Spirit of the Antipodes

Next
Departure

Oct 2026

11 Days

from $6,975

Next
Departure

Oct

2026

11 Days

New Zealand

from $6,975

Enquire Now

Meet your Tour Leader

Rail Mates Tours - Glenbrook Vintage Railway

This tour is designed and operated by one of our friends in rail partners, Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Their terms and conditions will apply. Railway Adventures is not liable for the accommodation, meal and sightseeing inclusions in the itinerary.

A spectacular 11 day heritage rail tour of New Zealand’s North Island by heritage rail. Enjoy the freedom of travelling on your own private train, over railway lines seldom used by regular passenger services - an experience inspired by the world’s great long-distance rail journeys. This tour also features a rare opportunity to travel between Palmerston North and Napier behind steam locomotive JA 1271 on one of New Zealand’s great scenic routes. Waikato, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu & Wellington - all in one unforgettable journey. Enjoy a fully inclusive journey, with accommodation, meals, transfers, excursions, admissions and train travel thoughtfully arranged throughout. The small group size of no more than 2 groups of 35 ensures a personalised, relaxed journey with expert hosts and more time for immersive experiences.

Departure dates

Available

Price:
Per person twin share: $6,975
Single Supplement: $980

Deposit (per person): $1,000

Final payment due by: 16 September 2026

Tour Start: Auckland, New Zealand

Tour End: Auckland, New Zealand

Fitness Level: 2 locos

Some highlights of your tour

Travel aboard Glenbrook Vintage Railway’s exclusive private train, enjoying restored carriages, warm hospitality and access to railway lines no longer used by regular passenger services
Two Steam-Hauled journeys between Palmerston North and Napier behind steam locomotive JA 1271 on one of New Zealand’s great scenic routes
Māori Cultural Experience at Te Puia, featuring traditional performance, storytelling and a shared meal, surrounded by the geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa.
A uniquely New Zealand experience, travelling the Rotorua Railway Line on a fully automated Rail Cruiser
Enjoy a memorable dining experience with panoramic views over Lake Rotorua and a generous buffet showcasing local produce
Cruise the Whanganui River aboard PS Waimerie – the Southern Hemisphere’s last coal-fired paddle steamer still in operation
Explore Napier’s renowned Art Deco architecture, galleries and coastal charm – a beautifully preserved legacy of the 1930s rebuild

GVR charter hauled by heritage diesels DC 4818and DBR 1254 over the Waiuku Branch and North Island Main Trunk to Hamilton, then along the East Coast Main Trunk to Tokoroa. Coach to Rotorua for a gondola ride and Stratosfare Buffet Dinner overlooking Lake Rotorua.

Scenic drive via the western lakeshore to Mamaku for a RailCruising experience on the former Rotorua Branch to Ngongotahā. Return to Rotorua for the Redwoods Treewalk, a magical series of eco-suspended bridges among towering redwoods. Afternoon free at leisure.

Coach to Tauranga to meet the train at The Strand. Traverse kiwifruit country and the 8.9 km Kaimai Tunnel, then rejoin the NIMT southbound through Waikato and the King Country. Ascend to the central plateau via the Raurimu Spiral, cross the Makatote and Hapuawhenua Viaducts, and arrive in Ohakune for the night.

Travel south on the North Island Main Trunk, passing the Tangiwai site, Taihape, and the impressive Rangitīkei viaducts. At Marton we divert onto the Marton–New Plymouth Line, threading tunnels, river valleys, and rugged farmland. Crossing the Whanganui River, we climb the Westmere Bank and continue via Pātea and Hāwera around the Taranaki National Park to arrive on New Plymouth’s coastal walkway.

Discover the Taranaki region with a curated selection of five outstanding gardens, hand-picked exclusively for our tour group as part of the award-winning Taranaki Garden Festival. Enjoy seamless coach transfers between gardens, expert commentary from a local gardening specialist, and a relaxed lunch. Later, ride with the Waitara Railway Preservation Society on the former Waitara Branch.

