XperieNZ The Grand Passage 10 day tour

This 10-day great journey of New Zealand will take you on the three iconic trains Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and the TranzAlpine and the Interislander ferry that allows you to sit back and relax and connect with the spectacular scenery through the perfect panoramic windows. To complement your journey, you will go on a private quintessential farm tour in the Wairarapa, a tour of vineyards in Marlborough which is the largest wine-growing region and most famous in New Zealand, you may even get to swim in the wild with some of the smallest dolphins in the world.

On arrival in Auckland, your concierge/driver-guide will take you to your accommodation and help check you in as required. Relax and take it easy.

Late morning you will travel in style to Kawau Island by a seaplane. Kawau Island is one of the largest islands that make up the magical Hauraki Gulf in the northern part of New Zealand. Enjoy a delicious 3-course a la carte welcome meal with a glass of wine at the stunning laid back Kawau Beach House. The beach house boasts of splendid views over the peaceful waters of Vivian Bay. You will get to know your fellow travellers, over a drink and a briefing lunch. During lunch, our program director (or your concierge/driver guide) will go over your program for the next 9 days.

Early this morning, you will be making your journey from Auckland to Wellington on the Northern Explorer, New Zealand's longest running passenger scenic train. Traverse across the ever changing landscape, from the fertile farmlands of Waikato, through spectacular volcanic peaks of the Tongariro National Park and on to the rugged Kapiti Coast. On your arrival into Wellington, your concierge driver/guide will be waiting to pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation.

Start your day with a drive to the rugged Cape Palliser to visit the North Island's largest seal colony, if you choose you can also take a walk up 253 steps to see the Cape Palliser Lighthouse up close. This lighthouse has stood strong on the cliffs since 1897. After the cape visit, you will go on a quintessential working farm experience at the Palliser Ridge Farm. This experience will start off with a brief introduction, followed by a sumptuous lunch. After lunch, you will drive to the ridge of the farm to take in the spectacular views and which also has a rural hole in one tee. For those of you who want to give it a go, you are welcome to. On your return to the sheep shed, you will witness a live sheep shearing and herding demonstration before you head back to Wellington for the night.

Start the day slowly for those that are interested you can visit Wellington's famous Te Papa Museum or freely roam around the city until it's time for your ferry. This afternoon, take the Interislander ferry to Picton. Cross the Cook Strait into the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in Picton.
Picton is nestled at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sounds in the stunning Marlborough Sounds and is probably the prettiest seaside town in NZ.

Today you will go on a guided tour of the Omaka Aviation Museum in Blenheim. This museum takes you back in time to World War l and World War ll era. It's truly a magical experience. Following the tour of the museum enjoy a vineyard tour and lunch in the Marlborough region. This area is New Zealand's largest and most famous wine-growing region. World-renowned for producing wines with a pure intensity that can't be found anywhere else in the world. Explore the vineyards and take in the unforgettable landscapes.

Enjoy Picton this morning before you board the Coastal Pacific scenic train. You'll travel alongside the Pacific Ocean from Picton to Christchurch. Taking you through bush-clad mountains to the stunning Kaikoura coastline. Before your journey comes to an end at the charming English influenced city Christchurch. At the station, you will be collected and taken to your accommodation.

Today head to the historical French settlement Akaroa. Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience swimming with the wild Māui, Hector's dolphin. These dolphins are among the smallest marine dolphins in the world and are endemic to New Zealand (they are not found anywhere else in the world). Akaroa is the only place you can swim with them. So take this opportunity and make the most of this truly incredible experience. Before heading back to your accommodation in Christchurch.

Late morning, you will experience some of South Island's hilly and rocky landscapes. Drive to Castle Hill or Kura Tawhiti, a unique limestone reserve before heading to Arthur's Pass. See a collection of amazing limestone rock formations. These rock formations are the water eroded remnants of limestone formed about 30-40 million years ago when much of New Zealand was covered by the sea. Pack your walking shoes because you will be going on a 20 minute (to an hour) walk amongst these giants. After your walk, we will drive to Arthur's Pass from where you will board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch.

All good things must come to an end and so does this amazing vacation. Depending on your onward plans, you will either get dropped off at the airport or at a place of your choosing.