Discover stunning scenery only accessible by rail.
Explore the best of the South Island's scenic beauty - often overlooked.
Learn about the story of New Zealand's rail history, past and present.
Join the Glenbrook Vintage Railway as we experience some of the best of the South Island!
Join the Glenbrook Vintage Railway on a 13-day South Island Rail adventure featuring iconic journeys aboard the Coastal Pacific, TransAlpine, and Taieri Gorge railways, alongside heritage gems like Weka Pass Railway, Blenheim Riverside Railway, The Plains Railway and Oamaru Steam Rail. This rail tour takes you through the South Island's diverse landscapes from Canterbury Plains to West Coast rainforests, alpine lakes to vineyard valleys. Tour highlights include the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, Poanamu Pathway, Shanty Town, Steam Punk HQ, and the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre.
Beginning in Christchurch and concluding in Queenstown, this journey showcases the South Island's magnificent scenery and rich rail heritage.
Travel with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway as we travel the length and bredth of the South Island by coach and rail.
Travel through some of the South Island's best scenery, from the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific coastline. See Marlborough's vineyards and journey through lush forests and river gorges. Visit West Coast beaches and rainforests before climbing through the Southern Alps. Witness the azure waters of high country lakes where the Alps stand sentinal, cross the grasslands of Central Otago. End your trip among the mountains and lakes of Queenstown and Wanaka. Each day opens up new landscapes and vistas as we travel the length and bredth of Te Wai Pounamu.
Experience three of New Zealand's most spectacular railway journeys aboard the Coastal Pacific, TranzAlpine, and Taieri Gorge Railways. The Coastal Pacific showcases stunning contrasts between mountain ranges and Pacific coastline, while the internationally renowned TranzAlpine carries you through the heart of the Southern Alps. The historic Taieri Gorge Railway winds through dramatic ravines and crosses wrought iron viaducts, accessing landscapes almost unreachable by other means. Cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic century-old TSS Earnslaw.
Discover the charm and history of New Zealand's preserved railways with exclusive journeys on the Weka Pass Railway, Blenheim Riverside Railway, The Plains Railway, Oamaru Steam Rail and more. These lovingly maintained railways feature vintage locomotives and carriages that bring the golden age of rail travel to life. Operated by passionate groups and chartered exclusvily for the tour, these heritage treasures offer insight into the country's rich rail heritage.
Discover the South Island's rich heritage at unique museums and historical sites. Learn about Māori and early settler history at the Pounamu Pathway Kawatiri Experience Centre. Step back in time at Shanty Town to experience gold rush life and try panning for gold. Explore Denniston's coal mining past high on its plateau 600 meters above the coast. The Plains Museum showcases Canterbury's farming history with vintage machinery, while Steam Punk HQ in Oamaru offers a quirky vision of an alternate future. Aviation enthusiasts will enjoy the dramatically presented WWI and WWII collections at Omaka Aviation Centre, and the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre with its impressive fleet of vintage aircraft.
Take some free time in Christchurch and Dunedin to explore the cities. In Christchurch, ride the trams through the central city, Take some retail therapy, visit the Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum and Arts Centre or indulge the taste buds at Riverside Markets.
In Dunedin, take some time to explore the Otago Settlers Museum, or just absorb the Edinburg of the South and it's gothic architecture. For the adventurous maybe take an evening ghost tour of Dunedin's haunted corners.
You arrive in Christchurch today. Transfers are available to your accommodation. The day is free for you to explore Christchurch at your leisure. Take a punt on the Avon River, enjoy some shopping, or sample delicious food at the Riverside Market. We meet at the hotel reception late afternoon before gathering for a welcome dinner.
With the Pacific Ocean almost lapping at the rails and the Kaikōura ranges rising majestically above, the Coastal Pacific is undoubtedly one of the world's most picturesque train journeys.
From craggy coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops to modern vineyards and rustic farmsteads, the Coastal Pacific journey cruises through the full spectrum of New Zealand culture and character. Throw in a healthy dose of seals, seagulls, dolphins and the occasional whale, and the Coastal Pacific train easily ranks as one of best days out in New Zealand.
The Coastal Pacific journey follows the South Island's Main North Line railway (MNL). Due to remarkable geographical, geological, economic and political challenges, the railway took more than 70 years to complete. Adversity struck again in 2016 when the Kaikōura earthquake dismantled large sections of the railway, taking more than two years to rebuild.
