Discover stunning scenery only accessible by rail.
Explore the best of the North 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 North Island's scenic railways!
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with Glenbrook Vintage Railway aboard their private Diesel-hauled heritage train, journeying through the North Island's less-traveled railway routes, offering stunning scenery and showcasing some of New Zealand's famous locations. Experience iconic landmarks like the Raurimu Spiral and Mt Taranaki, alongside charming destinations such as Napier's Art Deco cityscape. Enjoy overnight stays in captivating spots like Ohakune, New Plymouth, and Napier, with handpicked activities and exclusive tours to enrich your exploration. The Tour takes in some of the best muesums in the Taranaki region as well as the Art Deco city scape of Napier and the natural wonder of the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Our tour is fully escorted, ensuring every moment is filled with discovery and enhancing the allure of rail travel for enthusiasts of history, nature, and adventure alike.
We arrive back in Hamilton/Auckland having seen some of the jewels in the crown of the North Island - often understated for its beauty.
Travel with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway as we travel and experience the romance of rail travel.
"A fabulous trip from start to finish, and a great way to enjoy New Zealand's beautiful countryside from a different perspective. The off-train excursions were also thoughtfully chosen, and very enjoyable and informative. Thanks to all the GVR team for your hospitality, and I look forward to travelling with you again."
- East & West November 2024 Traveller
"I have no hesitation in recommending this trip. The organisation was superb. A wonderful relaxed way of travelling through our beautiful country."
- East & West November 2024 Traveller
Experience rail travel as it used to be on board Glenbrook Vintage Railway's exclusive private train. Step aboard our lovingly restored carriages and relax in the comfort only rail travel can provide. All the while being treated to the best hospitality on the rails. Access railway lines no longer traversed by by regular passenger trains, and see sights that are only accessable by rail.
Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar offers one of the best buffets in New Zealand with incredible views overlooking Lake Rotorua and the city. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring a stunning array of freshly prepared dishes highlighting locally sourced seafood, meat and produce. The contemporary ambience features luxurious Italian marble, granite, schist, timber and David Trubridge lights, while the panoramic view of Lake Rotorua offering a sight to behold.
An extraordinary experience totally unique to New Zealand. The Rail Cruising journey is the world’s first fully automated, state of the art petrol-electric four seat self-drive hybrid Rail Cruiser. Cruise along the Rotorua Railway Line in our Rail Cruiser with comfortable seats, unobstructed views and listen to the history of Mamaku, Rotorua and the Railway.
Widely regarded as the best private museum in NZ, Tawhiti Museum features thousands of life-size models and scale figures to tell Taranaki’s history. Tawhiti Museum presents South Taranaki history in a lively informative way, using lifesized figures, scale models, light and sound effects and of course artifacts. From early Maori settlement to the present day the museum presents stories of the people of South Taranaki.
As the last coal-fired paddle steamer in operation in the Southern Hemisphere, the Paddle Steamer Waimarie offers an unforgettable journey through time. Step back into history and experience the charm of the riverboat era while cruising the tranquil waters of the Whanganui River.
Napier is renowned for its art deco architecture, a charming relic of its post-earthquake rebuilding in the 1930s. This coastal city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with galleries, boutique shops, and cafes lining its streets, offering visitors a taste of its eclectic charm.
Today our Glenbrook Vintage Railway charter train hauled by Heritage Diesel Locomotives DC 4818 and DBR 1254 takes us on the historic Waiuku Branch Line, before turning right at Paerata where we join the North Island Main Trunk Line to Pukekohe for passenger pickups with connecting AT Metro Services. We then continue to head south through the lush farmlands surrounding Franklin and the Bombay Hills. We descend down to Pokeno and Mercer, where we join the mighty Waikato River - passing through significant swamplands and through rolling countryside. Arriving in Hamilton we stop here to pick up those joining us from Rotokauri or Frankton Stations before we head East on the busy - freight only - East Coast Main Trunk Line.
Departing Hamilton (Frankton) we journey under the centre of Hamilton, through the old underground station, and across the Claudelands bridge over the Waikato River. We then travel east in a straight line through the Ruakura Innovation Park and out towards Morrinsville. At Morrinsville we turn right, passing over the Piako River, and follow gentle curves through to the junction at Waharoa. Here we proceed straight ahead to continue down the Kinleith Line (the route of the old Rotorua line), to our destination of Tokoroa.
