History Through the Heartland 2027

This morning enjoy breakfast at the East Pier Hotel before embarking on your first day of exploration in Napier. We’ll arrive by coach at Marine Parade for ‘As the Dust Settles’, an immersive experience showcasing life just after the 1931 earthquake. After an insightful look into the earthquake and its impact that shaped Napier as it is today, we head out of town for a lunch like no other. Crab Farm has been in the Jardine family for over 100 years. Originally purchased sight unseen, Hamish Jardine’s great-grandfather was surprised to find the land partially underwater. With tidal pools, rushes and hundreds of crabs, it was jokingly named ‘Crab Farm’. Today, enjoy a wine tasting followed by a sumptuous lunch under the Hawke’s Bay sun. Return by coach to the hotel to relax before heading out for dinner with the group.

Overnight: Bluewater Hotel, Napier (B, L, D)

The day begins with breakfast ahead of an ‘Art Deco’ themed day in Napier. Travel by coach into Napier CBD, where you’ll have time at leisure to explore the Art Deco festivities filling the city. Sit back and witness a festival highlight, the Vintage Car Parade from 1230pm. 

Later in the afternoon, we will rejoin our coach for a private guided ‘Art Deco’ tour, led by representatives of the Art Deco Trust. This tour explores the old port area at Ahuriri and the Art Deco suburb of Marewa before finishing at the inner-city Deco precinct. Following this insightful tour around Napier, we will head back to our accommodation, where you’ll have a chance to freshen up ahead of an evening meal with the group.

Overnight: Bluewater Hotel, Napier (B, D)

Enjoy a relaxed Sunday discovering Napier during the vibrant Art Deco Festival, with the freedom to explore at your own pace. The streets come alive with vintage cars, live music, street performers and elegantly dressed festival-goers celebrating the glamour of the 1930s. Wander through Napier’s famous Art Deco architecture, browse boutique shops and market stalls, or relax along Marine Parade soaking up the festive atmosphere. In the evening, we gather for a sumptuous dinner at Mission Estate Winery, the perfect setting to unwind, share stories, and celebrate our final night in Hawke’s Bay together. Art Deco dress is encouraged!

Overnight: Bluewater Hotel, Napier (B, D)

This morning we board our heritage train for our journey south, leaving behind Napier as we begin our journey west. With our steam locomotive at the front of the train, we whisk our way through the countryside, enroute to a special destination, in the heart of the Horowhenua district.

Recognised as an architectural landmark, Tatum House remains a significant piece of New Zealand’s modernist heritage and a testament to William Toomath’s enduring legacy. Recently subjected to a multi million dollar restoration and rejuvenation, we are one of the first tour groups to utilise the freshened spaces. We disembark the train, ‘on the back door step’ of Tatum, and it’s just a short walk to your accommodation within the grounds. You’ll be greeted by a glass of sparkling wine, the Tatum team are excited to host us and host a fabulous evening, just for our group.

Overnight: Tutum House, Manakau (B, L, D)

This morning you’ll wake up to the beautiful surroundings of the Horowhenua district, a slice of rural paradise. Our private diesel-hauled train arrives behind Tatum’s complex, ready to take us north towards Whanganui via the Marton – New Plymouth Line. Here our coaches await, taking us to our accommodation, and onwards to a private dinner at Bushey Park Homestead – a surviving feature of Whanganui’s Edwardian history. This is a special ‘Formal Dress’ evening – time to dress to the nines! 

Overnight: Aotea Motor Lodge or Asure Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge, Whanganui (B, L, D)

After a night’s rest, Whanganui has much in store! We’ll tour the Sarjeant Gallery, the Whanganui Regional Museum and visit NZ Glassworks before enjoying a late afternoon cruise aboard the Paddle Steamer ‘Waimarie’ enjoying a lovely dinner.

Overnight: Aotea Motor Lodge or Asure Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge, Whanganui (B, L, D)

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your leisure before boarding our heritage train bound for Inglewood. Sit back in comfort as you journey through stunning Taranaki countryside. On arrival, dive into the vibrant energy of AmeriCARna – Inglewood’s iconic celebration of classic American cars, live music, and street festivities. Soak up the atmosphere, explore the displays and enjoy the local hospitality. As the festival winds down, you’ll be comfortably transferred by coach to your central New Plymouth hotel, ready to unwind or continue exploring. A perfect  blend of relaxation, rail adventure, and automotive excitement in one unforgettable day.

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

Discover the rich culture and creativity of New Plymouth with a day exploring two of the region’s most celebrated attractions. Begin at the fascinating Puke Ariki Museum, where interactive exhibits and engaging displays bring the stories of Taranaki’s people, environment, and history to life. Just a short walk away, experience the striking Len Lye Centre, home to the internationally renowned kinetic artist whose bold, innovative works combine motion, light, and sound in a truly unique gallery setting. 

After a morning of discovery and inspiration, unwind with a relaxing lunch at Pukekura Park. Nestled among the tranquil gardens and overlooking the lake, the park offers a welcoming setting to enjoy delicious food and refreshments while surrounded by the natural beauty of one of New Zealand’s most amazing scenes. It’s the perfect balance of culture, creativity, and relaxation in the heart of New Plymouth.

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

Spend a leisurely day discovering the charm of New Plymouth at your own pace. Wander the award-winning Coastal Walkway and take in sweeping views of the Tasman Sea, including the striking Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. Throughout the city, the atmosphere will be buzzing as the vibrant Americarnival brings colour, music and classic American car culture to the streets as part of the wider AmeriCARna celebrations. Browse boutique shops, relax at a seaside café, or visit Fitzroy Beach to watch the surfers in action. With its coastal scenery, lively festival atmosphere and relaxed vibe, New Plymouth offers the perfect place to unwind.

Overnight: Plymouth International, New Plymouth (B, D)

Begin your day in New Plymouth with an early departure south, watching Mount Taranaki emerge in the morning light as you travel to Stratford, where the adventure truly begins. From here, you join the tour operated by Forgotten World Adventures, transporting you into the heart of the Forgotten World to the start of the historic Stratford–Okahukura Line. Settling into your self-driven rail cart, you spend the late morning and early afternoon travelling around 60 kilometres along this long-abandoned railway, rolling gently through tunnels, across bridges, and past remote bush, farmland and forgotten settlements, with regular stops to soak up the scenery and hear stories of the line’s construction and the communities it once served. 

A relaxed lunch at the halfway point, at Whangamomona provides a welcome pause amid the isolation and scale of the landscape before the journey continues back toward Stratford. By mid-afternoon, you return your rail cart and arrive back in Stratford with time to stretch your legs before heading north again. As the day winds down, you make the scenic drive back to New Plymouth, arriving in the early evening with a full appreciation of one of the most unique and immersive rail corridor experiences in the country.

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

The final day! You’re invited to sit back, relax and enjoy the view as we take you all the way from New Plymouth into the nation’s capital city of Wellington. Having loaded your luggage on the coach, you will soon board your diesel-hauled train for the leisurely run south. The journey continues through the rugged King Country, where deep gorges and native bush dominate the view. 

Curving southward, the track traverses viaducts and tunnels carved into the hill country, offering glimpses of remote settlements and river valleys. As we edge toward civilisation, the landscape opens into wide plains dotted with sheep and dairy farms. Beyond Palmerston North, the line parallels the Kapiti Coast, where the sea once again glimmers beside the track. As we roll into Wellington, nestled between harbour and hills, reflect on a special journey with those who have accompanied you, concluding a special 12 days away.

(B, L)