Exclusive Steam & Rail Journeys. Relive history

12 or 22 Day Steam Train Journey

We are delighted to present our EXCLUSIVE Great New Zealand Steam Train experience.

Explore New Zealand's true rail heritage as you sit back and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere that train travel creates. Absorb the olde world elegance in the form of several Edwardian era trains, complemented with a selection of steam locomotives involved in New Zealand's pioneering past.

As the locomotives chuff sedately along the pleasant pastoral countryside, witness the impressive brass work that shines through the sunlight. Drift back in time as the smoke and steam combined with the gentle rocking motion create a feeling of what travelling by train would have been like in the early days.

Combined with several of New Zealand's iconic attractions this steam train holiday will appeal equally to rail enthusiasts and their partners.

Join us for a truly memorable experience throughout New Zealand on this amazing Steam Train Journey.

Steam and Diesel Train Experiences

Museum of Transport & Technology - The Museum of Transport & Technology (MOTAT) has always been the backbone of the New Zealand transport scene and its importance has been harnessed at 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. Ride on a steam train as well as take in the collection that includes locomotives, carriages, wagons and jiggers.
Glenbrook Vintage Railway - Tucked away in an out-of-the way place you will find the amazing vintage railway society at Glenbrook. Hop aboard lovingly restored rolling stock for a journey into yesteryear. Carriages have been bought back to their former glory with luxurious leather seating, pressed metal ceilings and antique lamps. At the end of the line you get a 10-minute stopover at the workshops where engines and rolling stock are rebuilt and you can also watch as the fireman refills the coal load and water levels are topped up. Volunteers dressed in 1890s’ costumes man the station and serve a delicious morning tea.
Wa165 - Of the six Wa class locomotives that were based in Gisborne between 1910 and 1942, No. 165 was a true Gisbornite. Wa165 was born in the N.Z.R. workshops at Hillside, Dunedin in 1897 and was the first locomotive to be built here. It was put into service in March, 1898 and commenced work in Wellington the following month. After being withdrawn from service in 1959 and then years of sitting unused in a rail yard, a group of Rail Enthusiasts got together in 1985 and formed a society with the aim of rebuilding Wa165 to her former glory. Judge for yourself as you ride her through the scenic North Island countryside.
Waimarie Paddle Steamer - The PS Waimarie was built in 1899 by Yarrow & Co Shipbuilders at Poplar, London, and transported in kitset form to Wanganui. For almost 50 years she plied the River between Wanganui and Pipiriki, carrying cargo, mail, River dwellers and tourists. In 1949, the Waimarie was taken out of service and in 1952 she sank at her berth in Wanganui. She remained buried in the silt and mud of the river until 1993, when she was salvaged by enthusiastic volunteers. Intensive restoration work began and on 1st January 2000, the restored vessel was recommissioned for her new life on the Wanganui River as New Zealand’s only authentic paddle steamer. In her first year of operation, she carried over 25,000 passengers.
TranzCoastal - The TranzCoastal train journey travels from the port of Picton to Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Along the way you pass though the village of Kaikoura and travel through some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas. The TranzCoastal includes an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh sea air.
The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum - The Plains Vintage Railway came to world attention when a member of the Rogers K class, ‘K’88, was recovered in 1974 from the Oreti River in Southland and restored to a fully operational condition on the Plains Vintage Railway’s line in 1981. Your experience takes in a short journey on the historic locomotive, ‘K’88 Washington, and you will also view a working railway, a pioneer village, farm machinery and the ornamental turning museum.
Ja1271 - The epitaph 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 J class locomotives were not only a good all round engine, but were capable of very fast running with recordings at sustained speeds of 70 miles per hour.
Wab794 - The Wab794 (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 flat’s. 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.
Esplanade Scenic Railway - The Esplanade Scenic Railway was founded by a group of Palmerston North residents who wanted to pursue their hobby of model engineering, while at the same time creating something for the city. Construction of the railway began in late 1967, and took nearly 24 months. The miniature railway fleet today consists of 3 locomotives and 9 passenger cars and travels 2.2km through native bush and secluded areas of the Esplanade.
The Taieri Gorge Limited - The Taieri Gorge Limited train is New Zealand’s longest tourist railway operating from the historic Dunedin Railway Station. Experience a journey that travels through spectacular scenery along the banks of the Taieri River, through numerous tunnels and climbing along the Taieri Gorge to Strath Taieri. You will cross a dozen viaducts, including the southern hemisphere’s largest wrought iron structure, and pass through ten tunnels. Full commentary and photographic stops are provided on the return journey to Pukerangi.
TSS Earnslaw - Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the largest and grandest vessel ever to ply Lake Wakatipu. Today, the TSS Earnslaw is believed to be the only coal-fired passengercarrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Enjoy the trip across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western shores. Here you will be treated to the best of New Zealand’s traditional cuisine at the Colonel’s Homestead. On your return join a sing-along with the ship’s pianist.
The TranzAlpine - Travel on The TranzAlpine, touted as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys. As you leave Arthur’s Pass, you will climb from the lush beech rainforest up into the Southern Alps. From your carriage you’ll see the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River followed by the Canterbury Plains and farmland. During the journey you will travel through 19 tunnels and experience 4 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres.

