New Zealand North Island Railway Adventure

This morning after breakfast, we’ll head out to the incredible Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), New Zealand’s largest transport and technology museum. Opened in 1964, MOTAT spans 40 acres across two sites connected by a heritage tramway, and houses over 300,000 items showcasing the innovation, technology and ingenuity of Aotearoa. The displays cover everything from flight, trams, trains, the building of the harbour bridge, and the buildings include the historic Pumphouse, a Category 1 heritage-listed building from 1877 that once supplied Auckland’s water. The rail and steam displays include operational steam locomotives, trams, and engines like the 1911 triple-expansion engine from the Sydney Ferry Greycliffe.

Having worked up a healthy appetite we’ll stop at a local pub in nearby Ponsonby for a relaxing lunch before travelling back into the city to visit the iconic Sky Tower and soak up the landscape from high above the CBD. Opened in 1997, the telecommunications and observation tower is 328 metres tall making it the second tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. If you have the nerve, try walking on the glass floor to really get a different perspective!

We’ll return to the hotel by mid-afternoon for the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. For those wanting to explore some more on their own, your tour leaders will help with directions to the Maritime Museum, Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland Museum.

Overnight: Mövenpick Hotel, Auckland (B, L)

It’s a lazy breakfast this morning before we check out mid-morning and board our private coach and head south to Glenbrook for a private exploration the trains and treasures of the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, established to preserve the Waiuku Branch Line after its closure by New Zealand Government Railways in 1967, and one of New Zealand’s premier heritage steam railway attractions. Like most heritage railways the world over, Glenbrook is primarily volunteer-run, and is more than a tourist attraction – it’s a living testament to New Zealand’s railway history. 

The next few hours offer you the unique chance to privately see the diverse collection of over 20 heritage locomotives and carriages, dating from the 1870s to the 1980s. Notable examples include Steam Locomotive GVR No. 4 (Mallet), built in 191; Steam Locomotive Ww 644, a 110-year-old engine recently restored; the Ja class 4-8-2 ‘Diana’; and restored passenger carriages, such as the 1909 AA1134 and WWII-era carriages. 

Your visit will include a special steam train ride behind one of the heritage locomotives, for a nostalgic journey through the lush Waikato countryside on a section of the historic 1922 Waiuku Branch Line, complete with run pasts for photo opportunities; and a guided visit to the workshops. Lunch is included. 

After soaking up this railway history, we’ll drive the short distance to our hotel in Karaka. After checking in, there’ll be some time to relax or explore your surroundings before regrouping for dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton, Karaka (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast and check out, we’ll transfer back to Glenbrook, this time to board our own privately chartered train, our primary mode of transport for the next nine days. Your luggage will stay on the coach for separate transport to the hotel.

This is a private adventure with a difference – while we’ve chartered the train and you’ll have our own private carriage, as part of our commitment to supporting heritage rail organisations, we’ve given Glenbrook Vintage Railway the opportunity to add their own carriages if there are locals who would like to join a leg or two for a ride on the rails with us. 

Our special train will be hauled by heritage diesel locomotives DBR 1254 and DC 4818, taking us first back on the historic Waiuku Branch Line, before turning right at Paerata where we join the North Island Main Trunk Line to Pukekohe.

Take in ever changing scenery as we roll through the lush farmlands surrounding Franklin and the Bombay Hills, descending down to Pokeno and Mercer to join the mighty Waikato River. After a short stop in Hamilton we’ll journey through the old underground station under the centre of the city, and across the Claudelands bridge over the Waikato River.

From here, we’ll head East on the busy, freight only, East Coast Main Trunk Line, travelling through the Ruakura Innovation Park and out towards Morrinsville, pass over the Piako River, follow gentle curves through to the junction at Waharoa, and continue down the Kinleith Line (the route of the old Rotorua line), to our final stop for today, Tokoroa. 

Our private coach will meet us at Tokoroa and transfer us to our hotel in Rotorua. After checking in and some time to relax, we’ll regroup for dinner together in the hotel. 

Overnight: Sudima Lake Hotel, Rotorua (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast we’ll make our way to the fascinating National Kiwi Hatchery, the world’s largest and most successful kiwi conservation facility, dedicated to preserving New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird through advanced husbandry, egg incubation, and chick-rearing programs from its state-of-the-art facility. The hatchery focuses on hatching and rearing kiwi chicks, particularly North Island brown kiwi, to a predator-resistant weight of 1 kg before release into predator-controlled areas. It has hatched over 2,500 kiwi chicks since 1995, achieving a staggering 65% survival rate. 

