Today we depart central Rotorua and head around the western side of the lake before heading inland to Mamaku. Mamaku, originally Kaponga, was famous for native timber milling with the last mill closing in 2015. Mamaku was the highest point on the now-mothballed Rotorua Branch. On our arrival in to Mamaku we embark on our first 'rail-cart' experience with the RailCruisers on the old Rotorua Branch from Mamaku to Ngongotaha. We return to Rotorua taking a scenic drive around the town before arriving at the Redwoods Treewalk. Majestic and magical, the Redwoods Treewalk™ experience is truly a walk to remember. Suspended high above the forest floor, encounter 75-metre-tall redwoods as you walk across eco-suspended bridges and platforms intricately designed to honour and accentuate the stunning natural environment. Regarded by many as one of the best tree top walks in New Zealand. We return to Rotorua with the remainder of the afternoon free at your leisure.

Included Actvity

Included Activity

Today we depart Rotorua by coach for Tauranga to meet our train at The Strand. Departing along the waterfront, we skirt estuaries and salt marshes before passing through the lush kiwifruit country of the Bay of Plenty. We then enter the 8.9 km Kaimai Tunnel — New Zealand’s longest — rarely used by passenger trains since the early 2000s. Emerging into daylight, we roll through Matamata-Piako’s dairy country and rejoin the North Island Main Trunk south of Hamilton. Crossing the Waikato, we traverse farmland, rivers, and valleys into the King Country. At Te Kuiti we begin our climb through the Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel, then from Taumarunui ascend the famous Raurimu Spiral to the central plateau. Passing beneath Mt Ruapehu’s slopes, we cross the soaring Makatote and Hapuawhenua Viaducts before arriving in Ohakune for the night—our accommodation just a short walk from the station.

We depart Ohakune early by coach, travelling via Raetihi and State Highway 4 along the Mangawhero River through the rugged central North Island to Upokongaro. Here, on the banks of the Whanganui River, we board the P.S. Waimarie, the only operating coal-fired paddle steamer in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy a leisurely lunch cruise along Te Awa Tupua – the Whanganui River – before rejoining our train in Whanganui. Departing the city’s eastern suburbs, we cross the Whanganui River and climb the steep Westmere Bank. Descending into Patea, we follow the coast through Hāwera, taking in stunning views of Mount Taranaki. Skirting the eastern side of Egmont National Park, we arrive in New Plymouth, where our stop on the Coastal Walkway is just a short stroll from our accommodation.

Included Activity

Today we explore the Taranaki Region, visiting the acclaimed Tawhiti Museum and the Waitara Railway. Tawhiti is renowned for its life-size exhibits and intricate scale models depicting South Taranaki’s past, all crafted onsite in its “body shop.” Highlights include Traders & Whalers—an underground canal boat ride through 1800s coastal history—and the Tawhiti Bush Railway, showcasing the region’s historic logging lines. Later, we visit the Waitara Railway Preservation Society, where volunteers operate vintage diesel trains on part of the original Waitara Branch Line. The journey from Waitara to Lepperton passes farmland and countryside, offering a glimpse into Taranaki’s rail heritage aboard restored rolling stock. We return to the hotel in the afternoon, with free time to explore at leisure.

Included Activity

Included Activity

Today we retrace our journey south to Woodville. Departing Napier, we pass through the lush orchards of Central Hawke’s Bay, hearing the locomotive work hard up the steep Opapa Bank. Between Waipukurau and Dannevirke we travel through historic towns that once thrived during the golden age of New Zealand Railways. At Woodville, we view the famous Balloon Loop before continuing down the rarely used Wairarapa Line. Crossing the Manawatū River and passing the Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka, we stop in Pahiatua for lunch and to visit the Railcar Society’s impressive collection. We then loop through Woodville again and journey via the scenic Manawatū Gorge to Palmerston North for the night, where dinner is served to celebrate our tour and shared experiences before returning north to conclude the journey.

This morning we relocate to the railway station from our hotel and we depart north-east towards Napier on the Palmerston North – Gisborne line, powered again by Diesel Locomotive DBR1254. Passing through the breath-taking Manawatu Gorge, now only accessible by rail, we pass through Woodville where we stop briefly before we continue north-east. Rolling through the meandering countryside, north of Dannevirke we cross the six famous viaducts of Mangatera, Piripiri, Mangatewainui, Makotuku, Ormondville and Kopua. Taking a stop at Takapu we disembark and head to the beautiful and historic Oruawharo Homestead for a lunch befitting the backdrop of the grand homestead. The Pekapeka Wetlands signal our entry into the horticultural heart of the Hawkes Bay, often quoted as ‘The fruit bowl of New Zealand’ where we soon greet the coastline south of Napier, shortly before arriving into the heart of town. We are relocated to our accommodation in Napier’s scenic centre.

Included Activity

Today we leave the Art Deco streetscape of central Napier and head south towards Cape Kidnappers and our day with Gannet Safaris. We start by travelling over a working farm and New Zealand's largest privately owned and funded wildlife sanctuary, stop several times at lookout points along the way. Learn about the local history and culture from our highly knowledgeable guides while taking in the sensational 360-degree views over Hawkes Bay. While at the plateau, one is within a few metres of the remarkable birds with their stunning golden crowns. No walking required. Before returniung to Napier we pay a visit to one of the local wineries for afternoon tea and to sample the fare.

Included Activity

Today is a leisurely day in Napier with a twist. This morning we split into groups and we have the opportunity to travel by vintage car around Napier and learn about the Art Deco scene and the 1936 earthquake that made Napier into the Art Deco capital. There is also plenty of free time and the opportunity to explore the town at your leisure.

Included Activity

Today we retrace our journey south to Woodville, passing through the orchards of Central Hawke’s Bay and hearing the locomotive work hard up the steep Opapa Bank. Between Waipukurau and Dannevirke, we roll through historic towns that recall the golden age of New Zealand Railways. At Woodville, we view the iconic Balloon Loop before continuing down the seldom-used Wairarapa Line. Crossing the Manawatū River and passing the Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka, we stop at Pahiatua for lunch and to explore the Railcar Society’s impressive collection. Returning via the Woodville Loop and the scenic Manawatū Gorge, we arrive in Palmerston North for our final night. Dinner is included this evening to celebrate the journey and shared companionship before returning north to conclude the tour.

Departing Palmerston North, we climb toward the central plateau via the 1980s electrification deviations of the North Island Main Trunk. Passing Taihape’s historic depot, we navigate the Turangarere horseshoe curve and continue through Waiouru and Ohakune, crossing the impressive Hapuawhenua Viaduct. Horopito Motors appears to our right before cresting the highest point of New Zealand’s railway at Pokaka. From National Park, we descend the engineering marvel of the Raurimu Spiral—dropping 130 metres over 7 kilometres—then follow the Whanganui River from Kakahi to Taumarunui. North of town, we pass the old Stratford–Okahukura junction and traverse the Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel into the Waikato. Rolling through Te Kuiti, views of Mt Pirongia greet us before Hamilton, where we farewell passengers. Following the Waikato River via Ngaruawahia and Taupiri, we climb Whangarata Bank to Pukekohe, ending our journey at Papakura before returning to Glenbrook.