Travel the length of the long white cloud and catch a unique glimpse of the country's most stunning regions.
Experience the thrill of train travel in the land of the long white cloud.
There is something timeless and romantic about train travel - it calls to mind adventure, a glamorous journey, the rhythm of the heart. New Zealand is rich in rail heritage and has been fortunate to retain many of its scenic routes. Travel the length of the long white cloud and catch a unique glimpse of the country's most stunning regions. Consider the following rail expeditions offered by Grand Pacific Tours.
Glenbrok Vintage Railway
Journey south of Auckland through picturesque rural countryside on a vintage train hauled by a lovingly restored steam locomotive. Settle into one of the immaculate wood carriages and visit restoration workshops en route, then return to Glenbrook Station for morning tea.
The TranzCoastal
This spectacular passage commences at the coastal port of Picton. Travel through the Marlborough wine region, then continue along the East Coast via a thin wedge of land pinned between the Pacific Ocean on one side and coastal mountains on the other. Enjoy a stop at the fishing village of Kaikoura before heading inland through the Canterbury Plains to the garden city of Christchurch. The Taieri Gorge Ltd Revel in this dramatic journey through rugged scenery accessible only by train. Depart from Dunedin's historic Edwardian Railway Station and take in grand examples of Victorian stonework on bridges and tunnels, while travelling across iron latticework viaducts built in the 1880s. Enjoy full commentary with several opportunities to disembark at points of interest.
Kingston Flyer
Powered by a Pacific AB Class steam locomotive, the Kingston Flyer is the nickname for a train that ran between the Kingston Wharf and the main trunk railway at Gore early last century. With a speed of approximately 50mph, passengers felt they were really flying considering their main form of transport was horseback. Today's course takes around half an hour and a champagne lunch is served at Kingston.
The TranzAlpine
World-renowned as the Great New Zealand Rail Adventure, this route heads through lush beech forests, following rivers and lakes before travelling through the Otira, New Zealand's steepest gradient rail tunnel. The TranzAlpine tracks slowly across the country's greatest mountain range - the Southern Alps - and continues through gorges and river valleys before making its way over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. You can experience all five of these rail journeys on Grand Pacific Tour's 19 Day New Zealand Rail / Coach Holiday. This tour is fully guided, and a superior standard of accommodation is provided throughout. Prices including airfares start at $4599 twin share, per person. Australian ‘Seniors Card' holders can save with Grand Pacific Tours - speak with your travel agent about this discount.
Rail travel allows the opportunity to unwind and experience settlements from bygone days, tiny stations, farms, bush, lakes, mountain scenery and, of course, people. There really is no better way to experience New Zealand.
For more information, contact Preston Travel on 02 9470 4045 or click here.
