New Zealand Rail, Cruise, Drive & Fly

TOP INCLUSIONS
Price
$4299 per person
Duration
14 days
Destination
New Zealand

AMAZING COMBO South & North Island Drive, Cruise, Rail & Stay with Flights

This two-week journey is a wonderful way to the discover the many delights of New Zealand. Start in Queenstown on the South Island with a spectacular overnight Milford Sound cruise, then travel on three famous scenic trains and see more of North Island as you wind your way to Auckland.
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This New Zealand holiday package is a wonderful combination of flights, car hire, hotels, sightseeing tours, ferry and trains - not hard to imagine how complicated it would be organise these all yourself, but that's why where here. Don't settle for run-of-the-mill holidays - wouldn't you much prefer this exciting combination that includes an extraordinary overnight cruise on Milford Sound, three of the world's most scenic train rides and plenty of time to explore at your leisure?

What's included

Destination
New Zealand Discover New Zealand
Departure Location
Fly to Queenstown, New Zealand from Australia
Return Location
Fly from Auckland to Australia
Additional Information
Departs Oct. 2023 to May 2024: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays (prices vary depending on dates) Booking Code: NZSFND14M
Price includes
  • Accommodation based on twin share room
  • Car hire with unlimited kilometres
  • Cruise as per itinerary
  • International flights from Australia
  • Local experience or activity
  • Meals as per the itinerary
  • Rail travel as per itinerary
Price does not include
  • Airport transfers
  • Any items or services not specified in the itinerary
  • Car hire extras
  • Medical and emergency insurance
  • Optional tours and activities
  • Personal expenses
Additional Prices
Single Supplement: Please contact us for solo traveller rates Travel Insurance: Insurance is essential - please ask us for a quote.

New Zealand package overview

Celebrate the beauty of the South and North Island in this extraordinary New Zealand holiday!

Fly 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 Fiordland Navigator. 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. Of course, the unmissable attraction is to get a good view of the famous 12km long glacier.

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.

After time to explore the southern capital, it’s another thrilling journey, this time aboard the Coastal Pacific Train and interisland ferry from Christchurch to Wellington. Travelling between Christchurch and Picton, the Coastal Pacific meanders breathtakingly close to the sea, where the roaring Pacific Ocean meets the rising Kaikōura mountains. The Coastal Pacific isn’t just a scenic activity, combined with the Interislander Ferry it is the perfect way to connect between the South and North islands.

Enjoy two nights discover the highlights of Wellington, the Harbour Capital and board the Northern Explorer train bound for Auckland. Experience the extremes of New Zealand’s scenery, from the fertile farmlands of Waikato to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau and the sparkling Kapiti coast.

A three-night stay in Auckland caps off this breathtaking journey perfectly before itis time to say Mā te wā Aotearoa – see you next time New Zealand!

SEE THE ITINERARY

 

Departure dates

With travel to New Zealand being in high demand, we recommend getting in early and being flexible with dates to give you the best chance of confirming your holiday.

Departs Australia on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from October 2023 to May 2024.

High season surcharge of $300 per person applies from 10 December to 31 January and 1 to 25 April each year.

Note: Departures are subject to confirmation at time of booking and price will vary depending on your travel date. Please contact us for current prices.

Inclusions at a glance

  • Flights – Return economy airfare to Queenstown & from Auckland
    • Fly from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane (ask for other cities)
  • Car hire – 6 days Economy, automatic vehicle
    • Unlimited kilometres
    • Pick up Queenstown Airport, drop off Greymouth Rail Terminal
  • Accommodation – 12 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
    • 2 nights Wellington – Mercure Hotel or similar
    • 3 nights Auckland – Grand Central Serviced Apartments or similar
  • Cruise – 1 night aboard Fiordland Navigator, private cabin, twin share
    • 3-course dinner & cooked breakfast prepared by the onboard chef
    • Kayaking & tender boat activities (weather dependent)
  • Trains – TranzAlpine Scenic Train, one-way from Greymouth t0 Christchurch
    • Coastal Pacific Train, one-way from Christchurch to Picton
    • Northern Explorer Train, one-way from Wellington to Auckland
  • Ferry – Interislander Ferry connects with the Coastal Pacific, from Picton to Wellington
  • Sightseeing – Christchurch Hop On Hop Off Tram Tour
    • Wellington Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
    • Auckland Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

