| Te Puia. At New Zealand's Maori Cultural Centre in Rotorua, you will experience the power of the Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and the famous Pohutu Geyser. Hear how the local Maori created a unique lifestyle by harnessing the energy offered by geo-thermal waters for bathing, cooking and therapeutic use. Take a journey into the Maori culture this evening where you will learn the stories and traditions through song and dance and feast on a traditionally cooked hangi. |  |
| Skyline Gondola Ride and Luge. Set high on the side of Mt Ngongotaha with panoramic views overlooking Rotorua city, the lake, geothermal activity and surrounding hinterlands. Enjoy spectacular views from the gondola as the ride carries you 487 metres above sea level. Once at the top, a fully cooked buffet breakfast and a glass of sparkling wine awaits you. There is also an opportunity to try the Luge, a fun ride for all ages that allows you to travel as fast or as slow as you wish through the Redwood Forest. |  |
| Agrodome Sheep Show. Rated as one of New Zealand's best tourist attractions, Agrodome will teach you about agriculture in New Zealand. Enjoy an entertaining show on farm life with 19 different breeds of sheep on display. Watch a skillful shearer at work as he shears a sheep on stage. The sheep dog trial will amaze you as these very clever animals respond to voice and whistle commands to round up sheep. |  |
| The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. New Zealand's National museum, located in the nation's capital, Wellington, offers visitors a unique and authentic experience of this country's treasures and stories. Over 20 galleries house imaginative exhibitions that explore the unique natural environment, the triumphs and tragedies of the colonial history, art and the vitality of the Maori. Your guided tour of the museum also includes a display of seventeen heritage model steam locomotives and rolling stock from the New Zealand Rail Railway Model Collection. |  |
| International Antarctic Centre. A visit here allows you to experience Antarctica in a fun, exciting, all weather environment. Experience real Antarctic conditions with audio visual and Touch Screen technology and feel "genuine" Antarctic wind chill. Ride on an all terrain Hagglund and see Little Blue Penguins in the NZ Penguin Encounter, New Zealand's first combined indoor/outdoor penguin viewing area. |  |
| Haggis Ceremony. In keeping with the strong Scottish heritage of Dunedin, you will enjoy an evening of Scottish entertainment honouring the immortal poet, Robbie Burns. The Haggis Ceremony is a unique blend of rousing bagpipes, an entertaining Addressor, the fascinating haggis and whisky from Dunedin's own distillery. A feature of the ceremony is the passenger participation in the haggis ceremony duties of carrying the tray of whisky and glasses, the sword and the unique haggis delicacy itself. This is sure to be part of an entertaining evening enjoyed by all! |  |
| Larnach Castle. New Zealand's only castle was built in 1871, by William Larnach for his beloved wife Eliza. Today the castle is privately owned by the Barker Family, who have lovingly restored it to its former glory. This superbly crafted building with magnificent architecture showcases a unique collection of antiques. The beautiful gardens have been selected as a Garden of National Significance by the New Zealand Garden's Trust. |  |
| Milford Sound Cruise. Milford Sound was carved out during successive ice ages and at its deepest point off Mitre Peak, plunges to a depth of 265 metres. The grandeur of Milford Sound can be appreciated during your cruise. Cruise the length of the Sound and enjoy close up views of Mitre Peak, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest. Keep a look out for wildlife sightings as they are common. Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins are resident in the fiord and if sighted can be viewed up close from the launch. |  |
| TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak High Country Farm. Cruise aboard the vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, across beautiful Lake Wakatipu. The TSS Earnslaw, is one of the last remaining coal fired passenger vessels, you will have time to explore the decks, bridge and the engine room. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a delicious dinner in the Colonel's Homestead. |  |
| Museum of Technology & Transport.Rail has always been the backbone of the New Zealand transport scene and it's importance has been harnessed at the Museum of Technology & Transport (MOTAT) through restored trains. The old Waitakere Railway Station is a feature and is home to two of the most powerful locomotives to run in New Zealand during the 1950's. There is time to enjoy the impressive collection that includes locomotives, carriages, wagons, jiggers, trams, steam trams, vintage trucks and buses. |  |
| Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Experience the thrill of travel by steam train on this 12 kilometre scenic journey. Travel through beautiful rural countryside on a vintage train hauled by one of the lovingly restored steam locomotives. Settle into the immaculate wood carriages and get to know the staff in vintage uniform who will clip your ticket as you listen to the panting steam engine. There is time to visit the restoration workshops en route before returning to the Glenbrook Station where a delightful morning tea will be served. |  |
