DRIVE, CRUISE & RAIL
9 Days New Zealand South Island with Flights
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What's included
- Accommodation based on twin share room
- Car hire with unlimited kilometres
- Cruise as per itinerary
- Cruise meals and non-chargeable entertainment
- International flights from Australia
- Local experience or activity
- Rail travel as per itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Any items or services not specified in the itinerary
- Car hire extras
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Medical and emergency insurance
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses
New Zealand trip overview
This spectacular New Zealand adventure showcases the South Island with an amazing self-drive, rail and cruise combination.
Fly from Australia directly to picturesque Queenstown, famously known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. Then drive to Milford Sound for the most spectacular way to explore the stunning region – overnighting aboard the Milford Mariner. Cruise to the open sea with the nature guide and friendly crew, before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. Wildlife viewing opportunities and a special dinner are all part of the unforgettable experience.
Jump back in the car and head to Franz Josef Glacier, where you have two nights to explore the lively town in the heart of the West Coast and the unmissable glacier that stretches for 12 kilometres.
Next is another spellbinding highlight aboard one of the world’s great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Travel across the South Island, from west to east, through Arthur’s Pass National Park and descend to the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch.
SEE FULL ITINERARY
New Zealand Special Deal
Get in early for the best holiday savings.
For the lowest prices, depart Tuesday, Thursdays & Saturdays between the following dates:
01 February to 31 March, 26 April to 11 August, 20 September to 09 December
High season surcharge of $300 per person applies from 1 to 31 January, 1 to 25 April and 10 to 31 December.
Note: Price in AUD is per person, based on twin share (single rates are available on request). Prices can change without notice and may vary depending on your travel date. Please contact us for current rates and travel at other times of the year. Conditions apply.
Inclusions at a glance
- Flights to New Zealand – Return economy airfare to Queenstown & from Christchurch
- Fly from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane (ask us for other cities)
- Car hire – 6 days Economy, automatic vehicle
- Unlimited kilometres
- Pick up Queenstown Airport, drop off Greymouth Rail Terminal
- Accommodation – 7 nights in standard rooms, twin share
- 3 nights Queenstown – Quest Hotel, Ramada Suites or Holiday Inn
- 2 nights Franz Josef – Punga View or Glacier View Motel
- 2 nights Christchurch – Quest on Manchester or Ramada Suites
- Cruise – 1 night aboard Milford Mariner, private cabin, twin share
- 3-course dinner & cooked breakfast prepared by the onboard chef
- Kayaking & tender boat activities (weather dependent)
- Train – TranzAlpine Scenic Train, one-way from Greymouth to Christchurch
- Sightseeing – Christchurch Hop On Hop Off Tram Tour
- DAY 1
- DAY 2
- DAY 3
- DAY 4
- DAY 5
- DAY 6
- DAY 7
- DAY 8
- DAY 9
Fly to Queenstown, New Zealand
Explore Queenstown
Drive to Milford Sound for overnight cruise
Disembark Milford Mariner, drive to Queenstown
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier (via Wanaka)
Explore Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station & TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Explore Christchurch
Depart Christchurch, Fly to Australia
More about New Zealand
Travelicious Review
This South Island package ticks all the boxes with the ideal balance of included activities and time to explore on your own. Includes 7 nights hotel accommodation, 6 days car hire, Christchurch tram tour, overnight cruise on Milford Mariner, TranzAlpine train and flights from Australia.
More about this tour
See the brochure
CLICK HERE to view, download or print a copy of this tour brochure.
The brochure includes details of the inclusions, full itinerary and other relevant travel information. Information contained in the brochure is subject to change and at the time of booking you will be provided with an updated copy that includes the current details for your reservation.
Tour departures
This travel package departs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between the following dates:
25 January to 31 March and 10 October to 30 November
Prices can vary, depending on your travel date.
Please ask us for your preferred departure date and we will advise availability and current rates.
Let us know if you would like to travel at other times of the year.
Tour start time
The start time listed for this trip is a guide only and will be confirmed by our office.
If you book international flights, you will be advised of your flight details and check-in times when your booking is confirmed.