At Tokoroa we transfer to our coach which transports us to Rotorua and our night's accommodation. After our arrival into Rotorua, and with time for dinner we head to the famous Skyline Rotorua. High above Rotorua we indulge at the Stratosfare Restaurant Buffett Dinner with the panoramic views of Rotorua, the Lake and Mokoia Island our backdrop for the evening
Today we depart central Rotorua and head around the western side of the lake before heading inland to Mamaku. Mamaku, originally Kaponga, was famous for native timber milling with the last mill closing in 2015. Mamaku was the highest point on the now-mothballed Rotorua Branch.
On our arrival in to Mamaku we embark on our first 'rail-cart' experience with the RailCruisers on the old Rotorua Branch from Mamaku to Ngongotaha.
We return to Rotorua taking a scenic drive around the town before arriving at the Redwoods Treewalk. Majestic and magical, the Redwoods Treewalk™ experience is truly a walk to remember. Suspended high above the forest floor, encounter 75-metre-tall redwoods as you walk across eco-suspended bridges and platforms intricately designed to honour and accentuate the stunning natural environment. Regarded by many as one of the best tree top walks in New Zealand.
We return to Rotorua with the remainder of the afternoon free at your leisure.
Today we depart Rotorua by coach for the coastal city of Tauranga to meet our train.
Boarding at The Strand on the waterfront of Central Tauranga we depart, skirting the edge of the estuaries and salt marshes we make our way through the lush Kiwifruit country of the Bay of Penty before delving into the darkness of the Kaimai Tunnel. At 8.9 kilometres this is the longest tunnel in New Zealand. This is a truly rare opportunity, the Kaimai Tunnel has been the haunt of freight only since the early 2000’s.
Back in the daylight, we roll through the dairy country of Matamata-Piako, east of Hamilton before we head south. Leaving Hamilton we rejoin the North Island Main Trunk Line and exiting out of the mighty Waikato, we glide through the rolling farmland and skirt many rivers, gorges and valleys as we enter the King Country.
At Te Kuiti we start our ascent to the Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel which takes us through the range dividing the watersheds of the Mokau and Whanganui rivers. From Taumarunui it is all up hill to the famous Raurimu Spiral taking us up to the central plateau. We skirt the bottom of the imposing mountains as we leave National Park, we soon cross the mighty Makatote Viaduct, running around the western flanks of Mt. Ruapehu we cross the grand Hapuawhenua Viaduct before arriving in Ohakune for the night. Our accommodation is only a short walk from the station in Ohakune.
We depart Ohakune early by coach today for a day of varied travel. Passing through Raetihi we join State Highway 4. Following the Mangawhero River we travel through the rugged central North Island to the historic river town of Upokongaro.
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Whanganui River it is here we transfer to the P.S. Waimarie, the only authentic coal fired paddle steamer in the Southern Hemisphere. Absorb yourself in the rhythmic beat of the boat as we travel back in time taking a leisurely cruise, with lunch included, along Te Awa Tupuna – the Whanganui River.
Pulling up to the wharf in Whanganui we transfer back to our train. Departing the eastern suburbs of Whanganui, we cross the Whanganui river before starting our climb up the formidable Westmere Bank. Descending the grade into the township of Patea from the mouth of the river, we continue onward to Hawera and the start of our mountain views. We navigate the eastward side of the Egmont National Park before arriving into New Plymouth, at our stop on the coastal walkway.
Disembarking here, our accommodation is only a short walk.
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Today, we delve into the Taranaki Region visiting the Tawhiti Museum and the Waitara Railway.
Widely acclaimed as one of the most innovative museums in New Zealand, Tawhiti uses life size exhibits and scale models to capture the past in a series of super-realistic displays. It is an impressive visual history of South Taranaki. All displays are created onsite in the ‘body shop’ - part of the museum visit. Further on-site attractions include Traders & Whalers - a unique & innovative historical presentation of the Taranaki coast in the 1800s with an underground canal boat ride; Tawhiti Bush Railway – a dramatic historical presentation of the logging railways in Taranaki.