| Wab 794. (Pronounced WOB) was built at Hillside, Dunedin, in 1927, and is a tank version of the Ab class. The Wab's with the water tanks over the driving wheels had very good pulling power at low speeds, and excellent acceleration on flats. This made them very useful on the heavily graded section of both island's main trunk routes, as well as in Auckland and Wellington on the suburban passenger services, where quick acceleration to operating speed was required. A Wab class would commonly tow ten passenger cars on the Wellington to Upper Hutt Line, stopping at most stations on the way. |  |
| TranzCoastal. This truly spectacular journey commences at the coastal port of Picton. Travel through the picturesque Marlborough Wine Region. Continue along the East Coast, via a thin wedge of land, pinned between the Pacific Ocean on one side and the rugged beauty of the coastal mountains and lush, rolling farmland on the other. Along the way enjoy a stop at the fishing village of Kaikoura. Further south you travel inland through the Canterbury Plains before arriving into Christchurch. |  |
| Tamaki Heritage Village and Ferrymead Railway. During your evening experience visit the Maori Village, fortified Pa and the Colonial Town as they all come to life. Enjoy a nostalgic tram ride plus a steam train journey, hauled by the first New Zealand built steam locomotive, with vintage carriages, all fully returned to their original condition. Ferrymead Railway is built on the site of New Zealand's first public railway and travels along the original embankment next to the Heathcoate River. The railway is an historic site. It was opened in 1863 and was closed in 1874 when it became part of the New Zealand rail network. It was originally a broad gauge railway and was converted to New Zealand railway standard gauge in 1874. |  |
| Ja 1271. The epitome of New Zealand steam locomotive development. The Ja class were built at Hillside from 1946 to 1956 and are the last steam locomotives built by the New Zealand Government Railways. Ja1271 is the 3rd last Ja built at Hillside and was a Dunedin based locomotive all its life. The Ja class locomotives were not only a good all round engine, but were capable of running very fast with recordings at sustained speeds of 70 miles per hour. |  |
| The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum. At the end of 1968, when the former Tinwald to Mt Somers Branchline closed, a genuine pioneer country village grew. The Vintage Railway now operates over 3km of the remaining branchline. Among the collection of locomotives is the beautifully restored 'K'88 'Washington'. This 1878 USA built locomotive was rescued from the banks of the Oreti river, having been buried for over 40 years. |  |
| The Taieri Gorge Ltd. This is a fascinating journey through spectacular scenery, only accessible by train and EXCLUSIVE to Grand Pacific Tours. Depart from Dunedin's Historic Edwardian Railway Station and see grand examples of Victorian Stonework on bridges and tunnels plus travel across iron latticework viaducts built in the 1880's. Take in the sights on board modern carriages with panoramic windows and skylights plus refurbished traditional style wooden cars. A full commentary will be provided with several opportunities to disembark at points of interest. |  |
| Kingston Flyer. Powered by a Pacific AB Class steam locomotive, the Kingston Flyer is the nickname of the passenger train that ran between Kingston Wharf and the main trunk railway at Gore, back in the early 1900s. With a speed of around 60mph, early day passengers felt they were really flying, considering the main form of transport was horseback, hence the name - The Kingston "Flyer". Today this scenic journey takes approximately one hour and a champagne barbecue lunch is served on arrival at Kingston. This is a "special" double headed journey EXCLUSIVE to Grand Pacific Tours. |  |
To truly enhance and capture the spirit of steam train travel, we have chartered EXCLUSIVELY the services of two distinctive steam locomotives. The Wab 794, will take you through the valleys and pastoral countryside of the North Island, whilst the Ja 1271 will guide you through the Canterbury Plains, along the North Otago coast and from Arthur's Pass through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the South Island.
Indicates prepaid inclusions
Meal Plan: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Day 1 Homeport - Auckland (D) Fly from your homeport to
Auckland. On arrival you will be met by a
Grand Pacific Tours representative and
transferred to your hotel. This evening at
dinner you will be introduced to your Tour Escort and meet your fellow travelling companions.
Accommodation: Mercure Auckland (2 nights)
Day 2 Auckland (BD)
This morning enjoy a City Tour of Auckland including a visit to the Museum of Transport and Technology. Visit the Museum section first and admire the old colonial buildings, the impressive "Pioneers of Aviation" display, an extensive commercial vehicle and bus section and the old Waitakere Railway Station.
Enjoy a 15 minute tramcar ride which brings you to an amazing collection of aircraft, including a restored Lancaster Bomber, a selection of military vehicles and the Western Springs Railway. Here you will see a fascinating collection of working industrial and bush tramway locomotives plus the railway restoration workshops. This afternoon some free time is available to explore the "City of Sails" at leisure.
