East & West – 13 Day Rail Tour

Today we depart central Rotorua and head around the western side of the lake before heading inland to Mamaku. Mamaku, originally Kaponga, was famous for native timber milling with the last mill closing in 2015. Mamaku was the highest point on the now-mothballed Rotorua Branch.

On our arrival in to Mamaku we embark on our first ‘rail-cart’ experience with the RailCruisers on the old Rotorua Branch from Mamaku to Ngongotaha.

We return to Rotorua taking a scenic drive around the town before arriving at the Redwoods Treewalk. Majestic and magical, the Redwoods Treewalk™ experience is truly a walk to remember. Suspended high above the forest floor, encounter 75-metre-tall redwoods as you walk across eco-suspended bridges and platforms intricately designed to honour and accentuate the stunning natural environment. Regarded by many as one of the best tree top walks in New Zealand.

We return to Rotorua with the remainder of the afternoon free at your leisure.

Overnight: Sudima Rotorua (B, L)

Today we depart Rotorua by coach for the coastal city of Tauranga to meet our train.

Boarding at The Strand on the waterfront of Central Tauranga we depart, skirting the edge of the estuaries and salt marshes we make our way through the lush Kiwifruit country of the Bay of Penty before delving into the darkness of the Kaimai Tunnel. At 8.9 kilometres this is the longest tunnel in New Zealand. This is a truly rare opportunity, the Kaimai Tunnel has been the haunt of freight only since the early 2000’s.

Back in the daylight, we roll through the dairy country of Matamata-Piako, east of Hamilton before we head south. Leaving Hamilton and exiting out of the mighty Waikato, we glide through the rolling farmland and skirt many rivers, gorges and valleys as we enter the 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 up hill 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 for the night. Our accommodation is only a short walk from the station in Ohakune.

Overnight: Ruapehu Mountain Motel or similar (B, L, AT)

We depart Ohakune early by coach today for a day of varied travel. Passing through Raetihi we join State Highway 4. Following the Mangawhero River we travel through the rugged central North Island to the historic river town of Upokongaro.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Whanganui River it is here we transfer to the P.S. Waimarie, the only authentic coal fired paddle steamer in the Southern Hemisphere. Absorb yourself in the rhythmic beat of the boat as we travel back in time taking a leisurely cruise, with lunch included, along Te Awa Tupuna – the Whanganui River.

Pulling up to the wharf in Whanganui we transfer back to our train. Departing the eastern suburbs of Whanganui, we cross the Whanganui river before starting our climb up the formidable Westmere Bank. Descending the grade into the township of Patea from the mouth of the river, we continue onward to Hawera and the start of our mountain views. We navigate the eastward side of the Egmont National Park before arriving into New Plymouth, at our stop on the coastal walkway.

Disembarking here, our accommodation is only a short walk.

Overnight: Millennium Hotel New Plymouth or similar (B, MT, L, AT)

Today, we delve into the Taranaki Region with the Taranaki Garden Festival organisers handpicking five exceptional properties exclusively for our tour group.

Immerse yourself in a unique day trip during the festival, visiting these exquisite gardens. Benefit from the ease of bus transfers to and from your hotel and between each garden. A seasoned gardening expert will join the group, offering valuable insights at every stop. Additionally a delightful lunch in included as part of the experience. Later in the afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel, where you have the freedom to explore the town at your own pace.

Overnight: Millennium Hotel New Plymouth or similar (B, L)

Our morning departure out of New Plymouth sees us retrace our journey to Palmerston North before the trip north to National Park. The rolling countryside and mountain views entertain you as we travel through the towns of Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham and on to Hawera. Passing Stratford we get a glimpse of the southern connection to the mothballed Stratford – Okahukura Line. South of Hawera we travel past one of the country’s busiest milk factories at Whareroa. Passing through Patea once again we skirt the Waipipi Wind Farm, home to some of the country’s largest wind turbines.