Depart New Plymouth, rolling through Inglewood, Stratford and Hāwera past the Whareroa dairy plant and the Waipipi Wind Farm. Lunch stop in Waverley, before arriving in Whanganui for High Tea aboard the coal-fired PS Waimarie on the Whanganui River. We then depart via Fordell and Turakina tunnels to Marton, rejoining the NIMT into Palmerston North.

Today we steam up the Palmerston North–Gisborne line with JA 1271, through the rail-only Manawatū Gorge. Continue via Woodville and the six classic viaducts north of Dannevirke. Lunch at historic Oruawharo Homestead before rolling through the Pekapeka Wetlands into Napier.

Travel to Cape Kidnappers for an exclusive Gannet Safaris experience across a working farm and wildlife sanctuary to viewing points at the plateau, up-close with the gannets—no walking required. Visit a local Hawke’s Bay winery for afternoon tea before returning to Napier.

A leisurely Napier day with a vintage car Art Deco tour and a short film on the 1931 earthquake. Entry to the MTG Museum included. Afternoon free to enjoy the Art Deco capital at your own pace.

Retrace the PNGL to Woodville, climbing Opapa Bank and passing heritage towns between Waipukurau and Dannevirke. Visit Pahiatua Railcar Society and enjoy lunch before returning through the Manawatū Gorge to Palmerston North. Farewell dinner this evening.

Northbound over the central plateau via Taihape and Turangarere, through Waiouru and Ohakune across the Hapuawhenua Viaduct. Descend the Raurimu Spiral to Taumarunui, pass Okahukura and Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel, then through Te Kuiti and along the Waikato to Hamilton and Auckland/Papakura to conclude the tour.

What's included

Exclusive travel aboard the Glenbrook Vintage Railway heritage train
10 Nights' accommodation
All (10) Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 4 Dinners
Onboard train morning / afternoon tea on select sectors
Gondola ride and dinner at Stratosphere - Rotorua
RailCruising experience - Rotorua
Redwoods Treewalk express entry - Rotorua
Whanganui River lunch cruise on PS Waimarie
Entry to Tawhiti Museum - New Plymouth
Ride with the Waitara Railway Preservation Society - New Plymouth
Steam-hauled train Palmerston North to Napier and return
Lunch at historic Oruawharo Homestead
Exclusive tour to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony
Visit to a Hawke’s Bay winery
Art Deco vintage car tour
Visit MTG Museum - Napier
Visit Pahiatua Railcar Society
All attractions, entries and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
All coach transfers, travel and touring as detailed in the itinerary
Expert tour leaders from Glenbrook Vintage Railway

What's not included

Airfares, connecting travel or other expenses prior to joining or after leaving the rail tour
All meals and refreshments other than those detailed in the itinerary
All personal expenditures, refreshments, taxis, other travel and transfers, accommodation or related charges not specifically referred to in the itineraries as being included
Travel Insurance, which is recommended for all passengers

Some ways you’ll travel

The best train trips possible, private luxury coach for off-train travel, guided walking where suitable, and other appropriate and appealing options to make exploration easy

PS Waimarie

New Zealand

GVR’s Private Train

New Zealand

Two Steam-Hauled Legs

New Zealand

Some places you’ll stay

Hand-picked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Please Note: Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Things you need to know

PRE TOUR EXTENSION FROM AUCKLAND 28 – 31 October 2026:
(To add this extension to your booking, please contact our team).

2 nights accommodation at the Mövenpick Hotel Auckland
1 night accommodation at the Double Tree by Hilton Karaka
Exclusive charter of the heritage steam tug William C Daldy including onboard dinner
Coach exploration of Auckland
Admission to MOTAT Auckland
Admission to Auckland Museum
Exclusively journey on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway with High Tea Lunch
Activities, coach transfers and relocations as stated in the inclusions and / or as detailed on this website or in the brochure
Shuttle / bus transfers to / from accommodation as detailed, as required
All (3) Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 3 Dinners

Pre-Tour Extension Price:
-> Per person twin share: $1,750.00
-> Single Supplement: $395.00

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OPTION TO END THE TOUR IN WELLINGTON — please contact our team.

Our track record

Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.

FAQs

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