Norfolk Island & New Zealand – 17 days Flights & Trains
This package includes pre-booked accommodations in Norfolk Island, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, along with three train rides, the Interislander Ferry, and all flights.
Specifications
- Travel Style
- Independent island getaway with car hire, city stays and rail travel
- Itinerary
- ITINERARY: DAY 1 – Fly to Norfolk Island On arrival, pick up your hire car at the airport and make your own way to the accommodation. Your home for 7 nights will be Seaview Norfolk Island, Fletcher Christian Apartments or similar. DAYS 2-7 – Norfolk Island Your time is free to explore the stunning island, that’s virtually a speck in the Pacific Ocean but has so much to discover and enjoy. Ask us about adding sightseeing tours and local specialities, like the famous Fish Fry. DAY 8 – Fly to Auckland Bid farewell to Norfolk Island and board your direct flight to New Zealand. On arrival at Auckland Airport, catch a taxi to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and start exploring this great harbour city. DAYS 8-11 – Auckland The days are yours to discover the many attractions in and around Auckland. Visit Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park. Take a seaside promenade along Mission Bay Beach or admire the spectacular views of Viaduct Harbour from the iconic Sky Tower. Absorb the vibrant culture and rich heritage of the sprawling city that’s also known as Tamaki Makaurau. There’s also the option to take great day trips out of the city, either by hiring a car or joining local tours. DAY 12 - Auckland - Northern Explorer Train Journey - Wellington Today make your own way to Auckland Train Station for a 7.45am departure onboard the famous Northern Explorer train. New Zealand's longest running passenger service, the Northern Explorer is a long-distance scenic train service running between Auckland and Wellington, stopping at Palmerston North, Ohakune, National Park and Hamilton. The journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains – Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu – is a highlight, a place of extremes and surprises, where snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests can be seen side by side. Arrive in Wellington this evening and make your own way to your centrally located accommodation. Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and colourful timber houses on surrounding hills. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car heads to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname "Windy Wellington." A&NZ Travel Tip: Take NZD cash on all the trains, as card facilities are often unavailable. DAY 13 - Wellington - Interislander Ferry - Picton - Coastal Pacific Train Journey - Christchurch This morning, check out of your hotel and catch a taxi to the ferry terminal for your morning departure on the Kaitaki Interislander Ferry (time to be confirmed). Connecting the North Island and South Island together since 1962, the Interislander ferry service is New Zealand's original Cook Strait ferry. Sailing between Wellington and Picton, the Interislander journey is considered one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and one of New Zealand's most iconic experiences. Arrive in Picton on the north of the South Island, where you will disembark and take the short walk to the Picton Station for departure on the Coastal Pacific Train Journey. The station is very close to the ferry terminal, approximately 5 minutes’ walk and any checked luggage is automatically transferred for you. Climb aboard one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand railways, meandering along the Pacific coast between Picton and Christchurch. The Coastal Pacific train takes you along rugged coastlines, across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty. View the stunning Kaikōura Coastline, famous for its marine life, sunbathing fur seals and whale watching. Travel through the vineyards of Blenheim, dripping with New Zealand's premium crop. Canter amidst the idyllic Canterbury countryside to the Garden City of Christchurch. Upon arrival in Christchurch, catch a taxi or make your own way to your centrally located accommodation. DAYS 14-15 - Free Days Christchurch Enjoy free days to explore Christchurch at leisure. Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Flat-bottomed punts glide on the Avon River, which meanders through the city centre. On its banks are cycling paths, the green expanse of Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens. In 2010 and 2011, earthquakes destroyed many of the historic centre's stone-built buildings and today you can see the inspired resurrection and recovery of the vibrant city. DAY 16 - Christchurch - TranzAlpine Rail Journey - Christchurch This morning, catch a taxi to Christchurch Train Station for an 8.15am departure onboard the famous TranzAlpine train. This will be a full day return journey finishing back in Christchurch. Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking a train between Christchurch and Greymouth on the west coast. Along this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest. The TranzAlpine is one of the world's great train journeys covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) each way. You’ll traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains, to the backdrop of the mighty Southern Alps - the journey of a lifetime. Return to Christchurch station in the evening and make your own way back to your centrally located accommodation. Note: The TranzAlpine day tour may operate a different day during your stay, subject to the schedule and availability. DAY 17 - Depart Christchurch – Fly to Australia Please catch a taxi Christchurch airport for your included flight home. We trust you have had a wonderful time. Please note: The day by day descriptions published are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, rail & road conditions, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that ultimately are for the client’s benefit. It is essential that clients are flexible and open minded in this regard.
- How to Book
- Bookings can be made by calling Australia & New Zealand Travel Company on 1300 168 910 or email to reservations@anztravelco.com. Online booking requests may also be submitted via this website by selecting a trip. Please make sure you include your preferred departure date in the ‘Additional Information’ field on the Checkout page. Bookings are pending and not confirmed until you receive a status update from an Australia & New Zealand Travel Company consultant.