[FULLY BOOKED] East 'n West Railtour


The eagerly anticipated East 'n West Rail tour departs after Easter and runs from Friday 9 April 2021, returning on Wednesday 21 April 2021.

Highlights

  • Traveling on GVR's private Diesel-hauled heritage train on lines not usually served by passenger trains - featuring vintage carriages with open air viewing balconies
  • Passing through the scenic central plateau - steeped with railway history and including mighty viaducts and the world famous Raurimu Spiral
  • Traversing the scenic Manawatu Gorge - only accessible by rail
  • Following the east coast on the line to the Art Deco city of Napier
  • Ascending the steep Westmere Bank on the line to New Plymouth - great views of Mt Taranaki
  • Overnight stays at Ohakune, Napier, Masterton, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, and National Park
  • Specially selected 'optional activities' including special bus tours
  • Complimentary light refreshments served onboard at your seat
  • Extensive and diverting commentary and local history from our knowledgeable guides

Itinerary

(Subject to confirmation)

Day 1: Friday 09 April
GVR Train Pukekohe (AT Metro Connections) to Ohakune via Main Trunk
Overnight Ohakune
Day 2: Saturday 10 April

Ohakune - Free Day!

Optional Activities: Pipiriki and one-hour return jet boat trip through upper Whanganui River gorges

Overnight Ohakune
Day 3: Sunday 11 April
Napier - GVR Train Ohakune to Napier via Manawatu Gorge
Overnight Napier
Day 4: Monday 12 April

Napier - Free Day!

Optional Activities: Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony, Local Art Deco Walking Tour, National Aquarium

Overnight Napier
Day 5: Tuesday 13 April

Napier - Free Day!

Optional Activities: Te Mata Peak and Havelock North

Overnight Napier
Day 6: Wednesday 14 April
Masterton - GVR Train Napier to Masterton via Wairarapa
Overnight Masterton
Day 7: Thursday 15 April

Masterton - Free Day!

Optional Activities: Full day bus trip to Ngawi and Cape Palliser, Lake Ferry (lunch) and late afternoon visit to a Martinborough Vineyard

Overnight Masterton
Day 8: Friday 16 April

Palmerston North - Charter road coach

Optional Activities: Visit Mt Bruce National Wildlife Park enroute - see native birds in their natural habitat including white kiwi, takah?, k?kako, and k?k?

Overnight Palmerston North
Day 9: Saturday 17 April
New Plymouth - GVR Train Palmerston North to New Plymouth via Whanganui
Overnight New Plymouth
Day 10: Sunday 18 April

New Plymouth - Free Day!

Optional Activities: Bus trip 'Around the Mountain' via coast road and Cape Egmont, H?wera, and Tawhiti Museum

Overnight New Plymouth
Day 11: Monday 19 April
National Park - GVR Train New Plymouth to National Park via Marton
Overnight National Park
Day 12: Tuesday 20 April

National Park - Free Day!

Optional Activities: Bus trip to the Mountain with time to explore and take local bush walks

Overnight National Park
Day 13: Wednesday 21 April
Auckland - GVR Train National Park to Pukekohe via Main Trunk

Get onboard!

This Railtour is FULLY BOOKED.

Because we expect to be operating separate return train trips on 'Free Days' for the locals we expect to be taking a number of carriages. That means there will always be plenty of seats for you to choose from each day on the Railtour!