Trip Details:

New Zealand by Ferry, Coach & Rail – 7 days

Explore the spectacular North and South Island and travel through New Zealand by scenic ferry, bus and trains.

Fly to Auckland to begin your New Zealand discovery. On this 6-night self-guided trip, your time will be free time to enjoy the urban delights of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Journey through Tongariro National Park aboard the Northern Explorer train. Another highlight is bound to be the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton, where you’ll connect with a coach that will skirt the Pacific Coast en route to Christchurch. Then feel like you’ve arrived in Middle Earth on the famous TranzAlpine train, that glides through the Canterbury Plains and spectacular Southern Alps.

Why you’ll love this trip:

It’s a comprehensive, worry-free trip travelling around New Zealand by train, ferry & bus!
Spends overnight stays in Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
Discover historic monuments, iconic sights & cultural experiences in the cities
Breathtaking train rides through volcanic mountains, rich forests & alongside icy blue rivers!

Your Holiday Includes:

Flights to New Zealand – Return economy class airfare to Auckland & from Christchurch
- Fly from Melbourne, Brisbane & Sydney with luggage included (contact us for other cities)
Rail journeys – 2 legendary train rides
- Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington through central North Island
- TranzAlpine train through the South Island’s striking natural landscapes
Ferry – Interislander scenic ferry to marvel at the beautiful Marlborough Sounds
Coach – Intercity modern coach with commentary from Picton to Christchurch
Accommodation – 6 nights in standard rooms, based on twin share
- 2 nights Auckland – Parnell Hotel, VR Auckland Hotel or similar
- 1 night Wellington – Astelia Hotel, ibis Hotel or similar
- 3 nights Christchurch – Carnmore Hotel, BreakFree on Cashel or similar

Departure Dates:

Available from 01 February to 30 November, 2024 (excluding school holidays and peak travel periods).

The lowest price deals depart Tuesdays & Thursdays during the following period:
2024 – 01 May to 01 September

Extra $299 per person for flights from Adelaide, Hobart or Canberra. Extra $599 per person from Perth.

Please contact us for departures at other times of the year or flights from different cities.

Note: Prices are per person, based on twin share. Departures are subject to confirmation at time of booking and price may vary depending on your travel date. Lead prices are subject to sale airfares being available at your time of booking. Some dates may not be available due to train schedules. Conditions apply.

Get the Brochure:

View Brochure

Click on the button to view or download a copy of the brochure. The brochure includes more details and the full itinerary.

Upgrade with the Scenic Plus Experience

Scenic Plus dining is now available aboard the TranzAlpine train and please contact us for current prices to upgrade on your preferred departure.

Elevate your experience with and a full-sensory exploration of the lands you travel through on this spectacular rail journey. Using the finest ingredients, carefully selected from the Canterbury and West Coast regions, you’ll get to enjoy a curated menu of seasonal delicacies that are freshly prepared in the custom-built kitchen carriage and served at your seat throughout the journey.

Want to Stay Longer

You can add extra nights in New Zealand or upgrade your accommodation.

Extend your holiday: from an extra $100 per person per night.

Upgrade the hotels: from an extra $370 per person for 6 nights.

Fly Business class: contact us for the latest deals.

Want to explore Queenstown? Add on a flight to Queenstown with a 2-night hotel stay and Milford Sound Day Cruise from an extra $600 per person.

Let us know if you’d like to see more of New Zealand by adding car hire or extend your stay with an escorted tour.

Ask us today about staying in other properties or adding more services. We are happy to design a holiday that will suit you best.

Travelling Solo?

We can look after you. A single supplement from $900 covers the cost of having your own rooms.

Booking Conditions:

This special deal is valid for a limited time. Flash sale ends on 5 February 2024. Please contact us for current rates.

All prices are per person, based on twin share, and listed in Australian dollars (AUD). Prices were correct as of 30 January 2024.

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 Australia & New Zealand Travel Company’s Terms & Booking Conditions prior to making a reservation. By booking any travel service with us, you have agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions.

