William C Daldy Step aboard the historic William C Daldy, a beautifully preserved 1935 steam tug, for an unforgettable cruise around Auckland’s stunning Waitematā Harbour! Feel the power of the original steam engines as you glide past iconic landmarks, under the Harbour Bridge, and alongside the city’s sparkling waterfront. With the scent of coal-fired steam in the air and the rhythm of the pistons beneath your feet, this is more than just a cruise—it’s a journey back in time.
Glenbrook Vintage Railway & High Tea The Glenbrook Vintage Railway (GVR) is a must-visit destination for history lovers and adventure seekers alike! Just south of Auckland, this charming heritage railway takes you on a nostalgic journey aboard beautifully restored steam and diesel locomotives. Travel through stunning rural landscapes, relive the golden age of rail travel, and enjoy High Tea in beautifully restored carriages.
MoTaT The Museum of Transport and Technology – MOTAT showcases technologies from the age of steam right through to modern innovations. Learn more about New Zealand’s transport heritage including tram, rail and road transport along with aviation and military aircraft.
Arriving in Auckland this morning, find your way to the CBD and our accommodation.
For those that find themselves arriving early, a leisurely activity may be arranged. Or feel free to explore the city.
We will gather late afternoon and make our way to the wharf for our late afternoon cruise deparure – setting sail around the Waitemata Harbour!
Accommodation is available the evening/night of Saturday 25 October for those who may arrive early.
Overnight: Movenpick Auckland Waterfront (D)
Today is an easy day in Auckland as we take our coach to explore the Auckland area, including a visit to Devonport.
A city tour leads us to our first destiantion, the Auckland War Memorial Musuem which proudly sits above the Auckland skyline.
We then head to MOTAT, for time to see their impressive collection of aircraft, trams, trains, cars and more! Take a ride on the tram and see both sites, or revel in the impressive collection of trains and the award winning aircraft display hall.
This afternoon we head to Devonport, taking time to explore the area, you can chose to catch the ferry back across the harbour to our accommodation, which is only a 2 minute walk from the Auckland Ferry Terminal.
Otherwise we relocate back to our accommodation for the evening which is provided free at your leisure. You might like to take a short walk to Britomart Train Station for a late afternoon train ride around the Auckland Metro Network or go for a leisurely walk along the Auckland Waterfront to one of the many acclaimed restaurants.
Overnight: Movenpick Auckland Waterfront (B, L)
Today we visit the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, the operators of our East & West Rail Tour, at their operational base in Waiuku, on the southern border of the Auckland and Waikato regions.
Here we have a specially chartered stram train on the 7.5km railway line, with plenty of photo stops and a stop at the workshop for a tour and to learn more about the railway’s history and its current operation. We are likewise treated to an elaborate High Tea Lunch.
With our bellies full and camera’s full, we relocate to our accommodation for the night at Karaka’s DoubleTree by Hilton.
Overnight: DoubleTree By Hilton Karaka (B, L)
This morning we relocate from our accommodation in Karaka to Glenbrook to start our East & West Rail Tour.
What's included
3 Nights’ Accommodation in premium, unique stays - pre-booked on a twin share basis
Exclusive charter of the William C Daldy Steam Tug & included onboard Dinner
Coach exploration of Auckland, admission to MOTAT, Steam Train Ride and admission to Auckland Museum
Exclusively chartered trip on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, and catered 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 & 3 Dinners
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 brochure
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
William C Daldy
New Zealand
Glenbrook Vintage Railway Steam
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.
Karaka
DoubleTree By Hilton
Auckland CBD
Movenpick Auckland Waterfront
Our track record
Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.
FAQs
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Download the brochure: East & West - 13 Day Rail Tour
Ready to book your adventure in East & West Pre Tour
Reserve your place on this exciting exploration of East & West Pre Tour.
Train traveller, well known TV personality and travel company owner, Scott McGregor, has travelled on some of the world’s most inspiring railway tours and led the most exclusive group adventures to numerous exotic destinations over the years.
