AMAZING COMBO
South & North Island Drive, Cruise, Rail & Stay with Flights
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What's included
- 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
- Airport transfers
- Any items or services not specified
- Car hire extras
- Medical and emergency insurance
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses
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 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 drive to Franz Josef Glacier, where you have two nights to explore the charming 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 a thrilling journey to Wellington aboard the Coastal Pacific Train and Interisland ferry. Travelling between Christchurch and Picton, the Coastal Pacific rail line 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 FULL 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 select Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Lowest-price departures are between 15 January to 31 March 2025.
High season surcharge of $300 per person applies from 10 December to 14 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 Milford Mariner, 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 to 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
- Auckland Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
Special features
- Explore Milford Sound aboard Milford Mariner, 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 on the North Island
- Flights from Australia are included on this worry-free holiday!
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- DAY 10
- DAY 11
- DAY 12
- DAY 13
- DAY 14
Fly to Queenstown, New Zealand
Explore Queenstown
Drive to Milford Sound for overnight cruise
Drive to Milford Sound to Queenstown
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier (via Wanaka)
Explore Franz Josef Glacier
Drive Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station, TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch
Explore Christchurch
Christchurch to Wellington by Coastal Pacific Train & Interislander Ferry
Free day in Wellington
Wellington to Auckland by train
Hop on Hop off Bus Auckland
Free day to explore Auckland
Fly Auckland to Australia
More about New Zealand
My Travel Experience Review
You can imagine why this is one of our most popular New Zealand holidays. It's a wonderful way to explore the South Island and North Island with a combination of self-drive, cruise and rail, plus flights from Australia are included.
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 select Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
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).
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.
Safe travel requirements:
International regulations are changing and travellers may need to be prepared to take health tests and 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 vaccination certificate along with your negative PCR test results while travelling from/to Australia. 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 ensure that you are eligible to travel prior to booking.
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 05 August 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.
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