Today, along with stunning mountain and coastal views, the scars and stories of the earthquake are an integral part of the journey.
Today is a leisurely day in Blenheim. We leave the hotel to journey on the Blenheim Riverside Railway. Following the Taylor River on this unique 5km long 2-foot gauge railway. Steam locomotive "Donald" takes us to Brayshore Park where we stop at the depot to explore the sheds and learn about the railway. Then we continue to the award-winning Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
The centre brings aviation history to life through dramatically presented artifacts in two main exhibits:
Knights of the Sky (WWI): Sir Peter Jackson's personal collection features dioramas created by Wingnut Films and lifelike mannequins by Weta Workshop, alongside rare artifacts and both static and flyable aircraft.
Dangerous Skies (WWII): Takes you beyond the Battle of Britain to lesser-known Eastern front stories, including the world's top-scoring female fighter ace and the famous Soviet 'Night Witches' regiment. The exhibition features displays built by Weta Workshop, immersive multimedia experiences, and rare static and flyable WWII aircraft.
After returning via the Riverside Railway, the rest of your day is free.
We leave Blenheim by coach, following the Wairau Valley to the lower reaches of Pelorus Sound and Havelock. Following Te Hoiere (Pelorus River), we stop briefly at Pelorus bridge to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery. From here, we travel up Rai Valley, through rugged Whangamoa country before reaching Tasman District and following the Tasman Bay coastline.
Arriving around lunchtime, we visit the Nelson Railway Society at Founders Park. You'll take a heritage train ride along Nelson foreshore, enjoy a guided tour through the workshop and sheds, and get a close look at steam locomotive Wf403.
After lunch, we explore Founders Park. Then we head further south along the foreshore to the Nelson Society of Modellers for rides on miniature trains.
We then head to our accommodation. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy.
This morning we leave NZ's sunshine capital, heading inland toward the wild West Coast. We travel through lush hop-growing areas of Tasman District before climbing into the rugged centre of the South Island. Winding through river valleys, we follow the old Nelson Railway route through Glenhope valley.
At Kawatiri, we meet the Buller River, which we follow for the rest of our journey. We stop briefly at Kawatiri to explore the remains of the isolated railway station and tunnel before continuing to Murchison for morning tea.
Leaving Murchison, we enter the upper Buller Gorge with its white water, dense forest, and wildlife. This river and gorge offer glimpses of what Aotearoa might have looked like before human occupation. Keep your cameras ready as we venture into this wilderness rich with natural and cultural history – from early Māori occupation to the 1840s gold rushes and early 20th century coal mining.
As we approach the West Coast, lush rainforest gives way to coastal plains and the wild Tasman Sea. In Westport, we break for lunch before visiting The Pounamu Pathway Kawatiri Experience Centre. This immersive exhibit showcases West Coast history and significance, exploring themes of triumph and treasure, taonga of the earth, and human endeavour from the earliest Polynesian settlers to today.
We take a short trip north to the historic coal mining area of Denniston. With its head in the clouds 600 metres above the coast, we'll take in views over the Tasman Sea and learn about the coal mining industry that thrived here in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Famous for its incline railway dropping from the plateau to Conns Creek, Denniston once had a population of about 1400 people. Though major structures are gone, many historic relics remain scattered throughout the vegetation.
Descending back to sea level, we return through Westport for morning tea before heading south along the edge of bush and farmland to the small town of Charleston. In groups, we journey into the bush before riding deep into lush rainforest on the Nile River Railway.
Back on the coach, we wind through bush before following the coast south to Punakaiki. Here we view the famous Pancake Rocks before checking into our beachfront accommodation.
Your afternoon is free to explore the beaches and rugged beauty of the West Coast, or simply relax and watch the waves roll in.
Leaving Punakaiki, we continue south along the coast. After passing through Greymouth, we visit Shanty Town to explore West Coast history. You can walk around the replica village before heading into rainforest via steam train. Hauled by a locomotive from the 1800s, we travel over an original sawmill tramway to Infants Creek mill where you may spot Weka birds in the undergrowth and try your luck panning for gold. Returning to the village, you'll have time to explore the replica township and museum to learn about the pioneering life of loggers and miners.
