The New Zealand Steam Explorer
Thursday 9th October to Thursday 30th October 2008
Enjoy a visit to New Zealand and watch the scenery of this beautiful country from the comfort of our trains.
As always we will enjoy good quality hotels and have the use of road coaches throughout to transfer us between the trains and our hotels. This year, as an added bonus, we will join in the centenary celebrations for the North Island Main Trunk line. Our train will be steam hauled throughout using the locomotives of the main line trust fleet and other locomotives on preserved lines.
The following locomotives will be used on the main lines:
Ab 4-6-2 Pacific: The Ab class was introduced in 1915. Ab633 is a simple, superheated locomotive featuring a cylindrical Vanderbilt tender. It is an oil burner.
J1211 4-8-2: J1211 was built by North British, and put into service in December 1939. It was destreamlined in 1950 but is now running in semi-streamlined form.
Jb 4-8-2: Jb1236 was built by the North British Locomotive Works in 1939. It is an oil burner.
Ka 4-8-4: Ka942 entered Service in November 1940 and retired in July 1967 after running up 944,532 miles in service. Originally a coal burner, 942 was converted to oil at the Otahuhu Workshops in November 1948.
As always we will enjoy good quality hotels and have the use of road coaches throughout to transfer us between the trains and our hotels. This year, as an added bonus, we will join in the centenary celebrations for the North Island Main Trunk line. Our train will be steam hauled throughout using the locomotives of the main line trust fleet and other locomotives on preserved lines.
The following locomotives will be used on the main lines:
Ab 4-6-2 Pacific: The Ab class was introduced in 1915. Ab633 is a simple, superheated locomotive featuring a cylindrical Vanderbilt tender. It is an oil burner.
J1211 4-8-2: J1211 was built by North British, and put into service in December 1939. It was destreamlined in 1950 but is now running in semi-streamlined form.
Jb 4-8-2: Jb1236 was built by the North British Locomotive Works in 1939. It is an oil burner.
Ka 4-8-4: Ka942 entered Service in November 1940 and retired in July 1967 after running up 944,532 miles in service. Originally a coal burner, 942 was converted to oil at the Otahuhu Workshops in November 1948.
Thursday 9th October
Fly to New Zealand
We have an evening departure from Heathrow.
Saturday 11th October
Arrive Christchurch
After our arrival at Christchurch we transfer to our hotel with a free morning to relax. In the afternoon there is a sightseeing tour of Christchurch followed by dinner at our hotel. (D)
Sunday 12th October
Christchurch to Dunedin
We steam south out of Christchurch, crossing a number of rivers that flow down from the Southern Alps. At Timaru we stop to visit the Pleasant Point Railway, where we will travel by steam train through the tree lined centre of the town to the Keanes Crossing complex. There is the option to travel the world’s only Model T Ford Railcar. After visiting the complex we board our train and head on for Dunedin where we transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D)
Monday 13th October
Dunedin to Queenstown
We enjoy a free morning exploring Dunedin, those with a sweet tooth could try the Cadbury Chocolate Factory! In the afternoon we board the Otago Excursion Train Trust train for a trip up the Taieri Gorge. The train passes over wrought iron viaducts and through hand carved tunnels on the sixty kilometre run. At the end of the gorge we join our road coach for the remainder of the journey to Queenstown. The journey today offers us the chance to view the spectacular scenery of Central Otago with its bizarre schist rock mountains, desert landscapes, orchards, vineyards, blue lakes, high mountains and wild river gorges. Dinner and overnight accommodation is in Queenstown for two nights. (B D)
Tuesday 14th October
TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Kingston Flyer
This morning we relive the elegance of bygone days with a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, one of the last remaining coal fired passenger carrying vessels operating in the southern hemisphere. Known as Lady of the Lake, she has been transporting goods and passengers on Lake Wakatipu since 1912. For the return journey to Queenstown we use the Kingston Flyer, with photo stops, not usually available on its regular trips. (B D)
Wednesday 15th October
Queenstown to Christchurch
After breakfast we take our coach back to Christchurch, again through the beautiful and isolated Central Otago, stopping at Lake Tekapo to take photographs of the beautiful mountains and lakes. Later we stop at Ashburton for a visit to the Plains Railway, where there are two beautifully restored Rogers K 2-4-2 locomotives, built in the 1870s. We stay three nights in Christchurch. (B D)
Thursday 16th October
Arthur’s Pass
Today we travel on one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world. From Christchurch we cross the Canterbury Plains drawing closer to the rocky spine of South Island. Leaving Springfield our train has to climb into the heart of the Southern Alps. Before long we are surrounded by magnificent vistas with turquoise rivers and soaring snow capped mountains. We twist and turn, crossing viaducts and pass through tunnels, as we make our way to the Alpine settlement of Arthur’s Pass. Here there will be time to explore this quaint alpine village while our train is turned and serviced for the return journey to Christchurch.
