Cheap Flights, Hotels, Tours, Cruises and Holidays
Flight Centre
Your centre for 
travel.deals.business travel.insurance.tours.cruises.stays.holidays.flights.travel.
Get a quote
Get the appGet a QuoteHelp
FlightsHolidaysFlights + StaysStaysToursCruisesDealsCarsMore

1300 018 390

Tours
Share
EXCLUSIVE SAVE $1,400*pp
Share
New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery

Deal number: 26462707

APT

This deal expires 19 July 2026

Valid for select departures 12 Sep 2026, Other departures available at a surcharge.


New Zealand


19-day tour

Price from

$11,295*

per person
Call 1300 018 390

Deal number: 26462707

Call 1300 018 390

Packed with value:

Earn from 67,770 points* with our loyalty program, World360 Rewards
19 Day New Zealand Rail & Cruise Tourfrom Christchurch to Auckland
EXCLUSIVE SAVE $1400PP*when you book with your Flight Centre Travel Expert
18 nights accommodationin hand-picked hotels
Locally inspired diningwith a total of 30 meals
Services IncludeAPT Tour Director and driver, plus expert local guides
Services of an APT Tour Director and driver, plus expert local guides
Return airport transfers and porterage
Freedom of Choice inclusions in six locations
Savour a unique drinks and canapé experience on the Christchurch Tramway, New Zealand's only dining tramcar
Delight in a unique, interactive dining experience at Cordis Hotel’s Eight Restaurant during a farewell dinner
Encounter the Southern Ocean’s wildlife during a thrilling Monarch Wildlife Cruise in Dunedin
Itinerary
Explore New Zealand's highlights, riding on iconic rail lines and taking an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound/Patea. Take the TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps, ride the Glenbrook Steam Train and journey aboard the Coastal Pacific. Explore Stewart Island/Rakiura, the country's southernmost community, visit Queenstown, cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, and discover Rotorua

Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing before enjoying a Signature Experience, followed by a welcome dinner. Signature Experience - Tram Ride Through Christchurch Step aboard a beautifully restored heritage tram and embark on a tour of Christchurch. Enjoy drinks and canapés as you spot many of the city's iconic sights. You'll also learn about the regeneration of this vibrant city following the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. Freedom of Choice - Akaroa Nature Cruise Set off on a cruise around Akaroa's extinct volcanic crater and admire spectacular scenery while keeping watch for local wildlife, including New Zealand Hector's dolphins, native fur seals, penguins and seabirds. Freedom of Choice - Punting on the Avon Carving a path across Christchurch, the Avon River offers a unique vantage from which to admire views of the city. Settle into your seat as a skilled punter dressed in Edwardian attire propels your vessel forward at a leisurely pace. Freedom of Choice - Ōtautahi Christchurch City Meander Walking Tour Discover the history of Ōtautahi, the Māori word for Christchurch, on an informative, guided walking tour. Discover traditional Māori and settlers' stories, wander the city's laneways, and enjoy tastings from local producers.

Today starts with a Signature Experience, as you travel from Christchurch to Greymouth aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. After your arrival in Greymouth, board a coach for a scenic trip down the west coast to glacier country and the lovely town of Franz Josef/Waiau. Signature Experience - TranzAlpine Train Experience the romance of rail travel aboard the TranzAlpine train. Admire ever-changing landscapes and spectacular gorges as you journey through the famous Southern Alps and alongside the Waimakariri River on one of the world's most scenic rail routes. Signature Experience - Franz Josef/Waiau Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Tonight, you will stay at the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat, located on the edge of the Franz Josef/Waiau village. Relax and unwind amid the lush rainforest and breathtaking scenery before enjoying a four-course degustation fine dining experience.

Enjoy spectacular views today as you drive towards New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown. The Haast Pass follows a trail traditionally used by Māori people in search of greenstone or jade, and cuts through a stunning mountain landscape featuring waterfalls, rushing rivers and lakes.

Choose from a host of exciting sightseeing opportunities today. Freedom of Choice - 'The Lord of the Rings' 4WD Safari Marvel at the beautiful scenery of this region on a 4WD safari. Based around several breathtaking sites where 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy was filmed; this tour takes you to thrilling and iconic locations. Freedom of Choice - Skippers Canyon Enjoy an exciting 4WD adventure following the Shotover River Valley. Admire rocky cliffs, sheer drops and breathtaking river gorges along the way. Freedom of Choice - Dart River Wilderness Jet A wilderness jet boat journey takes you deep into the World Heritage area of Mount Aspiring National Park on the glacier-fed Dart River. Here, your guide will share fascinating insights into the area's rich history. Freedom of Choice - Wine Tour Embark on a personalised sightseeing tour of New Zealand's southernmost wine region, as you indulge in tastings from various wineries. Freedom of Choice - Best of Queenstown Enjoy panoramic views of Queenstown, along with a visit to the charming township of Arrowtown. Explore Gibbston, which is home to the world's first commercial bungy jump location. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery and to top it all off, relax during a scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

Travel from Queenstown along the incredibly scenic Milford Road through Fiordland National Park, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience. Later, return to the lovely lakeside town of Te Anau. Savour an authentic Taste of Fiordland dinner, showcasing local specialties along with the finest artisan produce of the region. Signature Experience - Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise A cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi draws you into a magical world of snow-dusted mountains, breathtaking scenery and engaging wildlife. Edge close to tumbling waterfalls and colonies of seals and penguins, all beneath the ramparts of mighty peaks that rise sheer from the water as they stretch to the vast sky above. Signature Experience - Taste of Fiordland Dinner Delight in a delectable Taste of Fiordland dinner this evening at the exceptional MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar. With a menu that has been carefully crafted to showcase the South Island's regional cuisine, you'll savour mouth-watering local fare made from the finest artisan produce.

