What better location to enjoy a mid-winter celebration than in the alpine surroundings of Mount Cook.
Our third New Zealand Rail Tour combines rail and coach with two nights at the Hermitage Hotel at Mount Cook, situated at the head of Lake Pukaki - a major highlight.
Last year’s group experienced beautiful sunshine and clear blue skies.
Meander by rail across the South Canterbury plains to Timaru and journey by coach through the McKenzie countryside to Mount Cook.
Enjoy two nights in the pristine alpine surroundings with several exciting optional activities and a sumptuous Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner.
Travelling down the Waitaki Valley past Benmore Dam and Lake Aviemore to the North Otago city of Oamaru will be a first for many.
Re-join our train in Oamaru for the journey back to Dunedin and fly home the same day.
Depart mid-morning from Auckland on Air New Zealand to arrive Christchurch at midday. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a city tour. Check into hotel with the balance of the day free. Welcome Dinner.
After breakfast, board the ‘Silver Fern’ railcar for our journey across the Canterbury Plains to Timaru. Transfer by coach through Fairlie and Tekapo, passing the azure waters of Lake Pukaki on the way to Mount Cook. After checking in, there will be time for orientation of the Mount Cook National Park before dinner.
A day to participate in optional activities and / or simply enjoying the area at your leisure.
Tonight’s highlight will be a sumptuous Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner served in traditional winter surroundings.
After breakfast, leave the national park for our scenic journey down the Waitaki Valley passing through Omarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand, Benmore Dam, Kurow and Duntroon.
Arrive in Oamaru for a one-night stay, check into hotel with time for lunch before a mid-afternoon city tour. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
After breakfast, transfer to the station for our ‘Silver Fern’ journey through rolling farmland and past coastal inlets to Dunedin. Transfer to the airport for our flight to Auckland or other destinations.
Flights can be arranged from any other New Zealand airport and the tour is available as a land-only option (Christchurch to Dunedin). Please contact us for a quote.
Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
---|---|---|
$2,358 | $2,710 | |
Land Only (Christchurch - Dunedin) | $1,918 |
*This is a cash or cheque price. Credit cards will incur a 2% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
We strongly advise all participants to take out suitable travel insurance to cover cancellation costs. Please ask us for a quote.
Included Activities
Big Sky Stargazing Mt Cook is renowned world-wide for some of the darkest skies in New Zealand. You will be given an introduction and orientation in the Planetarium, a guided tour through our solar system and beyond.
Sir Edmond Hillary Alpine Centre Your Explorer pass will enable you to visit the centre which features a 3D movie theatre, planetarium and museum – valid for the duration of your stay.
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change