New Zealand's Rail Wonders
October 7-27, 2005
Friday, October 7
Arrive Auckland (D)
Welcome to Auckland! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to our hotel. Today enjoy Auckland at your leisure. This evening we transfer to the Harbourside Restaurant, overlooking the Waitemata Harbour in the historic ferry building to celebrate the beginning of our tour. Get to know fellow travelers and tour leader Allan Boyer over our welcome dinner.
Overnight: The Heritage Tower Hotel, Auckland
Saturday, October 8
Auckland; Mainline Steam Workshops (B)
This morning, enjoy the sights of this beautiful city. Auckland is located at the north end of the country on a narrow isthmus of land between the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. Tour includes the Auckland War Memorial Museum, situated on an extinct volcanic cone with great views of the city and harbor, and home to world-renowned collection of Maori and Polynesian treasures.
Afternoon visit to Mainline Steam's railway workshop in Parnell--operated by the Mainline Steam Heritage Trust, a volunteer-staffed organization devoted to the restoration and operation of main line steam locomotives. At times, up to 12 steam locomotives are shedded at the workshop, including a GMAM Garratt from South Africa.
Overnight: The Heritage Tower Hotel, Auckland
Sunday, October 9
Auckland to Rotorua; Glenbrook Vintage Railway (B, D)
Travel to the Glenbrook Vintage Railway--not a museum, but rather a fully self-supporting, operating steam railway, built almost entirely by volunteer labor. Leave Auckland via motorway and cross the Bombay Hills before descending into the fertile farmlands of the Waikato Plains and on to the large inland city of Hamilton. Travel through the very "English" town of Cambridge to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Millennium Rotorua, Rotorua
Monday, October 10
Rotorua: The Essence of Maori (B, D)
Sightseeing today in Rotorua includes the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute; shooting steam geysers and bubbling mud pools in the thermal reserve; Rainbow Springs, a trout and wildlife sanctuary with native birds, flora and fauna, exotic deer and game animals. Enjoy the farm show as well-sheep shearing, hand-milking a cow and lamb feeding.
Tonight, experience Mai-Ora, "Essence of Maori," a welcome ceremony by a Maori tribe, demonstrations of typical musical instruments, singing and dancing--followed by a buffet-style meal in the dining room.
Overnight: Millennium Rotorua, Rotorua
Tuesday, October 11
Trans Scenic Overlander (B, D)
Depart Rotorua by coach. Journey includes the Kaingaroa State Forest--among the largest man-made forests in the world. Stop to view the spectacular Huka Falls. Huka means "foaming" and describes where the Waikato River plunges through a narrow cleft in the rock to create the Falls.
We'll also have a magnificent view of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Continue west through the Pureora Forest Park to Taumarunui. Here we join the Tranz Scenic Overlander train that will take us to Palmerston North. Along the way enjoy fantastic views of farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world-famous Raurimu Spiral and stunning river gorges. On arrival in Palmerston North, transfer to your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Overnight: Kingsgate Hotel, Palmerston North
Wednesday, October 12
Feilding and District Steam Rail Society (B, D)
This morning we visit the Feilding and District Steam Rail Society. Restoration work in progress includes a Wab794. Depart by coach from Palmerston North and travel through the striking Manawatu Gorge. Pass through several small towns before arriving in the attractive seaside city of Napier. Enjoy some free time this afternoon. Stroll along Marine Parade by the Pacific Ocean and take in the buildings of this Art Deco city, or visit some of the vineyards. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Tennyson Motor Inn, Napier
Thursday, October 13
Gisborne Vintage Rail Steam Train (B, D)
Depart Napier and travel northward through lush farming country and on to the town of Wairoa. Skirt Poverty Bay before arriving in Gisborne, pleasantly situated on the seacoast and on the banks of three rivers.
