Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
Fly from your homeport to Auckland. On arrival you will be met by a tours representative and transferred to your hotel (flight not included). Stay: Hyatt Regency Auckland (2 nights) (D) |
Day
2 |
Auckland
This morning enjoy a city tour of Auckland including a visit to the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) where you visit the Western Springs Steam Railway, working Tramway, Tram Museum and the Aviation Collection. Morning tea is also included. This afternoon enjoy some free time to explore the “City of Sails” at leisure. (B/D) |
Day
3 |
Auckland - Rotorua
Depart Auckland and travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 12 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train. Visit the restoration workshop and on return to Glenbrook Station, morning tea will be served. Depart Glenbrook and travel through the magnificent countryside to Longlands Dairy Farm. Enjoy a short farm talk followed by a delicious home cooked lunch. Travel to Rotorua and visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (Superior Rooms) (2 nights) (B/L/D) |
Day
4 |
Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola ride to Skyrides Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Some free time is available before an afternoon transfer to see the boiling mud pools and the awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening you will experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert. (B/HD) |
Day
5 |
Rotorua - Gisborne
Depart Rotorua and travel to a Kiwi Fruit farm for a unique insight into the growing of this popular fruit. Continue to a local vineyard this afternoon where you enjoy a wine tasting and platters amongst the vines before arriving into Gisborne for your overnight stay. Stay: Portside Hotel (B/D) |
Day
6 |
Gisborne - Napier
Depart Gisborne aboard your vintage train with the first sector hauled by the steam locomotive, Wa165 from the Gisborne City Vintage Railway. This is an extremely scenic section of rail line with many coastal panoramas and numerous viaducts. After your journey behind Wa165, your steam charter commences on Ja1271 and continues along the spectacular coastline. Continue south to the Art Deco city of Napier which was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1931. Stay: Scenic Hotel Te Pania (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
7 |
Napier
Enjoy a city tour this morning and admire the unique architecture followed by some free time to explore at leisure. This afternoon visit Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony. Enjoy an afternoon at the world’s largest most accessible gannet colony. The scenery is breathtaking and you will be provided with a full commentary of the region including an introduction to the gannets. (B/D) |
Day
8 |
Napier - Palmerston North
This morning board our specially chartered train again hauled by Ja1271 travelling south towards Palmerston North. After passing over the famous “S” curved Ormondville Viaduct you stop for morning tea at the restored Ormondville Station. At Woodville a small detour south brings you to the Pahiatua Railcar Society Depot which houses three railcars in various stages of restoration. Return back to Woodville, the wind farm capital of New Zealand and continue on through the beautiful Manawatu Gorge to Palmerston North. Enjoy a ride on the Esplanade Miniature Railway before arriving at your hotel for an overnight stay. Stay: Travelodge or Hotel Coachman (B/D) |
Day
9 |
Palmerston North - Wanganui
Today will start with a visit to the Feilding & District Steam Rail Society Depot, home of F163 & Wab794. After time to view these locomotives, a special steam hauled journey has been arranged. As a ‘one off’ highlight WAB794 and JA1271 will “double head” your train out of Feilding to the old railway junction town of Marton. Photo run bys are planned for this sector to allow you to capture the drama of a double headed steam train. Ja1271 will continue up front for our trip from Marton to WKingsgate Hotelanganui. This afternoon you will experience a delightful scenic river cruise including afternoon tea onboard the coal fired paddle steamer Waimarie. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel (B/D) |
Day
10 |
Wanganui - Wellington
Today we board JA1271 once again and travel south to Paraparaumu where we depart the train and board the coach for the short journey to Southwards Car Museum. Here you will see the most comprehensive collection of veteran and vintage cars in the Southern Hemisphere. Afternoon tea will be enjoyed before continuing along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand‘s Capital. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay: James Cook Grand Chancellor (2 nights) (B) |
Day
11 |
Wellington
Start the day with an extensive city tour including a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum and a ride on the famous Wellington Cable Car. This afternoon enjoy some free time to explore Wellington at leisure. There is the option to catch the local rail service to Featherston and visit the Fell Museum which houses the famous Fell Engine. Tonight enjoy a farwell dinner with your new found friends. (B/D) |
Day
12 |
Depart Wellington
This morning after breakfast you'll be transfered to the airport for your onward flight. Those travelling on the 22 Day Steam Train Journey will continue the tour with a transfer to the ferry for a cruise to Picton on the South Island. (B) |
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Click on the icon to download the 12 Day Steam Train Journey tour in pdf format. |