Take the short drive from Te Anau to lakeside Manapouri, where you will embark on your Signature Experience cruise. Signature Experience - Doubtful Sound/Patea Overnight Cruise Remote and mysterious Doubtful Sound/Patea is one of Fiordland's most majestic places. Step aboard your ship here for an unforgettable overnight cruise to discover rugged peaks, hidden islets and pristine rainforests.

Disembark your overnight cruise and continue on to Invercargill. On arrival in the early afternoon, choose to explore the township of New Zealand's southernmost city, known for its preserved Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco heritage buildings, which bestow an old-world charm across the city.

Spend the day on your Freedom of Choice activity in Invercargill. Freedom of Choice - Stewart Island Day Trip with Return Ferry Transfers Discover the rich history and stunning natural wonders of Stewart Island on return ferry day trip. Led by a local expert, gain in-depth insight into the island's unique environment, and stop at highlights including Lee Bay - the gateway to Rakiura National Park and Observation Rock for panoramic views of Patterson Inlet. Freedom of Choice - Bill Richardson Transport World and Motorcycle Mecca Guided Tour For classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts, discover the southern hemisphere's leading motorcycle collection, with more than 300 classic bikes collected from all over the world. Plus, learn about Bill Richardson who spent decades restoring vintage vehicles, before taking a trip down memory lane and admiring the vintage memorabilia, from the jukebox collection to the old-time movie theatre. Freedom of Choice - High Tea at Distinction Invercargill Hotel Sit down for an elegant high tea, savouring fluffy scones topped with fresh cream and jam, club sandwiches, tartlets, coconut-dusted lamingtons, colourful macarons and, of course, unlimited tea.

This morning, travel from Invercargill to Dunedin, a city renowned for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture and Scottish heritage. Here, spend time on an enriching Signature Experience. Afterwards, return to Dunedin and enjoy the local sights, before arriving at your hotel. Signature Experience - Monarch Wildlife Cruise Encounter the Southern Ocean's wildlife on a thrilling cruise across the Otago Harbour. See royal albatrosses, fur seals, penguins, sea lions, cormorants, dolphins and more, while learning about New Zealand's native flora and fauna.

Head north through stunning countryside to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the centrepiece of which is New Zealand's highest mountain peak. Later, perhaps step aboard a MAC boat for an up-close encounter with stunning icebergs on the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier (additional expense). Please note, this optional experience requires pre-booking. Tonight, enjoy a buffet dinner at your hotel's Alpine Restaurant. Signature Experience - Aoraki/Mount Cook Journey into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a bewildering landscape of towering mountain peaks, alpine herb fields and epic glaciers. See New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and stay at the iconic Hermitage Hotel. Dine at the hotel's Alpine Restaurant this evening, indulging in a delicious seasonal menu that incorporates the finest local ingredients.

Today you head back to Christchurch, stopping en route to view the much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd in Tekapo.

Start the day with a Signature Experience, as you embark on a rail journey along the rugged east coast to Picton. Enjoy another Signature Experience, taking the scenic ferry across Cook Strait to Wellington. Signature Experience - Coastal Pacific Train Join the Coastal Pacific train at Christchurch Station, riding it all the way to beautiful Picton in the Marlborough Sounds region. Be inspired by the magnificent landscapes nestled between the mountains and sea as you travel along one of the most picturesque rail journeys in the country. Signature Experience - Interislander Ferry Take the iconic Interislander ferry from Picton on the South Island to Wellington on the North Island. Enjoy stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds before cruising across Cook Strait and into the serene waters of Wellington Harbour.

Choose how you'd like to spend today with a range of sightseeing activities on offer. Tonight, reconvene for dinner. Freedom of Choice -Wētā Workshop Enjoy access to a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the props, weapons, costumes, armour and vehicles for your favourite films - includingThe Lord of the Rings,The Hobbit, andThe Chronicles of Narnia- were created. Freedom of Choice - Introducing Te Papa Tour Discover New Zealand's history, stretching back over one hundred million years, through Te Papa's leading exhibitions, gaining an in-depth insight into the nation's rich culture, unique wildlife, and Māori traditions. Freedom of Choice - Seal Coast Safari Board a 4WD Mercedes vehicle and enjoy private access through one of New Zealand's oldest and largest working farms, passing sheep, cows and goats as your vehicle makes its way to a panoramic lookout overlooking the Cook Strait and Kaikoura Ranges. Return to sea level and enjoy a snack and beverage while looking out for fur seals. Freedom of Choice - Garage Project's Wild Workshop Beer Tasting Join a tour of Garage Project's Wild Workshop's fermentation space and learn about the brewing and cellaring process before sampling a selection of exceptional and creative beers.

Enquire to book this trip


Deal number: 26462707New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery
APT

Valid for select departures 12 Sep 2026, Other departures available at a surcharge.


New Zealand


19-day tour

Tell us about your plans
What else are you interested in?
Select all that apply
How can we get in touch?
Your contact details
Preferred method of contact?
Additional info
By proceeding, I understand that

any personal data I provide will be processed in accordance with our

Privacy Policy

and

I agree to the Flight Centre's

Terms of Use

You're the centre of our centre

When you book with us, you know you're booking with the best in the business