We make a stop in Waverley for Lunch, provided by a local group, before making our way down the Westmere Bank and through the eastern reaches of Whanganui.

South of Whanganui we pass through the Fordell and Turakina tunnels. At Marton we rejoin the North Island Main Trunk Line and descend down in to Feilding and, through the Bunnythorpe dips and arrive into Palmerston North.

A short relocation to our Hotel for the night provides the evening free at your leisure.

Overnight: Distinction Palmerston North (B, MT, L, AT)

This morning we relocate to the railway station from our hotel and we depart north-east towards Napier on the Palmerston North – Gisborne line, powered again by Diesel Locomotive DBR1254. Passing through the breath-taking Manawatu Gorge, now only accessible by rail, we pass through Woodville where we stop briefly before we continue north-east.

Rolling through the meandering countryside, north of Dannevirke we cross the six famous viaducts of Mangatera, Piripiri, Mangatewainui, Makotuku, Ormondville and Kopua.

Taking a stop at Takapu we disembark and head to the beautiful and historic Oruawharo Homestead for a lunch befitting the backdrop of the grand homestead.

The Pekapeka Wetlands signal our entry into the horticultural heart of the Hawkes Bay, often quoted as ‘The fruit bowl of New Zealand’ where we soon greet the coastline south of Napier, shortly before arriving into the heart of town.

We are relocated to our accommodation in Napier’s scenic centre.

Overnight:Art Deco Masonic Hotel or similar (B, MT, L, AT)

Today we leave the Art Deco streetscape of central Napier and head south towards Cape Kidnappers and our day with Gannet Safaris.

We start by travelling over a working farm and New Zealand’s largest privately owned and funded wildlife sanctuary, stop several times at lookout points along the way. Learn about the local history and culture from our highly knowledgeable guides while taking in the sensational 360-degree views over Hawkes Bay. While at the plateau, one is within a few metres of the remarkable birds with their stunning golden crowns. No walking required.

Before returniung to Napier we pay a visit to one of the local wineries for afternoon tea and to sample the fare.

Overnight: Art Deco Masonic Hotel or similar (B, MT, L, AT)

Today is a leisurely day in Napier with a twist. This morning we split into groups and we have the opportunity to travel by vintage car around Napier and learn about the Art Deco scene and the 1936 earthquake that made Napier into the Art Deco capital. There is also plenty of free time and the opportunity to explore the town at your leisure.

(B, AT)

Today’s travel retraces our steps, back down to Woodville. Leaving Napier we once again roll through the lush orchards and growing areas of central Hawkes Bay. You hear the locomotive work hard as we head up the Opapa Bank, the steepest on this part of the line between Napier and Woodville.

Between Waipukurau and Dannevirke we pass through several old towns of New Zealand, now reminiscing at their glory days in the height of the New Zealand Railways.

At Woodville we get the chance to see the Woodville Balloon Loop, an iconic piece of rail infrastructure as we head on our journey further south, down the Wairarapa Line. This line is not used by any scheduled freight or passenger services. Having crossed the Manawatu River, and passing the famous Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka we stop at Pahiatua for lunch and time to look at the Pahiatua Railcar Society’s magnificent collection.

Here we relocate to a bus for our last leg of the journey, our departure from Pahiatua sees us climb through stunning native bush up to Mount Bruce and in to the Wairarapa.

Tonight Dinner is provided as our last group dinner before some of our group continue south to Wellington.

Overnight: Copthorne Solway (B, MT, L, AT, D)

OPTION 1:

Departing Masterton, we make our way through the town of Carterton, passing Greytown and arriving at Featherston where we have a look through the Fell Locomotive Society and  there is time to have a look around this quaint little town.

Leaving Featherston for the short journey to our next exclusive destination property this is where we spend a few hours surrounded by enchanted plantings, sculptures and a railway – this opportunity doesn’t come often and should not be missed. Lunch is included in this wonderful location.

