DAY 3 [Tuesday 9 September] : Auckland - Rotorua
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 we 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 via 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 [Wednesday 10 September] : Rotorua
Today begins at the Agrodome, where you see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheepdog trial. Next, we 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 [Thursday 11 September] : Rotorua - Taupo - Palmerston North
This morning we 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 [Friday 12 September] : Palmerston North - Wellington
This morning we reboard the Wab 794 for our 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 [Saturday 13 September] : Wellington
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 [Sunday 14 September] : Wellington - Christchurch
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 [Monday 15 September] : Christchurch
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 [Tuesday 16 September] : Christchurch - Ashburton - Omarama
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 [Wednesday 17 September] :
Omarama - Oamaru - Dunedin
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 bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.
Accommodation: Scenic Circle Dunedin City (2 nights)

DAY 12 [Thursday 18 September] : Dunedin
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 while enjoying afternoon tea. Make the return journey to Dunedin's historic Railway Station where your coach will transfer you to your hotel.

DAY 13 [Friday 19 September] : Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning enjoy a guided tour of the Otago Settlers Museum, which houses an excellent exhibition in 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, de luxe rooms)

DAY 14 [Saturday 20 September] : Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau
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 the 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 17 [Tuesday 23 September] : Queenstown - Franz Josef
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 [Wednesday 24 September] : Franz Josef - Christchurch
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 on 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

TOUR PRICES (per person):

NZD

    $8399  

$1600  

$1500  

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18 nights superior hotel accommodation;

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luxury coach travel throughout the tour;

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dedicated Tour Escort;

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professional Coach Captain;

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meet and greet on arrival in New Zealand;

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18 cooked breakfasts;

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16 dinners, including 5 speciality dinners:

Maori Hangi and Concert
Tamaki Heritage Village
Haggis Ceremony
Walter Peak Homestead
Farewell Dinner

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-
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Rotorua
Christchurch
Dunedin
Queenstown
Christchurch

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6 lunches;

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all sightseeing admissions as per the itinerary;

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return airport transfers in New Zealand;

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GST - New Zealand goods and services tax.

Culture and Customs:
As the tour takes place abroad, accommodation, transport, safety precautions, food content/presentation and mannerisms may be different from those to which you are used. This is what makes a holiday different, but, if you have any concerns, please contact us to discuss them or talk to others who have may have travelled to the various regions covered by our tours.

Health and Safety:
While aboard the train, getting on and off, walking around depots or taking lineside photographs, you are advised to wear suitable footwear and clothing, and to keep a careful watch for moving rolling stock, points, rails and uneven ground. Always adhere to instructions given by railway staff or guides if so directed. EE Railtours will not be held responsible for any accident caused by a tour participant's own negligence.

Disabled Facilities:
We regret that, due to the lack of disabled facilities on trains and the nature of the tour in general, it is unsuitable for wheelchair users or the physically infirm.