Later we visit the Waitara Railway. The Waitara Railway Preservation Society operates train rides along a section of the original Waitara Branch Line in Taranaki. Run by volunteers, the society maintains vintage diesel locomotives and carriages, offering return journeys from Waitara to Lepperton. The ride passes through farmland and rural scenery, following a route once vital to the region’s industry. Passengers get a glimpse into local rail history while travelling on restored rolling stock that once served New Zealand’s national network.
Later in the afternoon, we'll return to the hotel, where you have the freedom to explore the town at your own pace.
Our morning departure out of New Plymouth sees us retrace our journey to Palmerston North before the trip north to National Park. The rolling countryside and mountain views entertain you as we travel through the towns of Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham and on to Hawera. Passing Stratford we get a glimpse of the southern connection to the mothballed Stratford – Okahukura Line. South of Hawera we travel past one of the country’s busiest milk factories at Whareroa. Passing through Patea once again we skirt the Waipipi Wind Farm, home to some of the country’s largest wind turbines.
We make a stop in Waverley for Lunch, provided by a local group, before making our way down the Westmere Bank and through the eastern reaches of Whanganui.
South of Whanganui we pass through the Fordell and Turakina tunnels. At Marton we rejoin the North Island Main Trunk Line and descend down in to Feilding and, through the Bunnythorpe dips and arrive into Palmerston North.
A short relocation to our Hotel for the night provides the evening free at your leisure.
This morning we relocate to the railway station from our hotel and we depart north-east towards Napier on the Palmerston North – Gisborne line, powered again by Diesel Locomotive DBR1254. Passing through the breath-taking Manawatu Gorge, now only accessible by rail, we pass through Woodville where we stop briefly before we continue north-east.
Rolling through the meandering countryside, north of Dannevirke we cross the six famous viaducts of Mangatera, Piripiri, Mangatewainui, Makotuku, Ormondville and Kopua.
Taking a stop at Takapu we disembark and head to the beautiful and historic Oruawharo Homestead for a lunch befitting the backdrop of the grand homestead.
The Pekapeka Wetlands signal our entry into the horticultural heart of the Hawkes Bay, often quoted as ‘The fruit bowl of New Zealand’ where we soon greet the coastline south of Napier, shortly before arriving into the heart of town.
We are relocated to our accommodation in Napier’s scenic centre.
Today we leave the Art Deco streetscape of central Napier and head south towards Cape Kidnappers and our day with Gannet Safaris.
We start by travelling over a working farm and New Zealand's largest privately owned and funded wildlife sanctuary, stop several times at lookout points along the way. Learn about the local history and culture from our highly knowledgeable guides while taking in the sensational 360-degree views over Hawkes Bay. While at the plateau, one is within a few metres of the remarkable birds with their stunning golden crowns. No walking required.
Before returniung to Napier we pay a visit to one of the local wineries for afternoon tea and to sample the fare.
Today is a leisurely day in Napier with a twist. This morning we split into groups and we have the opportunity to travel by vintage car around Napier and learn about the Art Deco scene and the 1936 earthquake that made Napier into the Art Deco capital. There is also plenty of free time and the opportunity to explore the town at your leisure.
Today’s travel retraces our steps, back down to Woodville. Leaving Napier we once again roll through the lush orchards and growing areas of central Hawkes Bay. You hear the locomotive work hard as we head up the Opapa Bank, the steepest on this part of the line between Napier and Woodville.
Between Waipukurau and Dannevirke we pass through several old towns of New Zealand, now reminiscing at their glory days in the height of the New Zealand Railways.
At Woodville we get the chance to see the Woodville Balloon Loop, an iconic piece of rail infrastructure as we head on our journey further south, down the Wairarapa Line. This line is not used by any scheduled freight or passenger services. Having crossed the Manawatu River, and passing the famous Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka we stop at Pahiatua for lunch and time to look at the Pahiatua Railcar Society’s magnificent collection.
Back on the train we again travel aound the Woodville Baloon loop and back through the Manawatu Gorge before pulling into Palmerston North for the night. Dinner is provided this evening to celebrate the tour and compansionship before we retun north to conclude the tour.