Day 3 Auckland - Rotorua 
(BLD)
Depart Auckland and travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 12 kilometre trip back in time, on a beautifully restored vintage steam train. Visit the restoration workshop and on return to Glenbrook Station, morning tea will be served. Depart Glenbrook and travel through the magnificent countryside to
Longlands Dairy Farm. Here you enjoy a brief tour of the farm, led by the owner who is a third generation dairy farmer, followed by a delicious home cooked lunch. Travel to Tauranga to visit a Kiwi Fruit Orchard, then continue past the beautiful twin lakes, to the geothermal town of Rotorua.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights, Superior Rooms)
Day 4 Rotorua (BD) Today begins at the
Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Next visit the
Caterpillar Experience, the only attraction of its kind in the world. View the impressive exhibits and informative displays of rare
vintage Caterpillar earthmovers including a
Fifteen Motor Patrol grader, believed to be the last of its kind in existence. Some
free time is available before you see first hand, the
boiling Mud Pools and the
awesome Geysers that
Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience the
Maori culture with an
entertaining Hangi and Concert.
Day 5 Rotorua - Taupo - Palmerston North (BD)
This morning ride the Gondola to the Skyline Restaurant for a buffet breakfast and spectacular views. Time for a ride on the luge before you depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Wairakei Park. Visit the Volcanic Activity Centre for a hands-on interactive experience on the Taupo Volcanic Zone, considered to be one of the most active geothermal and volcanic areas in the world today. View the impressive Huka Falls and see Lake Taupo before travelling along the "Desert Road". Proceed to Taihape, the boarding point for your first journey on our EXCLUSIVE steam train charter. The loco, the Wab 794 will run you through the Rangitikei Valley to Feilding, where you will board the coach for the short journey to Palmerston North.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel or Novotel Hotel
Day 6 Palmerston North - Wellington (BLD)
This morning reboard the Wab 794 for your EXCLUSIVE journey, view the pastoral countryside then head inland through the beautiful Manawatu Gorge and Wairarapa region. Enjoy a short visit at the Pahiatua Railcar Museum and view the progress on the restoration of several interesting railcars. Continue by steam train to Masterton. Here board your coach and travel to Featherston for a tour and lunch at the Fell Engine Museum. The H199, housed at the Museum is one of six H class locomotives designed for use on the 1 in 15 Rimutaka Incline and is the only remaining Fell railway locomotive in the world. The locomotive used John Barraclough Fell's unique method of four grip wheels on a raised centre rail. View the spectacular audio-visual presentation "Rimutaka 1949" as you step back in time and experience a unique aspect of New Zealand's railway heritage. Off again as you reboard your steam train and pass through the scenic Rimutaka Ranges to arrive at New Zealand's capital city, Wellington after a very memorable day.
Accommodation: James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel (2 nights)
Day 7 Wellington (B)
Enjoy an extensive City Sights Tour this morning, including a trip on the famous Wellington cable car. Visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum where a guided tour will showcase a unique and authentic experience of New Zealand's treasures and stories. This afternoon enjoy some free time to explore at leisure, or you may choose to join one of the optional tours available. This evening is also free for you to dine at leisure at one of the fine restaurants in town or at the hotel.
Day 8 Wellington - Christchurch (BD)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry and cruise across Cook Strait and the scenic Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Here, join the TranzCoastal, for a truly spectacular rail journey that links the port of Picton to Christchurch.Your journey travels through vineyards, salt mountains and river valleys. Continue across the rolling farmland of the Northern Canterbury Plains arriving into the garden city of Christchurch.
Accommodation: Rydges Christchurch (2 nights)
Day 9 Christchurch (BD)
This morning enjoy a City Sights Tour, including a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, where you will experience a "Hagglund" ride plus a visit to the penguin encounter. Next, visit the Airforce Museum, famous for its collection of classic aeroplanes. This afternoon is free and you have been provided with a free day pass on the Christchurch Tramway, the best way to enjoy the "must see" sights at leisure. A highlight this evening will be a visit to the Tamaki Heritage Village where you will experience traditional art, craft, food and entertainment at a Maori Pa site and see Maori in their way of life during the Colonial era. The Ferrymead Railway steam train experience will be a great way to conclude the evening.
Day 10 Christchurch - Ashburton - Omarama (BLD)
This morning it's back to steam haulage. The locomotive EXCLUSIVELY chartered for today is the Ja 1271. Enjoy your journey across the Canterbury Plains to Ashburton where you visit The Plains Vintage Railway and Pioneer Village. Lunch will be enjoyed as you see the beautifully restored Rogers locomotives. A range of interesting exhibits are on offer and you will enjoy a ride on the world famous 'K'88 'Washington', a locomotive rebuilt and returned to service in 2002. Board your coach and travel through dramatic Mackenzie country to Lake Tekapo and see the Church of the Good Shepherd and the famous Sheep Dog Statue. There is an opportunity (time and weather permitting) to enjoy an optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps and Mt Cook before arriving at Omarama for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel
Day 11 Omarama - Oamaru - Dunedin (BD)
This morning travel to Oamaru, the "Whitestone City" and visit the impressive Historic Precinct with its stunning limestone buildings. After lunch, reboard your EXCLUSIVELY chartered steam train and travel on one of New Zealand's most spectacular rail journeys. Take in the breathtaking scenery along the coast from North Otago to the "Scottish" city of Dunedin, where you arrive at its beautifully restored Edwardian railway station. This evening enjoy a Scottish evening, comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.
