Trip Details:

New Zealand Milford Sound Cruise, TranzAlpine Train & More – 7 days

Discover the picturesque scenes of the South Island in this stunning New Zealand holiday!

Begin in Queenstown, famously known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. Then enjoy a scenic coach transfer to Milford South for a spectacular cruise aboard purpose-built Milford Mariner. The overnight voyage allows plenty of time to view the fiord’s waterfalls and natural wonders and you get to wake up in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Wildlife viewing opportunities, delicious dining and star gazing on clear nights, are all part of the ultimate Milford Sound experience.

Return to Queenstown, with another night to enjoy the lake-side town before flying to Christchurch for an exciting 3-night stay. A highlight is bound to be the full day tour that includes travelling through to Arthurs Pass aboard the famous TranzAlpine train. It’s renowned as one of the top ten train journeys in the world and you’ll get to explore the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps by road and rail.

After a day to enjoy the innovative architecture, beautiful public spaces and friendly vibe of Christchurch, it’s time to say Mā te wā Aotearoa – see you next time New Zealand!

Why you’ll love this trip:

Explore Milford Sound aboard a small ship cruise, nothing compares to nights on the fjord
Stay two nights in Queenstown to enjoy the picturesque village or try an adventure activity
Discover all the delights of Christchurch during an extended 3-night stay with sightseeing
Travel on the legendary TranzAlpine train through the spectacular Southern Alps

Your Holiday Includes:

Flights – Return economy airfares to Queenstown & from Christchurch
- Fly from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane (other cities available with surcharges)
- One-way flight from Queenstown to Christchurch
Hotels – accommodation in standard rooms, based on twin share
- 2 nights Queenstown – Ramada Suites, Holiday Inn Queenstown or similar
- 3 nights Christchurch – Carnmore Hotel, Breakfree on Cashel Christchurch or similar
Cruise – 1 night aboard Milford Mariner
- Private cabin with ensuite bathroom
- 3-course dinner & cooked breakfast prepared by the onboard chef
- Specialist nature guide on board
- Choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat
- Wildlife sighting opportunities – seals, penguins & dolphins
Transfers – Return cruise transfers from Queenstown to Milford Sound
Sightseeing – TranzAlpine & Athurs Pass Day Tour by road & rail
- Christchurch Trolley Tour

Departs Regularly:

2023 & 2024 – 26 January to 20 March; 5 April to 30 April; 10 October to 10 December

Includes flights from Melbourne, Brisbane or Sydney. Extra $299 per person to fly from Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart.

Note: Departures are subject to confirmation at time of booking and price will vary depending on your travel date and departure airport. Please contact us for current prices, alternative Australian departure cities and travel at other times of the year.

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.

Want to Stay Longer or Upgrade?

Let us know if you’d like to extend your stay in New Zealand and add the North Island.

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. Single supplement is from $999 and covers the cost of private rooms and cabin.

Booking Conditions:

This special deal is available for a limited time. Please contact us for current rates.

All prices are per person, based on twin share, and listed in Australian dollars (AUD). Prices were accurate as of 24 July 2023.

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 with cruise and sightseeing tours

Itinerary

ITINERARY:

Day 1 Fly to Queenstown
Welcome to New Zealand. On arrival in Queenstown, please catch a taxi to your overnight hotel and the remainder of the day is free to start exploring.

Day 2: Coach to Milford Sound for overnight cruise
Today you will be transferred by coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound. The 5-6 hour journey to Milford Sound is just as spectacular as the destination itself. Then the cruise will depart the wharf in the late afternoon. You’ll spend the night aboard Milford Mariner and wake up to dawn in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. It’s the ultimate Milford Sound experience!

This overnight cruise through the heart of Fiordland provides astonishing views and the ultimate Milford Sound adventure. You’ll be accompanied by a specialist nature guide, who will explain the history and geology of the area and be on hand to answer your questions.

The Milford Mariner anchors in a sheltered cove. From here you can join the guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) or kayaks. If you prefer, you can simply relax on deck and soak in the beauty of this amazing place. If you’re feeling brave there’s always the option of a refreshing swim too. All activities are weather dependent.

As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon – a feast prepared freshly by our on-site chef. Then it’s time to relax in the company of your fellow travellers, indulge in some star-gazing and story-sharing or simply retire to your private cabin.

Day 3: Coach transfer from Milford Sound to Queenstown
This morning you’ll be able to dig into a hearty Milford Mariner breakfast, before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the fiord. After disembarking, the coach will transfer you back to Queenstown in the late afternoon for your overnight accommodation.

Day 4: Fly from Queenstown to Christchurch
Please check out of your hotel this morning, then catch a taxi to Queenstown Airport in time for your domestic flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival, take a taxi from airport your hotel. Remainder of the day is free to explore Christchurch at leisure.

Day 5: Tranzalpine and Arthurs Pass Day Tour
We invite you to join us on a tour of discovery, featuring spectacular scenery. From Christchurch travel by road to Springfield and board the world famous TranzAlpine train to travel through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass viewing the alpine scenery through panoramic windows.
The TranzAlpine is renowned as one of the top ten train journeys in the world. From Arthurs Pass we tour by road over the snow-capped Southern Alps in the Arthurs Pass National Park and on to the Otira Gorge with photo stops. Time and weather permitting, visit the old village of Otira before returning to Arthurs Pass for lunch. After lunch explore the village and some of the many walks. The return journey to Christchurch is by road, stopping for a farm visit for late afternoon tea, followed by a sheep shearing and sheep mustering demonstration.

Note: refreshments & meals can be purchased on the TranzAlpine, but take cash as the credit card facilities can be limited due to unreliable internet facilities.

Day 6: Christchurch Trolley Tour
Climb aboard a vintage tram for a unique tour of Christchurch and see the “Garden City” at your own pace with a full-day hop-on and hop-off tram ticket. Travel through the regenerated city centre to see innovative architecture. See how the city centre has been rebuilt after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Listen to a fascinating commentary from your driver as you take a full circuit in just 50 minutes, or jump on and off at leisure at 18 stops. The tram currently starts at Cathedral Junction and travels through Cathedral Square, before passing the River Avon. Hop off at the Canterbury Museum, just a short stroll from the Botanic Garden and Arts Centre. Discover the city’s largest urban space at Hagley Park, or explore the boutique stores of New Regent Street, New Zealand’s “Most Beautiful Street.”

Day 7: Depart Christchurch
After you check out of your hotel this morning, please catch a taxi to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.

Please note: The day by day descriptions published are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, 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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Milford Sound Cruise & Rail with Flights – 7 Days

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