Your visit will be a truly immersive experience where you’ll learn about the Kiwi, their native environment and what makes them iconic the world over. Delve into darkness and spot Kiwi in the purpose-built nocturnal house and discover the secrets of the Kiwi in the interactive displays. During your visit you’ll get to talk to the onsite Kiwi experts and learn about the Kiwi hatching process, kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing. You may even get the chance to actually see the last kiwi chicks of the season.

On our return to town, we’ll visit what Rotorua is internationally famous for – its geothermal fields, one of the world’s most active and visually striking geothermal areas that has attracted visitors since the 1800s. Situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland, formed in a major volcanic eruption approximately 240,000 years ago, and renowned for its bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, steaming hot springs, colorful sinter terraces, and unique cultural significance, particularly to Māori communities. 

We’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Park, offering a rare blend of geothermal spectacle (500 hot springs and 65 geysers as a starting point) and the vibrant Māori culture of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, who have lived in the area for over 200 years. Known as “the Living Village,” Whakarewarewa offers an immersive experience of geothermal wonders, Māori traditions, and daily life in a village built around bubbling hot springs and geysers. 

Lunch today is a special treat – a gondola ride up to the iconic Stratosfare restaurant located on Mount Ngongotahā to dine with 180 degree panoramic views of Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island, and Rotorua city.

After lunch we’ll return to our hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure. 

Overnight: Sudima Lake Hotel, Rotorua (B, L)

This morning after breakfast and checkout, our private coach will take us to our waiting train at The Strand on the waterfront of Central Tauranga, continuing on with your luggage. After boarding, we’ll skirt the edge of the estuaries and salt marshes and make our way through the lush Kiwifruit country of the Bay of Penty before plunging into the darkness of the freight only Kaimai Tunnel – the longest tunnel in New Zealand and a rare treat for a passenger train. 

We’ll roll through the dairy country of Matamata-Piako, east of Hamilton before we head south, exiting out of the mighty Waikato to glide through rolling farmland and across many rivers, gorges and valleys as we enter King Country.

At Te Kuiti we start our ascent to the Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel which takes us through the range dividing the watersheds of the Mokau and Whanganui rivers. From Taumarunui it is all uphill to the famous Raurimu Spiral taking us up to the central plateau. We skirt the bottom of the imposing mountains as we leave National Park, we soon cross the mighty Makatote Viaduct, running around the western flanks of Mt. Ruapehu we cross the grand Hapuawhenua Viaduct before arriving in Ohakune. 

Our accommodation is only a short walk from the station. After checking in, there’ll be time to freshen up before enjoying dinner together in the hotel.

Overnight: Pownderhorn Chateau, Ohakune (B, L, D) 

This morning after breakfast and check out, you have two options available to you for the morning – stay with the train or board our private coach and travel to the small town of Upokongaro nestled on the banks of the mighty and very unique Whanganui River for a unique cruise including lunch. This river, known as ‘Te Awa Tupuna’ (the sacred river), holds profound cultural, historical, and ecological significance, and was recognised as a legal person under New Zealand law in 2017—an unprecedented acknowledgment of its spiritual importance to Māori. 

Upon arrival at Upokongaro, we’ll board the P.S. Waimarie, built in 1899 by Yarrow & Co. in London, and the only authentic coal fired paddle steamer still operating in the Southern Hemisphere. Absorb yourself in the rhythmic beat of the paddles as we travel back in time taking a leisurely cruise, with lunch included, along Te Awa Tupuna to Whanganui wharf, where our coach will be on hand to transfer us to our train waiting at the Easttown rail yards. 

Our afternoon train journey to New Plymouth will take us across the Whanganui river, up the formidable Westmere Bank, famous for having the steepest grade in the country, down to the mouth of the river and onto the mountain views of Egmont National Park before arriving at New Plymouth, our home for the next two nights. 

Dinner this evening is at our hotel.

Overnight: Novotel, New Plymouth (B, L, D)

Today is yours – a whole free day to relax, mooch around the hotel or get out and about in New Plymouth. Our centrally located hotel is a great stepping out point, either on foot or by public transport. Named after the English city of Plymouth, in Devon, from where the first English settlers to New Plymouth migrated, and with the dramatic backdrop of the conical shape of Taranaki Maunga (Mountain), New Plymouth is a vibrant and contemporary city, known for its sunny climate, art galleries, picturesque parks, and stunning gardens. 

A short distance from the hotel is the very pleasant Coastal Walkway which runs along the foreshore to Kawaroa Park. Another easy walk from the hotel takes you to Pukekura Park, one of New Zealand’s premier botanical gardens, covering 52ha, and just a couple of blocks from the hotel is the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and the West End precinct full of cafes, shops, gardens and galleries. So, there’s plenty to do on your free day!

