New Zealand Cruise, Self-Drive & Rail Package (Feb 2024)
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).
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
Your fare excludes:
- Travel Insurance
Day 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
Day 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.
Day 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
Day 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)
Day 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
Day 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.
Day 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.
Day 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.
Day 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!
Day 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
Day 11 & 12 - Auckland
The 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.
Day 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
Day 14 - Tauranga 745am - 7pm
Day 15 - At Sea
Day 16 - Wellington 8am - 6pm
Day 17 - At Sea
Day 18 - Dunedin (Port Chalmers) 8am - 8:15pm
Day 19 - Fiordland National Park (Scenic Cruise) 10am - 7pm
Day 20 - At Sea
Day 21 - At Sea
Day 22 - Hobart 8am - 6pm
Day 23 - At Sea
Day 24 - Melbourne 7am - 5pm
Day 25 - At Sea
Day 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!
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.
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
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).
This holiday deal has expired.
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