no backtracking.
Nothing to enquire. A firm written quote arrives within one working day; if you go ahead, a 20% deposit per person (minimum NZ$250) confirms every booking and the balance is due 70 days before travel, with the exact date on your quote. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme's dispute protections in play.
No payment to enquire; a firm quote within one working day. Lowest priced travel dates, two sharing. International flights not included. A 20% deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected
Itineraries operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure Insider.
Request a quote for this trip
No payment, no obligation. A specialist replies with a firm quote within one working day.
Nothing to enquire, nothing until your quote is confirmed in writing, and never more than your deposit until the balance falls due 70 days before travel. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme’s protections in play.
Availability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.
No booking fees, and nothing to pay to enquire
Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.
One person, before and during your trip
The same specialist plans your trip and is reachable while you are travelling, alongside in-country support seven days a week.
Insider status, Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. IATA certified. Every itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator.
