New Zealand Cruise, Drive & Rail Package (Feb 2025)

Three iconic trains + car hire + pre-booked accommodation + Auckland-Sydney cruise
  • history
    DURATION
    25 days, 24 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
    25 days
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    24 nights
  • calendar_month
    DEPARTS
    17 February 2025
  • calendar_month
    RETURNS
    13 March 2025
  • Includes three iconic rail journeys: the TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer
  • 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
  • F​inal mini suite cabins

This once-in-a-lifetime rail holiday in will combine three of New Zealand’s great train journeys with guided transportation along the untamed West Coast from Queenstown, home to giant glaciers, waterfalls & blowholes.

Traverse the South Island’s spectacular landscapes aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine. Journey along the spectacular coastline on the Coastal Pacific before cruising the Cook Strait to the 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 a 13-night cruise from Auckland to Sydney (including stops in Tauranga, Bay of Islands, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart & Melbourne).

Photos

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This package includes a majestic cruise of Milford Sound

Inclusions/Exclusions

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Your 25-day package includes:

  • 11 nights of hand-picked 4 star accommodation
  • 5 days car hire from Queenstown to Greymouth
  • Milford Sound Cruise with lunch and return transportation from Queenstown
  • Shuttle Transfers in Christchurch, Wellington & Auckland
  • S​cenic Plus Inclusions on 3 train journeys
  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch
  • Coastal Pacific Scenic Train from Christchurch to Picton
  • Northern Explorer Scenic Train from Wellington to Auckland
  • Panoramic windows, spacious carriage, and comfy table or paired seating
  • Open-air Viewing Carriage
  • Exclusive kitchen carriage preparing hot & cold meals
  • Inclusive drinks and dining service throughout the journey
  • Paddock to Plate regionally inspired food menu
  • Paired drinks menu
  • Specialist Table Service & Storytelling
  • Priority Check in & Boarding
  • Luggage Check In & Drop off
  • P​remium Lounge inclusions on the Interislander Ferry from Picton to Wellington
  • Entry to the Premium Lounge includes a complimentary buffet meal accompanied by your choice of wine or craft beer.
  • With extra space and comfortable seating, you'll enjoy a quiet, child-free environment with complimentary newspapers, magazines and Sky TV.
  • 13 nights onboard the Royal Princess cruising from Auckland to Sydney
  • Up to $150 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 Ice-creamery  
  • Room Service 
  • Pools, heated spas & gym 
  • Broadway style nightly entertainment & comedy shows
  • On-Demand Stateroom TV Entertainment
  • MedallionClass® Experience 
Your fare excludes:
  • F​lights to Queenstown
  • T​ravel insurance

Itinerary

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17 February 2025 - Arrive Queenstown

Upon arrival into Queenstown, collect your hire car from the airport and make your way to your accommodation. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the vibrant alpine town, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

If you have arrival flight details, you may wish to pre-book airport transfers, Travel at 60 can assist with this.

18 February 2025 - Milford Sound

Early this morning you will be collected from your Queenstown hotel to join your guided coach tour to experience New Zealand’s most iconic attraction – Milford Sound. Board your coach and travel alongside Lake Wakatipu and then through farming countryside to Te Anau where there will be a short rest stop. The overland journey to Milford Sound is a showcase of sheer mountains and towering cliffs, rugged valleys and native rain forest surrounded by teeming waterfalls and glacial lakes. On arrival in Milford Sound, board your purpose-built cruise vessel with a two hour duration and English only commentary. Cruise the full length of the fiord on a small catamaran with comfortable indoor seating and tall windows for panoramic viewing of spectacular Milford Sound. With a flexible and relaxed itinerary, enjoy a large and wide open outdoor, upper-level deck for excellent wildlife viewing including seals, dolphins and penguins when in season. Following the cruise, return to Queenstown by coach this evening.

19 February 2025 - Queenstown

Enjoy today at leisure. You may wish to pre-book a guided sightseeing experience such as a ride on the TSS Earnslaw, a delicious wine tour to Gibbston Valley or an action-packed Jet Boat adventure. 

 20 February 2025 - Queenstown to Franz Josef

This morning, check out of your accommodation and farewell Queenstown. Embark on a captivating journey from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier. Traverse New Zealand's mesmerizing landscapes, with vistas of majestic mountains, serene lakes, and lush rainforests. Stop at scenic viewpoints to soak in the natural splendor and capture memorable moments, immersing yourself in the beauty of the South Island.

21 February 2025 - Franz Josef to Greymouth

Today you will make your way to Greymouth where you will board the world-famous TranzApline Rail Journey to Christchurch. Upon arriving in Greymouth, return your hire car before jumping onboard and experiencing this magnificent adventure for yourself. Weave your way through the natural beauty of the Southern Alps before arriving at Christchurch where you will be transferred to your accommodation.

