KiwiRail reveals new tourist packages including multi-day guided tours
Tourists on the TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer trains will soon be able to book their trips as part of a package tour, with accommodation and activities included.
KiwiRail has unveiled 10 short break packages and multi-day guided tours that incorporate the scenic train journeys.
Examples of the packages, with indicative prices, are already being promoted on the Great Journeys of New Zealand website, though they won’t be available to book until later this year.
They range from overnight trips to two-week-long inter-island tours.
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The cheapest option is a two-day “Dolphin Encounter in Kaikōura” package, which includes the return journey on the Coastal Pacific from Christchurch to Kaikōura, a guided sightseeing tour, dolphin encounter experience and one night’s accommodation, starts from $589.
The longest and most expensive trip, a 17-day “Signature Tour” from Auckland to Queenstown, starts from $13,499, which includes all three train journeys, transport on the Interislander ferry, a Milford Sound day tour and cruise and other tourism activities throughout, several meals, and accommodation in “4 to 4.5 star hotels”.
great journeys of NZ/Supplied
The Coastal Pacific train is set to resume later this month.
KiwiRail general manager Great Journeys New Zealand and Commuter Rail Tracey Goodall said there were a wide range of packages and tours, catering for different budgets and travel styles.
“Essentially they are designed for people who wish to enjoy their holiday, without having to spend all their time coordinating it.”
Packages worked out at around $300 to $350 a day, and given the inclusions – train travel, food onboard, accommodation, breakfast and in some