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This holiday is no longer available — but we can help you find something else.
Car hire + three iconic trains + pre-booked accommodation + 13-night Auckland-Sydney cruise
- Includes three iconic rail journeys
- Explore NZ with car hire, pre-booked accommodation, a Milford Sound cruise and more!
- Cap off your adventure with a two-week homeward cruise to Sydney
Trip Details
- Departs
- 18 February 2024
- Returns
- 14 March 2024
- Operator
- Princess Cruises
This once-in-a-lifetime New Zealand holiday will combine three iconic train journeys with five days of self-driving the untamed West Coast — capped off with a two-week homeward cruise to Sydney.
Traverse the South Island’s breathtaking landscapes aboard the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s great train journeys from Greymouth to Christchurch.
Journey along the spectacular coastline from Christchurch to Picton aboard the Coastal Pacific before cruising the Cook Strait to New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington.
Explore the rural heart of the North Island as you step aboard the historic Northern Explorer to Auckland then board the Royal Princess for 13-night cruise from Auckland to Sydney (including stops in Tauranga, Wellington, Dunedin, Hobart and Melbourne).
Departures & Pricing
26 Day, rail, road & cruise package commencing Queenstown 19 February 2024, ending in Sydney 15 March 2024, + up to $300 onboard credit per cabin*
- Deluxe Balcony cabin from $6,339 per person twin share*
- Mini Suite from $6,750 per person twin share*
- Suite from $12,045 per person twin share*
Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Arrive Queenstown
Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by a dramatic alpine range and a popular destination any time of the year. The ideal place from which to explore the local region.
Accommodation in Queenstown for 2 nights
- 2
Milford Sound
Today, make your way to Milford sound to join your Milford Sound cruise, here you will experience the beauty of the giant fjords of the Fjordland National Park.
If you would prefer to take a coach (additional cost) to Milford Sound, our travel advisors can assist you with this.
- 3
Queenstown to Franz Josef
Today, leaving picturesque Queenstown behind, make your way to Franz Josef, located on the rugged West Coast. There are many points of interest and interesting townships to visit on the way, we highly recommend the Historical Gold Mining Township of Arrowtown, located on the Arrow River.
Accommodation in Franz Josef for 2 nights
- 4
Explore Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
Without a doubt these awe inspiring Glaciers are mesmerising. While many glaciers around the world are retreating, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers still flow almost to the sea. Make the most of your visit here by joining a tour (additional cost) or weather permitting a scenic flight (additional cost)
- 5
Onward to Greymouth to join the TransAlpine Train
A leisurely departure from Franz Josef for a 170km drive to Greymouth.
Arriving into Greymouth, return your hire car to the Train station by 2pm
Explore the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train - one of the world's great train journeys, covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way and taking just under 5 hours. As the train travels coast to coast via Arthur's Pass.7pm arrival into Christchurch
Accommodation in Christchurch for 2 nights
- 6
Christchurch
Today explore the picturesque city of Christchurch., known for its English heritage, is the largest township in the South Island of New Zealand. Expect to see street art and innovative projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces.
- 7
Christchurch to Picton aboard the Coastal Pacific Train
With the Pacific Ocean lapping at its wheels and the Kaikoura ranges rising majestically above, the Coastal Pacific Train Journey is without a doubt one of the world's most picturesque train journeys.
Accommodation in Picton for 1 night.
- 8
Picton to Wellington
The Interislander has been connecting the South and North Islands for over 60 years. Along with breathtaking views, enjoy locally sourced food and beverages on board.
Accommodation in Wellington for 2 nights.
- 9
Wellington
A day to explore the Wellington a great little city with a big heart. Wander the hidden laneways to discover street art and sculpture walks. Ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car (additional expense) for amazing views of the city!
- 10
Wellington to Auckland
Today, traverse the volcanic heart of the North Island onboard the Northern Explorer Rail Journey.
Leaving scenic Porrirua Harbour and Wellington behind, this scenic journey ahead will is breathtaking. Travelling between coastal villages, volcanic mountains and lush green forests towards Auckland.
Accommodation in Auckland for 3 nights
- 11
Auckland
Days 11–12The cosmopolitan City of Sails is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music arts and culture. Auckland offers the best of both worlds, with beautiful rainforests, parks and beaches all close to the city centre.
- 13
Board the Royal Princess
Today make your way to board the Royal Princess for your 13 night cruise to Sydney. Cruise departs at 6.30pm
- 14
Tauranga 745am - 7pm
- 15
At Sea
- 16
Wellington 8am - 6pm
- 17
At Sea
- 18
Dunedin (Port Chalmers) 8am - 8:15pm
- 19
Fiordland National Park (Scenic Cruise) 10am - 7pm
- 20
At Sea
- 21
At Sea
- 22
Hobart 8am - 6pm
- 23
At Sea
- 24
Melbourne 7am - 5pm
- 25
At Sea
- 26
Arrive Sydney 6am
Speak with your Travel advisor about adding in sightseeing tours to showcase the best of each destination. Call today on 1300 414 198 to learn more!
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Your 26-day package includes:
- 12 nights in hand-picked 3.5/4 star hotels
- 5 days car hire in a Suzuki Swift auto or similar
- Premium car hire insurance with a nil excess
- Milford Sound Cruise with lunch
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
- Interislander Ferry Journey
- Northern Explorer Rail Journey
- 13 nights onboard the Royal Princess cruising from Auckland to Sydney
- $100 onboard credit per cabin*
- Main Meals & Snacks at A La Carte Restaurant, Horizon Court/World Fresh Marketplace Buffet, Award-winning Pizzeria, Poolside Burger-grill and Swirls Ice Cream
- Room Service
- Pools, heated spas & gym
- Broadway style nightly entertainment & comedy shows
- On-Demand Stateroom TV Entertainment
- MedallionClass® Experience
Not included
- Travel Insurance
Accommodation
A selection of hand-picked 3.5 and 4-star hotels throughout.
Royal Princess
From its breathtaking piazza-style Atrium to the dramatic views from the glass-floored SeaWalk®, Royal Princess is sure to delight. Relax at The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, watch the mesmerising Princess WaterColour Fantasy light and water show, or dine on tantalising cuisine at venues like Crown Grill and more.
- Last Refurbished: December 2018
- Guest Capacity: 3,560 lower berths
- Number of Crew: 1,346
- Tonnage: 142,229
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
Terms & conditions
Read the operator’s full booking conditions
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
*Terms & conditions: Pricing featured is based on 2 adults sharing and priced as per person in Australian Dollars. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice. Valid for travel on select dates from Jan to Mar 2024. Valid for sale until 30 September 2023 unless sold out prior. Hotels to be advised at time of quotation. Car hire included is based on Europcar in a Suzuki Swift Auto or similar with premium nil excess insurance with pick up from Queenstown Airport at 9am (Day 1) to Greymouth Railway Station by 2pm (Day 5).