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: Pullman 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 Cableway 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. (B/D) |
Day
12 |
Wellington - Christchurch
This morning transfer to the Interislander Ferry Terminal. Board your Ferry for the journey across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Here you will board the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that links the port of Picton to Christchurch. On arrival into Christchurch Railway Station you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Stay: Copthorne Durham Street or
Copthorne Central Hotel (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
13 |
Christchurch
This morning enjoy a city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon is free and we have arranged a pass for you on the Christchurch Tramway which is the best way to see all the “Must See” sights. (B/D) |
Day
14 |
Christchurch - Dunedin
Depart Christchurch and travel to The Plains Vintage Railway where you experience a ‘K’88 Steam Locomotive in work. View the informative displays and enjoy a delightful morning tea before continuing south to Oamaru. View the unique limestone buildings then travel to Dunedin, a well preserved Victorian city. Enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to Olveston House, a prestigious home full of art treasures. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift. Stay: Scenic Dunedin City Hotel or Mecure Leisure Lodge (2 nights) (B/HD) |
Day
15 |
Dunedin
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour. Next visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and view the superb collection of flowers followed by a delightful morning tea. Return to the city where some free time is available before boarding The Taieri Gorge Limited for a journey through scenery only accessible by rail. Grand examples of Victorian stonework on bridges and tunnels, plus iron latticework viaducts can be seen along with breathtaking views as you travel to Pukerangi. On return to Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station your coach will transfer you to your hotel. (B/D) |
Day
16 |
Dunedin - Te Anau
Some free time is available to explore at leisure this morning before departing Dunedin and travelling via Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Rooms) (2 nights) (B/L/D) |
Day
17 |
Te Anau - Milford Sound -
Te Anau
This morning enjoy a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. (B/L/D) |
Day
18 |
Te Anau - Queenstown
Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum before continuing to Queenstown. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano on your return cruise. Stay: Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lakeview Rooms) (2 nights) (B/HD) |
Day
19 |
Queenstown
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain and Tour Escort are available to assist. This evening is also free. You may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. (B) |
Day
20 |
Queenstown - Franz Josef
Travel via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to Fox Glacier. Experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before continuing to Franz Josef. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (B/D) |
Day
21 |
Franz Josef - Christchurch
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This evening you will be treated to a special farewell dinner including musical entertainment with your new friends. Stay: Copthorne Durham Street or Copthorne Central Hotel (BH/D) |
Day
22 |
Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand steam and rail holiday (B) |
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