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TOP OF THE SOUTH RAIL & DRIVE EXPERIENCE

Package from:

  • From NZ$2,379 per person twin share*

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Starts: Christchurch

Ends: Christchurch

Destinations: Christchurch, Marlborough, Nelson and the West Coast

Overview:

Experience the best of New Zealand's Top of the South on this 10-day rail and self-drive adventure. Combining two of New Zealand's Great Train Journeys with the flexibility of a self-drive holiday, this itinerary showcases stunning coastal scenery, renowned wine regions, national parks and spectacular alpine landscapes.

Your package includes:

  • 9 nights superior accommodation (3.5–4 star)
  • Coastal Pacific Scenic Train from Christchurch to Blenheim
  • 6 days car hire from Blenheim to Greymouth
  • Premium car hire insurance with nil excess
  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch

Journey Highlights:

  • Travel aboard two of New Zealand's Great Train Journeys
  • Explore the renowned Marlborough wine region
  • Discover the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park
  • Experience the freedom and flexibility of self-drive travel
  • Journey through some of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes
  • Enjoy a blend of coastal, alpine and rural scenery

Included Rail Experiences:

Coastal Pacific Scenic Train

  • Travel from Christchurch to Blenheim
  • Experience one of New Zealand's most scenic coastal rail journeys
  • Enjoy views of rugged coastline, rolling vineyards and the Pacific Ocean

TranzAlpine Scenic Train

  • Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
  • Travel through the Southern Alps
  • Experience spectacular mountain, river and forest scenery

Self-Drive Adventure Highlights:

  • Explore Marlborough's famous vineyards and wineries
  • Discover Nelson and the Top of the South region
  • Visit the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park
  • Travel through the scenic West Coast region
  • Enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace

Why You'll Love This Journey:

  • Combines scenic rail travel with independent exploration
  • Experience two of New Zealand's iconic train journeys
  • Visit world-famous wine regions and national parks
  • Premium car hire with nil excess insurance included
  • Ideal balance of guided transport and flexibility
  • Perfect for travellers wanting to explore the South Island in comfort

Travel Dates & Pricing:

  • 28 October 2026 – 22 December 2026: From NZ$2,379 per person twin share
  • 01 January 2027 – 31 March 2027: From NZ$2,479 per person twin share

Travel Information:

  • Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • Starts and Ends: Christchurch
  • Accommodation: Superior 3.5–4 Star Hotels
  • Car Hire: 6 Days from Blenheim to Greymouth
  • Insurance: Premium Cover with Nil Excess

*Price is per person twin share and subject to availability at the time of booking. Package includes accommodation, rail journeys, car hire and premium insurance as specified. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply.

No details found.

Your package includes:

  • 9 nights superior accommodation (3.5–4 star)
  • Coastal Pacific Scenic Train from Christchurch to Blenheim
  • 6 days car hire from Blenheim to Greymouth
  • Premium car hire insurance with nil excess
  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch

Journey Highlights:

  • Travel aboard two of New Zealand's Great Train Journeys
  • Explore the renowned Marlborough wine region
  • Discover the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park
  • Experience the freedom and flexibility of self-drive travel
  • Journey through some of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes
  • Enjoy a blend of coastal, alpine and rural scenery

Included Rail Experiences:

Coastal Pacific Scenic Train

  • Travel from Christchurch to Blenheim
  • Experience one of New Zealand's most scenic coastal rail journeys
  • Enjoy views of rugged coastline, rolling vineyards and the Pacific Ocean

TranzAlpine Scenic Train

  • Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
  • Travel through the Southern Alps
  • Experience spectacular mountain, river and forest scenery

Self-Drive Adventure Highlights:

  • Explore Marlborough's famous vineyards and wineries
  • Discover Nelson and the Top of the South region
  • Visit the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park
  • Travel through the scenic West Coast region
  • Enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace

Why You'll Love This Journey:

  • Combines scenic rail travel with independent exploration
  • Experience two of New Zealand's iconic train journeys
  • Visit world-famous wine regions and national parks
  • Premium car hire with nil excess insurance included
  • Ideal balance of guided transport and flexibility
  • Perfect for travellers wanting to explore the South Island in comfort

Travel Dates & Pricing:

  • 28 October 2026 – 22 December 2026: From NZ$2,379 per person twin share
  • 01 January 2027 – 31 March 2027: From NZ$2,479 per person twin share

Travel Information:

  • Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • Starts and Ends: Christchurch
  • Accommodation: Superior 3.5–4 Star Hotels
  • Car Hire: 6 Days from Blenheim to Greymouth
  • Insurance: Premium Cover with Nil Excess
  • Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
  • Tourism visa or transit visa if required
  • Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
  • Itinerary deviations e.g. extensions or specific airline requests. This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.

Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.

By making a booking or enquiry with North Travel, you agree to our General Terms and Conditions. Please visit https://northtravel.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/

While it's not strictly mandatory for all bookings, North Travel highly recommends and, in many cases, requires you to have adequate travel insurance for international travel, and strongly advises it for domestic trips. It's a non-negotiable for your peace of mind and protection.

On some itineraries and tours you may be required to have comprehensive travel insurance by the travel supplier. One of our consultants can guide you on this.

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