|
The Railways of New Zealand travel through some of the world's most spectacular landscapes. Our special railway journey takes us through the volcanic landscape of the North Island's Central Plateau, along the rugged coastal scenery of the South Island's Kaikoura coast & over the spectacular Southern Alps to the small West Coast town of Greymouth. Finish this special rail tour with a 6 day cycle along the historic Otago Rail Trail. This extension of the original line from Middlemarch follows the old railway line through spectacular scenery, through old gold-mining settlements staying in specially selected historic accommodation. Rail itinerary: Day 1 meet in Auckland hotel Day 2 catch Overlander train to National Park, transfer to Chateau Tongariro, free afternoon Day 3. early afternoon Overlander train to Wellington Day 4. Wellington, free day to explore & perhaps take the Cable Car to Cable Car Museum. Also visit Te Papa, the National Museum Day 5. Cross Cook Strait by Interisland ferry, connect with TranzCoastal train at Picton to Christchurch Day 6. Return journey by the TranzAlpine, over the Southern Alps to Greymouth & return Day 7. Christchurch. Free day to relax & explore the city Day 8 Morning drive south to the city of Dunedin Day 9. Morning departure on the Taieri Gorge Railway through the spectacular River Gorge to the small town of Middlemarch. This afternoon visit the Sutton Salt Lake. Day 10. Begin cycling this morning. 27kms from Middlemarch to Hyde, passing through the Rock & Pillar Range & the Rail Disaster Memorial at Hyde. Day 11. Cycle 32 kms from Hyde to Ranfurly, over stone bridges & high viaducts & through old railway tunnels following the Taieri River. Spend tonight in the historic village of Naseby & enjoy an included 1 hour curling session in the Indoor Maniototo Curling Rink Day 12. Cycle 25 kms from Ranfurly to Oturehua, cycle past the Wedderburn Goods shed, made famous by local NZ artist Grahame Sydney Day 13. Cycle 42kms from Oturehua to Chatto Creek, thorugh the heart of the Ida Valley, through 2 long tunnels & over 37m high Poolburn Viaduct. Overnight in historic Ophir Day 14. Cycle 30 kms from Chatto Creek, first to the town of Alexandra, then follow the Clutha River to Clyde, end of the Otago Rail Trail. Day 15 early afternoon transfer from Clyde to Queenstown Day 16 tours ends in Queenstown. (extra nights in Queenstown can be arranged) Tour cost per person share twin from NZ$3800 single room supplement from NZ$975 Tours Join Auckland Thursdays & Saturdays end Queenstown Thursdays & Saturdays Tour costs includes all accommodation on share twin basis in New Zealand from Day 1 to Day 14; all breakfasts, dinners as specified; all road, rail & ferry transport in New Zealand; cycle hire, including panniers, helmet & puncture repair kit; luggage transfers on the Otago Rail Trail; entrances & excursions where specified; NZ Government Goods & Service tax (GST) at 12.5% (15% after 1/10/10); Tour excludes: flights to/from Auckland & Queenstown; lunches; optional excursions & entrances; drinks & beveridges; items of a personal nature; For further information & booking form |
;)
;)
;)
;)