Day 1 to 2 - Darwin
On arrival into Darwin, soak up this atmosphere of this laid-back city or relax on the waterfront and enjoy the safe swimming lagoon pool and beach. Relax in the tropics with a two night stay.
The Ghan & TranzAlpine
Traverse by Train
28 day Holiday Idea - from £3988
With flights from £5198
An all encompassing rail adventure combining the great train journeys of New Zealand with a four day expedition on The Ghan, Australia’s most famous train.
Highlights:
- Katherine Gorge River Cruise on the Ghan Expedition
- Northern Explorer rail from Auckland to Wellington
- Beautiful Bay of Islands
- Travel on the scenic TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Your Holiday Includes:
- 4 day Ghan Expedition
- 3 day Bay of Islands Explorer
- Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific rail journeys
- 2 night stay in Wellington
- 8 day self drive – Touring the South
- Optional UK flights
Your Itinerary
Day 3 to 6 - Rail Explorer
The Ghan train is seen to one of the great rail journeys of the world. Meandering its way along the backbone of Australia this epic locomotive and carriages span over 1km in length and provides comfortable cabin accommodation, lounges and restaurants from which to watch the country pass your window. The Ghan Expedition is an inclusive 4 day journey which includes touring through Katherine Gorge, Alice Springs and the unique underground mining town of Coober Pedy.
Day 7 - Adelaide
Spend the night in this beautiful city famed for its food and wine produce. Venture out to the neighbouring Adelaide Hills or just enjoy a city stay exploring the streets and museums of the South Australian Capital.
Day 8 to 9 - Auckland
Arrive into the gateway city of Auckland for a two night stay. Choose to continue with the food and wine theme and venture over to Waiheke Island, enjoy a sky high dinner at the Sky Tower or even a harbour cruise to take in the city skyline.
Day 10 to 11 - Bay of Islands
Our two night Bay of Islands explorer whisks you to a world away from the city. A scenic coach journey will take you to Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands where you will be able to learn about the cultural significance of the region at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds as well as appreciating the natural beautiful of the islands on the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ dolphin cruise.
Day 12 to 13 - Auckland
Return to the city for a further two night stay, in which time you will venture to the geothermal capital of Rotorua on an action packed day excursion taking in the natural phenomenon of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves as well as Te Puia reserve and the fun filled Agrodome farm experience.
Day 14 - Northern Explorer
Travel the length of the North Island on board the Northern Explorer passing Volcanic plateaus, sweeping farmland and dramatic forest scenery. A relaxed two night stay in Wellington follows your rail journey. Take the famous tram to the top of the Botanical Gardens, learn about the fascinating history of New Zealand at Te Papa Museum or relax on the harbour with a refreshing glass of New Zealand’s finest produce.
Day 16 - Coastal Pacific to Kaikoura
Trade the rails for sails as you board the Interislander Ferry to the South Island. Your arrival will co-inside with the departure of the newly redeveloped Coastal Pacific railway. Climb on board and enjoy the scenery before arriving into the Coastal resort town of Kaikoura, famed for its abundance of marine life and spectacular surrounding mountain scenery. A two night stay here will allow you to jump on board a whale watching cruise or flight to see the migrating whales in their element.
Day 18 - Coastal Pacific to Christchurch
Journey down the coast on board the Coastal Pacific as you complete its route, eventually arriving into Christchurch. Spend two days exploring this fascinating city and learn about the ways it has rebuilt itself following the tragic earthquake of 2011.
Day 20 - Self Drive
Begin your 8 day Touring the South self drive around New Zealand’s South Island with a journey on board the scenic TranzAlpine rail through the dramatic Southern Alps to Greymouth.
This 8 day self drive includes visits to:
- Hokitika
- Franz Josef
- Queenstown
- Dunedin
Read more about the Touring the South self drive…
Day 28 - Farewell from Christchurch
Return your car to Christchurch airport in time to board your onward flight.
28 day Holiday Idea - from £3988
With flights from £5198
OPTIONS
- Add extra nights in Darwin, Adelaide or any location in New Zealand
- Upgrade to deluxe hotels during your South Island self drive from £345
- Pre-book your North Island day tours and experiences
- Choose to fly Economy, Premium, Business or First Class
- Add a stopover to New Zealand in Dubai, Singapore or another destination
Prices are per person, based on 2 sharing. Flights, hotels and tours are subject to availability and seasonal variations may apply. Call Freedom Destinations for details.
The Ghan Expedition departs every Wednesday during April – October 2020.
HOLIDAY IDEAS – to inspire you
We hope this holiday idea will inspire you. We have combined:
- A Red Centre rail adventure
- Scenic rail journeys in New Zealand
- A self drive adventure including:
– comfortable pre-arranged hotels
– air conditioned car hire
– a carefully planned route - Exciting stays with a choice of hotels
- Optional UK flights
You can book this holiday idea as it is or we can tailor it to suit what you want to do. Or ask our team to design a holiday just for you, anywhere in Australia or New Zealand.
Call 0333 234 2889 today to talk with a New Zealand Expert.