Northern Explorer Rail, Sail and Heli Tour

Welcome to Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand's self-proclaimed "City of Sails" is the country's largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests, and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot, or get out onto the water to experience the best views of the city.

Collect your rental car 

Navigating New Zealand can be done easily in two ways. If you have a smartphone, you will be able to connect it to the USB of your rental car and your maps and other apps will display on the screen in the centre console of your vehicle, with the sound coming through the car speakers.

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Auckland to Waipoua Forest

The drive north to Waipoua Forest and the Kauri Coast takes you along the remote West Coast of the North Island and around one of the world's largest natural harbours, the Kaipara Harbour. The region was worked by immigrant Dalmatians who toiled to make a living from the gum fields. A visit to the Kauri Museum at Matakohe tells the story of their hardships and pioneering spirit and of the remarkable impact this tree had on the region and the wider world and is a must do. You'll have plenty of opportunity to stop along this spectacular route, so be sure to leave time for sightseeing.

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Waipoua Forest covers around 15,000 hectares and is the last remaining substantial volume of the Kauri forests that once covered much of the North Island. The original block of land was purchased from local Maori in 1876 for European settlement - and in 1906 some of this was set aside for forestry. During the Second World War milling was performed, but after widespread opposition the area was set aside in 1952 as a sanctuary. Today there are many walks and paths to explore including the oldest living tree  - Tane Mahuta or the lord of the forest. Just a 5 minute walk from the road this gigantic tree is over 1000 years old.

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Note - this route takes you via the Northern Gateway toll road.  This costs NZ$2.20 each way for a car. You can prepay this toll at the booths clearly signposted on the northern highway. If you miss the booths you can also pay by logging onto www.tollroad.govt.nz.

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INCLUDED - Matakohe Kauri Museum

This activity is OPEN-DATED. Your voucher is valid for 7 days from the date above.

The Kauri Museum is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.

The Kauri Museum is located approximately 90 minutes drive north of Auckland, in the rural backdrop of Matakohe. Offering insight into the region's pioneering history, It charts the rise and fall of the great Kauri forests with stunning displays and detailed exhibitions including: The largest collection of Kauri Gum in the world, a fully furnished 1900's era Kauri house, the largest collection of Kauri furniture in the world, a huge 22 metre long Kauri slab and a magnificent collection of original photographs and pioneering memorabilia.

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Driving distance and time for this leg is 221 kms / 137 miles : 2.7 hours

From Waipoua Forest continue north to the Hokianga Harbour and the historic townships of Omapere and Opononi. A short detour to Rawene (signposted) is worthwhile to view the wooden buildings on the harbour. Crossing from the West Coast to the East, you soon arrive to the subtropical Bay of Islands. Kerikeri, famous for its crafts and fruit orchards is the largest township in the region and is also home to some fine historic buildings. Paihia sitting on the western side of the harbour is a busy little tourist town while Russell on the eastern side offers a more tranquil escape.

Bay of Islands Vintage Railway - suggested activity

The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust is a heritage Steam railway in Kawakawa, home of the world-famous Hundertwasser toilets, in the Bay of Islands region of Northland, New Zealand. The railway at Kawakawa was the North Island’s first railway to be opened and the first to run a rail passenger service in the North Island. The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway is unique in the world as it is the only working railway in the world where the trains travel down the middle of a State Highway and right through the middle of the town. The star attraction Gabriel, built-in 1927 is a fine example of a working steam engine and is the only one in her class left in the world. Today the railway operates on part of the former Opua track and offers train rides to visitors using both steam and diesel locomotives. See a working vintage steam engine and enjoy a ride through scenic countryside for a unique experience and a great family day out!

Driving distance and time for this leg is 135 kms / 84 miles : 2.2 hours

INCLUDED - Island Hopper Day Cruise with Barefoot Sailing Adventures

Come spend a day with the Barefoot Sailing crew for a magical day cruise sailing to a beautiful wildlife sanctuary island. You can enjoy water activities such as snorkeling and paddle boarding and explore hiking trails which are perfect for bird lovers. A portion of the ticket price is donated to Project Island Song, helping to protect our rare bird species on the wildlife sanctuary islands.

This small-group tour is designed to suit the active adventurer but is equally relaxing if you’re looking for an easy-going day out. Departing from Paihia beachfront, the boat pulls right up to the beach where you can step aboard from the shoreline. Set sail for the day’s adventure to a beautiful island destination of Ipipiri, the Eastern Bay of Islands. During the morning you will be served a cup of warming tea and a biscuit to share while sailing and discovering the beauty of the Bay of Islands. After about 2 hours you will have a stop over on a beach where you will have the chance to snorkel, hike or soak up the views before it is time for the packed lunch. Once the island adventure is finished you slowly make your way back to Paihia. Lunch and morning tea are included, if you bring your own food, please be aware it must leave the island as it is a protected area. Please bring swimwear, towel, comfortable clothing, sensible shoes and sunblock to shield you from the sun. 

This tour requires a reasonable level of physical ability as you will be boarding directly from the beach and spend the day doing physical activities. Duration 6 hours.