We return to Greymouth for lunch before boarding the TranzAlpine. Recognised as one of the Great Rail Journeys of the world, you can relax as we leave the West Coast to travel east through the alpine heart of the South Island. Departing Greymouth, the train follows Grey River Valley eastward, surrounded by lush native forests and farmland.
As we wind up through river valleys and past alpine lakes, we arrive at the railway settlement of Otira before the climb through the 8km long Otira Tunnel. The tunnel summit at Arthurs Pass marks the boundary between east and west. Here we stop briefly for you to stretch your legs, possibly meet Kea (New Zealand's cheeky alpine parrot), and breathe the crisp alpine air.
As we descend toward Canterbury, the landscape transforms. The train winds through the Craigieburn Range and crosses the braided Waimakariri River on impressive viaducts. Watch alpine terrain give way to golden tussock grasslands of high country sheep stations.
The final leg crosses the Canterbury Plains, with farmland extending to the horizon. With the Southern Alps behind, we travel through charming rural townships before arriving in Christchurch early evening. You'll transfer to your accommodation for the night.
We enjoy a leisurely departure today, heading north up the east coast to Waipara for a trip on the Weka Pass Railway. Boarding red heritage carriages at Glenmark, we roll past vineyards before climbing through rugged limestone country of North Canterbury. As we ascend, the vintage English Electric locomotive carries us to Waikari at the end of the 12km climb. Here we disembark for a short walk into town for a buffet lunch at the Star Hotel, an authentic country pub built in 1874.
After lunch, we return to our train and back to Christchurch.
Your afternoon is free with an afternoon pass on the Christchurch Tramway. The trams afford a relaxed way to see the city centre, you can either travel the full circuit or hop on and off where you want. The trams run through the central city past Cathederal Square, Christchurch Art Gallery, the shopping precinct of High St, the old university buildings of the Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum and Botanic Gardens.
We leave the Garden City heading south into the heart of South Canterbury and Mackenzie Basin. Crossing the Rakaia River, we travel to Ashburton for our first stop at The Plains Railway and Museum.
The Plains showcases Canterbury's agricultural and mechanical history with a large collection of working vintage farm machinery, traction engines, heritage buildings and displays. It also houses a unique collection of locomotives including the 1877 Rogers (USA) built K88, with its remarkable restoration story after being rescued from a riverbank.
From Ashburton, we travel to the quintessential South Canterbury town Geraldine for lunch. We continue south through Temuka (home of the famous NZR Railway Cup) before arriving at Pleasant Point Railway. Home to several steam locomotives and a unique Model T Ford Railcar, we'll ride the rails of this charming town and explore the workshops and museum exhibits.
Leaving Pleasant Point, we follow alongside what was once the branch line to Fairlie. As we head inland, the landscape becomes more rugged and arid as we approach the Southern Lakes and Mackenzie Basin. Carved by ancient glaciers and fed by snow melt, these lakes are azure blue oases in the alpine landscape. Stopping at Lake Tekapo, we take in the surroundings and visit the stone Church of the Good Shepherd.
For our final leg today, we head to Lake Pukaki's shores. With Aoraki (Mt Cook) standing proudly at the lake's head, we arrive in Twizel for the night.
From Twizel, we head south briefly to Omarama, before taking the turn to the east. We travel along Lake Benmore's shores (the first and largest hydroelectric lake on the Waitaki River), then follow the shoreline of Lake Aviemore with a short stop to view the dam. From here we follow Lake Waitaki, the last and smallest hydro lake on the Waitaki River.
Continuing to follow the river, the gorge opens to wide plains as we approach the coast. Near the coast, we turn south at Pukeuri before arriving in charming, quirky Oamaru. Known for white stone buildings, it's uniquely preserved Victorian Precinct, and Kororā (Blue Penguin) colony, Oamaru is North Otago's gateway.
Stopping in the Victorian Precinct, you'll explore the architecture that defines this unique location. We have exclusive access to Steam Punk HQ, housed in an 1883 grain elevator building. Steampunk explores historical futurism where steam power persists and magic meets technology in an alternate future that might have been.
