What are the pricing and departure dates for the Classic New Zealand Highlights Train Tour?

Auckland to Christchurch except where indicated*

Costs per person: September 2024-April 2025: 

• Twin share: NZ$5,749
• Single room: NZ$7,498 (Auckland to Christchurch)
• Single room: NZ$7,548 (Christchurch to Auckland)

Wellington to Queenstown except where indicated*

Costs per person: September 2025-April 2026: 

• Twin share: NZ$7,199
• Single room: NZ$9,198 (Wellington to Queenstown)
• Single room: NZ$9,298 (Queenstown to Wellington) 

Auckland to Wellington except where indicated*

Costs per person: September 2025-April 2025: 

• Twin share: NZ$3,399
• Single room: NZ$4,298 (Auckland to Wellington)
• Single room: NZ$4,398 (Wellington to Auckland)
• Optional tours and activities are available. Contact us for details and pricing.

Wellington to Christchurch except where indicated*

Costs per person: September 2025-April 2026: 

• Twin share: NZD $3,399
• Single room: 
  • NZD $4,348 (Wellington to Christchurch)
  • NZD $4,398 (Christchurch to Wellington)
• Optional tours and activities are available. Contact us for details and pricing.

Christchurch to Queenstown except where indicated*

Costs per person: September 2025-April 2026: 

• Twin share: NZ$4,999
• Single room: NZ$6,498
• Optional tours and activities are available. Contact us for details and pricing.

Auckland to Wellington

Cost per person: NZD $6,999 twin/share

Wellington to Christchurch

Cost per person: NZD $5,499 twin/share

• Auckland to Wellington: Departs southbound on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
• Wellington to Auckland: Departs northbound on Friday, Sunday, and Wednesday.

Timings are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm schedule at the time of booking.

CONNECTIONS: if you are planning onward travel (e.g. flights), then please be aware that this service occasionally experiences delays of 30 minutes or more.

• Child age: 2 to 14 years
• Children under 2 years travel free if sharing a seat with an adult (i.e. sitting on a parents or guardians lap). If a seat is required for an infant, then a separate seat at the child rate must be purchased.
• For all other stops, please contact us for a quote. Pricing is correct at the time of booking and may change without prior notice. 

Auckland to Queenstown 

April 2025-April 2026: 

Costs per person: 

• Twin/share: NZD $6,299 

September 2025-April 2026: 

Costs per person: 

• Twin/share: NZD $16,499 

• Single Supplement: NZD $21,248

• Inclusive drinks and dining service throughout the journey
• Exclusive kitchen carriage preparing hot and cold meals
• Paddock-to-plate regionally inspired food menu
• Paired drinks menu
• Specialist table service and storytelling
• Specialist barista coffee service
• Exclusive Scenic Plus carriage
• Panoramic windows, spacious carriage, and comfortable table or paired seating
• Open-air viewing carriage
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Luggage check-in and drop-off
• Personal service

Auckland to Queenstown except where indicated*

September 2025-April 2026: 

Costs per person: 

• NZD $15199 twin/share: 
• Single Supplement: 

via Rotorua: NZD $100

Auckland to Christchurch except where indicated*

MINIMUM AGE

• 16 years
• 16 & 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult

• Scenic Class Passengers:
  • 1 Large checked bag (Max: 23kg, 158cm linear size)
  • 1 Cabin bag (Max: 7kg, 118cm linear size; wheeled/hard-sided suitcases must be checked in)
  • 1 Small bag or handbag for valuables and essentials
  • 1 Small infant bag (for passengers traveling with an infant; infants do not receive a separate luggage allowance)
• Scenic Plus Passengers:
  • 2 Large checked bags (Max: 23kg each, 158cm linear size)
  • 1 Cabin bag (Max: 7kg, 118cm linear size; wheeled/hard-sided suitcases must be checked in)
  • 1 Small bag or handbag for valuables and essentials
  • 1 Small infant bag (for passengers traveling with an infant; infants do not receive a separate luggage allowance)

Only professionally trained service animals assisting customers with disabilities are permitted onboard.

No, all our journeys, including the open-air viewing carriage, are smoke-free. Our friendly train manager will let you know if there are stops where you can stretch your legs.

We offer a selection of delicious and nutritious meals and snacks—view the full menu here. You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but we invite you to enjoy our licensed café available on all journeys.

To ensure a stress-free journey, we recommend allowing for an overnight stop before connecting to flights or other transport. Great Journeys New Zealand is not responsible for missed connections due to train delays.