How to Book

To make a booking please call Australia & New Zealand Travel Company on 1300 168 910 or email reservations@anztravelco.com.

You can also select a trip and request it via this website – please make sure you enter the quantity for the number of people travelling. In the ‘Additional Information’ field on the Checkout page, add your preferred departure date plus any other information that will help us process your booking, such as departure city and travel preferences.

No payment is required to submit an online booking request, but your booking is pending and no place is being held. Your booking status will be advised when you hear from our travel consultants. Bookings are normally actioned within 24 hours – Monday to Friday.

Itinerary & Booking Info

Travel Style

Independent city stays and rail travel

Itinerary

ITINERARY:

Day 1 Fly to Auckland
Arrive Auckland and catch a taxi to your hotel for the next 2 nights.

Day 2 Free Day Auckland
Today is free at leisure to explore Auckland. Auckland, based around 2 large harbours, is a major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens. Near Downtown, Mission Bay Beach has a seaside promenade.

Day 3 Auckland – Northern Explorer Train Journey – Wellington
Today make your own way to Auckland Train Station for a 7.45am departure onboard the famous Northern Explorer train. New Zealand's longest running passenger service, the Northern Explorer is a long-distance scenic train service running between Auckland and Wellington, stopping at Palmerston North, Ohakune, National Park and Hamilton.

The journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains – Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu – is a highlight, a place of extremes and surprises, where snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests can be seen side by side.

Arrive in Wellington this evening and make your own way to your centrally located accommodation. Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and colourful timber houses on surrounding hills. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car heads to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname "Windy Wellington."
A&NZ Travel Tip: Take NZD cash on all the trains, as card facilities are often unavailable.

Day 4 Wellington – Interislander Ferry – Picton – Intercity Coach to Christchurch
This morning check out of your hotel and make your way to the ferry terminal for your 8:45am departure on the Kaitaki Interislander Ferry. Connecting the North Island and South Island together since 1962, the Interislander ferry service is New Zealand's original Cook Strait ferry. Sailing between Wellington and Picton, the Interislander journey is considered one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and one of New Zealand's most iconic experiences. Arrive in Picton on the north of the South Island at approximately 12.15pm, where you will disembark and make your own way to the Bus Terminal to connect with the Intercity coach service to Christchurch. The bus route takes you along rugged coastlines, between mountains and sea. Upon arrival in the Garden City of Christchurch make your own way to your centrally located accommodation.

Day 5 Free Day Christchurch
Today is a free day to explore Christchurch at leisure. Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Flat-bottomed punts glide on the Avon River, which meanders through the city centre. On its banks are cycling paths, the green expanse of Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens. In 2010 and 2011, earthquakes destroyed many of the historic centre's stone-built buildings and today you can see the inspired resurrection and recovery of the vibrant city.

Day 6 Christchurch – TranzAlpine Rail Journey – Christchurch
Today make your own way to Christchurch Train Station for an 8.15am departure onboard the famous TranzAlpine train. This will be a full day return journey finishing back in Christchurch. Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking a train between Christchurch and Greymouth. Along this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.
The TranzAlpine is one of the world's great train journeys covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) each way. You’ll traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains, to the backdrop of the mighty Southern Alps – the journey of a lifetime. Return to Christchurch station in the evening and make your own way back to your centrally located accommodation.

Day 7 Depart Christchurch
Please catch a taxi Christchurch airport for your flights home. We trust you have had a wonderful time.

Please note: The day by day descriptions published are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, rail & road conditions, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that ultimately are for the client’s benefit. It is essential that clients are flexible and open minded in this regard.

How to Book

Bookings can be made by calling Australia & New Zealand Travel Company on 1300 168 910 or email to reservations@anztravelco.com.

Online booking requests may also be submitted via this website by selecting a trip. Please make sure you include your preferred departure date in the ‘Additional Information’ field on the Checkout page.

Bookings are pending and not confirmed until you receive a status update from an Australia & New Zealand Travel Company consultant.

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