For those with a keen interest in the rail history of the region, there’s the option this afternoon to join a tour to the Waitara Railway Preservation Society. The Waitara Branch line, opened in 1875, was Taranaki’s first railway, initially linking New Plymouth to the river port of Waitara. It served key industries like the Borthwicks freezing works and the Waitara Taranaki Co-operative Dairy Factory until its closure in 1999. The Society was subsequently formed to save the 126-year-old line from dismantlement. We’ve chartered the train for the run to Lepperton and back – a great opportunity to hear the story of the line’s operation and revival while lapping up the scenery. 

Overnight: Novotel, New Plymouth (B)

This morning after breakfast and checking out, we’ll transfer to our waiting train at the New Plymouth waterfront to board for our journey to Palmerston North, leaving our luggage on the coach for private transport. Once on board, you’ll be enthralled by the lush rolling countryside and mountain views as we travel through the towns of Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham and on to Hawera. Passing Stratford you’ll get a glimpse of the southern connection to the mothballed Stratford – Okahukura Line. Our lunch today is provided by a local group on the platform at Waverley Station. 

South of Hawera we travel past the country’s busiest milk factory at Whareroa – Fonterra. Established in 1972, this site produces the largest volume of dairy ingredients from a single factory anywhere in the world and plays a significant role in the economic and social fabric of the region. Passing through Patea, we skirt the Waipipi Wind Farm before commencing our descent into Palmerston North, our home for the evening. 

Upon arrival in Palmerston North, our coach will meet us and take us for a drive to the Te Āpiti Wind Farm, New Zealand’s first wind farm, where you’ll have a chance to get out and experience the 55 massive structures up close. With three blades each, and each blade measuring 35 metres in length, these giants generate enough power for approximately 45,000 average New Zealand homes. The views from here are worth the visit, on clear days you can see as far as Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki.

We’ll then transfer to our hotel and check in. The evening is yours to explore the street art and restaurants of Palmerston North or simply relax at the hotel. 

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel, Palmerston North (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel and checking out, we’ll transfer to the railway station, board our special train and depart Palmerston North for Napier, travelling on the Palmerston North – Gisborne line. 

Travelling through the breath-taking Manawatu Gorge, now only accessible by rail, we’ll pass through Woodville and roll through the meandering countryside north of Dannevirke, crossing the six famous viaducts of Mangatera, Piripiri, Mangatewainui, Makotuku, Ormondville and Kopua, before the Pekapeka Wetlands signals our arrival into the horticultural heart of the Hawke’s Bay area known as ‘New Zealand’s Fruit Bowl’. This region is renowned for growing most of the country’s avocados, apples, kiwifruit and stone fruit and is a verdant wine region, producing many of New Zealand’s finest wines. 

Have your cameras ready as we’ll pause at historic Ormondville and enjoy a run past by the train – always a fun part of any rail adventure. We’ll also pick up our lunch here and enjoy it aboard the train while we continue north through Waipukarau, nestled on the banks of the Tukituki River, before being greeted by the magnificent coastline south of Napier, as we roll into town in the late afternoon. 

Our coach will meet us and transfer us directly to our waterfront hotel, our home for the next three nights, to check in and freshen up before rejoining your fellow travellers for dinner. 

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Te Pania, Napier (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast we’ll embark on an exploration of the Art Deco capital of New Zealand, often called the “Art Deco Capital of the World” due to its unique 1930s architectural heritage, shaped by a devastating 1931 earthquake that killed 260 people and virtually flattened the town. As a result, Napier was completely rebuilt in the Art Deco architectural style of the day and is now famous for being one of the most complete collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. 

At the Art Deco Centre, we’ll enjoy a viewing of the 1931 Earthquake film where you’ll learn of the devastation of the city and the stories of the people it left behind before taking a one hour walk with a professionally trained Art Deco Trust guide through the city centre precinct. 

Having worked up an appetite taking in all the spectacular architecture and history we’ll transfer to the Black Barn Winery. For over 20 years, Black Barn has established itself as one of the icons of the Hawke’s Bay wine, food and hospitality scenes. Known for their limited-release wines, the vineyard is situated on the sunny north-facing slopes of the Havelock Hills and features an award-winning Bistro showcasing the region’s finest produce – our lunch venue for today. 

After lunch we’ll return to our hotel. The rest of the day and evening is at leisure. 

