The Scenic South Island by exclusive charter train. Autumn provides a stunning panorama of magnificent southern mountain scenery, meandering rivers and coastal plains. Experience the scenic south in style travelling by exclusive private charter train. We travel by rail from Auckland to Wellington then also from Blenheim, along the Kaikoura coastline to Christchurch. We take the time to explore the City of Christchurch and the Akaroa Peninsula before we continue by train south to Oamaru, Dunedin and Invercargill with surprises along the way. We return to Christchurch to traverse the Southern Alps via the TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth. Our tour is planned at a leisurely pace with frequent two night stops and our tour escorts ensure your 13 day tour is relaxing, fun and hassle free.
One of opportunity! Your only chance.
Absolutely amazing trip! We did it in September 22 and loved every minute! Dean and the team are amazing and the trip was stunning! - Barbara
Board the popular ‘Northern Explorer’ train at The Strand in Parnell, Auckland or at any other designated stations on the main trunk line for the daylight adventure through lush rolling hills, Hamilton, Otorohanga and the King Country. Among today’s highlights are the circular climb up the famous engineering feat – the Raurimu Spiral to the Central Plateau and Tongariro National Park with spectacular views of Mt Ruapehu. Continue on to Ohakune, Waiouru and alongside the Rangitikei River to Wellington for a one night stay. Enjoy a welcome dinner at our centrally located hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy a Wellington city tour including the Botanical Gardens and Mt Victoria before crossing Cook Strait by ferry to Picton. On arrival, travel by coach and check into our centrally-located hotel in Blenheim.
After breakfast, we include the Omaka Aviation Museum before a local vineyard lunch. We join our privately chartered Coastal Pacific Train for a leisurely journey to Christchurch. This special section of picturesque coastline railway will pass through Kaikoura and continue inland through the hill country of North Canterbury to Christchurch, arriving at our inner-city hotel in the evening for a two night stay.
Coastal Pacific and Tranz Alpine train journeys. These two world-renowned train routes travel through some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. Rocky coastlines, picturesque sea views, agricultural farmland, the rugged Southern Alps and historical towns all make the journey a wonderful experience.
Depart by coach for a tour of the Banks Peninsula. The drive has spectacular views overlooking bays and beaches before arriving in Akaroa with time to enjoy the history, harbour and French character. We return to Christchurch and the afternoon is free for you to enjoy the city.
We join our exclusive chartered train and travel south through rolling farmland and coastal inlets via Timaru and Oamaru to Dunedin for a two-night stay.
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ including Signal Hill, the world’s steepest street, Botanical Gardens, University, the Forsyth Barr Stadium and the Otago Settlers Museum. The afternoon is free. An optional tour to the Dunedin Royal Albatross Centre is available this afternoon.
Optional tour to the Dunedin Royal Albatross Centre Albatross are the world’s largest seabirds. They normally breed on remote islands and spend at least 85 percent of their lives at sea, well away from land and human view. Dunedin’s Taiaroa Head is the only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world and is a great day out from Dunedin (group numbers are limited).
After breakfast, board our train and travel through to Balclutha. Here we depart our train and travel by coach to the spectacular Nugget Point and the Catlins. Highlights include podocarp forests, rugged coastlines, hidden lakes and stunning waterfalls. Arrive in Invercargill, to enjoy one of the southernmost cities in the world.
This morning we will have an excursion to Bluff before a free afternoon to explore the city. Why not discover the world class vintage truck collection at Bill Richardson Transport World, or learn about the legend of speed - Burt Munro at E Hayes Motorworks. Or simply take a stroll through the botanical gardens.
This morning we join our exclusive chartered train and travel north through rolling farmland and coastal inlets via Dunedin to arrive in Oamaru for a two-night stay. This evening join an optional tour to visit the Blue Penguin Colony of Oamaru.
Optional Tour Blue Penguin Colony visit (Oamaru) The birds return from their days fishing, make their way across the beach, up a stony ramp and cross to the colony. The colony began when a small number of blue penguins began nesting in a rock quarry area at the edge of Oamaru Harbour in the early 1990s. Today it is Oamaru’s largest tourist attraction.