Accommodation: Scenic Circle Dunedin City (2 nights)
Day 12 Dunedin (BLD)
Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. Learn of the history and restoration of this amazing landmark on your personally guided tour, followed by a delightful morning tea. Arrive at the Dunedin Train Station in time to board our EXCLUSIVE charter of the Taieri Gorge Railway. Enjoy a boxed lunch on board as your journey takes you through terrain, spectacular gorges and high ravines only accessible by rail. Photo stops will be provided en route as you marvel at grand examples of Victorian stonework on bridges and tunnels, plus iron latticework viaducts can be seen as you travel to Middlemarch. See the turntable in action and mingle with the locals whilst enjoying afternoon tea. Make the return journey to Dunedin's historic Railway Station where your coach will transfer you to your hotel.
Day 13 Dunedin - Te Anau (BD)
This morning enjoy a guided tour of the Otago Settlers Museum which houses an excellent exhibition on Rail and Road Transport. Also on site is "Josephine" the unique Double-Fairlie locomotive, one of the first imported into New Zealand from the United Kingdom. Farewell Dunedin and travel via Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau where we view the amazing film, "Ata Whenua". This visual experience takes you on an unforgettable journey through the inspiring Fiordland landscapes.
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (2 nights, Deluxe Rooms)
Day 14 Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau (BLD)
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive into Milford Sound. Board your launch, enjoy a picnic lunch and marvel at the sheer cliffs and the many waterfalls as you cruise this magnificent fiord. Return to Te Anau for some free time. This evening you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
Day 15 Te Anau - Queenstown (BLD)
A leisurely start today before travelling to Fairlight to board The Kingston Flyer for an EXCLUSIVE special rail journey behind their magnificent Pacific AB Class locomotives. A double header will lead you through breathtaking scenery. On arrival at Kingston a champagne barbecue lunch will be served. Continue to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village, visit the Lakes District Museum before travelling to Queenstown, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening board the vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival enjoy dinner in the Colonel's Homestead followed by a short farm tour. Reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Accommodation: Mercure Resort or Copthorne Hotel & Resort (2 nights, Lakeview Rooms)
Day 16 Queenstown (Free Day) (B)
Today is a free day with plenty of sightseeing options available. Perhaps take in the breathtaking views from high above Queenstown on the Skyline Gondola or experience the thrill of a jet boat ride.Your Tour Escort will be happy to assist. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine out at one of
the many fine restaurants or at your hotel.
Day 17 Queenstown - Franz Josef (BD)
Depart Queenstown and travel via the Haast Pass to the West Coast. Witness the amazing scenery of the Southern Alps. Travel north to Fox Glacier, where time is available (weather permitting), for an optional scenic helicopter flight over the spectacular glaciers before continuing to Franz Josef.
Accommodation: Scenic Circle Franz Josef Glacier Hotel
Day 18 Franz Josef - Christchurch (BD)
Travel to Hokitika, famous for its "Greenstone", and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur's Pass, located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your EXCLUSIVE steam train for the final time to experience one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World. The carriages have open balconies giving you many opportunities to photograph the magnificent scenery. Descend through tunnels, spectacular gorges, river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey at Christchurch. This evening is your final night and a special farewell dinner has been organised. The perfect way to complete a wonderful experience with your new friends.
Accommodation: Rydges Christchurch
Day 19 Christchurch - Homeport (B)
Time to say good-bye.You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, taking with you fond memories of your amazing New Zealand Steam Train holiday.
Price Includes:
- 18 nights superior hotel accommodation
- Luxury coach travel throughout the tour
- Dedicated Tour Escort
- Professional Coach Captain
- Meet and greet on arrival in New Zealand
- 18 cooked breakfasts
- 16 dinners including 5 speciality dinners:
- Maori Hangi and Concert - Rotorua
- Tamaki Heritage Village - Christchurch
- Haggis Ceremony - Dunedin
- Walter Peak Homestead - Queenstown
- Farewell Dinner - Christchurch
- 6 lunches
- All sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary
- Special souvenir group photo
- Numerous rail journeys including Glenbrook Vintage Railway,Wab 794, The TranzCoastal, Ja 1271, Taieri
Gorge Ltd and Kingston Flyer - GST - New Zealand Goods and Services Tax
- Personalised itinerary, travel bag, ticket wallet, toiletry wetpack, personal New Zealand travel diary, postcard, personal name badge, luggage label, touring map and Optional Tours Directory.
Important Notes:
Dinner on Day 1 is not included for passengers arriving in Auckland later than 8.00pm.
To check availability or get further information click here