"This Steam and Rail experience of New Zealand offers limited seats and only one EXCLUSIVE departure. We have included a number of unique journeys that sets this rail holiday apart from any other. Below is a selection of what’s in store on this once in a lifetime opportunity."

Choose from two Fully Escorted tours featuring EXCLUSIVE Steam Train Charters

12 or 22 Day Steam Train Journey

ONE LOW PRICE INCLUDES

PRE PAID ATTRACTIONS

Longlands Dairy Farm
Paradise Valley Springs*
Skyline Gondola & Luge Ride
Agrodome
Thermal mud pools & geysers*
Kiwi 360
Bushmere Estate Wines
Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari
Waimarie Paddle Steamer
Southwards Car Museum
Wellington Cable Car
Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum*
Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
Christchurch Tramway
Olveston House*
Haggis Ceremony and Gift
Larnach Castle*
Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens
Milford Sound Cruise
Lakes District Museum
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
City sights tour of Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch & Dunedin.

*Denotes guided tour is included with 1 guide per 24 travellers.

TOURING

Luxury coach travel with 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows
Professional Coach Captain
Fully Escorted
Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
Return airport transfers in New Zealand
21 nights deluxe hotel accommodation
Eight 2 night stays
Hotel porterage
12 steam and rail experiences
4 cruises
All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
GST (New Zealand Goods and Services Tax)
Comprehensive documentation pack

MEALS

21 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast at Skyrides Restaurant - Rotorua
19 sumptuous dinners including 4 specialty dinners: Maori Hangi & Concert - Rotorua, Haggis Ceremony - Dunedin, Walter Peak Homestead - Queenstown, Farewell Dinner - Christchurch
2 lunches including a specialty lunch at Longlands Dairy Farm - Matamata
7 delicious morning / afternoon teas

Note: Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm. The above inclusions are based on the full 22 Day Tour.

ITINERARY:

(B) Breakfast. (L) Lunch. (D) Dinner. (SD) Specialty 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.

Hotel Hyatt Regency Auckland (2 nights)

DAY 2: Auckland (B,D)
This morning enjoy a city tour of Auckland including a visit to the Museum of Transport and Technology where you visit the Western Springs Steam Railway, working Tramway, Tram Museum
and the Aviation Collection. Morning tea is also included. This afternoon enjoy some free time to explore the “City of Sails” at leisure.

DAY 3: Auckland - Rotorua (B,L,D)
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.Enjoy a short farm talk followed by a delicious home cooked lunch. Travel to Rotorua and visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout.

Hotel Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (Superior rooms. 2 nights)

DAY 4: Rotorua (B,SD)
Today begins with a Gondola ride to Skyrides Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome to see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Some free time is available before an afternoon transfer to see the boiling mud pools and the awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening you will experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

DAY 5: Rotorua - Gisborne (B,D)
Depart Rotorua and travel to a Kiwi Fruit farm for a unique insight into the growing of this popular fruit. Continue to a local vineyard this afternoon where you enjoy a wine tasting and platters amongst the vines before arriving into Gisborne for your overnight stay.

Hotel Portside Hotel

DAY 6: Gisborne - Napier (B,D)
Depart Gisborne aboard your vintage train with the first sector hauled by the steam locomotive, Wa165 from the Gisborne City Vintage Railway. This is an extremely scenic section of rail line with many coastal panoramas and numerous viaducts. After your journey behind Wa165, your steam charter commences on Ja1271 and continues along the spectacular coastline. Continue south to the Art Deco city of Napier which was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1931.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Te Pania (2 nights)

DAY 7: Napier (B,D)
Enjoy a city tour this morning and admire the unique architecture followed by some free time to explore at leisure. This afternoon visit Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony. Enjoy an afternoon at the world’s largest most accessible gannet colony. The scenery is breathtaking and you will be provided with a full commentary of the region including an introduction to the gannets.

