Mini Rail Tour. 7 days/6 nights

NEW ZEALAND MINI RAIL TOUR.    7 Days/6 nights.

"Northern Explorer" from Auckland and Hamilton to WELLINGTON (2 nights), "Interislander", PICTON (1 night), "Coastal Pacific", CHRISTCHURCH (3 nights), "Tranz Alpine" return day excursion  to Greymouth.

Scenic Plus - the de luxe way to travel. Includes priority check in, exclusive carriage and host/hostess service, complimentary drinks including wines, 3 course lunch or dinner and snacks. exclusive kitchen and open air viewing carriage (avoid the crowds). Extra cost per person per journey: "Northern Explorer".. $290, "Coastal Pacific".. $250, "Tranz Alpine" .. $250. Day return $400

Independent departures from Auckland most mondays and thursdays until 30 April, 2025

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GROUP DEPARTURES. 7 days/6 nights. (Hosted days 1-5) 

MINI  RAIL TOUR AND MARLBOROUGH MAGIC. 7 days/6 nights.  includes: 2 nights Wellington with tour, 1 night Picton or Blenheim, Marlborough Sounds mail cruise, Peter Jacksons Aviation Museum and wine tasting, 3 nights Christchurch, day return "Tranz Alpine" excursion to Greymouth

Depart Auckland 2024:  December 02, 2025:  January 20 - bus Auckland-Hamilton, February 17, March 17,   April 14.

Just $2,990 2 per room. $3,840 single room.

Day 1. Monday.    AUCKLAND - WELLINGTON     

7.45am Depart Auckland Strand Railway Station aboard the "Northern Explorer". Depart Papakura 8.40am, Hamilton 10.15am, and Otorohanga 10.54am.  (Transfers to train not included)

Sit back and relax and enjoy the scenes of suburban Auckland and rural Waikato dairy farmland and travel south through the central North Island including the famed Raurimu Spiral, a major engineering feat, and through the Tongariro National Park with magnificent views of the central North Island volcanoes in fine weather. Arrive Wellington 6.25pm. Transfer to your hotel. 

Day 2.  Tuesday.   WELLINGTON.  (B)

Explore the capital city on our included morning tour. Visit Oriental Bay. and enjoy part of the beautiful Marine Drive.  Visit Weta Workshop, Mt Victoria for a panoramic view over the city, the Botanical Gardens (optional cable car ride - extra expense), and a guided tour of Parliament Buildings. (Tour ends on arrival at Parliament Building. If you do not wish to tour Parliament our driver will drop  you off at your hotel, Zealandia, or Te Papa.). 

Day 3. Wednesday. WELLINGTON - PICTON. (B)

Transfer to the Interislander terminal and depart at 8.45am  for the 3 hour 30 minute cruise across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton arriving 12.30pm. This afternoon visit the "Edwin Fox" ship restoration project (own expense) and enjoy a mail boat cruise of the Marlborough Sounds. Depart Picton at 1.30pm and return about 5.30pm. Cruise the Sounds delivering the mail to the local residents and learn the history from the skipper. Enjoy about 15 minutes at Ship Cove where Captain Cook spent much time. Overnight Picton Yacht Club, or Scenic Marlborough hotels. 

Day 4. Thursday.      PICTON - CHRISTCHURCH.    (B)

Visit the Marlborough Museum, Peter Jackson's Aviation Heritage Museum, and a winery for some wine tasting. Join  the "Coastal Pacific" train at Blenheim departing at 2.05pm for the scenic ride down the Kaikoura Coast to Christchurch  arriving 7.30pm..

Prefer Kaikoura to Picton? No problem. Join the "Coastal Pacific" in Picton on arrival Wednesday  arriving Kaikoura 4.25pm. Overnight at Sudima Hotel and rejoin the "Coastal Pacific" at 4.25pm thursday for Christchurch. Time for a Whale watch cruise or flight - extra expense. Marlborough and Kaikoura? No problem. We can adjust to stay overnight thursday In Kaikoura and have one less day in Christchurch (extra cost $100 per person), or extend the tour by a day.

Day 5.  Friday.    CHRISTCHURCH. (B)

We have left today free for your own activities. Optional tours are available to the  Port Hills, Hanmer Springs, Akaroa, etc. We recommend a visit to the Orana Wildlife Park, Ferrymead historic area, and Antarctic Centre and ride the tram. All activities are extra expense.

Day 6.  Saturday.          CHRISTCHURCH - GREYMOUTH RETURN   (B)

Transfer to the rail station.

8.15am Depart Christchurch railway station aboard the  "Tranz Alpine" express for one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world crossing the Canterbury Plains and climbing through the foothills of the Southern Alps criss crossing the Waimakariri River on the way to Arthurs Pass for a brief break. Travel through the Otira tunnel and descend into the rainforest of the West Coast. Pass Lake Brunner and the Grey River and arrive Greymouth 1.05pm.   

