Celebrity Solstice and The Ghan combine on trans-Tasman holiday exclusive to Worldwide Cruise Centres

Head south from Darwin to Adelaide on the legendary Ghan train, then sail in luxury on Celebrity Solstice from Sydney to New Zealand on a 12-night cruise that visits some of New Zealand’s greatest highlights.

That’s the essence of ‘Top End, Red Centre & Kiwi Land’ the latest exclusive offering from Worldwide Cruise Centres. The fly-cruise-rail-and-stay holiday lasts 19 nights and costs from A$5099, with a selection of bonus offers making the value even greater.

It gets underway on 30 January 2017, beginning with a flight from Sydney to Darwin for two nights in the Northern Territory capital in a four-star hotel, before joining the legendary Ghan. There are two nights in Adelaide at the other end of the rail journey, also in a four-star hotel.

This great package also offers value added bonuses for Oceanview or above categories during the 12 day cruise, which could include a choice of Pre Paid Gratuities, Unlimited Internet Access, Onboard credit or Beverage Package. Please ask your Worldwide Cruise Centre cruise advisor what is available at the time you make a booking.

After flying to Darwin, ‘Top End, Red Centre & Kiwi Land’ gives you two nights in a four-star hotel, with time to enjoy Darwin’s tropical vibe. Then, all aboard The Ghan in Gold Service, for one of the world’s most famous railway journeys, in private cabin accommodation together with all-inclusive dining, beverages and a range of fascinating off-train excursions at key stops.

t’s a far cry from the original Ghan (named after the pioneering Afghan camel trains), which started the route in 1929. In those days, flash floods brought the train to a halt and delays were sometimes so long the driver shot wild goats to feed passengers. Old-timers would never believe the amenities aboard today’s train!

Travelling Darwin to Adelaide, you’ll stop in Katherine, Alice Springs and Manguri. One highlight is an Outback bonfire in Manguri.

Reaching Adelaide, enjoy two nights in South Australia’s capital to explore the city, maybe visit the Barossa Valley. Then jet to Sydney to board Celebrity Solstice. First port of call is Melbourne, where you’ve a full day, then you’ll sail to New Zealand.

For great views, head to Celebrity Solstice’s top deck, which boasts a freshly manicured lawn. The Lawn Club offers casual outdoor activities in a Country Club atmosphere. Sip a cocktail in the Sky Observation Lounge or try the AquaSpa by Elemis and fitness centre.

Your 12-night cruise to New Zealand begins in Dusky Sound, one of three scenically dramatic South Island fjords you’ll visit, the other two being Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, known for steep-sided cliffs and hundreds of cascading waterfalls.

The cruise continues to Scottish-founded Dunedin, with fine historic buildings and a famous albatross sanctuary. Then Christchurch, New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’, for parks and gardens, Victorian architecture, avenues and squares.

Wellington, New Zealand’s quirky and arty capital, centre of a thriving film industry, offers a cable car, grand views and superb Te Papa Museum. Celebrity Solstice visits

Tauranga, located at the entrance to one of the country’s largest natural harbours, and Bay of Islands, a stunningly beautiful region, perfect for kayaking, mountain-biking, parasailing, swimming with dolphins and scuba-diving.

Auckland, New Zealand’s ‘City of Sails’ follows, before jetting back across the Tasman to Sydney at the end of a great holiday.