New Zealand by rail and road

Tailor-made specialist Freedom Australia & New Zealand is highlighting a new 'rail and road' tour of New Zealand in 2009.

The 17-day independent itinerary covering both Islands includes three of New Zealand's most scenic journeys on Tranz Scenic services: the Overlander from Auckland to Wellington, the TranzCoastal from Picton to Christchurch and the TranzAlpine over the Southern Alps.

Scenic highlights enjoyed from the panoramic train windows include North Island's volcanic plain, with views of Mount Ruapehu and on South Island, the Marlborough vineyards and Kaikoura coast en route to Christchurch and the grandeur of Mount Cook National Park on the journey to Greymouth.

The route also provides opportunities to visit Franz Josef Glacier and Queenstown and includes both a cruise on Milford Sound and a tour of Waitomo's glow worm caves.

The trip, including car hire for the self-drive sections, the Inter Island ferry crossing and 14 nights' room only hotel accommodation costs from £1205 per person (twin share). Flights to New Zealand are extra.

For more information and bookings, log on to Freedomaustralia.co.uk.