Time to explore Greymouth. Rejoin  the "Tranz Alpine" train departing 2.05pm to recross the Southern Alps to Christchurch where arrival is scheduled for 7.00pm. Transfer back to your accommodation.

Day 7. Sunday.     CHRISTCHURCH DEPART     (B)

You will be transferred to the airport  or why not stay longer and explore more of Canterbury and further south.

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INDEPENDENT DEPARTURES: (minimum 2 passengers)  Southbound: Depart Auckland, Papakura, Hamilton and Otorohanga, Monday and Thursday, most weeks subject to space available. Singles may join any departure on which we have other people reserved. Locally hosted in each city. Itinerary can be amended subject to schedules and availability. 

This tour is flexible. We can arrange stopovers in Taumarunui, Ohakune, Picton, Kaikoura, or on the West Coast and the tour connects with our SOUTH ISLAND ICONS and BEST OF THE SOUTH ISLAND tours. Price does increase if breaking the rail journey en route.

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7 day itinerary.

Day 1. Monday/Thursday.  AUCKLAND - WELLINGTON     

7.45am Depart Auckland Strand Railway Station aboard the "Northern Explorer". Depart Papakura 8.40am, Hamilton 10.15am, and Otorohanga 10.54am.  (Transfers to train not included)

Sit back and relax and enjoy the scenes of suburban Auckland and rural Waikato dairy farmland and travel south through the central North Island including the famed Raurimu Spiral, a major engineering feat, and through the Tongariro National Park with magnificent views of the central North Island volcanoes in fine weather. Arrive Wellington 6.25pm. Transfer to your hotel. 

Day 2.  Tuesday/Friday.  WELLINGTON (B)

Explore the capital city on our included tour. Visit Oriental Bay. and enjoy part of the beautiful Marine Drive.  Visit Weta Workshop, Mt Victoria for a panoramic view over the city, the Botanical Gardens (optional cable car ride - extra expense), and a guided tour of Parliament Buildings. (Tour ends on arrival at Parliament Building. If you do not wish to tour Parliament our driver will drop  you off at your hotel, Zealandia, or Te Papa.). 

Day 3. Wednesday/Saturday.  WELLINGTON (B)

Free day to explore the capital city. Ride the local trains, take a day tour to Martinborough and the Wairarapa wine country or to the eco sanctuary of Kapiti Island, spend time at Te Papa and/or Zealandia, or try out the electric ferry to Days Bay. All activities extra expense.  

Passengers on our Marlborough Magic and Kaikoura Capers hosted tours depart this morning for Picton.

Day 4. Thursday/Sunday.  WELLINGTON - PICTON - CHRISTCHURCH      (B)

Transfer to the Interislander terminal. (Check your bags to Christchurch). Depart at 8.45am  for the 3 hour 30 minute scenic cruise across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton arriving 12.15pm

Join  the "Coastal Pacific" train  departing 1.40pm for the scenic ride down the Kaikoura Coast to Christchurch arriving 7.30pm. Transfer to your accommodation in the central city.

Day 5.  FridayMonday.   CHRISTCHURCH. (B)

We have left today free for your own activities. Optional tours are available to the  Port Hills, Hanmer Springs, Akaroa, etc. We recommend a visit to the Orana Wildlife Park, Ferrymead historic area, and Antarctic Centre and ride the tram. All activities are extra expense.

Day 6.  Saturday/Tuesday.          CHRISTCHURCH - GREYMOUTH RETURN   (B)

Transfer to the rail station.

8.15am Depart Christchurch railway station aboard the  "Tranz Alpine" express for one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world crossing the Canterbury Plains and climbing through the foothills of the Southern Alps criss crossing the Waimakariri River on the way to Arthurs Pass for a brief break. Travel through the Otira tunnel and descend into the rainforest of the West Coast. Pass Lake Brunner and the Grey River and arrive Greymouth 1.05pm.   

Time to explore Greymouth. Rejoin  the "Tranz Alpine" train departing 2.05pm to recross the Southern Alps to Christchurch where arrival is scheduled for 7.00pm. Transfer back to your accommodation.

Day 7. Sunday/Wednesday    CHRISTCHURCH DEPART     (B)

You will be transferred to the airport  or why not stay longer and explore more of Canterbury and further south.

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NORTHBOUND - 7 days/6 nights.

This tour can commence Christchurch every Monday and Thursday January 15 to  April 19 for 3 nights hotel and enjoying "Tranz Alpine" day tour one day, "Coastal Pacific" and "Interislander"  to Wellington for 3 nights and tour, "Northern Explorer to Auckland for 1 night in central city. Same costs apply. Nights in Auckland and Christchurch are interchangeable 

This tour is flexible. Stopovers can be arranged in Picton, Kaikoura, West Coast subject to availability and operation of trains.