(B D)
Friday 17th October
Free day in Christchurch
After a leisurely breakfast we enjoy a free day in Christchurch, called the Garden City. There are many attractions to see including the Antarctic Centre, the Art Centre and many shops. Take a ride on a tram, or take a bus to Lyttleton and explore this historic seaside town with its harbour. The choice is yours. (B D)
Saturday 18th October
Christchurch to Picton
After breakfast we make the day long journey on board our train to Picton. We pass through twenty two tunnels and travel along the Kaikoura Coast, sandwiched between the sea and the cliffs. We have dinner and overnight accommodation in Picton. (B D)
Sunday 19th October
Picton to Wellington
After breakfast we depart Picton for the three hour ferry journey to Wellington, on the North Isand. It is said to be the most beautiful ferry ride in the world, through the Queen Charlotte Sound and across the Cook Strait to New Zealand’s capital city. On arrival we transfer to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore the city. There are many attractions including the Mainline Steam Depot at Plimmerton, New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, or ride the cable car for terrific views of the city and its harbour. (B D)
Monday 20th October
Wellington to Napier
After breakfast we depart Wellington on board our train and travel along the Hutt Line towards the Wairarapa. We pass through the eight kilometre long Rimutaka Tunnel and arrive at Featherston where we stop to visit the Fell Museum. Before the tunnel was constructed in 1955 trains used to have to travel up a gradient of 1 in 15 for five kilometers using Fell locomotives. The only survivor is kept at the museum.
We continue through the Wairarapa, a lush, green and unique region to arrive in the city of Napier. Dinner and overnight accommodation is in Napier. (B D)
Tuesday 21st October
Napier to Gisborne
After breakfast we depart Napier for the run to Gisborne on this very scenic line, which was only reopened to excursion traffic in 2007. It climbs, descends, twists and turns, sometimes clinging to the cliffs, or almost running on the beach. On the way we pass through twenty four tunnels and cross over viaducts, including the Mohaka, which is the highest viaduct in New Zealand. Dinner and overnight accommodation is in Gisborne. (B D)
Wednesday 22nd October
Gisborne to Napier
When we wake this morning we will be among the first in the world to greet the day as Gisborne is one of the nearest towns to the International Date Line. After breakfast we board our train for the return trip to Napier and a chance to see the marvelous scenery again. We check into our hotel for dinner and two nights accommodation. (B D)
Thursday 23rd October
Free Day in Napier
Today we have a free day in Napier to get out and really explore the city. Take an Art Deco walk, visit a winery, swim with the dolphins or see the gannets. The Napier Museum is worth a look, there is also an aquarium and many tours to the surrounding countryside. Visit the Napier Visitor Information Centre for further ideas. (B D)
Friday 24th October
Napier to Palmerston North
After breakfast we depart Napier and retrace our route as far as Woodville, where we branch off and head down Manawatu Gorge to Palmerston North. The Manawatu Gorge is significant because, unlike most gorges, the Manawatu River is a water gap, that is it runs directly through the surrounding ranges from one side to the other. We transfer to our hotel for four nights accommodation in Palmerston North. Dinner is in the hotel tonight. (B D)
Saturday 25th October to Monday 27th October
Main Trunk Centenary Celebrations
We spend the final days of the tour joining in the 100th Anniversary of the North Island Main Trunk. Steam locomotives will be gathering to make this an outstanding event. The organizers are still finalising the plans as our brochure is being written, but we can be sure it will be a great event. We will have the chance to photograph and ride a variety of trains over the three days. Overnight accommodation during the event will be in Palmerston North, but lunches and dinners will not be provided giving the opportunity to choose our own. Palmerston North has more eating places per head of population than anywhere else in New Zealand! (B)
Tuesday 28th October
Palmerston North to Auckland
We board our train and sit back and relax as we roll northward over the Main Trunk. Along the line we pass the Tongariro National Park, with its active volcanoes, before we arrive in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland where we have dinner and overnight accommodation in our hotel. (B D)
Wednesday 29th October
Fly Home
We transfer to Auckland Airport for our flight to London Heathrow.