22 February 2025 - Christchurch

Enjoy today at leisure. Take a stroll along the Avon River, head out to the Port Hills and up the Gondola, take a tram around the city and discover the rebuild and rejuvenation of Christchurch.  The new Riverside Farmers markets is a must see, offering local produce and bespoke shopping. There are restaurants, cafes and bars catering to locals and visitors alike. 

23 February 2025 - Christchurch to Picton via the Coastal Pacific

Rise early where you will be transferred by Super Shuttle to Christchurch Railway Station as you board the Coastal Pacific train to Picton. This rail journey hugs the coastline offerings views of the Waipara wine region, the seaside town of Kaikoura and into the iconic Marlborough wineries before arriving at Picton. Disembark where you will make your way by foot to your accommodation and enjoy the evening at leisure to explore the charming shops & locally operated restaurants.

24 February 2025 - Picton to Wellington

Enjoy the morning at leisure before making your way by foot to the Ferry Terminal where you will board your Interislander Ferry for a 3 hour sailing across the Cook Strait to the North Island and capital city of Wellington. Upon arrival, you will be transferred by Super Shuttle to your centrally located hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

25 February 2025 - Wellington

Experience the entire day at leisure to explore the coolest little capital. Some highlights not to be missed during your stay are the National Museum Te Papa, Weta Workshop and Zealandia Ecosanctuary. You may wish to jump on one of the city tours which offers an insight into the culture and history of the city.  Or ride the iconic Cable Car at Mt Victoria which offers great views over the city and harbour. Or visit Courtney Place and Cuba Street, home to a great array of restaurants, cafes and bars.     

26 February 2025 - Wellington to Auckland via the Northern Explorer

This morning you will be collected by Super Shuttle and transferred to Wellington Railway Station where you will board the historic Northern Explorer train to Auckland. Experience the extremes of New Zealand’s scenery, from the sparkling Kapiti Coast to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau and the fertile farmlands of the Waikato.  Upon arrival into Auckland this evening, you will be transferred by Super Shuttle to your centrally located Auckland hotel.

27 February 2025 - Auckland

Explore the ‘City of Sails’ at your own leisure today. You may wish to head out on the harbour with one of the many sailing experiences. Or why not visit the iconic Sky Tower, historic Auckland Museum, the playful All Blacks Experience or soar to new heights by climbing the Auckland Bridge.    

 28 February 2025 - Board the Royal Princess

T​oday make your way to board the Royal Princess for your 13 night cruise to Sydney. Cruise departs at 7:30pm

01 March 2025 - Tauranga, New Zealand - 10:15am - 9:30pm
02 March 2025 -
Bay of Islands, New Zealand - 10am - 6pm
03 March 2025 -
At Sea
04 March 2025 -
Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand - 10am - 7pm
05 March 2025 -
Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand - 10:30am8pm
06 March 2025 -
Fiordland National Park (Scenic Cruising) - 10am - 7pm
07 March 2025 -
At Sea
08 March 2025 -
At Sea
09 March 2025 -
Hobart, Australia - 8am - 6pm
10 March 2025 -
At Sea
11 March 2025 -
Melbourne, Australia - 7am - 5pm
12 March 2025 -
At Sea
13 March 2025
- Arrive Sydney 6am

S​peak 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!

Dates and Prices

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25 day package commencing Queenstown 17 February 2025, ending in Sydney 13 March 2025

  • M​ini Suite from $8,398 per person twin share*
  • S​uites & Single Occupancy cabins sold out.

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Accommodation

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Suite

A​ selection of hand-picked 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

I​nterior Cabin - These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affordable option, featuring two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

B​alcony Cabin - This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

D​eluxe Balcony Cabin - Choose this enhanced version of a Balcony stateroom with more space and a comfortable sofa bed. Enjoy a larger balcony with more room to view the beautiful scenery as you sail from destination to destination and take in the ocean breeze for a wonderful and romantic evening or morning. 

M​ini-Suite - Choose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of bubbly. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option.

T&Cs

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Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.

Pricing featured is based on per person in Australian Dollars. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice. Valid for travel on 17 February 2025 and is subject to availability (unless sold out prior). Blockout dates may apply over special events and holiday periods. Accommodation will be confirmed at time of booking. Car hire included is based on a Toyota Corolla Auto or similar with Ezi Car Rentals on an inclusive rate. Pick up Queenstown Airport on day 1 and drop off Greymouth on day 5. Must be 18 years of age. Savings featured have been included on the price

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