North Island Circuit

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Rotorua Intercity Coach Depot.

From Rotorua you travel along the geothermal highway and past the edge of the largest man-made radiate pine forest in the world - the Kaingaroa Forest towards Taupō. Your coach travels past Taupō which sits on the shores of New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupō. From Taupō you'll travel over the Ahiminawa Ranges to Napier. Napier has the highest concentrations of Striped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco building styles in the world. The commercial centre was completely rebuilt following a catastrophic earthquake in 1931. Napier is also at the centre of one of the largest and most vibrant wine-producing areas in New Zealand.

Hawke's Bay offers a variety of scenic walks, from coastal paths to forest trails, perfect for exploring the region's natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a more challenging hike, there's something for everyone. Be sure to check with the Department of Conservation for current conditions before heading out.

You will be collected from Napier Coach Depot and transferred to your accommodation. On the way to your accommodation, you will be taken on a one-hour tour of Napier

Discover Napier's Art Deco heritage in style in a luxurious 1930s vintage car. Your journey will take in Napier's famous Art Deco Quarter, historic Port Ahuriri and a delightfully quaint Art Deco residential suburb.

Leaving the 1930's inspired city of Napier you will travel through the countryside of the Hawke's Bay and Manawatu. Travelling along the Kāpiti Coast line into the capital city of Wellington. Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre) and exploring on foot is relatively easy. You can easily stroll the famous cafes and restaurants within the city and New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, is also close by.

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Wellington train station to meet your train.

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.

Elevate your North Island rail journey with the Scenic Plus add-on and experience true luxury on the rails! Enjoy inclusive, multi-course dining with fresh, regionally inspired cuisine and perfectly paired New Zealand wines and beverages, all delivered to your spacious, comfortable table seat. You’ll receive dedicated personal service as you glide past the volcanic peaks and lush plains of the North Island. Feeling adventurous? Step out to the exclusive open-air viewing carriage to capture the Central Plateau's magnificent vistas and breathe in the great outdoors. This is a full sensory journey through the heart of the North Island.