Thursday 30th October
Arrive Home
We arrive at London Heathrow in the morning.
It is possible to extend the stay in New Zealand or Singapore or fly home via Australia. Ask for details.
Fly to New Zealand
We have an evening departure from Heathrow.
Saturday 11th October
Arrive Christchurch
After our arrival at Christchurch we transfer to our hotel with a free morning to relax. In the afternoon there is a sightseeing tour of Christchurch followed by dinner at our hotel. (D)
Sunday 12th October
Christchurch to Dunedin
We steam south out of Christchurch, crossing a number of rivers that flow down from the Southern Alps. At Timaru we stop to visit the Pleasant Point Railway, where we will travel by steam train through the tree lined centre of the town to the Keanes Crossing complex. There is the option to travel the world’s only Model T Ford Railcar. After visiting the complex we board our train and head on for Dunedin where we transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D)
Monday 13th October
Dunedin to Queenstown
We enjoy a free morning exploring Dunedin, those with a sweet tooth could try the Cadbury Chocolate Factory! In the afternoon we board the Otago Excursion Train Trust train for a trip up the Taieri Gorge. The train passes over wrought iron viaducts and through hand carved tunnels on the sixty kilometre run. At the end of the gorge we join our road coach for the remainder of the journey to Queenstown. The journey today offers us the chance to view the spectacular scenery of Central Otago with its bizarre schist rock mountains, desert landscapes, orchards, vineyards, blue lakes, high mountains and wild river gorges. Dinner and overnight accommodation is in Queenstown for two nights. (B D)
Tuesday 14th October
TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Kingston Flyer
This morning we relive the elegance of bygone days with a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, one of the last remaining coal fired passenger carrying vessels operating in the southern hemisphere. Known as Lady of the Lake, she has been transporting goods and passengers on Lake Wakatipu since 1912. For the return journey to Queenstown we use the Kingston Flyer, with photo stops, not usually available on its regular trips. (B D)
Wednesday 15th October
Queenstown to Christchurch
After breakfast we take our coach back to Christchurch, again through the beautiful and isolated Central Otago, stopping at Lake Tekapo to take photographs of the beautiful mountains and lakes. Later we stop at Ashburton for a visit to the Plains Railway, where there are two beautifully restored Rogers K 2-4-2 locomotives, built in the 1870s. We stay three nights in Christchurch. (B D)
Thursday 16th October
Arthur’s Pass
Today we travel on one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world. From Christchurch we cross the Canterbury Plains drawing closer to the rocky spine of South Island. Leaving Springfield our train has to climb into the heart of the Southern Alps. Before long we are surrounded by magnificent vistas with turquoise rivers and soaring snow capped mountains. We twist and turn, crossing viaducts and pass through tunnels, as we make our way to the Alpine settlement of Arthur’s Pass. Here there will be time to explore this quaint alpine village while our train is turned and serviced for the return journey to Christchurch.