Special features

  • Explore Milford Sound on the Fiordland Navigator, nothing compares to a night on the fjord
  • On the South Island, stay 3 nights in Queenstown and 2 nights in Franz Josef and Christchurch
  • Enjoy the convenience of car hire to see more of the South Island
  • Travel on the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train
  • Take an amazing ride on the heritage trams around Christchurch’s city loop
  • The Coastal Pacific train and Interisland ferry connect the South and North islands
  • Discover the delights of Wellington and Auckland with extended stays & bus tours
  • Flights from Australia are included on this worry-free holiday!

 

Wellington, New Zealand
The capital of quirky, have so much fun exploring Wellington!
  • DAY 1
  • DAY 2
  • DAY 3
  • DAY 4
  • DAY 5
  • DAY 6
  • DAY 7
  • DAY 8
  • DAY 9
  • DAY 10
  • DAY 11
  • DAY 12
  • DAY 13
  • DAY 14
DAY 1

Fly to Queenstown, New Zealand

DAY 2

Explore Queenstown

DAY 3

Drive to Milford Sound for overnight cruise

DAY 4

Drive to Milford Sound to Queenstown

DAY 5

Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier (via Wanaka)

DAY 6

Explore Franz Josef Glacier

DAY 7

Drive Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station, TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch

DAY 8

Explore Christchurch

DAY 9

Christchurch to Wellington by Coastal Pacific Train & Interislander Ferry

DAY 10

Hop on Hop off Bus Wellington

DAY 11

Wellington to Auckland by train

DAY 12

Hop on Hop off Bus Auckland

DAY 13

Free day to Explore Auckland

DAY 14

Fly Auckland to Australia

More about New Zealand

For a country that’s only 18% bigger than the state of Victoria and has a population less than the city of Melbourne, it packs a whole lot of amazing experiences into a small space. Plus, an exchange rate in favour of the Australian dollar is nice bonus. Split into two main islands, the North Island is where you'll find the capital of Wellington and the country's largest city of Auckland. It also has proud Maori heritage and rich cultural experiences. On the South Island, also officially named Te Waipounamu, the natural wonders shine brightly. Explore stunning Abel Tasman National Park, the great Southern Alps and beautiful Milford Sound.
This New Zealand holiday package is a wonderful combination of flights, car hire, hotels, sightseeing tours, ferry and trains - not hard to imagine how complicated it would be organise these all yourself, but that's why where here. Don't settle for run-of-the-mill holidays - wouldn't you much prefer this exciting combination that includes an extraordinary overnight cruise on Milford Sound, three of the world's most scenic train rides and plenty of time to explore at your leisure?

My Travel Experience Review

8.7
4.35out of 5
Transport
Accommodation
Cruise
Overall
Summary

You can imagine why this is one of our most popular New Zealand holidays. It's a wonderful way to explore the South and North Island with a combination of self-drive, cruise and rail, plus flights from Australia are included.

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More about this tour

See the brochure

Click here to view, download or print a copy of this cruise package brochure.

The brochure includes details of the inclusions, 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.

Departure dates

Departs Australia on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from October 2023 to May 2024.

High season surcharge applies from 10 December to 31 January and 1 to 25 April each year.

Note: Departures are subject to confirmation at time of booking and price will vary depending on your travel date. Please contact us for current prices.

Package start time

The listed time is a guide only and details will be provide once your booking and departure flights are 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 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).

New safety measures and greater peace of mind.

The wellbeing and safety of our passengers and staff is always a priority, especially as we adjust to a new world for travellers. 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.

We work closely with tour operators that have received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which enables travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols.

Safe travel requirements:
International regulations are constantly changing as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. Travellers 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. If you're transiting through other destinations during your trip, check on any local requirements at each transit destination and confirm any specific requirements for onward travel with your airline.

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 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.

These guidelines are subject to change as the global situation evolves. 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.

How to make a booking:

The special deal is valid for a limited time and may change without notice.

Published price was correct as of 26 May 2023. 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.

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      New Zealand Rail, Cruise, Drive & Fly

      Price
      $4299 per person
      Duration
      14 days
      Destination
      New Zealand

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