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
Tour 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 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 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
Departs Tuesday, Thursdays & Saturdays
2023 from $2999 per person – 01 March to 11 May, 20 September to 31 December
2024 from $3299 per person – 01 January to 10 May
High season surcharge of $300 per person applies from 10 December to 31 January and 1 to 25 April each year.
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 Fiordland Navigator, 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 to Fjord Navigator, 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
My Travel Experience 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 Fiordland Navigator, 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:
2022 - 10 October to 30 November
2023 - 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 tour 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).
New safety measures, more flexibility 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.
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:
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 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.
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 is 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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