On arrival board the Gisborne Vintage Rail Steam Train WA165. The train excursion to Opoutama, Mahia, is considered by many to be one of NZ's most scenic rail routes, with over 13 tunnels and unbelievable coastal views (Note this trip is subject to track maintenance). Return to Gisborne, and travel back to Napier by coach. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Tennyson Motor Inn, Napier
Friday, October 14
Fell Engine Museum (B)
Head south today climbing out of Hawkes Bay and into the rolling sheep and cattle farmland that characterizes this area. At Featherston we stop to visit the Fell Engine Museum. This museum houses one of the six special locomotives used for 77 years on the Rimutaka Incline. From Featherton the road converges on the rugged Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges before joining the motorway system into Wellington, New Zealand's capital--a truly energetic, cosmopolitan city.
On arrival in Wellington, travel to the top of Mount Victoria for panoramic views of the central city, nearby suburbs, picturesque harbor, Cook Strait and even the South Island on a clear day. Drive by the 'Beehive' and Parliament Buildings and see old St Paul's Church, administered by the Historic Places Trust. This evening is free to enjoy dinner on your own.
Overnight: James Cook Grand Chancellor, Wellington
Saturday, October 15
Cook Strait Ferry (B, D)
This morning enjoy some free time in Wellington, perhaps to visit one of the rail museums in the area prior to our mid-afternoon ferry crossing to the South Island. This afternoon we board our vessel for the trip across Cook Strait. Enter the unchanged expanse of the Marlborough Sounds. Cruise through spectacular scenery into the small, picturesque settlement of Picton. Transfer to our hotel on arrival and enjoy dinner.
Overnight: The Yacht Club Hotel, Picton
Sunday, October 16
Tranz Scenic charter train; Weka Pass Railway (B, D)
This morning we join our chartered Tranz Scenic train. The journey between Picton and Christchurch, main city of the South Island, is spectacular. Travel through grape country and over plains before heading south down the East Coast through salt mountains and river valleys. For over 60 miles the track runs along a thin ledge of land pinned between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. As you travel along the coast, keep a watch for whales spouting on the horizon and the seal colonies that live on the rocky coastline.
At Waipara we stop to visit the Weka Pass Railway. This is a historic rural railway on eight miles of scenic line through the unique limestone beauty of the Weka Pass. The volunteer railway has five locomotives--one steam and four diesel. Reboard our charter train and cross the rolling farmland of the Canterbury Plains before reaching the elegant garden city of Christchurch. Transfer to our hotel upon arrival. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Copthorne Central Hotel, Christchurch
Monday, October 17
Ferrymead Railway (B, D)
This morning we visit the Ferrymead Heritage Park, an Edwardian Township complete with picture theatre, school house, church, bakery, jail and railway station. In 1863 New Zealand's first public railway line was opened from Ferrymead to Christchurch. The Ferrymead Railway is a tourist railway and living museum that holds, restores and operates New Zealand's finest collection of steam, diesel and electric locomotives, rolling stock, signaling equipment and buildings. The Ferrymead Railway is operated by the Canterbury Railway Society. The remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoyChristchurch at your leisure.
The ornate Christchurch tramway has made a welcome return after a 40-year absence. This evening we step aboard our private tram to enjoy a pleasant hour sipping chilled refreshments and savoring delicious canapés as we trundle along tree-lined streets, past green parks, historic buildings, and buzzing sidewalk cafés. We disembark at the Christchurch Arts Centre and enjoy dinner at the award-winning Annies Wine Bar & Restaurant.
Overnight: Copthorne Central Hotel, Christchurch
Tuesday, October 18
Tranz Scenic charter train: TranzAlpine route (B, D)
This morning we board our Tranz Scenic charter train to Greymouth. Today we follow the route of the TranzAlpine--world renowned as "The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure" and the main rail attraction on the South Island. This route crosses the mountainous spire of the country at Arthur's Pass (elevation 2,063 feet). We set out west across the vast fertile patchwork of the Canterbury Plains. It's a slightly uphill climb to the small village of Springfield, where our gradient increases at the foothills of the Alps. With gradients ranging from 1:70 to 1:50, the train winds its way over viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys, and through a total of 16 tunnels to reach the settlement of Arthur's Pass in a National Park by the same name.