DAY 8: Napier - Palmerston North (B,D)
This morning board our specially chartered train again hauled by Ja1271 travelling south towards Palmerston North. After passing over the famous “S” curved Ormondville Viaduct you stop for morning tea at the restored Ormondville Station. At Woodville a small detour south brings you to the Pahiatua Railcar Society Depot which houses three railcars in various stages of estoration. Return back to Woodville, the wind farm capital of New Zealand and continue on through the beautiful Manawatu Gorge to Palmerston North. Enjoy a ride on the Esplanade Scenic Railway before arriving at your hotel for an overnight stay.

Hotel Travelodge or Hotel Coachman

DAY 9: Palmerston North - Wanganui (B,D)
Today will start with a visit to the Feilding & District Steam Rail Society Depot, home of F163 & Wab794. After time to view these locomotives, a special steam hauled journey has been arranged. As a ‘one off’ highlight Wab794 and Ja1271 will “double head” your train out of Feilding to the old railway junction town of Marton. Photo run bys are planned for this sector to allow you to capture the drama of a double headed steam train. Ja1271 will continue up front for our trip from Marton to Wanganui. This afternoon you will experience a delightful scenic river cruise including afternoon tea onboard the coal fired paddle steamer Waimarie.

Hotel Kingsgate Hotel

DAY 10: Wanganui - Wellington (B)
Today we board Ja1271 once again and travel south to Paraparaumu where we depart the train and board the coach for the short journey to Southwards Car Museum. Here you will see the most comprehensive collection of veteran and vintage cars in the Southern Hemisphere. Afternoon tea will be enjoyed before continuing along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand‘s Capital. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Hotel James Cook Grand Chancellor (2 nights)

DAY 11: Wellington (B,D)
Start the day with an extensive city tour including a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum and a ride on the famous Wellington Cable Car. This afternoon enjoy some free time to explore Wellington. There is the option to catch the local rail service to Featherston and visit the Fell Museum which houses the famous Fell Engine.
TRAVELLERS ON THE 12 DAY TOUR WILL ENJOY A FAREWELL DINNER WITH YOUR GROUP.

DAY 12: Wellington - Christchurch (B,D)
THOSE TRAVELLING ON THE 12 DAY TOUR WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE AIRPORT FOR YOUR FLIGHT HOME.
Those travellers on the 22 day tour will transfer to the Interislander Ferry Terminal. Board your Ferry for the journey across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Here you will board the TranzCoastal, a truly spectacular rail journey that links the port of Picton to Christchurch. On arrival into Christchurch Railway Station you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel Copthorne Durham Street or Copthorne Central Hotel (2 nights)

DAY 13: Christchurch (B,D)
This morning enjoy a city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon is free and we have arranged a pass for you on the Christchurch Tramway which is the best way to see all the “Must See” sights.

DAY 14: Christchurch - Dunedin (B,SD)
Depart Christchurch and travel to The Plains Vintage Railway where you experience a ‘K’88 Steam Locomotive in work. View the informative displays and enjoy a delightful morning tea before continuing south to Oamaru. View the unique limestone buildings then travel to Dunedin, a well preserved Victorian city. Enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to Olveston House, a restigious
home full of art treasures. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.

Hotel Scenic Dunedin City Hotel (2 nights)

DAY 15: Dunedin (B,D)
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour. Next visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and view the superb collection of flowers followed by a delightful morning tea. Return to the city where some free time is available before boarding The Taieri Gorge Limited for a journey through scenery only accessible by rail. Grand examples of Victorian stonework on bridges and tunnels, plus iron latticework viaducts can be seen along with breathtaking views as you travel to Pukerangi. On return to Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station your coach will transfer you to your hotel.

DAY 16: Dunedin - Te Anau (B,D)
Some free time is available to explore at leisure this morning before departing Dunedin and travelling via Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).

Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Rooms. 2 nights)

DAY 17: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau (B,L,D)
This morning enjoy a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available.

DAY 18: Te Anau - Queenstown (B,SD)
Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum before continuing to Queenstown. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano on your return cruise.

Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lakeview Rooms. 2 nights)

DAY 19: Queenstown (Free Day) (B)
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain and Tour Escort are available to assist. This evening is also free. You may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

DAY 20: Queenstown - Franz Josef (B,D)
Travel via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to Fox Glacier. Experience a scenic flight optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before continuing to Franz Josef.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

DAY 21: Franz Josef - Christchurch (B,SD)
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This evening you will be treated to a special farewell dinner including musical entertainment with your new friends.

Hotel Copthorne Durham Street or Copthorne Central Hotel

DAY 22: Christchurch - Homeport (B)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand steam and rail holiday.