Explore the Bay of Islands

Commonly known as the ‘winterless north’ New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is made up of over 140 subtropical atolls. Renowned for its untouched beaches, abundant marine life and idyllic climate, this tropical paradise ticks all the boxes. Spend some time on a remote stretch of beach, or see the dolphins on an ocean safari. If diving is your thing, take the morning to descend the Rainbow Warrior - The Greenpeace flagship sunk by French saboteurs in 1985. Wander around Russell, a whaling port founded in 1843. Learn about our culture in historic Waitangi, the site where The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the Maori and European settlers dictating the terms by which New Zealand would become a British colony. Alternatively you may like to take a day tour to Cape Reinga, the very top of the North Island.

Paihia to Auckland direct

Today leave the Bay of Islands behind as you head south towards Auckland, City of Sails. You'll go through Kawakawa, famous for its unique Hundertwasser toilets, before passing the port-side town of Whangarei. Continue on through Warkworth and take a side trip to Matakana, renowned for its beaches and boutique vineyards. As you near the outskirts of Auckland, stop for a breather in Puhoi, New Zealand's only Bohemian settlement, before passing through the North Shore and into the heart of Auckland City.

Driving distance and time for this leg is 220 kms / 137 miles : 2.8 hours

As you leave the Auckland city boundary the landscape changes to lush farmland. You'll cross the fertile Hauraki Plains - one of New Zealand's largest dairy producing regions. Pass the Thames Estuary, a haven for wildlife and shore birds.Take a short detour to nearby Miranda (well sign posted)  to see the large flocks of godwits and oystercatchers. 

Arriving into the old gold mining town of Thames, there are two different routes to the east coast of the Coromandel. Directly over the Coromandel Ranges will deliver you to the coast in a snappy 45 minutes or if you're after more leisurely route, head North to the Coromandel Township along the Pohutukawa Coast (part of the Pacific Coast Highway). This is one of the most spectacular drives in the region and not to be missed.

Goldmine Experience - suggested activity

The Goldmine Experience at Thames offers a fascinating insight into a once thriving industry on the Coromandel peninsular - the extraction of gold from the hills. A guided tour takes you through an operational, 19th century Stamper Battery & into one of the richest goldmines of the time. A self-guided tour allows you to explore the photographic museum, view a video presentation, discover mining relics, see steam-powered machines, & become acquainted with a Cave Weta colony. For opening hours and prices visit the Goldmine Experience.

INCLUDED - Driving Creek Railway & Potteries - EyeFull Tower Tour

When you arrive in Coromandel, turn right at the shops, drive north 2.7km to where the road forks. Take the right-hand fork on to Driving Creek Road, signposted to Kennedy Bay. Driving Creek Railway & Potteries is 300 metres on your right.

Driving Creek Railway and Potteries has become a Coromandel icon. The dream of Barry Brickell was to establish a pottery workshop on his land. Using a railway he would have access to the clay on the land and the pine kiln fuel. Over the next 15 years the railway developed until in 1990 it was finally licensed to carry fare paying passengers and ever since thousands of visitors have made the trip to Coromandel to experience this unique attraction. The 1 hour return train trip on the innovatively designed trains takes you through replanted native kauri forest and includes 2 spirals, 3 short tunnels, 5 reversing points and several large viaducts as it climbs up to the mountain-top terminus. The pottery is still producing and you can watch the artists at work as well as purchase items.

Driving distance and time for this leg is 165 kms / 103 miles : 2.3 hours

Heading down the east coast you pass through the town of Whitianga and from here you can take the small foot ferry over to Cooks Beach and Flaxmill Bay. A little further south is the famous Hot Water Beach and the holiday town of Hahei. Cathedral Cove is a popular walk and is well worth the effort to view the massive limestone formation aptly named on the golden sand beach. Tairua is also a great location and Paku Hill offers spectacular views over the natural harbour and the Pacific Ocean. 

Heading south from the Coromandel Peninsula you pass through the seaside town of Whangamata. A popular location for Kiwi holidaymakers the town boasts one of the best beaches in the region. The old mining town of Waihi still has an operating open cast gold mine and you can view the workings of the Martha Mine from a vantage point signposted from the town centre. For rail enthusiasts the Goldfields Railway operates passenger trains along a scenic and historic section of track towards Waikino. The route now takes you into the Bay of Plenty and the port town of Tauranga before you head along the scenic Pyes Pa Road to Rotorua. For Lord of the Rings fans a detour to Matamata is recommended as this is the location of Hobbiton. Arriving into Rotorua from the north you are welcomed with some great views of the lake.

Note - this route takes you via the Takitimu Drive toll road. This costs NZ$1.90 each way for a car. You can prepay this toll at the booths clearly signposted on the northern highway. If you miss the booths you can also pay by logging onto www.tollroad.govt.nz.

