DAY 3 [Tuesday 14 October] : Queenstown - Dunedin
In the morning we drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu for a return journey on the Kingston Flyer. In the afternoon we drive through central Otago, following Otago Central Rail Trail to Pukerangi to board one of the world's great scenic rail journeys, the Taieri Gorge Ltd, to Dunedin, where there will be a special evening opening of the Otago Settlers Museum to view the unique Double-Fairlie 'Josephine' and other transport exhibits, and enjoy a talk given by Grant Craig, Operations Manager of Taieri Gorge Railway. Overnight in Dunedin.

DAY 4 [Wednesday 15 October] : Dunedin - Christchurch
In the morning we board The Seasider for the very scenic coastal rail journey to Palmerston. We then take a coach to Oamaru to view the restored historic Harbour Precinct area, continuing in the afternoon to Pleasant Point to view the Pleasant Point Railway, including a Model T Ford Railcar, and then to Ashburton to view a Rogers K88 and Standard Vulcan Railcar at Plains Railway. In the evening we take a tram tour of Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch. 

DAY 5 [Thursday 16 October] : Christchurch
Today we have the option of travelling one-way outward on the Mainline Steam Special (additional fare) on the famous Trans Alpine Midland Line to Arthur's Pass, or chasing it by coach to photograph it turning and on the early part of its return journey. In the afternoon we travel by coach to Shantytown Heritage Village and Bush Tramway to see bush locos and new steam heritage centre currently under construction. Distances travelled during the day mean it will be a very long one! Overnight in Christchurch. 

DAY 8 [Sunday 19 October] : Wellington - Masterton
In the morning we tour Wellington, including travel on the famous cable car and a visit to the Cable Car Museum, followed by a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, and in particular Frank Roberts' collection of model New Zealand locomotives. In the afternoon, we take the coach to travel on the Silverstream Railway, including a visit to the railway's workshops and, if possible, the normally closed to the public New Zealand Railway Locomotive Society's workshops. This will be followed by a coach journey across the Rimutuka Ranges to visit the Fell Engine Museum at Featherston. Overnight in Masterton.
 

DAY 9 [Monday 20 October] : Masterton - Ormondville
In the morning we travel by coach to visit the Pahiatua Railcar Museum and then meet the Mainline Steam Special travelling through from Wellington to Napier, with the opportunity to photograph it along the most scenic sections of today's journey as far as Ormondville. Overnight we stay at Ormondville Railway Station. It should be noted that it may be necessary to sleep in gangers' huts and dorm bunks, but this truly unique experience will more than make up for any discomfort!

DAY 10 [Tuesday 21 October] : Ormondville - Gisborne
Today we take the coach to follow the steam special from Napier to Gisborne to photograph it travelling along what is considered one of the most scenic sections of rail line in New Zealand. In the evening there is a workshop visit to Gisborne Vintage Railway and photograph runpasts of its beautifully restored Wa locomotive. Overnight in Gisborne.
 

DAY 11 [Wednesday 22 October] : Gisborne - Napier
Today there is the option to travel on a mainline steam excursion (additional fare) back to Napier or follow by coach taking photographs of the early, most scenic part of the trip, and then head to Napier to enjoy its Art Deco architecture and sample its wineries, followed by free time - which some may find necessary!

DAY 12 [Thursday 23 October] : Napier - Wanganui
In the morning we take the coach to Hastings, Waipukurau, Dannevirke, Woodville and the scenic Manawatu Gorge to photograph the Mainline Steam Special on its way to Palmerston North. In the afternoon we take the coach to Palmerston North to travel on (additional fare) or follow the Steam Special travelling from Palmerston North to Wanganui for an evening excursion. Overnight in Wanganui.

NORTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK CENTENARY CELEBRATION EVENTS AT PALMERSTON NORTH/FEILDING       

DAY 13 [Friday 24 October] : Planned Steam Excursion to Woodville via Manawatu Gorge

DAY 14 [Saturday 25 October] : Planned Ka/Ja Double Header Excursion/Silver Fern Railcars Arrival

DAY 15 [Sunday 26 October] : Locomotive Cavalcade, Planned Steam Excursion to Taihape

DAY 16 [Monday 27 October] : Planned Steam Excursions to Taihape and Paekakariki

The itinerary for the weekend will be determined once the final programme is confirmed, but for those not travelling on steam excursions (additional payment required per trip) the coach will be aiming to provide photographers with the widest variety of steam in the most scenic locations right through the weekend. On one evening of the weekend, DVDs covering the History of the Main Trunk Line and the 1955 Tangiwai Rail Disaster will be shown and on other evenings the opportunity to socialise with rail fans from all over New Zealand will be available.  We will spend 4 nights in Palmerston North.

DAY 17 [Tuesday 28 October] : Palmerston North - Hamilton
Today we have the option to travel on the Steam Special up the Main Trunk Line (additional fare) along the ledges of the Rangitikei Valley, across high viaducts, past Tangiwai, the Tongariro Volcanoes and down the Raurimu Spiral to Hamilton. The coach will shadow the train all the way to Hamilton for those wanting only to photograph the train. Overnight in Hamilton.

Day 18 [Wednesday 29 October] : Hamilton - Auckland
In the morning we take the coach to visit and travel on the Pukemiro Bush Tramway, continuing to Glenbrook Vintage Railway to travel on it and tour its workshops. This will possibly be followed by a visit to the Railway Enthusiasts' Society Clubrooms at Onehunga's old railway station. In the evening there will be a lecture followed by some of the best New Zealand railway DVDs. Overnight in Auckland.

Day 19 [Thursday 30 October] : Auckland
In the morning we visit the Rail, Tram and Commercial Vehicle Collection at the Museum of Technology and Transport (MOTAT), followed by the Maori Cultural Experience at Auckland Museum. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent former Auckland Railway Station, followed by a visit to the new Britomart Station and the opportunity to ride the Auckland suburban rail network. Alternatively, there will be free time to do as you wish on your last day of the tour, prior to an evening Farewell Dinner at the Sky Tower.

Day 20 [Friday 31 October] : Auckland - Home
Depart for the UK, arriving home on Saturday 1 or Sunday 2 November.

PRICES (per person):

GBP

£2455   

£565   

£500   

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airport transfers in New Zealand

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internal flights in New Zealand

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accommodation for the duration of the tour

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all meals unless otherwise stated

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coach travel throughout the tour

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all sightseeing admissions as per the itinerary

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GST - New Zealand goods and services tax

international flights from your home airport to Auckland;

extra drinks at meals or on excursions;

meals on stops at highway restaurants (unless specified that they are included);

personal expenditure such as room service, laundry, telephone, computer access, etc. 

riding the trains rather than photographing them during the Grand Trunk Celebrations (we will try to obtain a package price for this once prices are known - details will be provided nearer the time):

travelling on the mainline steam trains rather than photographing them (all photo tour options are included in the price) - as indicated by 'additional fare' on the itinerary; for those wishing to ride the Mainline Tour on individual sectors, the cost is approximately £85 per sector (8 sectors available), but we do not advise booking more than 3, as plenty of other great rail experiences are already included in the price.