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Holiday PackageSelf-Drive & Rail

12 Day Grand Rail Explorer

Starts in Queenstown, ends in Auckland Travel Sep 2025–Mar 2027
New Dates Available | 2026/27 Secure with a deposit
From AU$ 3,695* per person (twin share)
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Overview

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

Duration 12 days / 11 nights
Starts Queenstown, South Island
Ends Auckland, North Island
Destinations Auckland, Christchurch, Milford Sound, Picton, Queenstown, Wellington, West Coast
Code ANZ2612DGRE

Inclusions

  • 11 nights of superior accommodation (3.5/4 star)
  • 5 Days Car Hire from Queenstown to Greymouth
  • Premium car hire insurance with a nil excess
  • Small Group Milford Sound Coach & Cruise with Lunch
  • Explore the Glacier Country in Franz Josef
  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey
  • Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey
  • Interislander Ferry from Picton to Wellington
  • Northern Explorer Scenic Train Journey
  • Shuttle Transfers in Christchurch, Wellington & Auckland

Pricing & Dates

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Valid from 01 Sep 2026
Valid until 29 Sep 2026
Price from AU$ 3,695* per person (twin share)
Valid from 06 Oct 2026
Valid until 08 Dec 2026
Price from AU$ 4,309* per person (twin share)
Valid from 05 Jan 2027
Valid until 19 Jan 2027
Price from AU$ 4,265* per person (twin share)
Valid from 29 Jan 2027
Valid until 16 Mar 2027
Price from AU$ 4,415* per person (twin share)
Check Availability

Itinerary

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  • Upon arrival in Queenstown, collect your rental car and make your way to your superior accommodation. Settle into this alpine playground, framed by Remarkables peaks and Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a relaxed evening dining on the waterfront or exploring the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

  • Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders with a small group coach and cruise to Milford Sound. Travel through Fiordland National Park, then cruise beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, with lunch included on board. Return to Queenstown this evening.

  • Depart on a scenic drive to the wild West Coast today. Perhaps enjoy a stop in Wanaka before continuing your journey to Franz Josef.

  • Today is yours to explore Franz Josef at your leisure. Take in the magnificent surrounding scenery, where ancient rainforest meets icy glaciers.

  • Bid farewell to Franz Josef this morning as you drive up to Greymouth and return your rental car.

    Then, board the iconic TranzAlpine for a spectacular journey across the Southern Alps. Cross viaducts, river valleys and dramatic mountain passes en route to Christchurch. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

  • Spend today discovering the ‘Garden City’ how you choose. Enjoy a walk in the Botanic Gardens, indulge in a meal at the Riverside Markets, or discover the city as it is, at your own pace.

  • Travel north aboard the Coastal Pacific, where the Pacific Ocean meets rugged coastline and vineyard country. Arrive in Picton and board the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington. Transfer to your hotel on arrival.

  • Enjoy your next few days in the capital. Explore the vibrant waterfront, visit Te Papa Museum, or discover the city’s renowned café culture before your next rail adventure.

  • Board the Northern Explorer for a journey through the heart of the North Island. Volcanic plateaus, rolling farmland and engineering marvels unfold along the way before arriving in Auckland. Transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay.

  • Discover Auckland at your own pace — explore the Viaduct Harbour, take a ferry to Waiheke Island, or climb Mt Eden for panoramic harbour views. Enjoy a final evening reflecting on your grand rail journey.

  • Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, departing with unforgettable memories of alpine crossings, coastal railways and spectacular scenery from south to north.

Terms and Conditions

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Package must start on a Monday.

Pricing featured is based on 2 adults sharing and priced as per person in Australian Dollars. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice. Valid for select travel dates in 2025, 2026 & 2027. Due to Great Train Journeys schedules, this package must start on a Monday. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates apply including special events and holiday periods. Accommodation will be confirmed at time of booking. Car hire is based on a Toyota Corolla Hybrid or similar with Ezi Car Rental including Premium Insurance with a NIL excess. Pick up is from Queenstown Airport and drop off is at Greymouth. A one-way fee of NZ$150 is to be paid direct.

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12 Day Grand Rail Explorer

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