See New Zealand by rail

Grand Pacific Tours 19 Day Rail, Cruise & Coach Holiday featuring unique rail experiences & cruise

In the spirit of true adventure, blended with luxury, train travel is still a preferred method of travel. From a railway rich heritage New Zealand has been fortunate to retain many of its most scenic rail journeys. To discover the best of these journeys, one must travel the length of the country and visit some of the most stunning regions of this fantastic country.

Glenbrook Vintage Railway – Enjoy this 15km return scenic journey through beautiful rural countryside on a vintage train hauled by one of the lovingly restored steam locomotives. Settle into the immaculate wood carriages and get to know the staff in vintage uniform that will clip your ticket as you listen to the panting steam locomotive. Enjoy time to visit the restoration workshops en route before returning to the bustling Glenbrook Station for a delicious morning tea.

The Coastal Pacific - Linking the coastal port of Picton and South Island’s largest city this truly spectacular journey begins in the picturesque Marlborough Wine Region then travels along the thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges as you descend through rolling farmland and the Canterbury Plains to the garden city of Christchurch.

Taieri Gorge Railway Ltd - This is a fascinating journey through rugged, spectacular scenery only accessible by train. Depart from Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station and see grand examples of Victorian Stonework on bridges and tunnels, travel across iron latticework viaducts built in the 1880’s. Travel in modern carriages with panoramic windows and skylights plus refurbished traditional style wooden cars and enjoy a full commentary with several opportunities to disembark at points of interest.

Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum -  The ‘K’88 or Washington was built in 1877 by Rogers Locomotive Works in New Jersey. After being placed in the Oreti River as flood protection the ‘K’ was recovered in the 1970’s and moved to the Plains Museum. This was the first American built engine to enter service in New Zealand and against all odds a plan to restore the ’K’ to its former beauty commenced. Experience the ‘K’88 in action along with the many exhibits at this unique pioneer village.

The TranzAlpine - This journey is world renowned as the Great New Zealand Rail Adventure. Travel through lush beech forests and follow rivers and lakes before tracking slowly across the country’s greatest mountain range, the Southern Alps. Continue through spectacular gorges and river valleys before making your way over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

All rail journeys offer you a comfortable seat and a huge panoramic view as you thunder through long tunnels, cross daring viaducts and traverse along amazing railway engineering.

Ipipiri - As an EXCLUSIVE inclusion on this tour, experience the spectacular Bay of Islands on a specially commissioned catamaran. Your overnight cruise includes:
• Scenic cruising on a luxury vessel • King Stateroom with private ensuite • Superb dinner including local produce, seafood and BBQ meats • Cooked breakfast • Tender craft for shore excursions • Kayaking, snorkelling and swimming • Relaxation time allowing you to enjoy a drink and take in the serenity

The 19 Day tour is fully escorted by a professional and knowledgeable tour guide from Grand Pacific Tours. Experience a deluxe standard of accommodation including 6 two night stays, a superb selection of meals including a number of specialty meals. Enjoy a comprehensive range of prepaid activities and attractions including these breathtaking rail journeys and four spectacular cruises.

For more information contact Grand Pacific Tours on 1800 622 768 or visit www.grandpacifictours.com