We may (subject to track requirements) make a lunch stop at the village with time to explore the Visitors Center before reboarding the train and entering the 1:35, 5.34-mile Otira Tunnel. The tunnel, which opened in 1923, bores its way through the Main Divide of the Alps and emerges on the West Coast. There are a total of 19 tunnels en route; the longest is the Otira, and the shortest (131 feet) is between Broken River and Sloven's Creek. There are a total of six viaducts, the highest being the Staircase Viaduct at 240 feet. Our destination is Greymouth, a predominantly coal-mining and saw-milling district and the largest town in the area. On arrival we transfer by coach to our hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Kingsgate Hotel, Greymouth
Wednesday, October 19
Greymouth (B, D)
This morning travel by coach to Shantytown Historic Village. Steam power was at the heart of the West Coast's early development. Shantytown affords this time-encapsulated experience to new generations of travelers via a short trip by steam train. Take a short trip through lush rain forest along a line following an original sawmill tram track of the 1800s. On the return trip, we disembark at the Infants Creek Sawmill and take a short walk to our gold claim. Shantytown has a vast collection of Pioneer relics housed in over 30 historic buildings.
This afternoon we travel by coach 27 miles north of Greymouth, where we will find an outstanding natural attraction known as the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. These eroded limestone rocks have taken on the appearance of a pile of pancakes. There is a very good view of the coast from the rocks, and with a westerly gale blowing, the sight is spectacular. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Kingsgate Hotel, Greymouth
Thursday, October 20
Tranz Scenic charter train; Plains Railway (B, D)
This morning we join our Tranz Scenic charter train to retrace our journey through the Alps, then over the Canterbury Plains to visit the Plains Railway at Ashburton. The vintage railway now operates over 1.8 miles of the remaining branch line. Reboard our charter train and continue south to Timaru and transfer to our hotel. Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight: Benvenue Hotel, TimaruFriday, October 21
Pleasant Point Museum and Railway (B, D)
This morning we visit the Pleasant Point Railway, situated 15 minutes west of Timaru. The Pleasant Point Museum and Railway's collection includes NZ's only restored birdcage carriage, built in 1895. Also unique to the museum is the 1925 Model T Ford Railcar--the only one of its type in the world.
Later this morning board our Tranz Scenic charter train and continue south through the historic wonders of Oamaru. Cross the steep ravines of Otago to Dunedin, "the Edinburgh of the South," where we leave to our charter train. We will transfer to the hotel, where we enjoy dinner.
Overnight: Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin
Saturday, October 22
Taieri Gorge Limited (B)
After a free morning in this beautiful city, we take the Taieri Gorge Limited, an award-winning tourist excursion train running more than 40 miles up the Taieri River, through the spectacular Taieri Gorge--a stunning natural area reached only by rail. We depart from the stately Dunedin Railway Station--a monument to Edwardian architecture built at the turn of last century--rumored to be the most photographed building in New Zealand.
We travel first to Pukerangi, then across the Strath Taeiri Plains to the small rural town of Middlemarch before returning to Dunedin. The diesel-hauled train includes carriages with skylights and panoramic windows and older heritage carriages built early last century. We return along the same route, making photo stops along the way. At its highest point, the railway reaches 833 ft. above sea level and features steep ravines, unique schist rock formations and Victorian-era viaducts.
Overnight: Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin
Sunday, October 23
Farm stay (B, D)
This morning we travel south by coach through the townships of Milton and Balclutha. After crossing over the Clutha River, continue on to Gore. Enroute, we'll stop to see several wonderfully restored DeHavilland vintage aircraft at Mandeville. There will also be an opportunity to take an optional vintage flight in a 1940s Tiger Moth. Continue on to Lumsden where we split into small groups and head to individual farms, which may be raising sheep, cattle or deer. If you wish, take a walk around the property with your host, learn about farm life, and perhaps join in with some of the activities and tasks. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner featuring some classic local specialities and a relaxed evening with your host.