After breakfast join our local guide for a fascinating walking tour of Oamaru with its Victorian Precinct built of Oamaru stone. Steampunk has grown rapidly over the past 10 years to make Oamaru the “capital of Steampunk” in the world. Free time to enjoy lunch then travel onto Duntroon to visit the Vanished World Centre and learn about the unique fossil history of this area.
After breakfast we head north along the coastal rail route through Timaru and the plains via Ashburton to return to Christchurch and say farewell to our charter train.
Today board the Tranz Alpine train to traverse the spectacular Southern Alps to the West Coast. Cross the Canterbury Plains through Darfield and climb the mountain range including a stop at Arthurs Pass. Our descent takes us through Otira and the renowned rain forests and wetlands to Greymouth. After some time to explore this West Coast town we rejoin our coaches and travel back to Christchurch via the Great Alpine Highway to enjoy the vista’s from a different perspective. Enjoy a farewell Dinner tonight to end our wonderful southern rail experience.
Transfer to the airport for return flights to Auckland or other destinations (please ask).
• 12 nights hotel accommodation
• Northern Explorer Train included
• Coastal Pacific Train included – private charter
• Travel by Exclusive Charter Train Christchurch to Invercargill
• Trans Alpine Train
• Cooked breakfasts daily
• Seven lunches and 10 dinners
• All sightseeing and entrance fees as specified
• Commentaries provided by your drivers and guides
• Comfortable air-conditioned coaches with panoramic windows
• One way airfare home from Christchurch to Auckland (other destinations please ask)
• All gratuities are included
• Oamaru guided walking Tour
• Dunedin City Sights Tour
• Akaroa Experience Day Tour
• Morning Tour to Bluff
• Catlins experience Tour
• Vanished World Tour in Duntroon
Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
---|---|---|
$6,995 |
$7,960 |
*This is a cash or direct debit price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person will secure a place on the tour
FULL PAYMENT is due no later than 08 March 2024
Bookings made after 08 March 2024 must be paid in full at time of booking
• Deposit – non refundable
• After 08 March 2024 – the tour is non refundable
We strongly advise all participants to take out suitable domestic travel insurance to cover cancellation costs. Please ask us for a quote
• To ensure the tour is enjoyable for the whole group, a good standard of fitness is required with the ability to walk 500 metres unaided
• Mobility frames are not practical or permitted
• It is expected you will arrive on tour fit, healthy and ready to travel
Tuesday 07 May Royal Albatross Centre ( Dunedin ) $52 per person
Albatross are the world’s largest seabirds. They normally breed on remote islands and spend at least 85 percent of their lives at sea, well away from land and human view. Dunedin’s Taiaroa Head is the only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world and is a great day out from Dunedin (group numbers are limited).
Friday 10 Blue Penguin Colony visit (Oamaru) $38 per person
The birds return from their days fishing, make their way across the beach, up a stony ramp and cross to the colony. The colony began when a small number of blue penguins began nesting in a rock quarry area at the edge of Oamaru Harbour in the early 1990s. Today it is Oamaru’s largest tourist attraction.
These optional tours attract a separate charge and can be included at time of final payment (see booking form).
Train travel
Appreciate being able to walk about the carriage, comfortable seats, afternoon bar service, complimentary morning & afternoon teas and toilet accessibility.
Our Accommodation
Accommodation has been carefully selected on location, a high standard of comfort and friendly, helpful service. Rooms have single, twin or double beds, en-suite bathroom, television, radio, telephone and generally have tea and coffee making facilities.
Travelling alone? We will do our utmost to match suitable participants in share accommodation to avoid the single room supplement. For those who prefer, we have rooms for sole use.
Extend my holiday please
Yes, it is possible to extend your holiday at the end of the tour.
For full terms and conditions please visit our website www.pukekohetravel.co.nz/termsandconditions or ask our tour consultant for a copy
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change