After our time at the property, we take a scenic journey through the countryside to Greytown where there is time to explore this beautiful town and it’s boutique shops before returning to Masterton.

Overnight: Copthorne Solway (B, MT, L)

OPTION 2:

Departing Masterton, we make our way through the town of Carterton, arriving in Greytown where there is time to explore this beautiful town and it’s boutique shops.

Leaving Greytown for the short journey to our next exclusive destination property this is where we spend a few hours surrounded by enchanted plantings, sculptures and a railway – this opportunity doesn’t come often and should not be missed. Lunch is included in this wonderful location.

After our time at the property, we take a scenic journey over the top of the Remutaka Ranges, and around the upper reaches of the Wellington Harbour before arriving into the Wellington CBD and our accommodation.

Overnight: Rydges Wellington or similar (B, MT, L)

OPTION 1:

Today we relocate our entire group by coach to Palmerston North, ready for the following day’s rail journey home to the Waikato and Auckland.

We leave Masterton for a morning’s quick venture out to the scenic Castlepoint, home to one of the world’s rarest daisies, fur seals, dolphins and a towering lighthouse. TIme is afforded here for the short walk up the limestone cliff to the Lighthouse, and provided good weather is on our side, is a spectacular vantage point.

We return to Masterton and head towards Mt Bruce where the Pukaha National Wildlife Centre is our stop for lunch.

Following lunch in the café, we head north following the Tararua ranges to Woodville, crossing the Saddle road and stopping at Te Apiti Wind Farm look out. We arrive in to Palmerston North mid afternoon.

Tonight we feast in our Farewell Dinner in the hotel Restaurant, reflecting on our tour and conviviality of the group.

Overnight: Distinction Palmerston North (B, L, D)

OPTION 2:

Today is an easy day in Wellington, starting off with a trip up the Wellington Cable Car, with time at the top to explore the museum and take in the wonderful sights over the Wellington Harbour.

After lunch in Wellington, a leisurely stroll to Te Papa Museum will see us out for the remainder of the afternoon.

Tonight we feast in our Farewell Dinner in the hotel Restaurant, reflecting on our tour and conviviality of the group.

Overnight: Rydges Wellington or similar (B, L, D)

OPTION 1:

Departing Palmerston North we once again travel across the three deviations that formed part of the electrification of the North Island Main Trunk in the 1980s on our climb up to the central plateau. Passing through the once busy railway depot at Taihape in the age of steam, we experience the Turangarere horseshoe curve before going through Waiouru. After our train travels through Ohakune we cross the Hapuawhenua Viaduct, another notable electrification project. Horopito Motors is to our right before travelling through Pokaka. At Pokaka we crest the highest point of railway line in the country.

From National Park, we descend down onto the engineering masterpiece that is the Raurimu Spiral. We descend over 130 metres, in 7 kilometres, 2 tunnels and lots of curves, into the township of Raurimu. From here we continue our descent towards the Whakapapa river and from Kakahi, the Whanganui river will guide us all the way to Taumarunui.

North of Taumarunui we pass the northern connection of the Stratford – Okahukura Line at Okahukura, a once busy junction of freight and passenger services. The Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel signifies the divide of the King Country and the mighty Waikato region as we roll down to Te Kuiti, our next stop. Views of Mt Pirongia fill our window to the left as we travel the rolling countryside and peat swamps of south Waikato before arriving into Hamilton. After farewelling those that joined us at Hamilton we follow the Waikato river through Ngaruawahia and the Taupiri gorge, before passing through more swampland in the northern Waikato region. Pokeno sees us start the climb up the Whangarata Bank to Pukekohe and the end of our tour with a late afternoon arrival at Papakura, before returning Glenbrook.

(B, MT, L, AT)

OPTION 2:

This morning is provided free at your leisure, before being transferred to Wellington Airport for connecting flights.

Transfers will be arranged to the airport as requested depending our your flight schedule.

(B)