New Zealand South Island 9-Day Drive, Cruise & Rail

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’, Queenstown offers far more than a just fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders.

Head down the Gibbston Valley wine trail to sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's ‘Rata.’ Check out nearby historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a four wheel drive trip to Macetown.

Take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views. Drive through Lord Of The Rings country - or for the really fanatic, jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours. If you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound over 5 hours stopping at Te Anau along the way.

Spend the night aboard the iconic Milford Mariner and wake up to dawn in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It’s the ultimate Milford Sound experience!

Enjoy accommodation in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms.

3-course buffet dinner and cooked breakfast prepared by our on-board chef

Choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat

Specialist nature guide on board. Take a Milford Guided Walk for an extra $50 per person.

Wildlife sighting opportunities – seals, penguins and dolphins

Duration: 1 night

This overnight cruise through the heart of Fiordland provides astonishing views and the ultimate Milford Sound adventure.

You’ll start by departing from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon before cruising through Milford Sound accompanied by our specialist nature guide. They’ll explain the history and geology of the area and be on hand to answer your questions.

This cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and, if you’re lucky, maybe dolphins and penguins too.

The Milford Mariner then 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 traveller, indulge in some star-gazing and story-sharing or simply retire to your private cabin.

The next day you’ll be able to dig into a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the fiord.

Things you should know

• The trip duration is for 1 night

• Accommodation onboard the Milford Mariner:

o Private cabins with ensuites bathrooms (twin, double or single occupancy)

o Quad share bunk-style compartments (shared bathrooms)

• Three course buffet dinner including appetisers, soups, salads, hot dishes and a selection of desserts and cheeses (vegetarian options available)

• A full buffet breakfast with cooked and continental options is served

• There is a licensed bar on board. Due to the remote location, we can only accept cash

• Kayaking and tender craft (small boat) activities included

Extra Information

• Duvets, sheets and towels provided

• Suitable for all ages, with the exception of infants in quad share

• Complimentary tea and coffee is available

Departure Times

The trip leaves from the Milford Sound Terminal at 4.30pm and returns by 9.15am the following day.

You are required to check-in at the counter 30min prior to departure.

Disembark to Milford Mariner this morning and make your way back towards Te Anau. Admire waterfalls gushing into pools of sparkling water, take in the panoramic views from The Divide and the Hollyford Valley Lookout and take a thrilling walk over a footbridge at The Chasm.

The biggest lake in the South Island, Lake Te Anau is the perfect pit-stop. Admire the picturesque lake, capture some photographs and stop for a bite to eat. From Te Anau, travel on to Mirror Lakes and stop here to take more photos! Carry on your journey towards Milford Sound as you come across many other scenic spots.

Along the way you’ll pass through small farming towns like Kingston, home of the famous Kingston Flyer steam train, and Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand.

This two-hour drive along Lake Wakatipu and into southern farmland is absolutely stunning The glistening waters of Lake Wakatipu are framed by the appropriately named mountain range, The Remarkables. You will arrive back in Queenstown late afternoon for your overnight accommodation.

From Queenstown you'll cross the Crown Range - the highest sealed road in New Zealand - to arrive in the Alpine town of Wanaka, gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park. Skirting the shores of both Lake Wanaka and Hawea, you will enter the small town of Makarora. Stop at Blue Pools for a 1 hour return walk through native beech forest to a glacier-fed swimming hole. Continue on through the remote seaside settlement of Haast before heading up the wild West Coast - a 600 km stretch of bush and native rainforest. Fox Glacier welcomes you first, then comes your destination for the night - Franz Josef township.

Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the viewpoint below the terminal face. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line

Take a spectacular scenic flight over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. Land at the head of one and view the incredible sight of this frozen river.

Today, you’ll head north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Greenstone (Pounamu) this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860’s. Head to the coast and take in the endless sea-views or pick up a souvenir at one of the many craft shops. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

Drop your rental car at the Greymouth Train Station depot located inside the train station building before boarding your train to Christchurch.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch. On arrival at the Christchurch train station, please catch a taxi to your overnight accommodation.

The Christchurch Tram City Tour Loop in New Zealand is open and ready to take you on an amazing ride on the heritage trams, filled with history and the best sightseeing in the city. The wonderfully restored heritage Trams are one of the main attractions in Christchurch and now you too can enjoy a trip through the city centre in comfort and style. Friendly drivers are well-informed regarding the history and facts of the city. They will share their knowledge about the various landmarks and sights on the way and, with a day-long ticket in hand, you can hop on and off as many times as you like throughout the day! 

The trip takes you to various main stops so that you can also enjoy Punting on the Avon and sign up for the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Caterpillar Tour. Some of the main sights that you will enjoy from the comfort of your Tram include New Regent Street, The Art Gallery, Cathedral Junction, Avon River, the Canterbury Museum and the Arts Centre. You are welcome to board at any of the 17 tram stops and, with your ticket for the day, you can get on and off as you please. The trams run at intervals of 15 to 25 minutes so you won’t have long to wait until another one arrives. The seats inside offer cosy and secure seating while the outside seats are not weatherproof. Due to safety reasons, all children on the trams must be accompanied by a paying adult. Just like any other city, you must ensure the safety of your child in traffic. The trams are happy to accommodate folded prams on board.

After you check out of your hotel, please catch a taxi to Christchurch Airport if you have a departing flight today.