KiwiRail has launched new rail tourism options aimed at encouraging local and international visitors to travel throughout regional New Zealand that include 10 self-guided short break packages and 12 guided multi-day tours.
The short breaks start in late 2022 and allow self-guided rail travel in the North and South Islands on the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine trains.
A Great Journeys New Zealand series of 12 fully guided tours will also be available from early 2023 with the longest itinerary spanning from Auckland to Queenstown.
KiwiRail’s General Manager Great Journeys New Zealand & Commuter Rail Tracey Goodall said visitors can continue to book a standard scenic train journey for independent travel with the new packages and tours designed to build on the existing offering.
“It’s a convenient, easy way for international tourists to explore New Zealand, knowing their accommodation, transfers and experiences are taken care of. It’s giving people more travel choices – offering something new for Kiwis while catering to the international tourism market,” she said.
“The shorter break packages will explore the regions and get people off the beaten track, while the longer multi-day, fully-guided tours are small-group focused.”
Guided tours are available as Classic tours, ranging from six to 15 days and designed with more free time plus optional extras, and six- to 17-day Signature tours for the traveller after a complete experience.
“Both types of tour bring numerous tourism experiences together with a guide who will accompany and support the group throughout their journey with set departure dates each year,” Ms Goodall said.
“We hope it will give regional tourism a healthy boost during the peak summer tourist season after a very difficult few years under COVID-19.”
Northern Explorer (Auckland – Wellington) will resume running from 25 September and Coastal Pacific (Picton – Christchurch) from 29 September 2022. TranzAlpine (Christchurch – Greymouth) recommenced services in January 2022.
For more info, head to greatjourneysnz.com
