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!

The basic Railtour Fare is $3,730pp twin share.

Email railtours@gvr.org.nz to be WAIT LISTED for the next available booking allocation.

A formal Brochure, Booking Form, and detailed Itinerary will be emailed to you as and when space becomes available.

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!