11-Day North Island Rail Journey | 31 Oct – 10 Nov 2026
Enjoy the freedom of travelling on your own private train, over railway lines seldom used by regular passenger services — an experience inspired by the world’s great long-distance rail journeys.
Waikato, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu & Wellington—all in one unforgettable journey.
Enjoy a fully inclusive journey, with accommodation, meals, transfers, excursions, admissions and train travel thoughtfully arranged throughout.
Our 300+ seat train and small group size ensures a personalised, relaxed journey with expert hosts and more time for immersive experiences. We take away up to 2 groups of not more than 35 people.
The journey is shaped as much by the people who lead it as the places you visit. GVR’s experienced tour leaders and passionate team deliver attentive, friendly service, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere from start to finish.
A selection of experiences featured on this journey.
Travel aboard Glenbrook Vintage Railway’s exclusive private train, enjoying restored carriages, warm hospitality and access to railway lines no longer used by regular passenger services.
A rare opportunity to travel between Palmerston North and Napier behind steam locomotive JA 1271 on one of New Zealand’s great scenic routes.
Enjoy an immersive Māori cultural experience at Te Puia, featuring traditional performance, storytelling and a shared meal, surrounded by the geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa.
A uniquely New Zealand experience, travelling the Rotorua Railway Line on a fully automated Rail Cruiser. Enjoy a memorable dining experience with panoramic views over Lake Rotorua and a generous buffet showcasing local produce.
Discover an award-winning collection of public and private gardens throughout the Taranaki region, showcasing creativity, heritage and natural beauty.
Cruise the Whanganui River aboard the Southern Hemisphere’s last coal-fired paddle steamer still in operation — a journey steeped in history.
Explore Napier’s renowned Art Deco architecture, galleries and coastal charm — a beautifully preserved legacy of the 1930s rebuild.
GVR charter hauled by heritage diesels DC 4818 and DBR 1254 over the Waiuku Branch and North Island Main Trunk to Hamilton, then along the East Coast Main Trunk to Tokoroa. Coach to Rotorua for a gondola ride and Stratosfare Buffet Dinner overlooking Lake Rotorua.
Scenic drive via the western lakeshore to Mamaku for a RailCruising experience on the former Rotorua Branch to Ngongotahā. Return to Rotorua for the Redwoods Treewalk, a magical series of eco-suspended bridges among towering redwoods. Afternoon free at leisure.
Coach to Tauranga to meet the train at The Strand. Traverse kiwifruit country and the 8.9 km Kaimai Tunnel, then rejoin the NIMT southbound through Waikato and the King Country. Ascend to the central plateau via the Raurimu Spiral, cross the Makatote and Hapuawhenua Viaducts, and arrive in Ohakune for the night.
Depart New Plymouth, rolling through Inglewood, Stratford and Hāwera past the Whareroa dairy plant and the Waipipi Wind Farm. Lunch stop in Waverley, before arriving in Whanganui for High Tea aboard New Zealand’s last operating paddle steamer, the Paddle Steamer Waimarie, on the Whanganui River. We then depart via Fordell and Turakina tunnels to Marton, rejoining the NIMT into Palmerston North.
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Discover the Taranaki region with a curated selection of five outstanding gardens, hand-picked exclusively for our tour group as part of the award-winning Taranaki Garden Festival. Enjoy seamless coach transfers between gardens, expert commentary from a local gardening specialist, and a relaxed lunch. Later, ride with the Waitara Railway Preservation Society on the former Waitara Branch.
Depart New Plymouth, rolling through Inglewood, Stratford and Hāwera past the Whareroa dairy plant and the Waipipi Wind Farm. Lunch stop in Waverley, before arriving in Whanganui for High Tea aboard the coal-fired PS Waimarie on the Whanganui River. We then depart via Fordell and Turakina tunnels to Marton, rejoining the NIMT into Palmerston North.
Today we steam up the Palmerston North–Gisborne line with JA 1271, through the rail-only Manawatū Gorge. Continue via Woodville and the six classic viaducts north of Dannevirke. Lunch at historic Oruawharo Homestead before rolling through the Pekapeka Wetlands into Napier.
Travel to Cape Kidnappers for an exclusive Gannet Safaris experience across a working farm and wildlife sanctuary to viewing points at the plateau, up-close with the gannets—no walking required. Visit a local Hawke’s Bay winery for afternoon tea before returning to Napier.
A leisurely Napier day with a vintage car Art Deco tour and a short film on the 1931 earthquake. Entry to the MTG Museum included. Afternoon free to enjoy the Art Deco capital at your own pace.
Retrace the PNGL to Woodville, climbing Opapa Bank and passing heritage towns between Waipukurau and Dannevirke. Visit Pahiatua Railcar Society and enjoy lunch before returning through the Manawatū Gorge to Palmerston North. Farewell dinner this evening.
Northbound over the central plateau via Taihape and Turangarere, through Waiouru and Ohakune across the Hapuawhenua Viaduct. Descend the Raurimu Spiral to Taumarunui, pass Okahukura and Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel, then through Te Kuiti and along the Waikato to Hamilton and Auckland/Papakura to conclude the tour.
After breakfast, travel south by coach on a relaxed journey to Wellington. On arrival, enjoy a ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car, with time at the summit to explore the museum and take in panoramic views across Wellington Harbour.
Following lunch in the city, spend the afternoon at Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, before our coach transfers guests to Wellington Airport for late afternoon departures, or to central hotels for those extending their stay in the capital.
Choose your preferred tour finish point. Prices shown are per person.
| Option | Twin Share | Single Supplement | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland → Auckland (Option 1) | $7,890 | $1,590 | $1,000 |
| Auckland → Wellington (Option 2) | $7,890 | $1,590 | $1,000 |
The following optional services can be added to your booking to tailor the tour to your needs.
Limited spaces available — secure your place on this unforgettable rail journey.
Book NowTo get the most from this tour, participants should be comfortable walking approximately 500 metres at a relaxed pace, including some uneven surfaces at stations and attractions.
You’ll also need to manage a short flight of stairs (where lifts are not available) and handle your own luggage during hotel check-ins and transfers. If you have mobility concerns, please let our tours team know — we’re happy to discuss suitability and practical assistance options.