With expanded minds, we stroll across to Oamaru Steam and Rail for our next adventure. We board their train for a journey along the foreshore to the Kororā colony where we might glimpse the Little Blue Penguins that call the rocky shoreline home. We'll have time for lunch back in the Victorian Precinct before continuing our journey.
Leaving Oamaru we travel south down the coast to our accommodation for the evening in Dunedin.
The Taieri Gorge Railway offers one of New Zealand's most spectacular rail experiences. Departing from historic Dunedin Railway Station, this iconic journey takes you through the dramatic Taieri River Gorge, winding through a landscape nearly inaccessible by any other means.
As you travel along this historic line dating back to the 1870s, you'll cross wrought iron viaducts and pass through hand-carved tunnels that showcase the remarkable engineering achievements of early settlers. The train traverses breathtaking ravines with steep, rocky sides that plunge dramatically to the river below.
The journey features stunning panoramic views of ever-changing landscapes – from the fertile Taieri Plains to rugged mountain terrain, native bushland, and the waters of the Taieri River. Informative commentary throughout highlights both natural wonders and the fascinating history of the region and railway.
This unforgettable heritage rail experience offers countless photo opportunities and reveals a slice of New Zealand's heartland that remains largely untouched by modern development.
Upon our return to Dunedin your afternoon is free at leisure. In the evening we have a special option for those who dare with an optional walking tour of Dunedin’s most haunted locations.
Today we depart from Dunedin. Heading south before we head northwest to Queenstown. This portion of the journey takes in the lush farming regions of South Otago before we return to the mountainous heart of the South Island.
As we head south from Dunedin we travel through the Taieri plains, along the lower reached of the Taieri River we followed yesterday. Passing the shores of lake Waihola we make our way through Balcutha. Through rolling farmland we head towards Gore nestled in the heart of the Waimea Plains. From here it’s short hop to our first attraction, stopping at Mandeville to pay a visit to the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre and the Waimea Plains Railway.
Croydon Aviation Center is the home of the largest collection of de Havilland aircraft in the southern hemisphere. The collection here is unique in that almost all of the aircraft fly. After learning about the collection here we head across to the Waimea Plains Railway, here we will take a short journey, under steam with one of the original Kingston Flyer Locomotives Rogers built K92.
As we leave the Waimea Plains behind us we stop off at the historical Lumsden Railway Station to pay a visit to the Lumsden Heritage trust to learn about their work and collection of unique rolling stock and preserved locomotives that have been recovered from river banks.
From here we continue to follow the remains of the railway between Lumsden and Kingston at the southern tip of lake Wakatipu. From Kingston we follow the shore line of Lake Wakatipu, with mountains on both sides and the lake to our left we make out way to the picturesque destination of Queenstown and our accommodation for the night.
The last day of our tour takes in the majesty and history of the Queenstown Lakes district. Starting with a short trip to the beautiful and historic Arrowtown, we take some time to explore the old Chinese miner’s cottages, Arrow River and the quaint main street.
Travelling from Arrowtown up the Crown Range, we stop at the top to take in the panorama back over the valley below of Arrowtown and Lake Hayes. Dropping through the Cardona Valley, we make our way to Wanaka. Here we stop for time to explore the lake front.
Leaving Wanaka we track along the Clutha River as it flows south toward the man-made Lake Dunstan and the town of Cromwell. Travelling past stone fruit orchards and vineyards we arrive in Cromwell. Stopping at the old town we learn about the construction of the lake and how the town was moved before the lake was filled.
Returning through the Kauwarau Gorge we head back to Queenstown.
The remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure before we meet for our farewell dinner to reflect upon the travel and comradery of the journey.
Today we say our goodbyes. Transfers will be provided from our accomodation to Queenstown airport to meet flights home.
Crowne Plaza - or similar
1 Night
Scenic Hotel Blenheim
2 Nights
Palms Motel Nelson - or similar
1 Night
Asure Westport
1 Night
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
1 Night
The Christchurch Hotel - or similar
2 Nights
Distinction Twizel - or similar
1 Night
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City - or similar
2 Nights
Scenic Suites Queenstown - or similar
2 Nights
Please note: Accommodation may change or be different to that which was advertised. You will be accommodated in an equivalent or better accommodation should the advertised option not be available or not able to accommodate our group in one place.
Reserve your seat now and make unforgettable memories.
📞 020 GVR Book | 020 487 2665
