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The Great Volcanic Rail Trail

This 10 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Auckland.

**Please Note: Some elements of this tour may only run on certain days of the week. Speak to one of our travel specialists today to find a departure date that works for you.

Start in Auckland and head straight into the magic of Middle-earth and the subterranean wonders of Waitomo. Discover Rotorua’s geothermal power and vibrant Māori heritage before heading to the adventure hub of Lake Taupō for a scenic cruise to a Māori carving site. After exploring the urban energy and cinematic secrets of Wellington, board the iconic Northern Explorer train. Wind your way through the dramatic heart of the island to Tongariro National Park, where you'll unwind among volcanic peaks before returning to the city.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Hotel 4 star.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp

Included activity: The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland accommodation to Auckland Airport with Tourcorp

Included activity: Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton & Waitomo with Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Included activity: Crater Lakes Flight & Hot Pools by Floatplane with Volcanic Air

Included activity: Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included

Included activity: Private Transfer - Rotorua Accommodation to Rotorua Intercity Bus Stop with Ready2Roll

Included activity: Rotorua to Taupō by InterCity Coach

Included activity: Taupo Coach Depot to Taupo Accommodation with Taupo Private Transfers

Included activity: Maori Rock Carving Cruise

Included activity: Taupo Accommodation to Taupo Coach Depot with Taupo Private Transfers

Included activity: Taupō to Wellington by Intercity Coach

Included activity: Wētā Workshop Experience + Guided Transfers

Included activity: Private Transfer from Wellington Hotel to Train Station with In Style Executive

Included activity: The Northern Explorer Scenic Train: Wellington to National Park

Included activity: Premium Half Day Tongariro Alpine Tour with Adrift

Included activity: The Northern Explorer Scenic Train: National Park to Auckland

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland Train Station to Auckland accommodation with Tourcorp

9 breakfasts, 1 special dinner

Itinerary summary for: The Great Volcanic Rail Trail

Day 1: Welcome to Auckland, Tamaki Makaurau
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City

Day 2: The Triple Threat: Waitomo, Hobbiton & Rotorua
Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua

Day 3: Floatplanes, Hot Pools & Sacred Feasts
Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua

Day 4: Rotorua to Lake Taupō
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuels Taupo

Day 5: Journeying to Windy Wellington
Accommodation: QT Wellington

Day 6: Explore the Creative Capital
Accommodation: QT Wellington

Day 7: A Rail Odyssey to the Peaks
Accommodation: Tongariro Crossing Lodge

Day 8: Volcanic Vistas
Accommodation: Tongariro Crossing Lodge

Day 9: The Journey Back to Auckland
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City

Day 10: Farewell from Aotearoa