The Ultimate Train Journey

Thursday 09 September

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 to 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.

Friday 10 September

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.

Saturday 11 September

After breakfast, we include the Omaka Aviation Museum before lunch at the beautiful Wither Hills Vineyard. We join our exclusive Charter Train for a leisurely journey to Christchurch. This special section of picturesque coastline railway line has recently opened following the 2016 earthquake and the opportunity to see the progress as you pass through Kaikoura, will create a lot of interest. 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. 

Sunday 12 September

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.

Monday 13 September

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.   

Tuesday 14 September

We join our exclusive chartered train and travel south through rolling farmland and coastal inlets via Timaru to arrive in Oamaru for a two night stay. This evening join an optional tour to visit the Blue Penguin Colony of Oamaru.

Wednesday 15 September

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. Continue onto Duntroon to visit the Vanished World Centre and learn about the unique fossil history of this area. 

Thursday 16 September

After breakfast, board our train and travel through Dunedin, Gore and Balclutha before arriving in Invercargill, to enjoy one of the southernmost cities in the world.

Friday 17 September

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.

Saturday 18 September

Rejoin our train and travel to Balclutha where we will join our coach and have short visit into the Caitlin’s to Nugget Point lighthouse before continuing onto Dunedin for a two night stay.

Sunday 19 September

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ including Signal Hill, the world’s steepest street, Botanical Gardens, University and the Forsyth Barr sports stadium. The afternoon is free. An optional tour to the Dunedin Royal Albatross Centre is available this afternoon

Monday 20 September

After breakfast we head north along the coastal rail route through Palmerston, Oamaru, Timaru and the plains via Ashburton to return to Christchurch and say farewell to our charter train. Enjoy a farewell Dinner tonight to end our wonderful southern rail experience.

Tuesday 21 September

Transfer to the airport for return flights to Auckland or other destinations (please ask)