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Central Plateau Train - Day trip

18th March 2023

Previous advertised 5th November full and 21st January as 3 places available

$285.00 per person for all transport as outlined and train ticket. $150.00pp deposit required to secure train ticket by 12th December 

Join us as we make it easy for you to journey through the heart of North Island by train.  This section of the journey has spectacular scenery of the three Volcanic Mountains Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Also includes the Raurimu Spiral, going over Tangiwai bridge and 5 large viaducts.

Train has cafe carriage (meals are delivered to your seat) In this case travel is as much about the journey with luxury seats, commentary (with head phones) tables or trays at every seat. Sit back and relax as you watch the world go by or go to the viewing carriage for great photo opportunties. 

Departs Stratford at 7am and travel, by van to Otorohanga where you will board the train at 10:55. Morning tea of muffins and hot drink offered complimentary before boarding.  Train journey will end in Palmerston North at approx 4:30pm where the van will be waiting to transport the group back to Stratford.  

Pick up and drop off in Inglewood can be arranged so New Plymouth people don't have to travel all the way to Stratford. 

As per Facebook event - details are on the event listed on our facebook page or email  dave.digby@xtra.co.nz (click link to email) to request information and registration form.  Phone 06 765 7482 if you wish to talk rather than email.

 

NEW ZEALAND SCENIC TOUR

South Island Trains & North/West area

Dates confirmed 24th March – 1st April 2023

Do you like fully hosted tours and everything arranged for you?
Do you like train and road travel, sitting back relaxing with friends and enjoying mountains, sea and natural environment passing by.  
If you answer yes, this tour is for you.

$2,950.00pp for all train, ferry and flight tickets. All road transport as outlined.

8 nights’ accommodation, twin/double share with breakfast, any extras bits we throw in 😉

Does not include lunches or dinners - group bookings for cafes and restaurants booked ahead

$1200.00pp deposit required by 7th October 2022 to confirm trains, flights, ferry etc

Balance due 27th February 2023 – more info as this tour comes together

Maximum of 10 people - small groups is our speciality 


Day One 24th March - This morning we fly to Nelson and go out to Cable Bay and a Skywire Fly adventure option subject to weather (see further attached details)   Nights stay motel in Nelson city
Day Two 25th March – Making our way to the lovely settlement of Karamea for a   2-night stay. On the way we will make stops at Murchison, Historic Lyell and Buller Gorge Bridge with the option to Zipline back over river.
Day Three 26th March – Day visit to the Oparara Valley, this area has amazing natural feature of caves, arches and mirror lake. Some walking is involved however you will have the option to take anything at your own level.   Second night in Karamea
There is also a cave tour from Karamea if you were interested in this it will be arranged for you as an optional extra and you would not come with us to arches etc. You will get up and personal with glow worms and genuine moa bones. The tour includes transport with the company from Karamea and returns in afternoon. Good walking ability on underground terrain essential
Day Four - 27th March - We make our way south for our stay at the seaside village of Cape Foulwind. The main focus today is also a visit to the historical Denniston Plateau and Charming Creek Walkway, lots of coal history to explore. Cape Foulwind also has a lighthouse – a visit to it can be made this afternoon or tomorrow morning

Day Five – 28th March – Heading to Greymouth. Stops today are at Charleston to join a fun bush train ride (included in package) and then Punakaiki Pancake rocks.

Day Six - 29th March - We have the morning in Greymouth. Options are Hokitika Gorge Walk or Shantytown (own cost). As there will only be one vehicle people can be dropped off at Shantytown and picked up on way back from walk - if there was a split of interest.
After lunch we board the Tranzalpine Train to Christchurch arriving about 6:30pm

Day Seven 30th March - early start for another great Ride The Rails day as we travel to Picton on the Coastal Pacific train. You will have time to shop, stroll and enjoy free time in this well-known tourist town. There is an option to take a ferry shuttle to a nature reserve island in the afternoon

Day Eight 31st March - after our early start yesterday you can enjoy a relaxed morning as we catch the 11am Interislander ferry to Wellington. Once in our city hotel you will have free time to stroll the inner city or water front.

Day Nine 1st April - flight home today in afternoon.

You will have time for the 3.5 hour Weta Workshop tour $89.00 includes shuttle to and from city and full tour.  TePapa visit or maybe catch up with Wellington friends / family for the morning et

You can modify this trip to suit your needs for example someone has asked about flying to Nelson 2 days before and meeting up with us – I am happy to book flights on a different day as part of this whole package (as long as it from and to same destinations)

Another example is you can depart trip at Wellington and not fly home with us. Price adjusted to suit

info@eastern-taranaki.nz - to request PDF file or make enqueries etc

All above 4 photos taken by Carol Digby on previous tours