A slow and scenic train journey from Christchurch to Auckland, combining two iconic New Zealand rail routes with a Cook Strait ferry crossing.

From the moment you arrive at Spier, you feel a sense of calm descend—the kind usually reserved for arriving home. We spent three days exploring the intersection of sustainable art, world-class dining, and thoughtful hospitality that caters to both wine lovers and families alike. Here is why our stay was a masterclass in quiet luxury and a soul-restoring experience we aren't soon to forget.