(B D)
Friday 17th October
Free day in Christchurch
After a leisurely breakfast we enjoy a free day in Christchurch, called the Garden City. There are many attractions to see including the Antarctic Centre, the Art Centre and many shops. Take a ride on a tram, or take a bus to Lyttleton and explore this historic seaside town with its harbour. The choice is yours. (B D)
Saturday 18th October
Christchurch to Picton
After breakfast we make the day long journey on board our train to Picton. We pass through twenty two tunnels and travel along the Kaikoura Coast, sandwiched between the sea and the cliffs. We have dinner and overnight accommodation in Picton. (B D)
Sunday 19th October
Picton to Wellington
After breakfast we depart Picton for the three hour ferry journey to Wellington, on the North Isand. It is said to be the most beautiful ferry ride in the world, through the Queen Charlotte Sound and across the Cook Strait to New Zealand’s capital city. On arrival we transfer to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore the city. There are many attractions including the Mainline Steam Depot at Plimmerton, New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, or ride the cable car for terrific views of the city and its harbour. (B D)
Monday 20th October
Wellington to Napier
After breakfast we depart Wellington on board our train and travel along the Hutt Line towards the Wairarapa. We pass through the eight kilometre long Rimutaka Tunnel and arrive at Featherston where we stop to visit the Fell Museum. Before the tunnel was constructed in 1955 trains used to have to travel up a gradient of 1 in 15 for five kilometers using Fell locomotives. The only survivor is kept at the museum.
We continue through the Wairarapa, a lush, green and unique region to arrive in the city of Napier. Dinner and overnight accommodation is in Napier. (B D)
Tuesday 21st October
Napier to Gisborne
After breakfast we depart Napier for the run to Gisborne on this very scenic line, which was only reopened to excursion traffic in 2007. It climbs, descends, twists and turns, sometimes clinging to the cliffs, or almost running on the beach. On the way we pass through twenty four tunnels and cross over viaducts, including the Mohaka, which is the highest viaduct in New Zealand. Dinner and overnight accommodation is in Gisborne. (B D)
Wednesday 22nd October
Gisborne to Napier
When we wake this morning we will be among the first in the world to greet the day as Gisborne is one of the nearest towns to the International Date Line. After breakfast we board our train for the return trip to Napier and a chance to see the marvelous scenery again. We check into our hotel for dinner and two nights accommodation. (B D)
Thursday 23rd October
Free Day in Napier
Today we have a free day in Napier to get out and really explore the city. Take an Art Deco walk, visit a winery, swim with the dolphins or see the gannets. The Napier Museum is worth a look, there is also an aquarium and many tours to the surrounding countryside. Visit the Napier Visitor Information Centre for further ideas. (B D)
Friday 24th October
Napier to Palmerston North
After breakfast we depart Napier and retrace our route as far as Woodville, where we branch off and head down Manawatu Gorge to Palmerston North. The Manawatu Gorge is significant because, unlike most gorges, the Manawatu River is a water gap, that is it runs directly through the surrounding ranges from one side to the other. We transfer to our hotel for four nights accommodation in Palmerston North. Dinner is in the hotel tonight. (B D)
Saturday 25th October to Monday 27th October
Main Trunk Centenary Celebrations
We spend the final days of the tour joining in the 100th Anniversary of the North Island Main Trunk. Steam locomotives will be gathering to make this an outstanding event. The organizers are still finalising the plans as our brochure is being written, but we can be sure it will be a great event. We will have the chance to photograph and ride a variety of trains over the three days. Overnight accommodation during the event will be in Palmerston North, but lunches and dinners will not be provided giving the opportunity to choose our own. Palmerston North has more eating places per head of population than anywhere else in New Zealand! (B)
Tuesday 28th October
Palmerston North to Auckland
We board our train and sit back and relax as we roll northward over the Main Trunk. Along the line we pass the Tongariro National Park, with its active volcanoes, before we arrive in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland where we have dinner and overnight accommodation in our hotel. (B D)
Wednesday 29th October
Fly Home
We transfer to Auckland Airport for our flight to London Heathrow.
Thursday 30th October
Arrive Home
We arrive at London Heathrow in the morning.
It is possible to extend the stay in New Zealand or Singapore or fly home via Australia. Ask for details.
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Price
| Price per person | £3720 |
| Single supplement | £410 |
Price includes:
- Return scheduled flights
- 18 nights accommodation with breakfasts
- 15 dinners
- All advertised rail travel, boat trips and transfers
- The services of a tour manager
Meals included each day are shown as:
B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner
B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner