26

Day 5 Wellington to ChristchurchBoard your transfer, then cruise across Cook Strait and picturesque Marlborough Sounds on the Interislander Ferry. On arrival in Picton, connect onto the Coastal Pacific Train on a journey that takes you breathtakingly close to the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic Kaikoura Mountains. A transfer will take you to your hotel when you reach Christchurch.

P 92km by ferry (3 hr 10 min)

r 348km by train (5 hr 20 min)

h STANDARD - Bella Vista Christchurch, 1 night

SUPERIOR - Quest Christchurch

Day 6 Christchurch to Fox GlacierJoin your transfer to Christchurch Station to begin your journey aboard one of the world’s most famous rail experiences - the TranzAlpine Train. Cross fertile farmlands and enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges. Traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Collect your rental car on arrival at Greymouth, then travel along the West Coast to reach Fox Glacier. Depending on your arrival time into Fox Glacier, you may like to take a scenic flight or guided walk to the terminal face of the glacier.

r 223km by train (4 hr 30 min)

" 197km by road (2 hr 30 min)

h STANDARD - Sunset Motel Fox Glacier, 1 night

SUPERIOR - Distinction Fox Glacier

Day 7 Fox Glacier to Queenstown via WanakaDrive down the wild West Coast, continuing south and inland over Haast Pass. Stop at the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka for a leisurely lunch and stroll along the lakefront. We recommend a visit to the unique and eccentric Puzzling World or a scenic flight on a vintage Tiger Moth aircraft for the more adventurous. Travel over the spectacular Crown Range to the alpine resort of Queenstown.

" 367km by road (4 hr 30 min)

h STANDARD - Blue Peaks Lodge, 3 nights

SUPERIOR - The Rees Hotel (Lakeview)

Day 8 QueenstownToday is at your leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand - try the thrills and spills of jet boating or bungy jumping. If you prefer a slower pace, indulge in a wine tour or explore the region with Nomad Safaris. Another way to spend the day is with a trip to picturesque Arrowtown, only a pleasant 20 minute drive away. Once a bustling gold rush town, Arrowtown is now a peaceful village featuring heritage buildings and a tree-lined main street full of interesting shops and great eateries.

Our Favourite Journeys | 14 Day New Zealand Rail & Self Drive

14 DayNew Zealand

Rail & Self Drive

Day 1 Arrive AucklandOn arrival in Auckland, a transfer will take you to your hotel. The day is at your leisure; take a stroll around the Viaduct Harbour or visit the Auckland Museum for an introduction to New Zealand history. A great destination for the evening is Auckland Sky Tower. The Orbit Revolving Restaurant is situated at the top of the Sky Tower, 190 metres above the ground. The dining room rotates once every hour, providing a truly unique experience and amazing 360-degree views.

h STANDARD - Scenic Hotel Auckland, 2 nights

SUPERIOR - Heritage Auckland

Day 2 AucklandToday you are free to explore the ‘City of Sails’ or you might like to venture a little further afield. An Ananda Tour of Waiheke Island is a great way to start your holiday in New Zealand. Explore Waiheke’s boutique wine industry including a scenic tour of the island along with visits to three vineyards. On conclusion of your guided tour, take advantage of the all day bus pass allowing you to further explore the island. Alternatively, you may like to join a day tour to the Bay of Islands, Rotorua or the Waitomo Caves.

Day 3 Auckland to WellingtonBe transferred to Britomart Transport Centre this morning to board the Northern Explorer train, a great way to experience the North Island’s extraordinary range of scenery in one journey. This remarkable daytime journey between Auckland and Wellington takes you through lush green farmland and native forests, past quaint country towns and across New Zealand’s Volcanic plateau. The highlight of the trip is the Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains and extreme landscape featuring snow-covered fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests. Also marvel at the Raurimu Spiral, a truly amazing feat of railway engineering which enable the train to climb 139m in less than 6km. Upon your arrival in Wellington, a transfer will be waiting to take to your hotel.

r 681km by train (10 hr 35 min)

h STANDARD - Grand Mercure Central City, 2 nights

SUPERIOR - Rydges Wellington

Day 4 WellingtonWellington City and its surrounds offer a fantastic range of experiences - from culture and high end art in the city’s galleries and theatres to wildlife encounters and waterfront walkways. New Zealand’s capital is home to fantastic shopping, gourmet food and more cafes and bars than you could wish for. Explore the city on a number of guided bus and walking tours or take a ride on the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views of the city and harbour. Alternatively, join a tour of the surrounding Wairarapa wine region internationally renowned for its world class Pinot Noir.

Inclusions & Highlights

hACCOMMODATION

• 13 nights in your chosen category

TRAVEL

• 8 days Budget rental car (CDAR)• Total driving distance approx

1,774km, train 1,252km, ferry 92km• Interislander Ferry Crossing• Airport & railway station transfers

ICONIC SIGHTSEEING

• Northern Explorer Train Journey• Coastal Pacific Train Journey• TranzAlpine Train Journey• Taieri Gorge Railway Train Journey• Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Your Journey...

Your package includes these ‘must do’ train journeys & cruise in New Zealand.

Northern Explorer: Travel through the heart of the North, between Auckland and Wellington, across farmlands, volcanic plateaus and gorges.

Coastal Pacific: This delightful journey from Picton to Christchurch is a scenic feast of mountain ranges, rugged coastline and wildlife. (*replaced by coach in winter)

TranzAlpine: One of the world’s great journeys from Christchurch to Greymouth. Marvel at gorges, river valleys, lush forest and glaciers.

Milford Sound Nature Cruise: 2.5 hour cruise along the length of the iconic fiord. Experience waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and unique wildlife.

27

$2,112*

Our Favourite Journeys | 14 Day New Zealand Rail & Self Drive

From

Per Person Twin Share

Share your experienceWe love hearing about all the fun our holiday-makers have on the road and we’d love for you to share your experience with us. Search for ‘Kirra Holidays’ on Facebook and upload your pics to our page. Or leave a comment telling us about your favourite experience!

Instagram @kirraholidaysThis app is perfect for sharing photos whilst on holidays. You can even edit your photos and make them look extra amazing by using the included filters. Look for us @kirraholidays, and be sure to hashtag your posts with #kirraholidays (www.instagram.com)

Overnight Cruise Option...

Upgrade your Milford Sound experience to an overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner - the perfect way to explore Fiordland. Prices on application.

Day 10 Queenstown to Milford SoundDepart Queenstown and skirt the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu, crossing rural farmlands to Lake Te Anau. Then take the Milford Road through historic Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound before boarding the Milford Mariner for your once in a lifetime experience. Cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea accompanied by a specialist nature guide. There’s plenty of time to relax and view the fiord’s stunning waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. The vessel then anchors in a sheltered cove where you can choose from an array of activities before enjoying a lavish carvery buffet and indulging in some stargazing.

" 290km by road (4 hr)

h STANDARD/SUPERIOR - Milford Mariner, 1 night

Day 11 Milford Sound to DunedinEnjoy a sumputous breakfast aboard the Milford Mariner as it makes its way back to Milford Wharf. Drive via Te Anau and the brown trout capital of Gore, before crossing the Clutha River and arriving into Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’.

" 408km by road (5 hr)

h STANDARD - 858 George Street Motel, 2 nights SUPERIOR - Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Day 9 QueenstownToday enjoy further leisure time to explore Queenstown. Why not spoil yourself with a visit to the Onsen Hot Pools, an experience all about unwinding and soaking-up Queenstown’s spectacular scenery. Immerse yourself in the views, the pure waters, and the fresh mountain air, as your mind and body surrenders to the deep penetrating warmth and gentle massage of these private pools. This evening consider the Skyline Gondola and Restaurant where you will dine overlooking the twinkling lights of Queenstown, or cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw steamship and enjoy dinner at the Homestead at Walter Peak.

Day 10 Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound (see overnight cruise option)

Depart Queenstown early and skirt the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu, crossing rural farmlands to Lake Te Anau. Then it’s on to Milford Sound for your nature cruise. Experience spectacular sights of waterfalls cascading from sheer rock faces rising 1,200 metres or more from the sea, lush rainforests clinging precariously to the cliffs, and the seals, penguins and dolphins that frequent the waters. This trip is an absolute essential highlight of any New Zealand visit. Return to Te Anau after your cruise.

" 415km by road (6 hr 30 min)

h STANDARD - Distinction Luxmore Hotel, 1 night

SUPERIOR - Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Day 11 Te Anau to Dunedin via CatlinsVenture off the beaten track and travel the ancient Catlins Coast as you head towards Dunedin. Heading towards the coast, cross the Clutha River at Balclutha and then onto the Otago Peninsula. Arriving into Dunedin, find fabulous ways to recharge with extensive entertainment offerings. Visit the Otago Museum with its exotic Tropical Rainforest and Butterfly House and relax in the excellent Museum Café. Try your luck at Dunedin’s boutique casino or visit one of the picturesque golf clubs the city is host to.

" 435km by road (5 hr 30 min)

h STANDARD - 858 George Street Motel, 2 nights

SUPERIOR - Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Day 12 DunedinEnjoy a trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway, a 78km journey through unique scenery and heritage, only accessible by train. Pass fertile farmland of the Taieri Plains, before climbing into the Taieri River Gorge, famous for its sheer cliff faces and sudden ravines framing the tranquil Taieri River. Relive the history of Dunedin’s pioneers and marvel at the wrought iron latticework viaducts and narrow tunnels left in their wake. Get closer to the environment of the Gorge during sightseeing stops.

Day 13 Dunedin to ChristchurchDeparting north along the coast, stop at the Moeraki Boulders, a bizarre natural feature believed to be around 60 million years old. Continue along the coast and cross the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

" 360km by road (5 hr drive)

h STANDARD - Bella Vista Christchurch, 1 night

SUPERIOR - Quest Christchurch

Day 14 Depart ChristchurchEnjoy some free time before returning your rental car to Christchurch Airport for your onward journey.

TranzAlpine crossing Waimakariri bridge

2

3

Auckland

Hamilton

Wellington

Blenheim

r

r Kaikoura

Christchurch

Dunedin

Fox Glacier

Greymouth

Queenstown

Milford Sound Wanaka

Te Anau

Interislander Ferry

Flights (own expense)

Overnights2

Brief stop2

1 2

2

Train Journeyr

Invercargill Catlins

1

*Prices will vary depending on seasonality, availability and special events. Contact Kirra for up to date pricing. Car hire: A location fee of NZ$46 is payable upon vehicle collection. An insurance excess of NZ$3,450 (credit card imprint) and a security deposit will also be taken when you collect your car.

50Speak to one of our friendly New Zealand Specialists who can recommend various sightseeing options listed on page 50.

Explore some more...

Why not take more time to explore Hamilton and the Waikato region?