“Rustic, character-filled, zig-zagging railways of Burma, opulent hotels on wheels in India South Africa and Sri Lanka, steam-hauled heritage trains in some of the most staggeringly scenic parts of the world, dinky little rail-cars in outback Queensland, bullet trains in Japan, cliff-hugging lines in Switzerland and Norway—if it travels on a rail track, I’m there!”, exclaims self-confessed train travel tragic, Scott McGregor. “In my mind, travelling by rail is still the most wonderful way to immerse yourself in the country you’re visiting. It’s romantic, relaxing and about as much fun as you can have!”.
Aa a child of the last days of steam trains in the busy junction town of Orange, NSW; trains heading in all directions offering temptations and dreams of faraway places, left an indelible impression on a young, inquisitive boy and Scott has been riding the rails in one form or another ever since. While Scott’s acting career of 30 years kept him busy starring in numerous TV shows and stage plays and then as an on-air presenter on programs such as Better Homes and Gardens, Room for Improvement and various pay-TV programs, his passion for railway tours was ever-present. “Presenting a series of Railway Adventure travel programs for Channel 7 was a career highlight”, he says with as much enthusiasm now as he had then.
In 2012 Scott decided to combine three of his passions; travel, trains and presenting, and launched Railway Adventures. Not only does he get to expand his own horizons and indulge his love of train travel, he gets to use his extensive hosting experience and love of people to lead other like-minded travellers on escorted train tours around the world. Since then, Railway Adventures has mounted more than 50 tours from Sweden to Sri Lanka, Tasmania to Transylvania, Britain to Burma and Venice to Vietnam, thrilling over 1,000 travellers. New tours are launched regularly, inspired by new trains, new routes and the growing interest in taking a train to some of the world’s most fascinating places. But you don’t have to be a train ‘nut’ to enjoy a Railway Adventures tour – there’s something for everyone!
Just one example of how Scott finds inspiration for a tour can be found in Outback Queensland. “There you find some of Australia’s most eccentric and appealing trains and together with a mail-plane flight over the Gulf and some interesting local coach and boat trips you have the essence of a quintessential Aussie outback adventure. The sleeper train, The Spirit of the Outback, the Savannahlander and the Gulflander (which has been running on the same timetable for more than 125 years!) are all iconic trains that traverse various parts of the wild Outback, Savannah and tropical rainforest landscapes of the vast state of Queensland. Along with some other special treats not available to the ordinary traveller, Railway Adventures passengers get to do it all!.
One of his favourite journey’s is by private train in Sri Lanka. For 2 weeks every year Scott charters the Viceroy Special heritage train to tour the island on a gentle rail cruise with a lucky group of travellers. Staying in luxury resorts and hotels along the way, his special train travels to almost every corner of the scenic island. “Having a private train at your disposal for an adventure around this magic island is a rare treat and a great way to immerse yourself in the scenery and culture of the country.”, he enthuses. “Our Vietnam tour makes use of private carriages attached to regular trains to explore that great country in comfort and in South Africa we use a variety of trains including the luxurious Rovos Rail and the Royal Livingstone steam train to move from one incredible adventure to another”.
Apart from the obvious joy of seeing a country by train, travelling in a small group of like-minded travellers with a dedicated, experienced tour leader and knowledgeable, English-speaking local guides is what really sets Railway Adventures apart. “The camaraderie that comes from both shared purpose and shared experiences on tour is an important aspect of the journey” Scott adds. “We’ve seen many people become life-long friends from the time they shared together along the line. The best feeling in the world is when I welcome these same people on repeat journeys”.
Along with popular destinations like Switzerland, Scandinavia, Outback Queensland and Sri Lanka, a new breed of more unusual destinations has gained great interest. Java, Cuba, Southern Africa, India and the New England region of NSW are just some of the newer adventures on offer. As for Scott’s next escape, it’s most likely some quality time at Ruwenzori Retreat, his own personal train on the Great Dividing Range near Mudgee, Central NSW. Built from a collection of vintage railway carriages it’s now a boutique tourist accommodation, comprising exclusive Orient Express style comfort for up to 13 guests. “When the travels are done, coming back to my own train in the beautiful Mudgee mountains is the most restorative and magical time for this committed rail romantic”, Scott says.