Overnight: Country homestay, Lumsden
Monday, October 24
Overnight cruise of the Doubtful Sound (B, D)
Breakfast with host. This morning we regroup in Lumsden and board our coach. There are magnificent views of the mountains of Fiordland and a wide panorama of Lake Te Anau before we reach Manapouri. Following a short cruise across beautiful Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass, you will board the Fiordland Navigator at Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound. Enjoy the stunning views and discover the hidden arms of Doubtful Sound. Fur seals and bottlenose dolphins are often seen and at times, rare penguins. We'll drop anchor at a mooring for the night. Enjoy a delicious evening buffet.
Overnight: Fiordland Navigator, Doubtful Sound
Tuesday, October 25
Kingston Flyer (B, D)
This morning we cruise back to Manapouri where we rejoin our coach and drive through farmland and undulating countryside to Fairlight. Here we board the 938-horsepower Kingston Flyer to Kingston. The Kingston Flyer now consists of two AB class Pacific locomotives dating back to 1925 and seven wooden vintage carriages, all dating around the turn of the century. Today, the Kingston Flyer operates on an 8.7-mile stretch of track through spectacular mountain scenery between Fairlight and Kingston, at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu. We make the 30-minute run beside the lake and under the lee of the mighty Remarkables mountain range, and return to Fairlight. Depart by coach for Queenstown.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a year-round alpine resort, set amid steep mountain ranges and pockets of native bush with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables rising from the lake.
Overnight: Novotel Gardens, Queenstown
Wednesday, October 26
TSS Earnslaw (B)
This morning is free in New Zealand's premier resort, with a number of attractions and activities to choose from. This afternoon we depart from Queenstown onboard the TSS Earnslaw. Affectionately known as the "Lady of the Lake," the TSS Earnslaw has been transporting goods conveying passengers on beautiful Lake Wakatipu since 1912. Cruise across the lake to Walter Peak Station. At Walter Peak, experience life in a rural setting as you wander through the homestead. Look at the antiques and enjoy afternoon tea surrounded by gardens and views of the lake and mountains. Reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a leisurely cruise back to Queenstown. Enjoy a farewell dinner together as we toast a wonderful trip!
Overnight: Novotel Gardens, Queenstown
Thursday, October 27
Depart New Zealand (B)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. A transfer will be provided to Queenstown airport to connect with your onward flight.
Tour Cost:
$7,828 per person, double occupancy
$1,745 single supplement
Book by July 30 and save over $800 per person!
Tour cost if booked by July 30: $7011.50 per person
Included in the cost of the tour:
ˇ Accommodation in the hotels as mentioned in the program including buffet breakfast, service charge, taxes and porterage in & out; farm stay in Lumsden in a private room with ensuite facilities or separate bathroom strictly for guest use
ˇ Lunches and dinners as noted in the program. Welcome/farewell dinners include wine or beer
ˇ Visits to workshops and entrance fees to museums and other sights mentioned in itinerary
ˇ City tours as outlined in the itinerary, with local guides
ˇ Overnight Doubtful Sound Wilderness cruise
ˇ TSS Earnslaw steamer cruise
ˇ Supplements and reservations on trains wherever possible
ˇ Luggage transportation between hotels, trains and ships
ˇ Group coach transfers where necessary
ˇ Transfers from Auckland airport to hotel (day of arrival) and from Queenstown hotel to airport (day of departure)
ˇ All gratuities for all included meals and tours and other services, excluding optional gratuities to tour leader
ˇ 12.5% Goods and Services Tax
ˇ Services of full-time tour guide, Allan Boyer
Not included in the tour cost: Airfare; costs of obtaining passports; meals not listed in the itinerary; optional sightseeing unless specified; any expenses of a personal nature, including all forms of travel insurance, laundry service, all alcoholic beverages and all personal beverages other than those included at group meals. Gratuities for tour leader.
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