Departing Palmerston North we once again travel across the three deviations that formed part of the electrification of the North Island Main Trunk in the 1980s on our climb up to the central plateau. Passing through the once busy railway depot at Taihape in the age of steam, we experience the Turangarere horseshoe curve before going through Waiouru. After our train travels through Ohakune we cross the Hapuawhenua Viaduct, another notable electrification project. Horopito Motors is to our right before travelling through Pokaka. At Pokaka we crest the highest point of railway line in the country.
From National Park, we descend down onto the engineering masterpiece that is the Raurimu Spiral. We descend over 130 metres, in 7 kilometres, 2 tunnels and lots of curves, into the township of Raurimu. From here we continue our descent towards the Whakapapa river and from Kakahi, the Whanganui river will guide us all the way to Taumarunui.
North of Taumarunui we pass the northern connection of the Stratford – Okahukura Line at Okahukura, a once busy junction of freight and passenger services. The Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel signifies the divide of the King Country and the mighty Waikato region as we roll down to Te Kuiti, our next stop. Views of Mt Pirongia fill our window to the left as we travel the rolling countryside and peat swamps of south Waikato before arriving into Hamilton. After farewelling those that joined us at Hamilton we follow the Waikato river through Ngaruawahia and the Taupiri gorge, before passing through more swampland in the northern Waikato region. Pokeno sees us start the climb up the Whangarata Bank to Pukekohe and the end of our tour with a late afternoon arrival at Papakura, before returning Glenbrook.
Today after breakfast we have an easy cruise to Wellington by coach, followed by an easy day in Wellington starting off with a trip up the Wellington Cable Car, with time at the top to explore the museum and take in the wonderful sights over the Wellington Harbour.
After lunch in Wellington, a leisurely trip to Te Papa Museum will see us out for the remainder of the afternoon. Our coach will drop us at the airport for late afternoon connecting flights, or the hotel for those staying on in the capital city.
Post-tour accommodation in Wellington is available for those wanting to extend their stay - enquire with our tours team!
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside - or similar
2 Nights
Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers tranquil surroundings with sensational views of the stunning natural scenery and geothermal wonders. With a central location that provides easy access to cafés, restaurants, there's plenty to enjoy at the Novotel Rotorua Hotel. Idyllic nature and geothermal pools makes this the ultimate destination.
Ruapehu Mountain Motel - or similar
1 Night
Nestled in the picturesque township of Ohakune at the base of the majestic Mount Ruapehu, we would love to share with you our regions spirit of pure outdoor freshness. From the snow covered peaks to the lush native bush and the bubbling mountain streams Ohakune links you to all that is good in life.
Millennium New Plymouth
2 Nights
The Millennium Hotel New Plymouth is located in the heart of the Central Business District with panoramic views of the Tasman Sea. Overlooking the Len Lye Wind Wand and the Coastal Foreshore Walkway, this property is within walking distance of many of the city's attractions including the Pukeariki Museum & Information centre, the Len Lye Centre and Govett Brewster Art Gallery, main street shopping, bars, cafes and the world famous Pukekura Park.
Distinction Palmerston North
1 Night + 1 Night
The 5 storey Distinction Hotel boasts 85 well appointed guest rooms and free WIFI; it is the ideal Palmerston North accommodation choice for travellers who appreciates great value, convenience and excellent accommodation. The Palmerston North hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from shops, the museum, Palmerston North Conference & Functions Centre on Main St, art galleries & theatres.
Art Deco Masonic Hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania, The County Hotel, Swiss-bel Boutique - or similar
3 Nights
Located on the waterfront with panoramic Pacific Ocean views, the Art Deco Masonic Hotel features free WiFi and historic Art Deco architecture. Guests enjoy 2 bars and 2 restaurants. It is 2 minutes' walk from the main street of Marine Parade and located opposite MTG Hawke’s Bay and The Art Deco Centre. Each individually styled studio and apartment includes a flat-screen TV, a small refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. All accommodation includes a modern en suite bathroom. Most rooms have access to a large rooftop balcony with ocean views.
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.
Enhance your journey with our exclusive Pre Tour accommodations and activities tailored for you.
Embark on the Pre Tour from March 22nd to 24th, 2026, for a captivating 3-day exploration of Auckland's rich heritage and scenic beauty.
Request your brochure and pricing details today.
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