Goldfields Railway, Waihi - suggested activity

In the early 1900s the expansion of the Waihi mine meant that more materials and people were needed in the region and so the government of the day linked Waihi to the main trunk line in 1905. Further expansion 23 years later and Waihi connected with the east coast and the port of Tauranga. The steep gradients, the tight curves and the 9km long tunnel on this section of the track became difficult and expensive to maintain for the ever-increasing freight traffic and so in the early 1980's the track was dismantled leaving just a short section between Waihi and Waikino. Soon after the Goldfields Steam Train Society purchased the track with the objective to run a passenger service using heritage machinery and preserving this district's railway history for the enjoyment of future generations. Today you can enjoy a relaxing trip on the Goldfields Railway pulled by one of the many restored engines as you travel along the Ohinemuri River.

To see the train timetable, prices and for operating days visit Waihi Rail.

Driving distance and time for this leg is 238 kms / 148 miles : 3.6 hours

INCLUDED - Volcanic Air Mount Tarawera & Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer by Helicopter

Volcanic Air requires each person's weight at the time of booking to ensure correct weight distribution in their helicopters. Please confirm your weight with your sales consultant.

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of Rotorua's stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves.

Leaving Wai-O-Tapu, descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. The return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to the lakefront pier.

Tour duration is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, including a 20-minute landing on Mount Tarawera and 1 to 1.5 hours touring the valley.

Volcanic Air requires each person's weight at the time of booking to ensure correct weight distribution in their aircraft. Please ensure you let us know each passenger's weight for this activity.

This drive will take you through the thermal region just south of Rotorua. Home to a plethora of unique geothermal attractions including boiling mud pits, natural hot springs and steaming geysers, this area is a must do before you move on to Napier. Notable attractions are Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Craters of the Moon.

Continue on to Taupo and marvel at the lake, a giant crater formed following a volcanic eruption in the year 180 CE. As you approach the city, be sure to stop at Huka Falls to view the spectacular sight of hundreds of cubic metres of water spilling every second down the narrow 11 metre drop.

For an extra thrill take a jet-boat ride to the base of the falls. Leaving Taupo, follow the road as it climbs the rugged Ahimanawa Range before descending back down the Pacific Coast to art deco Napier.

Driving distance and time for this leg is 210 kms / 131 miles : 2.4 hours

The rolling countryside of the Hawke's Bay leads you into some of New Zealand’s richest farmland, located around the Manawatu region. Passing along the Manawatu Gorge the Wairarapa welcomes you. Masterton is home to the golden shears sheep shearing competition while just further south Greytown boasts the largest concentration of historic wooden buildings in the country.

Nearby Martinborough is home to dozens of boutique wineries. The route takes you over the Rimutaka Range and along the magnificent natural harbour that the capital city of Wellington sits upon.

Driving distance and time for this leg is 322 kms / 200 miles : 4.1 hours

Wellington

Wellington, home to New Zealand’s centre of government has a largely cosmopolitan feel. Often referred to as ‘mini-Melbourne’, this (self described) windy city is a melting pot of art, culture, food and fashion. Quirky laneway bars, underground art shows, and hipster eateries make up its inner city vibe, while a host of sandy beaches outside the urban bustle bring a cheerful holiday feel.

Head to Te Papa Museum for a history lesson and a ticket to one of its many international exhibitions or jump aboard the Wellington Cable Car at Lambton Quay - the only running funicular railway in the country. For those with an eye for boutique fashion wander through Cuba St to sample some of the city's best vintage stores. Break for coffee at a hipster cafe and be sure to snap a pic outside the ‘Beehive,’ New Zealand’s parliamentary debate chamber.

Go behind the scenes at Weta Workshop, the Oscar Award Winning design studio behind Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit, and Avatar. We recommend a 45 minute guided tour through both the Workshop and Weta Cave. If you're a foodie at heart, a two hour round trip to Martinborough is a must do. Take your time as you wind through spectacular wine country, and be sure to stop in at Martinborough Wines or Ata Rangi Martinborough. For a educational day out, learn about New Zealand's native species at Zealandia, the world's first fully fenced eco-sanctuary and home to over 40 types of endangered and native birds. Finally before you collapse in bed, search metro eats for some gourmet dinner inspiration.

INCLUDED - Private transfer to Wellington Train Station 

The Northern Explorer is a journey through the heart of the North Island, travelling between Wellington, New Zealand's arts and culture capital and Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Along the way, you pass the Central North Island ski towns of National Park and Ohakune. You also see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges - all from panoramic windows or open air viewing decks. 

All carriages feature large panoramic windows giving sweeping views of the magnificent North Island. The Observation Carriage includes a mix of seating including lounge-style seating. The lounge-style seating is arranged at the very rear of this glass-backed carriage enabling you to enjoy a totally unique Northern Explorer experience. The standard baggage allowance for this train is, 1 large bag or suitcase of up to 23kg + 1 cabin bag, up to 7kg + a small bag or handbag for your personal items per person. If you think you will be travelling with more than this please advise your travel specialist and they will book an extra bag for you.

INCLUDED - Private Transfer Auckland Train Station to Auckland accommodation

You will be met at the Auckland Train Station and transferred to your Auckland accommodation.

You will be met at your Auckland accommodation by the driver and transferred to the airport.