FRIDAY OCTOBER 12: (Auckland – National Park) Today we head south passing through the city of Auckland and out through the southern suburbs and on into the rolling green hills of the Waikato region, noted for its dairy farming industry. Heading south out of Hamilton Station the train passes through gentle, green countryside, but as we leave Te Kuiti the scenery changes from the rolling green hills to a more rugged bush clad landscape as we climb to the Poro-o-tarau Tunnel. From here we descend towards Taumarunui down through the Ongarue River Valley. On a clear day we may catch a glimpse of a snow covered Mt Ruapehu in the distance. From the servicing stop at Taumarunui, where you will have a chance to explore this small country town, we start our climb up to the volcanic centre of the North Island. The climb culminates in the ascent of the world famous Raurimu Spiral. From the top of the Spiral the train skirts the edge of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. This park encompasses three active volcanoes, Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngarahoe and the North Islands tallest mountain, Mt Ruapehu. Our overnight stop will be at National Park on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 13: (National Park - Napier) After a short coach ride we will rejoin our train in Ohakune to begin our journey to Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand. This journey will take us from Ohakune to Palmerston North, where head east to Napier initially climbing through the Manawatu Gorge where the tracks cling to the cliff high above the river. Once we reach the top of the gorge we travel through rolling green farmland interspersed with soaring viaducts. As we approach Napier the farms change to orchards as this area is renowned for it pip fruit industry.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 14: (Napier - Gisborne) Today we travel over the scenic Napier to Gisborne railway with its soaring viaducts, tunnels and huge variety of scenery from forests, to rugged hill country to coastal vistas. This line has been closed to passenger traffic for several years and is re-opening in April 2007. Its rugged, isolated beauty makes for fantastic photographic opportunities. Gisborne is a coastal city and the first city in the world to see the new day and this line is sure to be one of the many highlights of this tour.

MONDAY OCTOBER 15: (Gisborne - Napier) Our return trip to Napier will give you a chance to see the scenery from a different angle and we may even have a few surprises in store for you. We will be back in Napier in time for you to explore this beautiful Art Deco city.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 16: (Napier – Wellington) This morning we retrace our back towards Palmerston North, but at Woodville, we turn south into the Wairarapa. At Featherston we will stop at the Fell Engine Museum for you to take a look at this unique piece of railway history. As we leave Featherston we pass through the 8km long Rimutaka Tunnel and then through the suburbs of New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, where we will stay overnight.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 17: (Wellington – Picton) This morning you have a chance to explore the capital. Perhaps a look at Parliament. A visit to the National Museum, Te Papa. A ride on the cable car for stunning views over the city and harbour. Or a visit to our Wellington Depot in Plimmerton. In the afternoon we catch the Interislander Rail Ferry to Picton, crossing Cook Strait and cruising down the beautiful Marlborough Sounds to make landfall in the South Island.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 18: (Picton – Christchurch) Today we make the day long journey to Christchurch. Along the route we travel today we pass through 22 tunnels and travel down the Kaikoura Coast sandwiched between the sea and the cliffs. It is not uncommon to see seals sunning themselves on the rocks in this area.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19: (Christchurch – Greymouth) One of the top 10 train journeys in the world. Starting out across the Canterbury Plains it is not long before we enter the Southern Alps. We continue our climb to Arthur’s Pass surrounded by snow capped mountains and crossing turquoise rivers. Every twist and turn provides another stunning vista. From the mountain community of Arthur’s Pass we plunge into the 8.2 km Otira Tunnel, emerging on the West Coast. The scenery changes from Alpine to green native bush and farmland. Our destination is the coastal town of Greymouth.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 20: (Greymouth – Queenstown) We leave our train today for a coach journey down the spectacular west coast to Queenstown. Along the way we will stop for a look at magnificent glaciers and fantastic coastal and mountain scenery.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 21: (Queenstown TSS EARNSLAW CRUISE) Relive the elegance of bygone days with a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, one of the last remaining coal fired passenger carrying vessels operating in the southern hemisphere. Affectionately known as the “Lady of the Lake”, the TSS Earnslaw has a special place in the hearts of Queenstown people. She has been transporting goods to remote settlements and conveying passengers on beautiful Lake Wakatipu since 1912. What better to have breakfast and to view the magnificent scenery than by taking a cruise a board the TSS Earnslaw.

KINGSTON FLYER

We have chartered the Kingston Flyer for a return trip with photo stops along the way. Something not offered on the regular trips.

MONDAY OCTOBER 22: (Queenstown – Dunedin) Today we travel by coach from Queenstown to Pukerangi where we join the Taieri Gorge train for the last part of the journey to Dunedin and an overnight stop. The scenery is stunning as we leave Queenstown and stays that way until we reach Dunedin. The Taieri Gorge has established a reputation for being one of the most scenic lines in New Zealand.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 23: (Dunedin – Christchurch) Today we rejoin our train to return to Christchurch. Our journey takes us over the hills surrounding Dunedin with great ocean views. At Timaru we will stop to visit the Pleasant Point Railway and Museum. This will involve a steam hauled journey over their line.

WENESDAY OCTOBER 24: (Christchurch) Take free day to explore the Garden City. There is plenty to see and do in Christchurch. Catch a tram for a look around the central city area. Make sure to visit the Botanic Gardens and the Arts Centre, which is a great place to shop for unique gifts. Take a trip to the Antarctic by visiting the Antarctic Centre at the airport. Try out the cold room to see what it is really like on that southern continent.

Or...Visit the Ferrymead Museum, where you can view their extensive collection of New Zealand history including, of course, trains and trams.

We can also arrange for:

Whale watching in Kaikoura. Travel on the Tranz Coastal train to Kaikoura where you will join Whale Watch Kaikoura to see the giant Sperm whales, which feed, just off the coast. These creatures can grow up to 20 metres in length. You may also see Dusky Dolphins, fur seals and a wide variety of seabirds including the Royal Albatross.

OR ...Akaroa. Visit the beautiful unspoilt old French whaling depot of Akaroa. Lunch in the naturally picturesque setting of Akaroa Village at the popular Bully Hayes. In the afternoon enjoy the Akaroa Harbour Cruise on the Canterbury Cat.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 25: (Christchurch – Picton) Travel from Christchurch back up the East Coast to Picton. There will be a number of photo opportunities along the way.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 26: (Picton – Wellington) A leisurely start to the day before we catch the ferry back to Wellington, where we stay overnight.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 27: (Wellington – Auckland) Relive the days of the Daylight Limited Express as we make the 600km dash to Auckland. A real adventure.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 28: Hotel check-out and end of tour.

PRICES