Important to remember...
The day-by-day tour descriptions are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, sea or river conditions, road accessibility, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that are ultimately for the client's benefit. It is essential that travellers are flexible and open minded in this regard.
Speak to a travel specialist
The My Travel Experience team are travel experts and we're here to help you enjoy the best holiday - from the time you start to plan your trip until the day you return home. We are only a phone call or email away whenever you need us, so please contact us today with any questions.
Email [email protected]. Phone 1300 168 910 (in Australia) or +61 400 226 454 (from overseas or via mobile).
Safety measures and peace of mind.
The wellbeing and safety of our passengers and staff is always a priority. My Travel Experience is committed to ensuring your peace of mind with customer-friendly booking practices and enhanced health and safety standards on our trips.
To help you book with confidence, we will assist you if any unexpected situations arise and My Travel Experience also offers clients as much flexibility as possible when making bookings.
Safe travel requirements:
Travellers may need to be prepared to take a COVID-19 test prior to departure from Australia and be able to provide proof of their fully vaccinated status.
Local authorities, as well as airlines and cruise companies, may have additional requirements in place for departures. We recommend you check these in advance and again before arriving at the airport.
Only get tested through verified official testing centres. Scammers are taking advantage of travellers by charging for fake tests. If you're unsure where to get tested, contact the local health authority for advice.
You may still need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result even if you've been vaccinated. If you've had a COVID-19 vaccine, you should carry your International Vaccination Certificate along with your negative PCR test results while travelling from/to Australia, especially if you have one or more transit stops. Some destinations may ask for proof of testing and vaccination before allowing you to transit through or cross their border.
Guidelines are subject to change and the enforcement of certain measures (i.e. covid testing, social distancing, mask-wearing etc.) will vary in different regions. It's your responsibility to check with local health authorities for best practices in their region and make sure that you are eligible to travel.
How to make a booking:
The special deal is valid for a limited time and may change without notice.
Published price is correct as of 26 April 2024. Please contact us for current rates.
Advertised price is based on lead-price departure(s) and rates will be advised for your preferred travel date prior to any payment being required.
All prices are per person, based on twin share, and listed in Australian dollars (AUD). The package is subject to confirmation at the time of booking and prices may change without notice. Booking conditions and cancellation fees apply.
Please read My Travel Experience Booking Terms & Conditions prior to making a reservation. By booking any travel service with us, you have agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions.
To make a booking please call My Travel Experience on 1300 168 910 or email [email protected].
You can also select a trip and request it via this website - please enter your preferred departure date (if known) and the number of people travelling. If you wish to submit an enquiry, please let us know your travel dates plus any other information that will help us provide a quote, such as departure city and travel preferences.
No payment is required to submit an online booking request - your booking is pending confirmation and no place is being held.
Your reservation status will be advised when you hear from our travel consultants. Bookings are normally actioned within 24 hours - Monday to Friday.
Hey Laura,
Wow… the trip was amazing. Thank you so much! xx
Funny thing is the flight “drama” [being diverted to Christchurch and bussed to Queenstown] was the only hiccup and everything else was way above expectations.
The weather was perfect the whole time. The Milford Sound cruise was amazing and we even got to see an aurora in the morning. Spectacular scenery and we were lucky to see so much snow. Apex car rentals were great providing the car after hours and Priya at Lofts in Queenstown went out of her way for us. The NZers are such a nice bunch of people and the roads are in great nick. Oh, to be back to potholes here!
All the accommodation was top-notch and it was so good to have a few relaxing days in Christchurch at the end. Have learned from this that it’s such a good idea have “spare” days at the start and end of trips to counter for any flight changes.
In short, thank you so much for organising it and working things to schedule the train trip for Adam’s birthday. It was great to get so much done over the nine days. And the train trip was amazing too. Great food and views and nice “down-time” from driving about.
It was worth waiting all these years for a proper birthday holiday!
Cheers,
Ivy
Rating: 5 / 5
Rating for:Transport 5 / 5
Rating for:Accommodation 5 / 5
Rating for:Cruise 5 / 5
Rating for:Overall 5 / 5