 

Tour cost person - Independent departures - 7 day/6 nights:

Summer. 30 September, 2024  - 30 January, 2025.  2 per room  $2,690.......  Single room... $3,500

Peak.  01 February - 30 March, 2025. 2 per room. $2,950........   Single room... $3,840

 

Tour cost Includes ;

**   All travel from Auckland to West Coast and  Christchurch  including  "Northern Explorer",   "Interislander", "Coastal Pacific", and "Tranz Alpine" 

** 3 nights hotel and breakfast in Wellington

** Half Day tour of Wellington including Weta Workshop, City and Mt Victoria. Options to  Zealandia, and/or tour of Parliament

**  Interislander cruise. (Lounge class available for additional $80 subject to availabilty).

** "Coastal Pacific" from Picton to Christchurch, 

** 3 nights hotel and breakfast in Christchurch with free day.

** "Tranz Alpine" Christchurch to Greymouth day  return.  

** 1 night hotel and breakfast in Christchurch

You are welcome to stay over on the West Coast if you wish - extra expense for train fares and local arrangements.

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WEST COAST STOPOVER 3 DAYS / 2  NIGHTS. Available any day for minimum of 2 subject to space available.

Day 1.      GREYMOUTH - HOKITIKA

Arrive Greymouth 1.05pm.  You will be met by your local guide  and drive to Hokitika and catch up on Hokitika in its prime during the gold rush era. Two nights accommodation and breakfast at the Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika.

Day 2.    HOKITIKA                  (B)  

This morning we go back to nature at the Hokitika Gorge for a short walk among the breathtaking scenery.  Enjoy  a leisurely Eco boat cruise (summer only) on the Lake Mahinapua waterways originally used by pioneers, gold diggers, and early explorers. Drive south to the West Coast Treetop Walkway for an exhilirating treetop adventure  high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees with great views (weather permitting) of Lake Mahinapua, the Southern Alps, and Tasman Sea.

Day 3.          HOKITIKA - PUNAKAIKI  - CHRISTCHURCH   (B)

Drive to the amazing Punakaiki Rocks and explore the area before returning to Greymouth and visit Shantytown. Ride the train, pan for gold, and recapture something of the atmosphere of the gold rush era.  Depart Greymouth 2.05pm and travel to Christchurch aboard the Tranz Alpine train arriving 7.00pm

Stopover cost per person: 2 per room $1,160. Single room $1,490

Includes: touring on the West Coast by minibus, 2 nights accommodation and breakfast in Hokitika, admissions to Shantytown and Treetops walk. "Tranz Alpine" fares are not included.

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THE COOK CONNECTION - Christchurch - Tekapo - Mt Cook - Queenstown or vv 2 days/1 night

Departs Christchurch and Queenstown DAILY

Day 1.   Depart Christchurch 7.30am from the Travel Centre in Litchfield St  by Great Sights tour coach for Lake Tekapo with time to see the sheep dog monument and church of the Good Shepherd before continuing along the shores of Lake Pukaki to the Hermitage in the heart of the Mt Cook National Park arriving 12.50pm. Free afternoon for helicopter or ski plane flights, glacier lake, cruise, or alpine walks. Accommodation at the Hermitage hotel with breakfast. (Note: You may stayover in Tekapo instead of Mt Cook if you wish - same price applies. Enjoy the Tekapo Dark Skies project or Mt Cook stargazing if you wish - extra expense and early booking essential)

Day 2.  Free morning and depart Mt Cook at 2.25pm travelling over the Lindis Pass and through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown arriving 6.20pm. The coach  departs from the Hermitage Hotel and arrives in the centre of Queenstown.

Tour cost per person - 2 days 1 night tour

Hermitage Mt Cook View Rooms:    2 per room     $990         Single room  $1,280

Hermitage. Premium rooms:      $1,390.   Single room    $1,650

Tour cost includes all travel from Christchurch to Queenstown or vv, 1 night accommodation at Hermitage Hotel or Lodge with breakfast, 

Passengers may stay at Tekapo and Bluewater Resort instead of Mt Cook if you want the Dark Sky Experience. Same price as Mt Cook View rooms.

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THE GRAND RAIL AND SAIL TOUR COMBO .. 13 days/12 nights

Depart Auckland and Hamilton every monday except 25 December - 27 January, 21 April 

** Mini rail tour from Auckland and Hamilton to Christchurch. 7 days. Monday - Sunday

** Great Sights tour coach  from Christchurch to Tekapo, Mt Cook sunday and Queenstown Monday

**  Fabulous Fiordland Tour 7 days/ 6 nights featuring 2 nights Queenstown, Milford Sound cruise, 2 nights Te Anau, 1 night cruise on beautiful Doubtful Sound, 1 night Queenstown.  Read More:

Total cost per person. 13 days

2 per room  $4,500. Single room $6,300

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