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Te Pania, Napier (B, L)

Today is entirely at leisure – and there’s no lack of things to do! You might wish to stroll the art trail along Marine Parade and Ahuriri with over 50 marine-themed murals by international artists, or browse in the charming shops, or head out to any one of the numerous wineries in the area. It goes without saying you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to lunch options in this food and wine mecca.

This evening we’ll re-group to enjoy one of the region’s fine dining experiences. Located a short walk from our hotel, Bistronomy are firm believers in making everyday eating a little bit extraordinary. Think one part local, one part global, and one part special sauce, infusing fresh Hawke’s Bay produce with far-flung ideas to create dishes which will surprise and delight. Experience a menu inspired by the abundance and variety of edible offerings from farm and sea with a European influence. 

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Te Pania, Napier (B, D)

After breakfast and check out, we’ll again hand our luggage over to our support crew and board our special train for our last day on the rails. Leaving Napier, we once again roll through the lush orchards and growing areas of central Hawkes Bay as we retrace our steps to Woodville. You’ll hear the locomotives working hard as we head up the Opapa Bank, the steepest part of the line between Napier and Woodville. Between Waipukurau and Dannevirke we’ll pass through several old towns of New Zealand, reminding us of their important role in the glory days at the height of the New Zealand Railways.

At Woodville we’ll get the chance to see the Woodville Balloon Loop, an iconic piece of rail infrastructure which allows trains to enter and exit the branch line in any direction without changing the loco. We’ll continue south, down the Wairarapa Line – a special treat for us as this line is not used by any scheduled freight or passenger services. Having crossed the Manawatu River, and passed the famous Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka, we’ll arrive at Pahiatua, the final rail stop for the train, us and our crew. Here, we’ll stop for some lunch before a very special opportunity to peruse the Pahiatua Railcar Society’s magnificent collection. 

The Society is dedicated to the restoration of rolling stock, specifically railcars and other locomotives formerly operated by the New Zealand Railways Department. It is notable for possessing the sole remaining examples of the RM class 88 seater, Wairarapa and the iconic ‘Silver Fern’ railcars.

After bidding a fond farewell to our special train and crew from the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, we’ll continue on to Masterton by coach. After checking into our hotel, there’ll be time to relax before enjoying dinner together at the hotel. 

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park Wairarapa, Masterton (B, L, D)

After breakfast and check out, we’ll board our private coach to head down the road to Featherston, a charming and historic town nestled at the foot of the formidable Rimutaka Incline where we’ll explore the fascinating Fell Locomotive Museum and hear the story of the unique rail operation required to haul trains over the range. The amazing museum volunteers will host morning tea for us and you’ll have the opportunity to view the steam locomotive H 199, one of six H class locomotives designed for use on the 1 in 15 Rimutaka Incline, where they worked for 77 years. 

Back on the coach, we’ll continue across the island to the west coast where we’ll pause to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Paekākāriki while taking in the views of the Cook Strait and Tasman Sea. After lunch, we’ll visit the nearby depot of Steam Incorporated, a prominent railway heritage and preservation society dedicated to restoring and operating vintage steam and diesel locomotives, along with historic passenger carriages.  We’ll take a guided tour of the yard and sheds, and some of their heritage carriages – this is a rare chance to see New Zealand steam locomotives up close, hear about their history, restoration and operations.  

It’s then onto the National Capital, Wellington, to check into our hotel for the next two nights. This evening is at leisure for you to get out and explore and enjoy dinner in one of the many local restaurants. 

Overnight: Rydges Hotel, Wellington (B, L)

Today we embark on a full-day excursion of this wonderful capital city, including a chance to ride the historic Wellington Cable Car, a funicular railway, from the heart of the city centre up through the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn to the lookout perched high above the city. Here we’ll have some free time to explore the 25ha Wellington Botanic Gardens and enjoy lunch at leisure at the café. You may also wish to visit the nifty Cable Car Museum nearby. 

The wonderful Te Papa Museum, New Zealand’s national museum awaits us after lunch. A celebration of the history and culture of this magnificent country, the museum showcases Māori and Pacific cultural treasures, New Zealand’s extraordinary natural world, its colonial history and its most important works of art. The eclectic collection ranges from the world’s largest specimen of the rare colossal squid, 4.2 metres long and weighing 495 kilograms to dresses and textiles dating back to the sixteenth century, to the New Zealand Post Archive with around 20,000 stamps, to the Elgar Collection, a valuable collection of English and French furniture and paintings, dating back to the seventeenth century. There is truly something here for everyone!

After returning to our hotel and having some time to freshen up, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner including drinks to celebrate the completion of our North Island Adventure together. 

Overnight: Rydges Hotel, Wellington (B, D)

Our tour ends this morning after breakfast.