New Zealand by Rail & Road
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 and conclude your 12 day self guided rail holiday.
Your 12-day package includes:
- 11 nights of hand-picked 3.5/4 star accommodation
- 5 days car hire from Queenstown to Greymouth
- Milford Sound Cruise with lunch and return transportation from Queenstown
- TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Train from Christchurch to Picton
- Interislander Ferry from Picton to Wellington
- Northern Explorer Scenic Train from Wellington to Auckland
- Shuttle Transfers in Christchurch, Wellington & Auckland
Your fare excludes:
- Airfares & Travel Insurance
(Phone our Aussie travel team on 1300 414 198 for a quote including return flights.)
Day 1: 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.
Day 2: 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.
Day 3: 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.
Day 4: 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.
Day 5: 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.
Day 6: 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.
Day 7: 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.
Day 8: 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.
Day 9: 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.
Day 10: 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.
Day 11: 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.
Day 12: Depart Auckland
After check out of your city hotel this morning, your self-guided rail package has sadly come to an end. You may wish to pre-book transfers to Auckland Airport or Auckland Cruise Terminal.
Interested in cruising back to Australia? Ask us about cruises departing Auckland, exploring the east coast of New Zealand to circumnavigate the island of the long white cloud, before arriving back into Australia.
Depart on a Friday or Monday due to train schedules.
Travel 1 - 30 April 2024
- from $2,705 per person twin share
- from $4,299 per person sole use
Travel 1 - 31 October 2024
- from $2,985 per person twin share
- from $4,695 per person sole use
Travel 1 November 2024 - 31 March 2025
- from $3,089 per person twin share
- from $4,900 per person sole use
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.
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 sale until 30 June 2024. 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. Scenic Plus upgrade is available for an additional cost and can be quoted at time of enquiry.
Blockout dates: 25 Apr – 28 Apr, 25 May – 27 May, 31 May – 03 Jun,15 Jun – 17 Jun, 28 Jun – 01 Jul, 27 Jul – 29 Jul, 17 Aug – 19 Aug, 25 Oct – 28 Oct, 25 Dec 24 -12 Jan 25